Demon King: Awakening

Chapter 19

She watched as Kobel took a deep breath, his gaze uncertain. “You did just tell me that you could get me close to the human army, right?” She smirked, confidently at him.

“That I did, however, I am worried for your health,” he said, worry plastered on his face.

She stood up abruptly, “Look,” she spun slowly in front of him, “I am moving with ease,” she tried to reassure him.

Suddenly, he too stood, causing them to be an inch or so apart. Her heart quickened, breathing became hard, as she looked up into his sky-blue eyes. She swallowed hard, trying to calm her heart and nerves, “You don't look fine,” he smirked at her. “Your heart is racing,” he added.

“You can hear that?” she asked nervously.

“Of course,” he grinned as he raised a hand, placing it gently on her cheek. “I can feel your warmth too.”

Unintentionally, she relaxed into his touch, “I don't understand,” she whispered, trying to steady her breathing. The feel of his hand felt so right. It was as though they were destined.

“What don't you understand?” he questioned his voice silky smooth.

“We are so different,” she muttered, feeling ashamed of her own words.

“Are we though?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, never moving his hand from her cheek.

“You're a demon. I'm human and believe in God,” she spoke, trying to keep her voice steady. She wanted nothing more than to push herself up on her toes and... and... she stopped herself from imagining what she really wanted.

His hand fell from her cheek as he drew in a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh, “It's not that I don't believe in him, it's that I don't trust him. As for me being a demon, we've talked about this and I've heard that you've discussed this same topic with a few others. There are many humans that are masked demons. We are just more open about how failings, or sins, as your priest would call them.” His face had fallen, filling with sadness.

She pondered his words for a moment. “God, what do I do?” she whispered a silent prayer to him before turning her attention fully back to Kobel. She reached out her hand, “I'm Areana, a knight of the Kingdom of Zendora. And you are?” she asked, trying to break the sadness filling the room. They had not properly introduced themselves, which seemed ridiculous at this point.

Kobel's mood instantly changed at her attempt to lighten the mood, he reached out her hand, grasping hers and shaking it, “I am the King of Slamenda.” He did his best to hold back his grin and laugh, trying to appear kingly.

“Yes, it is apparent that you are the king, but your name, what is it?” she pushed with a serious expression, but a whisper of a smile laid on her lips.

“Ah yes, my name, not many know it,” he smiled mischievously, “Only those who are most trusted know and call me by name.”

“I see, and I am not yet, trusted by you,” she stated, placing a sad expression across her face, however, it was apparent to Kobel that she was merely joking.

“I suppose an exception can be made for such a noble knight,” he spoke with his kingly voice, “My name is Kobel, king of the demons,” he finished, smiling proudly at her.

“Kobel, that is a nice name. It suits you,” she beamed at him.

“I thought so, too,” he chuckled. Their moods had both been lifted, yet the tension of their desires lay just under the surface.

Areana cleared her throat, “Not to spoil the moment, however, we are short on time. I should really be going. We both know, that at this point, I'm the only one who can stop this war and get close enough to the king without being killed on sight.” she stated, but her heart ached at the words. She worried that she would leave on this mission and never return.

“Are you sure you are ready?” he asked her. She nodded, “Alright, let me check with the doctor, first.” He said he turned to leave, his arm accidentally brushing against her.

Without thinking, she grabbed hold of his wrist, drawing her attention back to her, “Wait a moment, you can check with the doctor in a moment.” She smiled at him.

He sighed, but turned back to her. They were closer now than they had been before, “How are you suddenly so confident about this plan? I'm not even sure it will work. You said that the king would never believe you.” He looked at her skeptically. His eyes searched hers. His hands wanted to raise up from his sides to cup her cheeks, but he fought the notion.

“I only gained confidence because of you. You reminded me that I am not doing this alone. I often think I am alone when I have to do something, but you are right. I have you and God on my side. Anything is possible.” She squared her shoulders to him, releasing his wrist, appearing more confident than she had before.

“You are very confident in yourself.” He chuckled. “I wasn't trying to....” He muttered.

“Even so, you did. You helped me. Thank you.” She smiled brightly. “As I was saying, when can I depart?”

“Nice try.” He chuckled, unable to control himself anymore. Raising his hands, he cupped her cheeks, “You are sneaky, Areana.” He whispered.

Her heart skipped a beat at his touch, “What are you talking about?” She asked him, feigning innocence, trying to remain calm, but struggling.

He shook his head, “You are something else. You are not going anywhere until I hear from the doctor that you are cleared to leave.”

She looked at him with sad eyes, “Is that really necessary? I feel fine.” She tried to reassure him. “There's nothing to worry about.” She smiled, trying to get him to believe her as she placed her hands over his, enjoying the warmth of them.

“That may be so, but when the doctor says it, then I'll believe it.” He smirked at her pouty face.

“Fine, go on and waste his time,” she grumbled.

“Leonard,” he spoke, and she nearly jumped at the realization that not only did Battaleon witness them, but Leonard had arrived at some point. Embarrassment took over as she quickly dropped her hands and took a step back from him. Kobel didn't appear hurt by her sudden actions, instead, he appeared smug, “go and fetch Doctor Rataloan.” He continued his order.

Kobel brought her attention back to him, “What's wrong?” He asked suddenly, worried, “Your face is turning red. Do you have a fever?” He asked as he leaned down, placing his forehead against hers, trying to feel the temperature difference. Her face only reddened more.

She quickly pushed back, “I'm fine, really.” she huffed, “and any normal person would have used their hand,” she spoke as she gazed down at the floor.

“Normal person,” he chuckled, “have you forgotten, I'm no person,” he spoke as he suddenly stood so close to her, that she could feel his breath moving her hair. He was taller than her, but only by a head.

Startled, she looked up at him, his face neared hers. He got closer and closer until their noses were touching. Her breath hitched at the thought of what he was about to do, but then the door suddenly opened and Kobel flew back, landing gracefully in his chair with a satisfied smirk.

Doctor Rataloan walked in followed by both Nurse Chaiun and Leonard. “Leonard tells me you wish to know if she is well enough to leave.” He tried to clarify, making sure that is why he was called.

“Yes, she wants to venture outside our walls, but is she healed enough to be able to move about easily or even to fight if necessary?” Kobel asked as he stood up.

“She is right here, and she says she is fine.” Areana rolled her eyes, exasperated, still standing where Kobel had left her.

“Yes, and she is stubborn.” Kobel quickly retorted. “Just let the doctor do his job,” he spoke as he rolled his eyes at her.

“Fine.” She grumbled in response.

“Yes, well give me a few moments to check her over once more.” Doctor Rataloan cautiously interjected into their conversation. “Please lay down on the bed.” He instructed her.

She obliged him, walking over to the bed and getting up onto it. She laid down and waited for the doctor to do his checkup. He checked her vitals, as he had done earlier. She was fine then and she knew she would be fine now. “Your vitals seem good.” He spoke, more to her than to the king. He went over to her bandages, slowly peeling them back to take a look at her wound. He put pressure around her wound, finding that she didn't react to the pressure. “Does this hurt?” He pressed again, hoping she would be honest.

“A little, but more like pressure than pain.” She tried to explain.

“I see.” He mumbled.

“Does that mean I can go?” She asked quickly.

“I would say that you can go, but I would advise you to do your best to stay out of a fight.” He informed her as he placed the dressing back on her side.

“Doctor, if she were to get into a fight, what would be a possible outcome?” Kobel jumped in, trying hard not to appear as worried as he really was.

“She would be in danger again.” He said without sugar-coating his answer, “your Majesty.” He quickly added out of respect. “Where is it you are planning to send her, if I may ask?” The doctor questioned. “It is imperative for me to know so that I can give you a more precise answer,” he finished explaining his reasoning.

Kobel thought for a moment before answering, “She wants to meet with the king of Zendora to try and talk him out of this war. She shouldn't be in any danger, but it is very possible.” he explained to the doctor. “I want her to be safe,” he spoke in a lower, more intimidating tone.

“I see, if the intent is only for communication, then she should be fine. I do suggest that you send her with a companion. Then it will be less likely for her to be put in danger.” He suggested. “However, this is only an idea, your Majesty,” he added, trying to appear helpful and not overstepping.

“Thank you, doctor. That will be all.” Kobel paused, waiting for the doctor to take the hint and leave, but when he didn't, Kobel spoke again, “You may take your leave.”

“Oh yes, of course, your Majesty!” He responded quickly, before bowing and taking his leave with Nurse Chaiun on his heels.

“See, I'm fine. Just have a demon drop me off and I'll do what needs to be done.” She said nonchalantly, as she got up from the bed to face him. “When can I depart now?”

He cleared his throat, “You can leave within a few hours. The sun will be setting and it will be easier to send you without having you and the other demons being spotted.”

“Other demons?” She quickly questioned, eyeing him.

He sighed, “Do not fight me on this.” He grumbled, “You need to have at least two demons with you. I want to make sure your wound is not reopened because you had to fight and you were alone. You could die.” He stated, plainly.

“I could, but I won't.” She smiled, sweetly.

“Take it or not. That's up to you. If you do not, then I will not allow you to leave.” He stated, narrowing his gaze, daring her to fight him on it. “If you agree, I will be sending Battaleon to assist you. Then Leonard will be the one to fly you into the Black Forest.” he explained the plan to her, “please await Battaleon's arrival before you try to prepare for your trip on your own.” He requested.

“You have already done so much, you need not do more.” She smiled gratefully, trying to get out of having two babysitters.

“I may not need to, but it will aid you in your endeavour to stay safe while you are on your quest to change the king's mind.” He implored her to take his help and stop refusing him.

She sighed, “Truly I will be fine.”

“Then simply indulge my selfishness, I am the king of demons. I can be selfish.” his gaze pleading with her.

She looked into his eyes, there was something there that she had seen glimpses of, something important. She sighed, she couldn't turn him down, “As you wish.” She relented.

“Good, I will see you once more before you depart.” He stood and went to the door, seeming to want to look back as he paused before stepping out of the room, but he did not, he continued walking.

“Kobel,” He looked back at her, only because she had called him, “You can run from God, but he won't and has never run from you.” She smiled at him, encouraging him to come back. She needed him to come back. She needed him. She felt it in her bones now.

“That is your opinion.” He scowled slightly, before hardening his stern expression. “I will see you in a few hours.” With that, he left the room, followed by Battaleon. She was left with Leonard standing next to the door, as usual.

She slid off of the bed and into the chair, sitting back comfortably, her mind filling with thoughts. She was concerned now not only with the fate of the human army, but her aspirations grew to ponder over the idea of saving the demons. She didn't simply want to keep them alive, but to have them cross back over the border and change back.