Her Dark King

Encounters Across Time

****Flashback****

Twenty three years into the past, he remembered the warm summer breeze that wafted past him as he made his way into Waelmore Castle's garden. Evanora's invitation had seemed urgent and despite his vow to distance himself from the Grevia Kingdom and its monarchs, he couldn't help but answer her call once more.

The smell of cherry blossoms filled his senses instantly, making him smile. The flower had grown to be Evanora's favorite of which she had ensured to plant all around the garden.

Red and white rose flower petals levitated above the Queen of Mages when he saw her. Her laughter as well as that of Amaltheia Aspen, Queen of the Faerie Kingdom who was performing the magical feat through her Nature spirit magic, floated over to him, bringing a small smile to his lips. The Queen of Faeries was glowing, her second pregnancy clearly agreeing with her.

The two were best friends, and had been since childhood. Her presence assured Aaric of yet another old friend's presence.

"Look who's here! It's good to see you, My friend!"

Atalante greeted excitedly from behind him, his words carrying over to the two women who were quick to also make their way over to greet the Demon Lord. Aaric shook the Mage King's hand firmly, offering both him and his companion, Florian Aspen, the King of the Faerie Kingdom, smiles in return.

"Aaric! You came! I'm so happy you accepted my invitation!"

Evanora hugged him tight, her words bringing him a kind of warmth and comfort.

The feeling was, however, replaced by the electricity that coursed through his veins, his dark power reacting violently to her embrace. Awareness flooded every pore of his being, a feeling unlike anything he had ever experienced in his long life.

The secret of his urgent summoning was made clear to him in an instant.

"By the spirits...I told you he would figure it out as soon as he came into contact with you. You have always been too perceptive for your own good, Aaric."

Amaltheia commented, her strong empath abilities sensing the Demon Lord's surprise as well as the fluctuation of power within him that left her inwardly stumped as to why he would possibly react that way. She knew him well enough to know that that was no normal reaction.

Florian and Atalante chuckled at her words, watching as Evanora nodded at Aaric's questioning gaze.

"Congratulations, Eva. The heartbeat is strong. It will become a powerful Royal Mage indeed."

Aaric breathed, hugging his friend once more before turning to congratulate his old friend whose excitement warmed his heart. He had been witness to the sadness that weighed heavily on their hearts at the negative outcome of their efforts to conceive.

Which was why he had chosen to intervene personally, a prayer he had doubted would be answered with his past with the deities in Celestial Olympus.

The goddess had, however, not only answered his prayer but also doubled the blessing with the gender of the child being female, a true heir to the throne of Grevia. The Great Kingdom was a Matrilineal society since its foundation centuries before.

And that Princess shall be a force to be reckoned with, no doubt. A true Gremory heiress.

The Demon Lord had chosen to omit his discovery, choosing instead to let the couple enjoy the surprise whence the Princess was born. None of his companions knew that he possessed this particular ability, a secret he chose to keep in his tumultuous past.

The afternoon was spent in celebration with Evanora and Amaltheia basking in their shared journey.

Aaric could instantly tell that Elysium would be blessed with yet another Prince. Another heir to the throne of the Faerie Kingdom.

Their friend group was not complete without the Steros Nobles who were quick to join them and also announce their own exciting baby news that left Aaric bemused to say the least.

Yes, he was happy for all his friends who had made his existence a little more exciting but he couldn't help but feel scorned by the gods and goddesses on Celestial Olympus.

I spoke too soon…It seems their grudge is still very much present…

It was not that he wanted a child. The King of Avernus had given up on that particular dream centuries before. He just hadn’t expected all of his closest friends to be moving forward so quickly into new phases of their lives.

The Demon Lord had kept his feelings hidden, though, choosing instead to enjoy the last celebration he would have with his companions. His decision did not come easy for he enjoyed their companionship but he knew that his life would never align to theirs. Everything had changed.

As he walked out of Waelmore castle later that night, he couldn't help the sadness that engulfed him to know that he would never feel the pure essence of magic on his skin once more or smell the enchanting cherry blossoms ever again...

He would never get to feel the electric connection that had coursed through him when he’d interacted with Evanora’s unborn child.

Although the reaction of his body had appalled him, exhilaration had also coursed through his veins.

He wanted to stay, to understand and probably get to know the young princess more. He would not return to Waelmore Castle for a very long time.

And he never did...

****Now****

Not until the present moment as he gazed upon the young woman who was the spitting image of her mother and father.

Her curly, raven black, waist length hair was in an elegant low bun, a few strands framing her face which brought out the rose gold crown atop her head all the more. The black rubies were cushioned with matching black diamonds and white pearls that matched her chosen jewelry from the pearl beaded choker necklace around her long, elegant neck to the black diamond stud earrings.

Aaric's otherworldly eyes trailed down from her pearl necklace to the exposed caramel skin of her breasts that were cushioned and uplifted by the fitted black bodice of the upper part of her ball gown. The off the shoulder straps seemed to tempt the eye, offering a tease of her naked skin that had many mesmerized.

The fitted corset framed her slim waist before stretching out into beaded lace appliques with black cherry blossom flowers embroidered into the lace of the dress which made it all the more unique.

The backless design exposed a beautiful tattoo, the sight of it leaving Aaric confused and slightly breathless as he gazed upon the familiar sight.

Midnight Blue glittering butterflies seemed to fly up her shoulder, their glorious forms surrounded by stars that equally seemed to twinkle beautifully and reminded him of a memory he thought he'd erased of a clear beautiful sky and a scream of anguish that was lost to the darkness...

He could not believe that the grown woman standing before them all was the little blip that she had been all those years ago.

Her amethyst eyes that beheld flecks of stormy gray and hazel met his own across the room, resulting in an overwhelming burst of unnamed emotions.

He had never felt so much in such a short period of time.

He could tell the extraordinary effect had affected her as well, her sudden intake of breath stunning her parents who stared at her in alarm before signaling the orchestra to fill the massive ballroom with music once more.

"Are you okay, sweetie?"

Evanora questioned, stunned by Allegra's sudden gasp.

The glow of her eyes disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, a reaction that would have been easy to miss if the two monarchs hadn't been watching her closely.

"I'm fine, Mama. Just a little social anxiety, that's all."

Allegra explained away, her nonchalance calming her parents somewhat. At least that's what they outwardly portrayed. The two shared a knowing look, each of them having sensed the incredible dark energy emanating from one of the tall, stoic Kings in the crowd.

Allegra mulled over the insane pulse that had traveled through her body. Her eyes searched for the stranger once more, curiosity burning within her and with good reason.

He had elicited within her a feeling unlike anything she had ever felt before. There was Power and Nostalgia. Longing.

In that small moment, her magic had burst within her with such strong intensity, she was sure it would have flattened the entire castle were it to be released.

The control she had cultivated for years had slipped, leaving her bare and exposed before his Orange eyes that had burnt themselves within her subconscious. She felt breathless, her heart beating violently within her despite being safe beside her parents.

Although the castle was safe, she couldn't help but feel like she'd indeed destroyed everything around her.

Karin said I should feel butterflies when I meet the man of my dreams but this doesn't seem to be it at all...

***