Demon King: Awakening

Chapter 6

Kobel waited until she had fully slithered out of the room and closed it behind her. Then he turned to check on Areana. “My apologies for her behavior. She is a good warrior, but she thinks too much on her own at times.” He sighed. He bent over to check her neck. She would have bruising.

“No need for apologies. You have done nothing wrong.” She smiled weakly up at him.

He sighed, rubbing his temples, “I do owe you one, she is under my command after all.” Seeing the bruise that had already begun to form caused pain in his chest.

She slowly reached out her hand toward his when he met her hand halfway, taking hers in his own. He bent down until he was sitting in the chair next to her. “Please, all is forgiven. She was just being protective of her kingdom, that's all.” she reasoned for him.

“I'm glad you understand.” She watched as his muscles relaxed, stress slipping from his body.

“Is everything okay?” She asked, concerned about all the tension surrounding him. “Your stress seems to be more than just about what happened with that snake demoness.” She spoke, worry creasing her own brow.

“No, no, it was just that. All is well,” He gave her a fake smile, trying to give her a false sense of security.

She let out a painful breath, “Please don't”

“Don't, what?” He asked, looking confused.

“Don't lie.” She breathed, it was becoming harder and harder with each breath she took.

“Fine, you are quite intuitive.” He gave her a weak smile, still appearing defeated. “The humans, I mean your people, are banning together and building an army. The course of action that I am being advised to take is to prepare for war. Possibly even be the one to initiate it.”

She caught her breath for a moment before speaking, “But what do you think?”

“I believe it is best for us to draw the demons into the safety of our walls. I want to protect as many lives as I can.” He sighed.

“Then do it.” She encouraged him.

“We have already begun those preparations, but we are also assembling our own army, not only to protect but also to attack. I do wish war wasn't the only option.” He groaned.

“Then don't.” She said shortly.

“Don't?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, don't go to war.” She tried to give him her best smile but started coughing instead. He quickly grabbed her a glass of water and helped her to slowly drink it. “I'm okay.” She said after she had some water, his arm was warm against her back.

“Maybe we should stop for the evening. You need to rest,” he whispered, slowly lowering her back down.

“Don't go.” She said squeezing his hand. He looked down, shocked that he had been holding onto her hand this whole time.

“Okay, I won't go.” I relinquished without much thought.

She loosened her grip and relaxed again, “don't go to war.” She repeated, wanting to get back to what had been bothering him.

“I wish it were that simple, but the demons look to me as their leader. If I do not protect them and also prepare for a battle, I will lose the throne,” he stressed.

She looked at him, perplexed for a moment, “Why do you want to be king?” She suddenly asked.

He didn't answer right away, he thought for a moment instead before responding to her, “I was raised for this, however, it's not only that, but I also want to take care of the demons. To be their true leader.”

“Then lead.” She simply responded, as though being king were the easiest thing in the world.

He chuckled lightly, “You seem to think life is simple.” He smiled at her determination and her view on life. “If only things were that simple.” He sighed.

“You are king, you are the demon king no less. They not only have to listen to you, but if they don't they could lose their lives.” She said, fiercely.

“So you condone killing, now?” He raised a questioning eyebrow.

“No, of course not, I am simply trying to give you encouragement. I suggest if the advisors don't like what you are planning, then let them go or put them in the dungeons.” She smiled faintly.

“I see your point,” he responded thoughtfully as he took her words into consideration.

“You will never make everyone happy or have everyone agree with your decision on every matter that comes forward. Don't fret over it and just do what you think is best.” She gently squeezed his hand trying to comfort him and give him some of her courage.

“I'll follow your advice, but if anything should go wrong, I'm holding you personally responsible.” He chuckled, smiling and squeezing her hand back. Then he stood to leave, but before he could she opened her mouth to speak.

“Check on Leonard, please.” He looked curiously at her and she motioned toward the door.

“Leonard?” He questioned.

She watched as he looked over to the door, seeing that Leonard was still slumped against the wall. “What happened?” He asked.

“Melonica,” She said flatly.

“How long has he been in here with you?” He questioned.

“I don't think he has left since you assigned him to bring me here to the castle.” She replied, smiling faintly at the loyalty Leonard showed for the demon king.

He sighed and walked over to him, “I didn't mean for him to remain near you until you completely healed.” He bent down, checking his pulse. “I will go and call for Doctor Rataloan to come and take a look at him. He should be fine though.” He smiled trying to reassure her.

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“I'll be back to check on you later.” He said as he headed out the door, his white tail swishing behind him.

“Promise?” she questioned with a smile.

He stopped to look back at her, his tail rhythmically wooshing back and forth. He appeared happy. “Promise,” he confirmed. He bowed slightly, showing a knight more respect than any king would normally show.

Then he turned to leave. As the doors shut behind him, she smiled to herself, pleased to know that she was right and not all demons were in fact as demonic as the human world would have everyone believe. A few moments later, the door squeaked open and the cat-like nurse walked through. “The king has instructed us to allow only himself and Leonard to be in the room with you aside from the medical staff. So, please do not worry about any more unexpected visitors.” She said nervously, she scurried over to the chair next to her bed and took a seat without another word.