Demon King: Awakening

Chapter 11

“Has all been prepared for the trails today?” Kobel questioned Battaleon, who stood at the far side of his office, looking at the books that lined the shelves.

He didn't respond right away, he continued to peer at the books, searching for something. It wasn't until Kobel cleared his throat impatiently waiting for Battaleon to respond, “Sorry, your majesty. What is it that you asked.” He questioned with a sly smile on his face as he turned to Kobel.

Kobel groaned, “Why is it, that I keep you around for?” He huffed, rolling his eyes.

“You keep me around because I am smart and loyal.” He chuckled, as he turned back to the bookshelf, he pulled a book from the shelf and opened it.

“Are we ready for the trials today?” Kobel questioned, becoming very annoyed by his friend's disregard toward their conversation.

“Yes, of course. I saw to it all myself. We have everything prepared in the square per your request. We are simply waiting for your arrival and then it can begin. What else would you like to have prepared?” He asked as he continued to flip through the book. As he did, he took a seat on the chair next to the window.

“Make sure to have the advisors assembled along with the civilians. All must attend, but Dr. Rataloan and one nurse. They must remain near Areana, along with Leonard. Make sure she is looked after.” He said in a deep threatening tone, but when Battaleon didn't respond right away, Kobel began to lose his patience, “Do you hear me?!” He nearly roared.

“Yes, of course. It will be done.” He nodded nonchalantly, appearing to be carefully reading something within the book.

Kobel glared at him, completely done with his distracted friend. “What are you reading??” He roared, slamming his fists onto his desk, leaving slight dents on the desk.

Finally, Battaleon set the book down on the table in front of the chair before speaking, “I was thinking about you and Areana. You two have a peculiar attraction to one another. I remembered reading something in one of the books here on your shelf. I am simply looking for the book, I had read.” He explained, seeming pleased with his explanation.

“What are you talking about?” He growled, standing up from behind his desk.

Battaleon gave him a knowing smile, “I have never seen you save a human or even speak to one. Not only did you speak to her, but you complimented her. You saved her and have threatened anyone with the penalty of death if they so much as breath near her wrong.” He started to explain. “We are demons and this kind of care toward someone such as a human is unheard of. We barely even care for our own.” He continued, but Kobel was still showing aggression and readiness to lung at him, apparently not pleased with his ideas. “You have even started to push away any of the demonesses that normally you would welcome their company.” He finished with a smirk on his face.

“That is enough!” Kobel roared, crushing his desk beneath his rage. “I will hear no more of this!” He glared at Battaleon, daring him to continue.

“My apologies, your majesty. I have spoken out of turn.” Battaleon said, standing and sliding the book that he had pulled from the shelf, back into the case. “I will make sure to have everything prepared for the trails shortly.” He said with a bow and then took his leave.

Kobel slumped in his chair for a moment, Battaleon's words echoing in his mind. He placed his face in his hands, exhausted already. Finally, he pulled himself up from his chair and went back to his chambers. He had a few moments before everyone would be called to order. He pulled a different outfit, one that exuded royalty and power. What was about to happen called for his attire to not only be strong on the inside but also showed the demons visually that he was indeed their king. He pulled on his red overcoat, and black pants, making sure his claws were in view, his fangs were sharp and his eyes had shifted to blood red.

He stepped out of his chamber and headed straight for the grand balcony that overlooked the square where the people waited. He paused for a moment, watching as the demons raced around. Those who were rebelling were squirming on the wooden stage that had been erected in the square. Once it appeared that all were in attendance, with the advisors standing near the front, Kobel stepped out onto the grand balcony. He drew in a breath, preparing to address the demons, “Demons, your attention please!” He bellowed. “I stand before you, feeling amiss for what I am about to speak. Many of you are now probably aware that your brotheren, who stand before you on the wooden stage, have committed a crime of the highest. I would have their acts of treason read out to you by another, but their actions are so vile that I have taken it upon myself to read it out. These demons have committed acts of rebellion against my orders, believing that they know what is best for all the kingdom, better than the king, ” he was nearly roaring at this point.

He waited a moment, allowing for his words to sink in and hear the demons' reactions. He watched as their faces grew enraged, but he could also see the few that stood allied with those who were against him. Their expressions faltered. “If you stand with them, please do step onto the stage.” He dared, “If you stand with me, remain where you are.” He watched and waited, however not a demon moved. “Those who stand on the stage are condemned. They will never again see the light of day. To the dungeons with them until their fates are decided on.” He ordered the knights standing near the stage to remove the demons and escort them to the dungeons. Within seconds, the demons were being ushered off the stage and into the dungeons, some cheered while others gasped in horror.

“As for those who remain, whether you agree or disagree with my decision on how we should proceed with the war plans, I suggest that you either get in line or keep your mouths shut. We are protecting our demons who are too young or old to fight. We have an army, but those who wish to fight too, go to an advisor in the square who will place you into a squadron.” He paused, giving the demons time to make their decisions. “Decide quickly. Then you will be guided to combat training which will begin today. War will be at our doorsteps in a matter of weeks.” He bellowed, drawing their attention along with battle cries from all. “Let us be prepared to be the victors!” He cried out, before leaving the grand balcony. Cheers and applause coming from the demons below. He smiled, knowing that the advisors would not be pleased that he had given a narrative to what he wanted, instead of allowing them to deliver his message to the demons and change the demons' opinions based on how they spread his message.

He had started walking back to his chambers seeking silence and calm for a few moments, but he found himself standing just outside of Areana's room. He stopped, shocked how he had ended up here without realizing it. Shrugging his shoulders, he decided to knock and check on her condition. He reached forward, stopping for a moment, hearing Battaleon's words echoing in his mind. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts from his mind before placing his hand on her doorknob.

Just as he was about to turn the knob, the door opened and Nurse Chaiun peered up at him, shocked, “Oh! Your Majesty.” She nearly fell back. “Your Majesty, how can I help you?” She asked, bowing slightly in greeting.

“How is Areana? She was unwell last evening.” He questioned as he stepped forward, having her sidestep to the side, opening the door wider for him to enter.

“She is healing slowly, as humans tend to do.” She replied, looking to the ground, fearful to make eye contact with him.

He stopped halfway through the door, “I see. I'll come again tomorrow. Please make sure that she rests peacefully.” He said as he turned and left the room, hoping that she would feel better the following day.

Smiling to himself, just being near her had given him some peace. He saw her momentarily and she appeared to be sleeping well. There was even a smile laid across her lips. He continued down the hall, heading to his office. He had a stack of papers to go through and other work he had been putting off. Along with needing to have a new desk brought in. He sighed as he walked, he would really rather not work. There was too much going on for him to focus on anything other than the impending war.

* * *

Kobel woke with a start, the sun shone through his windows, streaming over his bed. He groaned, exhausted from work. He slipped out from under the blankets, sitting on the edge of the bed, stretching before standing up. He quickly dressed and headed down the hall toward Areana's room. He knocked on the door this time and waited for the nurse or Leonard to come to the door.

Within a few moments, the door was pushed open by Leonard, “Your Majesty, how can we help you?”

“I would like to check on Areana.” He said shortly, trying to appear as though he didn't care too much for her.

“Of course, your Majesty.” Leonard bowed and pulled the door back, making room for Kobel to enter. “She is resting at the moment, your Majesty.” He informed Kobel.

Kobel nodded to show that he had heard him as he continued into the room. “Your Majesty,” Nurse Chaiun rose from her chair, next to Areana's bed. “She is still resting from the sedative she was given last evening.” She explained.

“Thank you, I will call when I am ready to leave,” he informed.

Giving Kobel another bow, she then turned and quickly left the room. Kobel looked back at Leonard, who took the hint and also exited. Once the door had closed, he pulled the chair nearer to her bed and took a seat. He looked over at her, trying to see if her expression showed pain. However, she appeared peaceful just as the nurse had told him. He smiled, feeling some of the stress of the previous day slip away. He leaned back in the chair, relaxing as his mind went back through the day. He wished that the demons would understand that he would understand the reason behind his actions. He let out an exhausted sigh, raising his hand to massage the bridge of his nose. They wanted a war that could cost many to die.

A few moments later, he was relaxed once more. He smiled as he looked back down at Areana. Slowly he reached forward to grasp her hand. The warmth of her hand eased the pain in his heart as he watched over her. He felt the calluses on her hands from wielding a sword. Her hand was small but strong. He smiled at the thought of her training with other soldiers, but she had to be the best.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, “Your Majesty, sorry to intrude, but the advisors are requesting a meeting.” Battaleon said as he peeked his head in the room. A smile spread across his face when he noticed Kobel's hand grasping Areana's.

As soon as Kobel noticed where Battaleon's gaze was going, he removed his hand from hers and stood abruptly. He sighed, exhausted with dealing with the advisors, “Call for the nurse and Leonard to come back to the room.” He responded.

“Yes, your Majesty, right away.” He responded, happily leaving the king with Areana.

He looked back at Areana once more before the nurse and Leonard came back to the room. They bowed in greeting, “Please send for me once she is awake and willing to have visitors.” Kobel said in passing as he exited the door.

“Of course, your Majesty.” Nurse Chaiun bowed once more to Kobel's back and quickly went back to the chair.

Kobel left, looking back as the door closed, only to see Nurse Chaiun pull the chair away from Areana's bed. He knew demons had a great dislike for humans, but he had hoped that they would be kinder to her for his sake. Slowly he raised his hand to his chest, a sharp pain surged through, nearly knocking him over. He leaned against the wall for balance.

“Your majesty, is everything alright?” A knight, standing guard along the wall, questioned.

Kobel straightened up before answering, “Yes, I'm well.” He spoke quickly, before continuing down the hall toward the war room.

Just as he was approaching the door, a servant suddenly appeared. “Your Majesty,” he bowed, passing him a note. “You are in danger.” He whispered as he continued past him. He recognized the servant as a demon under Battaleon's command. He opened the letter once the guard, that had asked him if he was well, had turned the corner.

The note read: The meeting is a trap, the advisors intend to be your undoing. They do not agree with your leadership. Be weary.

He folded the paper and tucked it away into his robe. “Your Majesty, are you ready?” The knight questioned as he came back around the corner from where the war room was located.

Kobel wanted nothing more than to continue into the war room and rip them all to shreds but thought better of it. “No, change of plans. Have the advisors and all my subjects gather in the square. Anyone who chooses not to attend will be thrown into the dungeons to await their punishment. Is that understood?” He asked, waiting for the knight to try and question his instructions, daring him to in fact.

Shocked, the knight responded quickly, trying not to offend the king, “Certainly your Majesty. Right away, your Majesty.”

“You have one hour to complete this task.” He said, narrowing his gaze, feeling that this knight himself was part of the plot against him.

“But your Majesty...” The knight started.

“One hour, not a second longer.” He nearly growled.

Quickly the knight bowed without another word and raced off toward the war room to announce the change of plans. Kobel turned and walked to his chambers to change and plan out his next step. If they wanted a fight, then a fight was what they were going to get. He smirked, it had been some time since he had fought.