Demon King: Awakening

Chapter 2

As they walked back to the castle, because the carriage had been destroyed during the battle, they came across the Meta tavern. “I believe we all could use some food,” The prince declared.

“My prince, I don't think stopping is a good idea. This is where I head about the plans...”

“Silence!” He cut her off, quickly, “I desire to rest and eat. I will not be told what to do, especially not by a knight that does not know her place.” He growled, angrily.

“Yes, my prince, as you wish.” She said in her most obedient voice she could muster.

“Much better.” He said in his most princely voice, feeling victorious over his apparently disobedient knight.

Four guards entered the tavern first, followed by the prince and the last two. Areana was the last to follow. She feared that the wolf demon man was still seated in the tavern. To her relief, when she entered the raised platform, where he had been seated, was empty. She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in. Four of the soldiers took a seat with the prince at his table, two sat at a nearby table with Areana. They all ordered food and drinks, while she ordered something light with water. Somehow, they all felt safe, while she knew better.

Soon their food and drinks were served. Everyone was well into their meals, enjoying every bit, talking and laughing while she quickly took down her soup, keeping an eye on the platform. Suddenly, the curtain against the back wall moved and demons started walking through it. They began to sit around the tables on the platform. She tried to get up discreetly and slipped over to the prince.

“My prince,” She bent down to whisper into the prince's ear, “the demon that has entered up there on the platform, is the one which made the command to kidnap you. I believe it would be in yours and our best interest to leave before they notice you. There are too many demons for us to fend off.” He nodded, understanding her concerns.

“Men, it's time to leave.” He commanded quietly as to not draw attention. They nodded, understanding the immense danger they were all in. Slowly, they slipped out of their seats, paid the waitress, and left the tavern. They had just made it down the steps of the tavern when the sound of a roar came from behind them.

They hurried down the remaining few steps before turning around, “Stop right where you are!” The voice said with another roar. “Our king wishes to have an audience with your prince.”

He made an advance toward Areana and the other knights. They all took a step back in fear, all except for Areana. “Stop!” She shouted, drawing her sword.

“And you think that you can stop me?” He smirked, while he continued to make his advance, unfazed by the drawing of her sword. He was a large black puma that stood to an average person's shoulder height. He could intimidate any other man, but Areana grew up learning to fight from her father and not to fear things simply because they appeared different.

“Yes, I will stop you.” She flipped her blade so that the dull part would make an impact. She lunged and swung, striking the puma on the leg. She hit him with such force that the bone cracked. The puma crumpled in pain. Two boarmen jumped over the puma and attacked Areana right away. She spun, dodging their attacks, cracking her sword down on one of their arms. She dropped down, spinning with her leg outstretched, knocking the same boarman to the ground. Springing back up, she struck the one still along the ribs. He toppled trying to catch his breath.

“Please, stay down.” She implored as she took in a few deep breaths. “I don't want to do any permanent damage.”

Her attention was suddenly redirected when she heard someone slowly clapping. Looking up she saw the same tall muscular man with wolf ears, claws, and a tail. His white hair draped over his shoulders and down his back to his waist. He appeared younger than his white hair made him out to be. “Consider me impressed.” He smiled as he came down the steps. She watched as he raised his sword in the direction of his own demon.

She quickly raised her sword and deflected his assault on his own men. “You don't have to dispatch them simply because they didn't succeed.”

“Is that so?” He asked, lowering his sword, curiosity lacing his voice.

“Yes, especially if you did, then eventually you would have no knights remaining.” She smirked, there was something about him that drew her to him.

“You appear to be correct.” He chuckled, “Can I assume it was your handy work in the forest?” He smiled, appearing impressed.

“Yes,” She answered shortly.

“Areana!” the prince growled, drawing her attention back to him. “Stop speaking to that monster. It is time we leave.” She could hear the fear in his voice.

“Yes, my prince.” She redirected her gaze back to the demon. “We don't want any trouble and I know that you want to take him.” She motioned to the prince. “to your king, but it would be much appreciated if you could just let us go on our way.” She asked hoping he had the kindness he appeared to show in his gaze.

“Since you have spared my men and have stopped me from dispatching them. I will grant you this request. Go on your way, I will call my men off.” He grinned down at her, his bright blue eyes shining as he looked her over, discreetly.

“Thank you.” She breathed. “Thank you so much.” she gave him a slight respectful bow.

“You are more than welcomed and I would also be honored if you, your prince, and fellow knights took my carriage. As I believe it was my men who destroyed yours in the first place.” He motioned to his carriage, which appeared larger than the one the prince had originally been in.

“That is more than generous, you don't...”

“Thank you, we would be grateful to take you up on your offer.” The prince swiftly cut in.

The wolf demon called for his carriage and saw them off. Two knights stepped onto the front of the carriage, one taking hold of the reins. Four went to the back of the carriage and stepped on. Areana opened the carriage door for the prince to enter. She bowed, waiting for him to step in. “Please, step inside with me. I require the best of my knights to personally protect me.” She waited until he stepped in and was seated before she followed in after him. She glanced back for a moment at the wolf demon. He was watching her intently as the knight with the reins snapped them and the horses took off toward Zendora.

“Areana.” the prince addressed her, drawing her attention back to him inside of the carriage.

“Yes, my prince?” She inquired.

“Don't ever defy me again.” He spoke, narrowing his gaze, “am I understood?”

“Yes, my prince.” She responded simply.

“Those are demons and demons have been attacking the villages on the outskirts of our kingdom. The fewer the demons out in the world, the better.” He paused for a moment. “Do you understand?”

She looked at him perplexed, “Yes, but if they really are that bad, why did they allow us to go? There were enough of them that they could have overpowered us.”

“Are you questioning me, again?” He asked, narrowing his eyes.

“No, but the demon attacks you are talking about are taking place in a location that is rare for demons to be in, let alone attack. If I didn't know any better I'd say you are attempting to start a war. If you did that, we would be at a bigger disadvantage, since demons are much more than humans.”

“You speak out of turn!” He said, gritting his teeth.

She sighed inwardly, “My Prince, I can't allow for you to start a war in these peaceful times. Your father, the king, would never wish to have war.”

“He won't disagree with me when he hears that they attempted to kidnap the crown prince and how they have been attacking the villages along the kingdom's border.” He said with great satisfaction. It was clear he wanted war and he was going to make it happen by any means necessary.

She felt exasperated by the prince, he wanted a war and all she wanted was to make sure that there was no war. She took in a deep breath trying to focus and speak calmly to the prince. She knew she was already crossing the line by questioning his motives and declaring to inform the king, but the last thing most of the kingdom wanted or needed was a war between humans and demons. “My prince, I believe it would be best to think about your people. A war would cause so many deaths. It would only bring about pain and sorrow.”

“I do believe you are correct on that account.” She felt hope rise in her chest. She prayed he would let go of the foolish idea of war and realize it would cause nothing but harm to the kingdom. “But the people need a strong decisive leader, I believe that having a war is the way to prove my strength as a leader.” He smiled triumphantly, feeling as though his words would sway her.

“Your wrong.” She declared. “The people want peace and security, not war. War would do the opposite, please reconsider.” She begged him. He sat for a moment in silence appearing to be considering her words. He suddenly leaned forward and slide open the small window that allowed for passengers to speak more easily with the driver. “Stop the carriage.” He commanded. The carriage slowed to a stop and the prince stepped out. “Areana please step out of the carriage and take a walk with me.” He gave her his best deceptive smile.

She gave in to his request and stepped out of the carriage. Taking a few steps with him before he spoke again. “I understand how you feel and I know you understand that I need to surround myself with like-minded soldiers and advisors, but you do not seem to hold the same opinion and have shown that you are not going to change your mind.” He sighed. “With that being said I would like to officially release you from your duty to the crown.”

“Are you letting me go simply for my opinion?” She inquired. He nodded as he slid a dagger stealthily into her side.

For a moment she felt nothing, no pain, only the cold blade, “It's better this way.” The prince leaned in and whispered into her ear. Then there was a surge of pain. Her knees weakened and she dropped to the ground with a thud.

“Men move her to the side of the road where she will be less visible to those passing by.” He instructed. With the dagger still wedged into her side, the knights moved her. Most showed remorse and whispered their apologies, but they couldn't risk defying the prince. They had wives, children, and parents to look after. She smiled trying to ease their own guilt. This was not their choice. They knew if they disobeyed him, they would only follow her to an early grave.

She was carefully placed to the side of the road and the carriage was again on the move. She grimaced from the pain as she reached her hand toward her wound. She pulled it back for a moment to see it drenched in blood. She couldn't let it end like this. She really couldn't let the prince get away with starting a war. Slowly she rolled herself over onto her stomach and started to drag herself toward the road, hoping to get close enough to Meta Tavern that someone would find her.