The Demon Lord Is An Angel

Kordia watched with blossoming dread as their plans began to fall apart.

"You cannot, or will not?" Lapins’ fists clenched as she took in her father’s words, speaking so loudly the music ended as the band stuttered to a stop. "Do you even know what I wish to propose?"

"An alliance with Gra’Rhuel is unnecessary and brings us nothing. Heaven wills that Montmorency will stand on its own, and that is exactly what this kingdom will do." The King stood, looking sadly and sternly down at his daughter.

"Even when there’s a better way?" Lapins raised her voice. "I know an alliance won’t help us at this time, but I’m not proposing an alliance," she turned and stepped back, taking Kassin and then Kordia’s hands into hers. "I’m proposing unity."

"What way could be better than what the Son of Heaven himself has given to your people?" A new speaker rose, his words bursting out loudly as he amplified his voice with magic. It was Heaven’s Ambassador, a stalky, gaunt-faced angel with grey hair, red-irised eyes, and white wings, one whose name Kordia hadn’t learned. "You presume above your place, Princess Lapins, but that can be forgiven because you are young. The prizes you have brought Montmorency will be rewarded in due time."

"Prizes?" Lapins gasped.

Hostages. Kordia realized.

The King lowered his head and gestured, and from behind the table, a full squad of knights stepped forward, moving to surround Lapins, Kordia, and Kassin. "Lapins, please step away from them. The Gra’Rhuel royals are our guests, but they will not be permitted to leave."

"You can’t even look me in the eyes, father?" Lapins quivered with anger.

"Don’t make me give the order," he replied. "This was already going to happen after tonight, but you’re forcing my hand."

"Fret not, young King, it is likely that there has been some... corrupting influence from Ambassador Jeviel’s domain." The Ambassador pulled down on his formals, adjusting them. "We can correct her, just as you will correct Norneau when the time comes."