Chapter 9

"King?" Uriel asked in disbelief, his blue eyes widened in shock as he stared at his father. Michael sighed in defeat, his arms hanging and wings sagging as he stared at the ground.

King Castiel had his hands held behind him as he stared through the clear glass at the city below. He had had a disturbing dream, or call it an apparition, that doom would fall on the angelic realm. Although there was no time period in his apparition; that it could have just been bitter memories of the past; he had a feeling this doom was in the near future.

He cared for his people and he knew that something terrible was coming. He felt it in his bones, the dreams he was having of his wife and eldest daughter; he had a feeling he would be joining them quite soon. He did not know who was going to bring upon this destruction. What frightened him more was that within his dream the realm had been completely obliterated; there were pained screams of angels; children burned and homes scorched; his sons...— He stiffened at the memory. That was why he made the call to make his eldest son king.

King Castiel was humble, he knew he wouldn't be strong enough to protect his people if a second war broke out, he was too weak although the angels saw him as the most powerful creature in the universe. But the previous war against the past demon queen took a massive toll on him. That war had led him to the death of his wife, and his eldest daughter, just after Uriel was born. Uriel could have died as well if not for Michael saving him.

That war had nearly destroyed King Castiel, but he remained strong for his sons.

Now he has reached his limits. He was four hundred and fifty thousand years old, his body was becoming frail, it was getting harder to carry around his wings and he could no longer fly as well as he used to. He was old. Angels tended to age faster compared to demons. And his age was constricting the power of his abilities. If a war was to break out, the realm would need a powerful king.

He looked over at Michael who was in deep thought. Michael had the characteristics of a king, he was humble; kind; authoritative, and extremely brave. He would be a great king, maybe an even better king.

"You will be the next king, my son. I believe you are ready." King Castiel said encouragingly; taking in Michael's worried expression.

Michael gulped at the determination in his father's stern voice. Becoming king brought a lot of sacrifices, Some more painful than the last, a king needed to be strong-minded and not lose focus on the good, they had to put the people first above all.

Just the thought of being chained to that throne of gold and rhodium, and becoming a slave to his people made him anxious. He didn't want this, at least not now. He knew he'd become king one day but this was way too soon. Too sudden. He was to rule over an entire kingdom. An entire planet. An entire world.

No, he couldn't. He couldn't possibly even think of—

As if hearing Michael's frenzied thoughts, King Castiel spoke up, a gentle tone in his deep voice, "Do not worry, my son. This is a great responsibility but I know that you will be a great king. I, Uriel, and the councilors shall be by your side. And your future queen."

The last words almost sent Michael to his knees. It was what he feared would happen the most, being forced to marry an angel he didn't love.

But he could not show his father his disapproval. He was born into this life, and if he must get a queen for his people then he would. Michael blanked his expression and looked down, "Yes, father." He said.

Uriel laughed as to break the intense atmosphere. He attempted to give Michael a congratulatory hug to which Michael didn't return. Instead he responded with a raised brow.

"You are going to be the new king?! Good grief, at least pretend to e ecstatic!" Uriel exclaimed and chuckled. Michael shrugged, rolled his eyes and unenthusiastically displayed a full row of pearly whites, his dimples on full display for the first time ever. Literally, ever!

Uriel reacted jokingly, he leaned backwards and grimaced, "Okay, I take that back, stop smiling you look like a horse during circumcision." He quickly joked, snickering when Michael rolled his eyes once more.

"I'll have Sir Haniel prepare your coronation. You two should get back to your guarding duties." King Castiel informed the two before walking out of the humongous hall. His steps echoed as he did so.

Uriel gave his brother an incredulous yet glad smirk, wrapping an arm around his broad shoulders. Michael was a few inches taller than him, he gave him a scrutinizing brow.

"You're going to be king."

"Yeah. . .I know. . ." The disappointment in Michael's tone confused Uriel.

******

Abi's eyes were still shut as she moved to sleep on her side. Her memories of the moments before she fell unconscious were lost in the deep expanse of her mind. The memories of Uriel interrupting the peaceful mood and attacking Asmodues and her were all lost in the past.

Asmodues sat on one of the luxurious chairs in Abi's even more luxurious room. His side was wrapped with bandages and a small pain struck near his spine each time he took a deep breath. He was lucky to be alive. Uriel really did a number on him, and just with one kick. Asmodeus was sure he was trying to kill him, the only reason he hasn't died is because of his fast regeneration.

But the pain in his spine was long forgotten as his eyes scanned her body intensely. At Abi. At her thick body. The luscious curves that traveled down her thin waist towards the curve of her hips as she dragged her leg further across the large bed. Her mahogany night gown slid up and exposed more of her thighs.

Asmodues unconsciously licked his lower lip as his eyes skimmed at the caramel skin, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

"Like what you see, pervert?" Abi's laugh pulled him out of his dirty thoughts, his wine-red eyes snapped to her playful eyes as she sat up on the bed.

"What can I say, you're mesmerizing." He said sheepishly and shrugged. Abi gave a rather disgusted and judging look.

"Oh please, you only think of ways you could get me in bed with you." Abi said and a spark of pain lingered in Asmodues's chest. He knew she'd never believe in the love he had for her.

Abi sat up and looked around the large room, wondering what had happened the night before. Her eyes landed on the bandages around his side and widened.

"What?¬"

Asmodues read her mind and answered her question, "We were attacked by the Prince Angel Uriel. I have no idea why but he wanted to kill only you. I tried protecting you but. . ." He motioned to the bandages and there was disappointment thickly layered in his tone. He sounded beaten. He felt like a failure.

"Abilanus!" Lamia, the demon queen's voice rang in the hallways before she suddenly appeared by going through the walls ( one of her abilities ). She gave Abi a hard look.

"Get dressed, the king wants to see you." She informed coldly before turning to leave. She went through the walls once more as her exit, only a black fog left behind. Abi and Asmodues gave each other incredulous looks. What could Draco want with her?

"Did I mess up or something?" Abi asked him absentmindedly as she stood up and walked into the large closet joined to the suite.

"Maybe. But he is your dad, he might just want to check up on you. " Asmodeus said in a comforting manner to which Abi disagreed.

His word lit a spark of hope in her. She walked back out and at the same moment the demon maids walked into the room, ready to work on Abi.

"Good day, your grace." They said in unison.

"Alright, Deus, get out." Abi pointed to the door. Asmodues nodded and left the room without arguing. Abi was still the demon princess, he had to be respectful.

The entire process of getting dressed and ready for the day was nerve-wracking. Abi kept biting her lip in anxiety and pondered deeply on the fact that Draco wanted to speak with her. What would he want? Did he know about the attack? It drove her crazy. Even as she walked towards his chambers. Abi nervously entered the King's council room, chewing her inner cheek and her eyes darting to any other object other than his furious eyes. She bows instinctively, "You have summoned me, your majesty?"

"Abilanus, your servant informed me that you were attacked by a royal angel. Why would an angel of such high status concern themselves with a useless creature such as yourself?" Draco asked, the servant he referred to was Asmodeus. He had been Abi's squire since childhood.

"I recently paid a visit to the witch...I acquired a curse and cast it upon a human child...It just so happened that —"

"You cursed a royal angel's human?" Draco hissed shockingly. His patronizing tone made Abi gulp and her heart quickened., "Y-yes, your majesty..." She sighed defeatedly. The silence that followed was heavy and so tense. Then suddenly Draco's deep chuckle disrupted the silence, catching Abi off gaurd. Draco turned towards her with a sly expression, "I never imagined you'd become such a useful pawn...". Abi blinked, confusion written all over her face.

"May I ask what you mean by those words, your majesty?"

"You..." Draco sauntered towards her, his presence s powerful that Abi flinched backwards, "You will bring me that angel..."

"What?" She must've misheard him...did he just order her to bring a royal angel into hell?

"Do I need to repeat myself?" His tone was so intimidating.

"B-but—"

"You will do as I command, Abilanus." With that he turned away and walked to the table. Abi was left in shock, processing his frightening words. It was unbelievable, such a task is impossible! Does the King not know how powerful an angel like that is?!

"Your majesty, he is an angel of royal blood! I can—" Draco's piercing glare stopped her and she gasped at the intensity.

"It is an order. Obey."

Her heart began to race at the thought of confronting a royal. Was this really how she'd die? The King was sending her to her death. No! This was too much, she was afraid; her wings shivering and her eyes watering. Her last attempt at begging she fell to her knees in front of him, her wings tightening around her to make her appear smaller (this action is a desperate signal for help or ultimate submission in the demon world).

"P-please, your majesty, this could cost me my life—"

"Then you will die." He cut in, his words sharp that it tore her heart apart. Abi gasped and began sobbing, her vulnerability on full display, unintentionally. Was she really that worthless? So easily to be cast aside like an unwanted tool...Her own father. Draco looked down on her with an irritated expression.

"What a pest..." He mumbled too softly for her to hear. As much he detested it he needed her. The task was quite impossible but if Abi were to succeed he'd have an advantage...but if she were to fail, well then it would not much of a loss for him.

Draco stood, walked towards her and bent down, gently stroking her coil-like locks, "Abilanus..." Abi, hesitantly, looked up at him, tears streaming down her cheeks, "You are the daughter of the most powerful demon alive, don't be so pessimistic and show some pride." Abi sniffed, his eyes were actually gentle, a dimmer shade of red.

"You are the only one I trust to complete this task." Her eyes widened. Now that right there was all the push she needed. Her father trusted her, she believed.

"Really?"

"Indeed," he confirmed and Abi's heart burst. Draco knew his affect her, how the poor thing would do anything to please him. "You will do this for me." He ended and there was no answer needed.