EUGENE
EUGENE SAT HUNCHED OVER HIS DESK, his nose was buried in yet another spell book while muttering a finding incantation under his breath. He searched the entire library, palace, conk, and cranny, but there was no sign of a scholar girl, nor was there a sign of one studying to be. It all made no sense. In that moment, the quiet of the study was abruptly shattered by a familiar flutter of wings. He looked up just as Fin landed heavily on the desk, scattering the pages across the room.
"Eugene!" Fin said breathlessly, his voice unusually serious.
The second Prince's brows closed in, "Fin." he sighed, "Look what you have done. Do you know how long it took me to draft such equations? If this is about those special seeds again,I do not have any—" he said, frustratingly, trying to regain his focus.
"Forget about the bloody bee seeds—" Fin snapped, hopping down onto the desk and pecking at the edge of Eugene's spell-book, ripping the page.
"Hey—"
"It is about your sister and Lord Rhyssand."
Eugene arched an eyebrow, finally setting his quill down and turning his full attention to the bird. "What about?"
Fin's feathers ruffled, and he let out an exaggerated sigh. "He fucked up. Big time." Eugene leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "What else is new? What did he do this time? Break her favorite paintbrush?"
"Worse, her heart," Fin said.
Eugene sat up straight. "What happened?"
"There is no time to explain the details—" Fin said, pacing back and forth across the desk, frantically. Until Eugene held him still.
"Fin. This is my sister we are talking about, at least tell me something." Eugene said.
Fin sighed. "It is the lord's mother. She's been pulling strings from the start. Eric was not a traitor. Neither was Madeline."
Eugene froze, his mind immediately piecing together the implications. "What had she done—"
"I cannot say, I am sworn in divine silence," Fin snapped, "I wish I could explain, but we do not have time for that right now. She has her eyes on your Brother, if he ever finds out the truth, he will—"
"Lose his ever-loving shit of a mind," Eugene finished the sentence for him. "He is already a loose cannon, but when it comes to us…" His jaw clenched, his mind racing for solutions. "And Artizea?"
"The lord has his reasons for distance. That necklace is almost full. If it overloads… She won't survive it this time, and neither will anyone else."
Eugene set him down and rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the situation settle heavily on his shoulders. "And what does he suggest I do? I am not all-powerful like him, nor anyone else in this overachieving family."
"But—"
"I am not my father!" Eugene yelled, "Nor have I anything to offer to fix this, I cannot even understand a simple equation with his help!" He closes the book with a sigh. "I am just the second Prince… of the human realm. I am just a human."
Fin let out a humorous laugh, "Are you kidding me! Are you living under a rock? Or better yet, that bitch's spell ?" he said firmly, his tone devoid of its usual sass. "You come from a long line of bad ass, and Lord Rhyssand sees it; that is why he has now entrusted me to you!"
"To me?"
"To form a contract with another master, the previous must revoke. Everything Lord Rhyssand has done has been for a reason, as my one and only true master…I must assist him in its completion. You are only sane, Pendragon, in your entire bloodline. You do not need a history book to check that fact… You are their last hope."
Eugene nodded, "What do you need from me?"
"We need to find Madeline."
Eugene sat in silence for a moment. Then finally, he said, "I cannot find without someone without something to trace…" he stilled, then stood from his chair and grabbed his cloak. "But I know someone who can,"
Fin hopped back onto his shoulder, his feathers puffed up with determination. "Who?"
"Wait here," Eugene said, taking a deep breath and stretching out his hand, attempting to piece together the complex magic he had been working on. Without a 100 percent link, he was taking a page out of his siblings' books.
Fuck it. He mumbled.
Light flickered at his fingertips, and then suddenly the space shifted. His eyes opened to a floating library, shelves suspended in the void. The moment his feet touched the ground, everything fell neatly into place around him, solidifying into a reality of his own making.
He remembered Rhyssand's words: Whoever you shall allow in…
Eugene exhaled, extending his hand once more. "I summon thee."
The darkness swelled in on itself. A figure stepped out from its cocoon, along with a husky voice, "Unacceptable…" the demon said while leaning slightly against a now materialized bookshelf. "It is so… dusty in here, although," he sniffed once, "What is that delicious smell…" he licked his lips.
Eugene rolled his eyes, already stepping forward. "I need your help,"
"Ah.." He smirked, "I know what that smell is… It reminds me of that night… Where I recall a certain Prince, saying he would never cross my path again. Not for anything," he pointed his finger in the air. "I smell… Desperation."
Eugene sighed.
"You do not get to ask for my help." He snared. "You beg for it."
"I will do you one better," Eugene shot back, "I demand it on behalf of that very deal."
The demon raised a brow, clearly entertained. "What is in it for me?"
"What is it for you?" Eugene repeated with a light chuckle, "The fate of my realm is at stake by the simple fact my eldest siblings are in pain, so I do not have time for your parlor tricks," turning to leave. "If you won't help me, I will find someone who can—"
"I know a word."
That made Eugene stop dead in his tracks, already regretting looking back to see the demon grinning slowly,
"A very special one, that makes all wishes come true."
Eugene pinched the bridge of his nose. "If I say it, will you assist? Without my soul as collateral?"
The demon shrugged lazily. "Yes, no, maybe so," then pouted.
"What are you doing?" Eugene frowned.
"What? This is the face you make, is it not?"
"I have never—!" A sigh. A long, tired sigh. Escaped Eugene. He crossed his arms and quietly whispered, "…Please."
Just to be extra dramatic, the demon yawned."What?" inspecting his pinky nail.
"I said please…" Eugene gritted out once more.
The demon's smile sharpened when he leaned in closer, "What is missing?"
"How would I know your name—"
"True—Call me Darling, and then I shall help you."
Eugene snorted. "You make my brother look hilarious."
"He is… that chicken prank? God-tier." The demon's eyes glittered.
"How do you know about that!" Eugene snapped.
"I am a very powerful bored man, who indulges in a very disgusting, distasteful— delicious—hobby," he hummed, "Now that we know of my little secret, let us not waste any more of my precious time, which I have graced you with far longer than I should have. Right now, let us talk about you. As it stands, you are the last defense, yes? Which means you will do just about whatever I say for this… favor." he stepped closer, locked eyes with Eugene. "Maybe you fascinate me today; maybe tomorrow I forget you even exist. So if I were you, I would take advantage of the present." he brought a sharp nail to Eugene's cheek, itching it close to piercing. "So… Please, what, genius?"
Making Eugene's eyes flush red. Gods-dammit, he thought, but he was far gone now. He exhaled and firmly said, "—Suck my dick—" with the flattest face one must be born with to achieve.
The demon chuckled, "How Interesting…" he sang, "—Fine, I will help you anyway, for the simple fact you have amused me once more," drawled out, retracting the nail, "As for what I get in return… I will put it on your tab."
"I do not have a tab—" Eugene snapped,
"You will."
Eugene sighed once more. "Deal," he said hesitantly
"Splendid." The demon smiled, then snapped his fingers.
With the speed of light, the dimension shattered, and Eugene's chambers came into light once more.
Fin, flapping wildly, landed on Eugene's shoulder in a panic. His feathers were ruffled. "What—" he squawked, "This beast, again?"
The demon narrowed his eyes at the bird in disdain.
"It is quite all right, Fin, He's… a friend," Eugene muttered.
The beast in question tilted his head, a dangerous smirk playing on his lips. "Friend?"
"Yes." Eugene tried to stay firm. "A very good friend. Who is helping us out of the goodness of his heart?"
"Nice try." The demon stepped closer, his voice low and teasing. "But I do not have a heart, therefore I cannot love. I lust for what I desire, but once it is within my grasp…it is no longer worth he effort it took to obtain…" he pouted, "But I am good to you, aren't I? Perhaps too good."
Eugene ignored him, "Madeline Sinclair…" he groned, "and someone else…"
"Oh? A special friend?"
"No. I do not think she is who she says. I believe her to be may be, an assassin of some kind. The knight Eric was possessed by something of terrible power, and Madeline Sinclair is still missing. I need to ask her what she remembers if she is alive. If I am wrong, fine — but if I am right, we may be dealing with a fae or—" he paused "a demon."
"Tsk, always the Demons you people blame." The demon sighed, "We cannot shape-shift into humans, only beasts within the animal kingdom. The fae can do neither, only size themselves down to the size of a pesky bug. What you are describing sounds celestial — men were made in their image; some celestials can walk among humans, may even live with them for long periods of time…learn their ways, have kids…but it never ends well. Balance must be upheld; when it is not, it will take."
Eugene Brow frowned in thought, "How powerful would such a celestial have to be?"
"The highest."
After a moment of contemplation, Eugene came to his conclusion, "I wish to make a contract."
The demon arched a brow. "A contract?"
"A Contract!?" Fin butted in
"And an alliance between our realms, under the radar," Eugene added firmly. "Something is coming, I can smell it, you can too."
The demon's expression hardened. "I will not fight your war, Princling. Nor will I put my kin in the eye of it."
"I'm not asking you to fight," Eugene said. "I'm asking for knowledge."
"Knowledge?" Fin squealed, offended at the idea he'd been taken seriously now of all times. "I was only joking—"
"Can it and trust me, Fin—" Eugene snapped, and then, addressing the demon again, "You said it yourself — the balance is broken. You know they will not stop with the human realm while their—bitch— queen sits on the throne. If she wins, your kind will not survive. I do not think you're heartless. I think you're practical. So if I were you, I would be jumping for joy right now."
The demon fought a smirk for many different reasons, "You humans and your persistence in hope."
"It is what kept us alive for far."
The demon nodded, "You drive a hard bargain. Although I wonder… what will be a fair price if you break this contract? For example, say…you hand me over to the enemy as a bargaining chip? Along with my relam's hope…"
"My prince, I must object! This is not a good idea, demons cannot be trusted!" Fin spat, "Especially this one!" but he was immediately cut off when two pairs of magenta eyes glowed fiercely. There was a moment of silence.
"The bird speaks no lies, you cannot trust a word out of a demon's mouth, but you knew that already. Are you certain this is what you wish?"
"Yes," Eugene said without hesitation.
"…And the bird is part of the package deal?" the demon drawled.
"Afraid so," Eugene muttered, side-eyeing Fin."Only temporarily, I hope."
The demon crossed his arms in contemplation, "How do you know I won't wake up one day and take what I truly desire?"
"Let us wager it."
"Wager?"
"I wager you will remember me tomorrow," Eugene said. "And the day after." He tilted his head. "If I shall lose, I will drop dead, instantly leaving my soul behind."
"What!?" Fin quaked. "I thought you were the sane one!"
The demon's mouth twitched, narrowing into a thin line before curving into a smirk. "I am sure we will think of… something else." He extended his hand.
Eugene hesitated, then reached out and shook it once. "Am I going to regret this?"
"Oh, absolutely…" the demon purred, then flicked his fingers, instantly transporting them to the streets of the outer city of Arkadia.
Eugene glanced toward his friend, nerves crawling up his spine. "Great, Thanks, now can you go before someone sees you?" glancing around nervously.
The demon shot out his tongue once more.
"Please—"
"Fine."
"Wait, Really?"
"Since our contract is now sealed, there are conditions we both must follow, but we shall discuss that another day. You seem very busy," he chuckled, "However, should you require my assistance any further…"
"Wait."
The demon tilted his head.
"How powerful are you…down there?"
His lips curved into a smirk. "The highest."
Eugen's heart was beating irregularly. "What is your… name?"
The demon smirk stretched into an amused grin, "I would wager when you ask me again… I will grace you with it." Then vanished into smoke again, his silhouette swallowed his shadow.
There was a long silence. Then Eugene held up a hand, already sensing the wave of questions. He needed the remains' blood in his body to function. "Not. A word."
Fin blinked. "Disgust," he muttered. "That is another emotion, by the way."
"Get high," Eugene mumbled.
Fin followed his command. Eugene's hood was drawn low, and beside him, Fin soared ahead in swift circles, "Three streets past the old market," Fin chirped, swooping low to hover beside him.
Eugene said nothing, but his pace quickened.
When they arrived, the house was worse than expected. Cracked windows. A warped door. And behind it, the sound of yelling and a Woman crying out… Then a smack.
Eugene's magic ignited instantly. With a flick of his hand, the door blasted inward, startling the occupants. The old man who had raised his hand spun in place, startled as the second Prince of Pendragon stepped through the misty debris.
The man stumbled back, "P-Prince Eugene! Your royal highness, I did not know you were in the village. We have put together a welcome party—" he paused, seeing the disgust look on Eugene's face.
From the corner of the room, a familiar woman flinched. Her hands trembled. Her face—once soft and warm with laughter—was now gaunt, weathered in tears. Madeline. The very maid who had once brushed the Crown Princess's hair with gentle fingers… now reduced to this. "She never said she was from the palace. She's been begging for runt jobs she can't even do right!"He said, half panicking, half pleading. "The woman's as skittish as a horse!"
"I am fine, Your Grace. There is no need—" Madeline whispered, her voice broken.
"How dare you lay a hand on a valued friend of the royal family, let alone a woman?" The room shook with the weight of his anger. "My brother would have your head. My father? He prefers to string things along…"
"You want out of here or not, girl?" Fin interrupted, flapping furiously into her face. "Before things get ugly."
Madeline blinked at him, startled by not its ability to speak but the fierce loyalty in the bird's eyes. "But why—?"
Eugene stepped forward, kneeling beside her. He took her shaking hand in his. "My sister and my brother have gone to try to help her the best they can, but I fear that will only be temporary…" he said softly, "She needs and by the looks of it… You need her, too."
She bowed her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I am not worthy to walk your halls once more, your Highness; I have no right. I betrayed her trust—I deserved nothing."
"You and I both know that is not true." He reached into his coat and pulled out a small envelope, sealed with the royal crest. "This is your pardon. On behalf of the Pendragon crown… Come home, and we will find proof, together." he paused, glancing around the cold, crumbling room, "…we would be honored to welcome you in our halls once more."
Madeline covered her mouth, shoulders trembling. Eugene rose slowly, his expression kind but firm.
Fin flapped onto her shoulder with a huff. "You coming or what?"
Madeline nodded, swallowing the tears, as she stepped out into the fading light, lifting her gaze into view above the palace.
Home.
ISHTAR
In the Chamber down the hall, Ishtar had summoned her own eyes in the sky. Azeraphel knelt before her, eyes downcast.
"Your Grace."
"Speak." She said firmly.
"I apologize, my queen, for the verdict. My hands are tied. Rhyssand knows—"
"Old news…What of the plan?"
"…They found her. Nothing has been changed."
"Excellent," Ishtar rose slowly, her silk robes trailing across the floor as they fell. Her gaze burned as she approached. "Well done, Azreaphel," she purred.
Azreaphel stiffened. "Your Grace—"
"Do not tell me about that wife of yours, she's as boring as she is ugly."
"I was going to ask what of the king?" he asked, trying to keep his composure.
"Fuck, Demetrezth," Ishatr's voice dripped with disdain. "He dares to try to defy me, just like you—" She stepped closer, then, with a graceful motion, she pushed him down to the ground.
"I would never."
Instantly, she straddled him, one leg sliding over his lap, then the other, settling fully onto him. She could tell from the friction alone that he was breathless. She leaned in, her lips brushing his ear. "I may not be able to touch flesh, true—but there are other ways." Her hips shifted deliberately. "Finish me off…" she whispered, biting softly at his neck. "Do that for your queen, and she will forgive you." Pressing a delicate hand to his chest, feeling the steady beat beneath.
Azreaphel swallowed, his breath hitching. "I can," he murmured.
Her mouth captured his in a bruising kiss, one hand tangling in his hair as she ground against him with deliberate rhythm. His hands gripped her hips, guiding her motions.
Filling the rooms with pleasure.
In another room across the hall.
Demeter sat in his chambers, head in his hands, a dark scowl pulling at his features. The bond, the cursed marriage bond, had shown him everything. And she knew it would. She was taunting him with it for disobeying her. It was a moment of weakness touching her; not one of pleasure, one of survival, for Rhyssand, that was it.
But this.
The only question now was how much longer he could endure it before all that remained was an internal migraine. This was truly a living hell, and the worst part is, he probably deserved it. But what he could not understand was why.
"He needs us."
why?
"Now you are aware?"
why?
"I am your queen."
why!
"Fuck, Demetrezth..."
WHY!?
The scream that finally tore from him was unnatural.
Ishtar arched beneath him with a soft hum of pleasure, fingers tangling in his hair.
"Good boy…" she whispered, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
Azreaphel's hands steadied her, reverent, hungry. And when he lowered his head, she leaned back with a soft, pleased sigh— fingers threading through his hair. Let him clean up the aftermath, she thought. Every king has his uses. So does every pawn.