Seraphine's Obsession

"Six years, eleven months, two weeks, six days, and fifty-five minutes since I saw Riley for the first time, and I was obsessed with that girl." The numbers echoed in my mind as I stared out from my balcony, overlooking the vast expanse of my realm.

The demon kingdom stretched out beneath me, a labyrinth of dark beauty and formidable power. I had everything I wanted. Everything, except Riley.

My day began as it always did, with the morning council. The grand hall was already bustling with activity as I entered, my presence causing a hush to fall over the room. My advisers, a motley crew of demons and dark mages, bowed as I took my seat at the head of the obsidian table.

"Your Highness, the humans have been unusually quiet lately," Ragnor, my chief adviser, began. His forked tongue flicked out nervously as he spoke. "It's been weeks since their last incursion."

"Do you suspect they're planning something, Ragnor?" I asked, my voice cold and measured.

"I do, Your Highness. They are up to something, I'm certain of it."

I drummed my fingers on the armrest of my throne, considering his words. The humans were always scheming, always looking for a weakness to exploit. But my mind was elsewhere.

It drifted back to Riley, locked away in the depths of our dungeon. Her spirit was unbroken despite everything I'd done to her. She was a fascinating puzzle, one I was determined to solve.

"Keep a close watch on them. I want to know their every move," I commanded. "Dismissed."

The council bowed and filed out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I walked over to the balcony, the chill morning air biting at my skin. My mind wandered back to Riley. Her defiance, her strength. She was unlike any human I had ever encountered. 

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. "Enter," I called.

The door creaked open, and Lilith, my personal attendant, stepped inside. Her red eyes gleamed with a mix of fear and admiration. "Your Highness, your sparring session is ready," she announced.

"Very well," I replied, striding past her. My daily training sessions were essential, not just for maintaining my physical prowess but also for channeling my restless energy. 

The training arena was a vast, open space within the castle, surrounded by high walls. I picked up my dual swords, their dark blades shimmering with enchantments. My opponent today was a seasoned warrior demon, his muscles rippling with anticipation.

"Begin," I ordered.

He lunged at me with a roar, swinging his massive axe. I dodged easily, my movements fluid and precise. We danced around each other, trading blows. The clash of our weapons echoed through the arena, a symphony of violence.

"You're improving," I remarked as I deflected a particularly fierce strike.

"Thank you, Your Highness," he grunted, barely managing to block my counterattack.

The session continued until we were both drenched in sweat. I finally called a halt, sheathing my swords and nodding in approval. "You may go."

The warrior bowed deeply and left the arena, leaving me to cool down. I wiped the sweat from my brow, my thoughts inevitably drifting back to Riley. 

After training, I retreated to my chambers. My room was an oasis of dark elegance. Velvet drapes hung from the windows, and a massive bed dominated the center. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls. I sank into a plush chair, my mind churning.

"Lilith," I called, and she appeared almost instantly. "Prepare my bath."

"Yes, Your Highness," she said, bowing low.

As I soaked in the steaming water, I allowed myself to relax. My mind wandered through the events of the past years, every encounter with Riley, every moment that had led us here.

She was a constant thorn in my side, yet I couldn't bring myself to destroy her. There was something intoxicating about her spirit, her defiance.

Once I was dressed and ready, I decided to pay a visit to the throne room. The guards snapped to attention as I approached, their armor clinking. Inside, courtiers and nobles were milling about, discussing various matters of state. They fell silent as I entered, bowing deeply.

"Your Highness," they murmured in unison.

I acknowledged them with a curt nod and took my place on the throne. "What news?"

A noble stepped forward, his eyes downcast. "Your Highness, we have received reports of unrest in the northern territories. The humans are stirring up trouble again."

I sighed inwardly. The humans were always a problem, always testing our defenses. "Send a detachment of soldiers to quell the unrest. Make an example of the leaders."

"Yes, Your Highness," he replied, bowing and scurrying away.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings and decisions. As the future demon queen, my responsibilities were vast and varied. But beneath it all, my thoughts kept returning to Riley. I couldn't shake her from my mind.

As evening fell, I returned to my chambers. The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting an eerie glow. I stood before the mirror, contemplating my reflection. My eyes were hard and unyielding, my expression cold and calculating. But beneath the surface, a storm of emotions raged.

"Lilith," I called once more.

She appeared silently, her eyes questioning. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Prepare my disguise," I commanded.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded. "At once, Your Highness."

I watched as she brought out the clothing and magical items I would need. A cloak to hide my features, enchanted amulets to mask my presence. I dressed quickly, the transformation complete in a matter of minutes. 

"Where are you going, Your Highness?" Lilith asked hesitantly.

I turned to her, my expression unreadable. "That's none of your problem."

Her eyes widened, but she knew better than to question me. With a final adjustment to my cloak, I slipped out of my chambers, moving silently through the castle's corridors. The guards didn't recognize me, and I avoided the prying eyes of the courtiers. 

I want to see Riley.