Seven Hearts ~ SDS Fanfic

XVI - Punishment

They landed in the courtyard of the castle. Meliodas grabbed Zeldris' wrist and dragged him to his room. As Zeldris changed into a new outfit, Meliodas tried to think of an excuse that could get Zeldris out of trouble. So far all he could think of was taking the blame himself.

"Brother?" Zeldris asked. Meliodas hadn't moved in the slightest. He was frozen, leaning on his knees with a hand on his chin. Meliodas looked up at him.

"Hm?"

"Are you alright?" Zeldris asked as he sat next to Meliodas.  Meliodas shrugged and patted his head.

"Don't worry about it-" He was cut off by a knock on the door. "Who dares come?"

"The Demon King requests Prince Zeldoris' and your presence in his chambers."

They listened to the guard scurry away. Zeldris was turning pale so Meliodas took his hand and led him there.

"What will Father do?"

"Normally his punishments will consist of beating the shit out of you."

Zeldris gulped as Meliodas pushed open the door. He held his hand tightly, not wanting to let go, but Meliodas released it because it'd only upset father more. They walked in and stood before the looming presence that was their father.

"I have been informed that Zeldris was kidnapped by a couple measly goddesses."

Meliodas nodded. "That is true."

"Explain why one of my sons was unable to ward off a couple goddess."

Zeldris cowered as Meliodas stood slightly in front of him. He considered speaking up and telling father that he was just unable to fight them but Meliodas spoke instead.

"I apologize your highness. It's my fault. I allowed an unexperienced child to go into a dangerous situation. Because I was distracted, an embarrassing abduction happened." Zeldris stood in alarm. But he was the one who ran out to hunt. He never even told Meliodas he was going.

"But brother-" Meliodas cut him off with a stern glare.

"Is that so? Zeldris. Head to your quarters," the Demon King ordered. Zeldris looked at Meliodas fearfully. Meliodas returned his gaze with a small smile.

"I'll be fine. I've been punished a lot of times, " He said trying to reassure him. Zeldris reluctantly left the to, leaving the two alone.  The demon king punched Meliodas into the floor and burned him hellblaze. He then flung the scorched and bloodied boy through the door, crashing into the wall. The door swung back shut as Meliodas gagged on his blood.

Meliodas looked over to see Zeldris watching from the side. He ran to Meliodas, who was attempting to stand but failing. He put Meliodas' arm over his shoulder and helped him to his room.