FALLEN ANGEL: MARRIED TO THE DEMON KING

After the lavish meal, the festivities began in earnest as the courtyard erupted into a symphony and music that felt otherworldly to Arella. The music seemed to take on a completely different vibe which caused the demons to raise their alcoholic drinks and let out a cheer. The tempo of the song was faster, a blend of drums and stringed instruments that made air seem alive. With the way the demons had taken to the dance floor, Arella could tell that the song was obviously one that was well known in the demon realm.

Arella sat on her throne beside Varziel, her stomach stuffed and her hunger sated. She allowed herself to take in the scene before here. There were fires dancing in braziers which were suspended high above the courtyard, casting an illuminating glow over the courtyard. The flames danced and crackled, casting an amber glow over the crowd flickering shadows which oved like living things across the faces of the gathered demons.

Demons in flowing materials of mesh and lace emerged from the crowd, their figures lithe as they moved fluidly. One demon had a leg up in the air – making a 180 – as she twirled, using her wings for momentum. This caused the lace material that she was wearing to swish in a canopy of colors in shapes that seemed to paint the air itself. Arella's breath hitched as she watched, her disbelief growing with each impossible flourish of the demon's movements.

Another demon caught her attention – she was a sinuous figure with scales that ran down her cheeks. She had a large tail swishing behind her, and her emerald scales shimmered in the light of the fire. Her movements were hypnotic as she contorted her body in ways that left Arella's jaw on the floor. She bent and twisted as if she had no bones in her body.

Then, there was a hulking demon with dark horns that spiraled sort of menacingly out the top of his head. He also wore those flowing material of clothes, but displayed his immense strength by balancing an entire pillar of obsidian on his back. His muscles were taught and stained under the weight. The crowd roared in approval as he moved the pillar from his back, to his hands and back.

The performers kept on coming.

Arella did not know where to look and could not help but be captivated by the performing demons. She even found herself clapping along with the crowd as another demon blew fire from his throat.

Everything was all new, and Arella loved it.

King Varziel lowered his head, leaning closer to Arella. His voice was smooth and warm breath fanned her ear. She shivered. "They are trying to impress you."

Arella glanced up at Varziel, her brow raised, "Is that so?"

King Varziel settled his chin on his knuckles, letting a small smirk settle on his lips, "Of course. It is not every day they welcome a new queen. I believe the performers will compete for days to see who can offer the most memorable display. Some have come from villages far beyond the castle. The one who offers the best display as chosen by the watching demons will get an opportunity to work in the castle as the royal performers. That role is currently empty."

Arella looked back at the performing demons. This time, another demon was performing up in the air, spinning in circles through hoops of pure flame. "I never thought demons could be so artistic."

The performance really was interesting to watch, and was nothing like anything she had seen in heaven. There was also a lot of skin.

"Don't let the fangs and the horns fool you," King Varziel's lips pulled further up in the smirk, "we are more than what the angels teach." His lips lowered and he settled back into his seat.

The change in his mood and his words lingered with Arella. Was it possible that the angels had painted demons to be far crueler than they actually were? That was impossible, there were records, she had seen the records.

She peeked at King Varziel, and concluded that the change must stem from him. To begin with, he was nothing like what she expected the demon king to be. She had never seen him before, but from the books she had read, the demon kings were always ruthless, and only wanted world annihilation. Not Demon King Varziel it would seem. At that moment, he seemed completely content in just watching his subjects put on a show that was meant for her.

Arella found her lips stretching out. "You do not seem so bad, King Varziel." She pulled her lips back down.

Her words caused him to turn back to look at her. "I will take that as a complement, my queen." His expression softened ever so slightly.

As Arella went back to watching the demons, a demon approached them. He was tall and had long hair so dark it almost resembled King Varziel's hair. He had the appearance of a noble and wore dark robes that were embroidered with silver thread. He bowed deeply before them, holding onto a goblet of wine, "Your majesties, may I offer a toast to our queen?"

King Varziel looked down at him through hooded eyes. Arella saw as his eye twitched ever so slightly. Clearly, her husband did not like this demon. She looked down at the demon, who she realized had an odd smile on his face. Nevertheless, King Varziel spoke, "Proceed."

A servant appeared out of nowhere, offering two goblets to the royal couple. Arella accepted the wine and looked into the shimmering silver liquid that seemed to radiate warmth. It was unlike any wine she had ever seen, but had a familiar fruity scent. The demon raised his own goblet high, "To Queen Arella, may she bring strength and wisdom to our realm."

The crowd was silent as he offered his toast, and echoed his words after he was done. Their voices thundered in the courtyard and made Arella's ears throb.