Tip of the Iceberg

Asher turned to face Lucian. "You said you're still part of the royal family, right? So does that mean if you increase your standing, you can go back to the demon world?"

Lucian's eyes widened slightly before he gave a slow nod.

"Yes. That's how it works," he said. "Our bloodline still holds royal status, even if we've lost our influence. If we restore our standing, we can reclaim our place."

"Then can I use my own influence?" Asher asked. It was the quickest way to silence the opposition.

Lucian exhaled, folding his arms. "True, but there's a complication."

Asher's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

"You're an outsider. The other families will use that to undermine our claim. They'll say you're not one of us, that your strength is illegitimate."

Asher smirked. "No need to worry about that. I already have a plan."

Lucy looked at him, puzzled. "A plan?"

"Yeah," he said casually. "Simple, really. I'll marry you."