𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 | MID x Reader

Chapter 4: Exposed

You awoke at around early morning. Yawning to yourself, you lugged yourself out of bed to freshen up your appearance. You didn't bother doing much, nor did you change out of the nightie. It was pretty comfortable, in your opinion. Though revealing, you felt great in it, and that's all that mattered. As for your hair, you simply checked for any bed head and continued out of your room.

"I've had enough of your talk Rhys!" You heard a voice echo through the hallway. Curious, you peeked your head around the corner to see Leif vent in anger. "We're here to solve the scary magic crisis on Daemos but none of you would even know how to live without magic, huh!?"

"What does that matter now? You serve me now, Leif. If you know what's best for you, you'd stand down before I—." You decided to butt in. Turning the corner and leaning against the hall's frame to the parlor, you opened your mouth to speak.

"He's right you know?" You give a wry smile. Now that you can see everyone properly. "What were you about to say, your highness?" You shoot Asch a piercing gaze, twisting your mouth into a smirk. The prince silenced himself immediately before signaling you to continue. "Magic is an integral part of our culture and identity as Daemos. And we need to fix this before it gets any worse." You make your way over to the group.

Leif was first to express his concerns. "I'm done wit toying with Ava and I'm DONE with this magic crisis!" He began. "So let's just take her magic and call it a day." You shook your head.

"Wrong, Leif." You drew closer to him. His gaze avoided yours for a moment, perhaps out of shame? Guilt? A thin veil of musty rose was dusted over his cheeks. Maybe it was embarrassment? You couldn't tell but that didn't matter. "Your proposal is only a temporary solution." Asch leaned in closer to listen to you. You acknowledged his presence with a small nod and turned to him. "It's like pumping water into a well that's drying up faster than it can replenish." You continue. "What happens when Ava's magic eventually runs out?"

"She's right..." Pierce states.

"Yes, that's not a good idea at all." Rhys adds in. "Thank you, (Y/n) you always think of all the possibilities..." your cheeks flare up at his compliment. With an awkward laugh, you thank Rhys.

"Well... I've been waiting to take her out!" Leif cackles with a murderous look on his face.

"Back off!" Asch charges his magic. "I'm in charge of the prisoner's execution—." Before he could do anything rash, you cling to his body, burning out the fire. It takes a moment to register just how close the two of you are. The others stare at you in awe, only the prince's childhood friend and trusted advisor could get away with such a feat. Everyone knew he had a soft spot for you.

"You can't!" You shouted, squeezing him harder in your grasp. "Control yourself! We need her to help us understand this world, if you kill her then what do we do?!" The prince falls silent at your words.

He smiles. "You're right, (Y/n), I'm sorry I got carried away." The Daemos prince turns to you before you let him go.

"So we threaten her!" Leif yells out of the blue, speeding to the wall and quickly disappearing to the other side.

"Not if I threaten her first!" Asch chases after him. And soon you're all running after the bastards.

A deafening scream comes from the two men as you emerge from the walls.

"Did you see that?" One of the Daemos says. "She just took our bodies into that thing—."

"Wow Leif, you scream like that in bed too?" You cross your arms and offer up a snarky remark. Ava chuckles at your joke, though still flustered at the sudden intrusion. The rest of the daemos hurry in.

"That was a picture..." Ava sighs. "It's a magical mirror that humans use to record our history with. We see it any time and play it back later." She states. "Sometimes pictures move and we watch them..." Ava continues to explain that pictures are harmless and soon the other Daemos ask for join. Though hesitant , she gives in eventually.

The rest of the afternoon is spent on taking memories of the other Daemos. With the occasional photo of you awkwardly posing with Noi and Rhys.

This last photo, however, was very.... ambitious. Asch was planted on the couch, similar to how he would sit on his own throne. You were on top of him, straddling his legs. His left hand was snaked slightly under the hem of your nightgown, gently caressing your outer thigh. The other was gently pulling your chin close to him. Both of you were looking longingly at the camera—it looked like the two of you were caught in the act. The other Daemos in the photo surrounded you. Pierce was to your right, resting on the arms of the chair and staring at you with lust-filled eyes. Noi and Rhys were both sitting on the floor, attempting to cast seductive looks at the viewer. And Leif? He stood behind Asch, toying with a piece of your hair. He whirled it in his fingers, and kissed it lightly.

This was definitely an interesting composition. Not that you minded. You felt Asch's hand I inch higher, hiking up your nightie. "A-Ah!" You let out a noice in surprise. "Your highness?" You peered into his face.

"I-I got carried away..." he avoided your gaze in embarrassment.

The photo was taken. Ava showed it to you wit a triumphant expression on her face. "You look so pretty here, (y/n)!" She smiles. You peer into the screen and sure enough, you see the reflection of you and the other Daemos. Your cheeks flushed at the sight. They were all gazing at you, their eyes filled with longing and desire. Damn... you thought. They seemed to be really proficient in acting. Though you couldn't help but think: what if they weren't acting? Wouldn't it be different? You humored yourself  for the rest of the day. Who would you even grow feelings for? Sure, they were all attractive in their own ways, but you couldn't choose just one....

———

Author's Note: hey! Still renovating my house oops! Anyways! I hope you enjoyed. I'll be posting an extra with Asch (and maybe Pierce too? Idk yet) soon!