Marriage Proposal

King Calum sat on his grand throne, carved from the finest oak, his expression was calm. His reputation as a fair and just king had made him beloved by his people. , under his rule, was known as the most peaceful kingdom amongst all. However, the recent wave of killings had cast a shadow over his reign, and the peace of his kingdom was now threatened.

The double doors of the courtroom burst open, and the king's butler entered, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, King Azrael has arrived," the butler announced respectfully. King Calum gave a curt nod, dismissing the butler without a word. He leaned back in his throne, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on the armrest as he awaited the arrival of Azrael.

Moments later, Azrael strode into the courtroom, his every step echoing through the courtroom. His presence intimidating, his eyes were cold and sharp as he approached Calum. The room seemed to grow cold, Azrael's aura commanding all attention. His eyes met with King Calum's blue eyes. The human King's face was grim, holding no emotion on it.

"Azrael," King Calum greeted, his voice hard. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."

Azrael gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "Calum," he responded in a tone that was equally measured. "I understand you have concerns that need addressing."

"Indeed," King Calum said, leaning forward slightly. "Your rogues have been causing quite the disturbance. There have been numerous killings within my kingdom, and people are afraid. I need to know what you plan to do about it."

Azrael's eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance, but he maintained his composure. "I assure you, we are doing everything we can to resolve this issue. The situation is... complicated." He added, noticing the expression on Calum's face change almost brought a smirk to his face.

Calum's brow furrowed in anger. "Complicated? Azrael, my people are dying. You need to do more than just tell me it's complicated."

Azrael's lips twitched into a slight smirk, he could barely conceal the amusement he felt. "I understand your frustration, Calum. But this matter isn't as straightforward as it seems. These hybrids... they are not entirely of our doing."

"What do you mean by that? Are you suggesting that these creatures are not your responsibility?" Calum asked with narrowed eyes.

Azrael's smirk widened slightly, a dangerous glint flashing through his black eyes. "What I'm saying is that there are forces at play here that even I am not fully aware of. But rest assured, we are handling it."

Calum's patience was wearing thin. He stood up from his throne, his voice rising. "Handling it? You call this handling it? My people are dead, Azrael! No amount of apology can bring them back."

Azrael remained calm, his composure infuriating Calum even further. "I am aware of the loss, and for that, I do apologize. But you must understand, Calum, that this situation is delicate. We need time to uncover the truth behind these rogues,"

Calum's face flushed with anger. He slammed his fist onto the armrest of his throne, causing a dent to form. "Time? While more innocent lives are lost? I will not sit idly, while your rogues run rampant in my kingdom!"

Azrael's eyes darkened menacingly, the smirk fading from his lips. "And what would you have me do, Calum? Tell me how you think this should be resolved." He asked, his voice low and daunting.

"I could impose sanctions on your kingdom, cut off all trade, and inform the other kingdoms of your negligence. Let's see how your kingdom fares when it is isolated." Calum spoke, his tone as cold as ice.

Azrael didn't flinch, his face barely holding any expression. "You could," he said bluntly. "But that would only escalate matters further. Is that what you truly want?"

The two kings stared at each other in silence, tension filling in the air. To Calum, Azrael didn't seem like he cared about the humans dying, it wasn't a surprise to Calum, yet he was infuriated. Finally, Calum broke the silence. "There is another way," he said, his tome calmer. Azrael's gaze sharpened, noticing the change in the change in Calum's expression.

Azrael raised an eyebrow, "And what might that be?"

Calum took a deep breath. "I want you to marry my sister."

Azrael blinked, taken aback. Of all the things he had expected Calum to suggest, this was the least expected. "Marry your sister?" he repeated, a scoff escaping his lips. "What does that have to do with any of this?"

"If you marry my sister, it will solidify the bond between our kingdoms. It will show my people and the world, that you are committed to peace and that you are taking responsibility for what your rogues have done." Calum's expression remained serious as he spoke.

Azrael tsked, not liking how the human King referred to the rogues as his. "And if I refuse?"

Calum leaned forward, his eyes locking onto Azrael's. "Then I will have no choice but to report these incidents to the other kingdoms and let them decide how to deal with you."

Azrael eyes studied Calum for a moment, weighing his options. He knew that Calum's proposal was not just about peace. The princess, Renata had feelings for Azrael for the longest time, but using this opportunity to force the marriage upon him was beyond unsettling.

A menacing laugh, that sent shivers through the body of any living creature, erupted from Azrael's lips. A playful smirked graced his face, "Your sister?" Azrael question finally with a scoff.

Calum's expression hardened slightly. " Yes!" He said firmly, before adding almost immediately, "Renata understands the importance of this alliance. She is willing to do what is necessary for the good of the kingdom."

Azrael's gaze didn't falters from Calum's face. "And you think this will solve anything? A marriage?"

Calum nodded. "It will buy us time. Time for you to deal with the rogues and time for me to keep the peace in my—."

Azrael let out a sigh, his expression a little bit more relaxed. "Very well," he said at last, waving his hand in dismissal. "I will consider your proposal." Calum's jaw dropped, he had not expected Azrael to agree so quickly. Renata would be pleased with this. She had begged Calum to set her up with the King since she turned seventeen.

At first, Calum thought she would grow out of this phase. Unfortunately, five years later, Renata, now at the age of twenty-two, has refused to marry anyone other than the Dragon King. Although Calum was against it at first, Renata was adamant about her decision. Alas, he discovered it was futile to try changing her mind, and he gave in.

Calum gave a curt nod. "It's been a long journey for you. Please, do retire to the chamber that has been prepared for you," he said, signaling the butler.

With that, Azrael and the butler left the courtroom, the doors closing behind them with a thud.