The Stone Cold Heart

A Deathly Deal

Irene stared upon the snake like man in disgust. She'd seen many magical creatures before growing up as a child in the kingdom, but never a demon.

Her father King Jonathan the third told her many tales of horrific death defying quest's that forced children to become fatherless and wives widowed.
Hearing the demon's voice brought back so many memories to the point where they were hard to grasp.

Zanfer cleared his throat waving a burning clawed hand as his body began to morph until his appearance was that of a young man.
The demons red hot boiling scarred skin had changed into that of a new born child's as soft honey brown caressed his human body.
Even his black slitted gaze was now a kind rain forest green.

"Now then. I haven't alot of time." Zanfer said at last clearing his throat and coughing smoke as he did. "Shall we get started?" Zanfer asked, a sly smile appearing on his lips. "Started with what Demon?" Irene said as she stared amazed never knowing of a demon's ability to look like them, which made her think

could there be others among her kingdom's people?

Zanfer coughed in his hand interrupting the Queen's thoughts; "Does thy Queen not wish for a son?" He said as a confused look appeared on his fine chiseled features.

Irene spoke next, her voice becoming breathless at the mention of having a child; someone to be able to rule the kingdom after her and her King passed on.
They're people wouldn't be abandoned after all.

"How is this? How can you give me a son?" Irene asked.
Zanfer smiled his eyes lighting up in a magnificent golden color as he held out his hand showing a baby not yet born in the palm of his hand as the babe  glowed it started to manifest into a toddler, then a small boy, and soon after a young man. "This is how. This child which you will name  will live inside you, be called your son, and live under your rules until the age of eighteen" Zanfer said with a grin. "But as with all magic, it will come with a heavy price."
Irene thought for a second, feeling the sharp pain in her chest, the longing for a child becoming heavier at the chance of an heir. "A price as heavy as my heart?" No pain could compare to what I feel now." Irene said looking upon Zanfer with a saddened gaze.
Zanfer stepped closer until he was mere inches from the Queen, putting his hand on her belly. "We have a deal?"
Irene looked down at Zanfer's hand feeling a cold and burning sensation "What other price must I pay?"

Zanfer's smile immediately disappeared. "At the age of eighteen. He'll belong to my Lord, Satan. He will be your son and rule your kingdom, but we will teach him our way's as he will also learn yours"
Zanfer said his voice darkened and his eyes tired as if he was in a daze. Irene nodded once "Give me a son" she said.
Zanfer's eyes glowed and his hand tightened against her belly until un human dagger like claws ripped through the Queen's lower stomach.
Irene cried out silently in pain trying to force the demon's hand away with her own. Her attempt's were in vain as each hit went through, the Queen's heart beat hard and rapidly in her chest trying to cry out for help to anyone near by; but darkness began clouding the Queen's vision as her body started to limp.
"It is finished" Is all the Queen heard before she fell crumbling to the floor.