The Damned Demon

In the dark confines of the Demonstone Castle, the Crimson Veil Chamber held an atmosphere both regal and foreboding.

It was a royal chamber where consorts or potential consorts who were about to be wed would change into the right garments under the supervision of the queen.

Its deep crimson curtains fell from ceiling to floor, swaying slightly as if breathing with the castle itself. Black candles flickered dimly on wrought-iron sconces, casting a soft, dark glow that danced on the walls and the ornate mirrors framed in twisted black iron. These mirrors, ever watchful, reflected and multiplied the flickers of candlelight and the movements of all who entered.

At the heart of the chamber sat the queen herself, a figure of undeniable authority and mystique. Her gown was a masterpiece of exquisite fabric, embroidered with intricate designs that mimicked the fearsome elegance of dragons—symbols of power and dread. Her crimson eyes, piercing and cold, dominated the room even as her maids attended to their duties in respectful silence.

The focus of her intense gaze was the dressing box, where the shadow of a slender figure was being prepared by a cadre of maids. After moments that stretched like hours under Rowena's scrutinous watch, the curtains of the dressing box parted to reveal an alluring figure.

She emerged like a vision crafted from the night itself, her gown sleeveless, hugging her form in a way that managed to be both elegant and daring. The fabric was a cascade of black, accentuating her figure and revealing just a hint of cleavage, a deliberate design that spoke of both sophistication and allure. Her ghostly red eyes were striking against her pale complexion, and her silky silver hair was gathered into an artful bun, veiled lightly with a thin black lace that added an air of mystique.

Sabina approached Rowena with a graceful stride, her gown flowing behind her like a shadow made tangible. She bowed her head slightly, a gesture of respect mingled with a touch of theatrical flair, "How do I look, Your Majesty?" she asked with a smile, her voice a blend of confidence and curiosity.

Rowena, still seated, surveyed Sabina with a reserved expression that masked her thoughts. After a moment of silence that seemed to fill the chamber with anticipation, she stood, her own gown whispering against the floor. With a measured tone and without breaking her gaze, Rowena commanded the room, "Leave us," she ordered the maids.

The maids bowed deeply and exited the chamber, their steps quick and quiet against the stone floor. As the last of them disappeared and the heavy door closed with a soft thud, the chamber felt smaller, the air thicker.

Rowena took a step towards Sabina, her eyes never leaving her.

Sabina's demeanor carried a trace of mischief as she looked around and asked with a smile that held a hint of mischief, "Does Your Majesty perhaps have something to tell me in secret? I love secrets."

Rowena's expression remained unfathomable, her gaze piercing through the dark chamber as she measured her response. Her voice, when it came, was as cold as the stone walls surrounding them, "Sabina, I know all this might be nothing more than fun for you, but it isn't for my kingdom or my husband. You are no longer part of House Thorne but of House Drake. Anything you do will affect us as well. So from now on, you will have to seek my husband's permission before you do anything or want to carry out any activity, even if it means stepping foot outside this castle. There won't be a second chance if you dishonor your vows the moment you become his. If you have any second thoughts, now would be the time to tell me."

Sabina's expression tightened briefly before a smile crept back onto her face, eyes narrowing with a mix of challenge and delight, "Ah, I feel flattered that Your Majesty seems to be so concerned about me. But you have no reason to worry, for all I want and need is him. I can even spend the entire day within this castle and simply stare at a portrait of him without feeling bored. I am willing to do and be anything for him. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that I will be a woman who only exists for him," she declared, her ghostly red eyes glowing with a fervent, almost obsessive lust.

Rowena's response was immediate and imposing. She stepped forward, her movements swift and deliberate. Leaning her face slightly down towards Sabina, Rowena spoke in an even colder whisper, "Unless he says so, don't try to possess him whenever you can. I am letting you marry him not because he needed another woman but something more important. Do you understand?"

Sabina's fingers clenched tightly behind her back, her body tense as she fought to maintain composure under Rowena's steely and low-key threatening gaze, "Yes...I do, Your Majesty," she managed to say, her voice a strained whisper.

Rowena stepped back, her gaze lingering on Sabina with a hint of warning, "You look alright for a bride. Come out soon," she stated flatly, then turned and exited the chamber with regal poise.

As soon as Rowena left, Sabina's nails dug into her own skin. In her mind, a stormy vow took shape, 'Feh, somebody is getting too arrogant because they happened to be his first wife. Just watch me. I will steal him from you.' As Rowena stepped out of the chamber, the soft rustle of her gown barely echoed in the vast corridor before a red-skinned woman with a curvy body and wearing armor stepped forward.

With a respectful bow, Ceti began, her voice laced with a mixture of respect and worry, "Thank you for listening to my request, Your Majesty. I know His Majesty might not do the same because he gets weak down there whenever a woman like her, you know..." Ceti still hadn't forgotten how Sabina almost killed her mother, even if her mother knowingly let herself get kidnapped by Sabina.

And so she wanted to make sure Sabina would know her place even if she became Asher's consort.

Rowena, her crimson eyes reflecting a momentary softness that belied her firm tone, responded thoughtfully, "Even if you hadn't told me, I would have made sure someone like her would understand the boundaries she has to keep. Ignoring what she tried to do to your mother, I have known her since I was a child. That's why I know that people like her need to be kept on a short leash."

Ceti's expression tightened, her lips pursing as she added, "She is definitely lusting for his body and blood. I have always seen the crazy way she looks at him. If you are uncomfortable, I can keep an eye on her for you, Your Majesty."

Before Rowena could respond, the soft, melodious voice of Isola interrupted, turning both their heads, "No need to put yourself in trouble over something liek that, Ceti. I can keep an eye on her," Isola offered, stepping into the light, her presence calming.

Relief washed over Ceti's features as she smiled, "That's true. I should have thought of you first," Ceti knew that Isola was the best person to handle anyone, no matter how crazy or difficult they were.

Ceti's tone then shifted as she sighed heavily, the weight of her next words filled with a mix of frustration and helplessness, "But... if he keeps this up, will he marry a lady from House Valentine too? Sigh, sometimes I wish he was just an ordinary man," Ceti couldn't help but worry if he would forget about her if he kept getting new women while Rowena and Isola exchanged knowing glances.

It was Rowena who spoke first, her voice low and steady, reassuring yet realistic, "If it's a lady we know from House Valentine, we don't have a reason to worry. They won't cause any trouble. But..." she paused, turning to look directly at Ceti, her voice even softer, "...no matter how many women surround Asher, it won't change how much he loves us. It is also the only way we can make sure he stays as the man we all love," Rowena said as she remembered what the High Seer once told her before Asher returned from the Quest of the Worthy.

She also had the same worries as Ceti including whether he will have less time for her. But she was also determined to try harder to make sure he would. But most of all, she has to make sure he stays happy.

Isola nodded while Ceti had a baffled look, "What do you mean by that, Your Majesty? How could letting him have more women make sure he stays happy?"

Rowena softly sighed as she shook her head, "I didn't mean it like that. What I meant was that he needs as many people as possible to love him."

"But aren't we…more than enough? I still don't get it…" Ceti softly asked with pursed lips.

Rowena's eyes glazed over, "I also don't…but this is what the High Seer told me. He is never wrong. If Asher has something to tell us, he will when it's the right time. All I know is that it has to do with his past."

"Hmph," Ceti let out a low harrumph and felt that something felt suspicious here. Just what could he be hiding that he doesn't want to let her or anyone else know?

Isola winced briefly and wished she could make them understand but knew for now she had to endure the guilt, "It's almost time for the wedding. We should go."

Rowena silently nodded as they walked away while Ceti narrowed her eyes with her hands on her hips before following them.