Chapter 5
976 Words
The Human Realm and the Demon Realm were totally different.
Forests and mountains dominated the Demon World, while towering buildings and bustling markets filled the Human World.
Why wouldn't demons want to become human? Over the years, demons cultivated tirelessly for that very purpose; to live among humans and even marry them.
Bailey didn't know she was fulfilling most demons' deepest desires by taking their power when they became fully human. The price she paid for absorbing a demon's power through intimacy was one where death felt like a pleasure. Fortunately, her possession of a demon core made the burden easier to bear.
Cheers erupted from the crowd as flowers rained onto the road.
"Long live My Eminence!" voices echoed through the streets.
Bailey waved lightly, a sweet smile displayed on her face as they rode slowly toward the palace gates.
Jess's attention remained fixed on her. Bailey looked as radiant as ever, but the weariness hidden in her eyes kept Jess on edge.
Bailey's posture wavered.
She nearly slipped from her horse.
Jess noticed instantly and moved to leap toward Bailey's horse, but Sucra was faster. In a blur of motion, he crossed the space between them and caught her before she could fall.
Though Bailey was weak, her posture stiffened.
The cheers of the crowd grew louder. They had long wished for Sucra to be their king -Bailey's husband.
"I will go to my residence," Bailey whispered softly, the ache in her voice impossible to miss.
Sucra hesitated for a brief moment. His hand hovered over her waist, but he stopped himself and instead took her hands firmly, helping her keep her balance.
"Yes, My Eminence," Sucra replied.
He gave Jess a quick nod and guided the horse in another direction while Bailey maintained her smile.
Bailey was trembling in Sucra's grip as he guided her to her room. The door shut behind them with a sharp click.
Looking at her, he saw not the strong woman she had become, but the young Bailey who had once lain vulnerable in his arms years ago.
He gently leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a soft, urgent kiss.
She nipped at him and pushed him back with a weak effort.
"Stop," she gasped, her heart racing.
"Allow me, My Eminence. My power can soothe your suffering," Sucra pleaded, his hands clutching the fabric of his robe.
"Not you, Sucra. Fetch the wolf instead."
"You can't possibly absorb all of my power, Bailey. Please, conserve your energy," he urged.
His hands trailed down her armor, unfastening it, while his lips left marks along her neck.
"You'll be sorry, Sucra!" she cried out.
"I wasn't the last time, Bailey. Don't resist. Just let go," he countered.
A small crystalline stone emerged from Sucra's chest.
He held it carefully in his hand as his other hand grasped her throat. Pressing his body against hers, he caused Bailey to cry out his name in distress.
"Sucra!" she exclaimed as the crystal slowly entered her mouth.
Spider had made his net visible in every corner.
Jess walked elegantly, with soldiers marching behind her.
"Put them in," she ordered.
The soldiers tossed the demons into the cage.
"I wouldn't possibly be kept here."
Jorman's voice, which carried authority, echoed through the silent cage.
"Where else? In the Queen's room?" one of the soldiers replied, triggering laughter that echoed through the cage.
Golden sparks gathered in Jorman's eyes but quickly vanished when Bailey appeared.
"Release them," she said, her gaze fixed strictly on Jade.
"Do it," Jess commanded the soldier holding the key.
Bailey's gaze moved from Jade to Lucas, and finally to Jorman.
"They have special roles. The Demon goes to Sprinkle," she said, her gaze steady on Jorman, who unmistakably had a grin on his face.
"Take the cat and the wolf to my residence."
"Yes, My Eminence," Jess replied.
Bailey turned her back to leave.
"You don't recognize your queen when you see her?"
Jorman asked in a mocking tone.
Lucas immediately nudged him and placed a silent finger over his lips.
"We'd better stick together, Jorman."
But Jess heard him.
"And what does that mean?" she asked.
Jorman looked away, still maintaining his grin.
Then it became clear to Jess. The once unsteady queen had suddenly walked in among them as though she had never been weak at all.
She looked at Jorman for a while, then walked away, followed closely by the soldiers.
Bailey… oh, Bailey, Jorman said inwardly.
Meanwhile, Lucas looked at Jade and gave a calm nod, while the demons followed the soldiers in their chains.
"Who did my Eminence send to me?" Sprinkle asked as she blocked their way, her eyes hovering over Lucas.
"Him," Jess said, gesturing toward Jorman, who stood in a dominant posture despite the chains that bound him.
"I will meet her directly."
Sprinkle winked at Lucas, who looked at her calmly as she quickly ran toward the palace, holding up her gown.
"My Eminence," she said cheerfully, as she seemed to be the one leading the troupe into the palace.
Bailey sat on her throne elegantly. The crown looked marvelous on her, and a smile suddenly appeared on her face as she shifted her gaze from Sucra, who was present in the room, to the new guests.
"Do you like him?" Bailey asked, noticing the happiness in Sprinkle's eyes.
"Yes, but not the one with the snake. I want him instead," Sprinkle said, turning toward Lucas with a bright smile.
Bailey looked at Lucas. The gaze lasted for quite a while, and Jade even nudged Lucas to break it, but Bailey suddenly spoke.
"Then keep him."
"But…" Sucra tried to speak, but was stopped by Bailey, whose palm rose in the air.
"The snake and the wolf go to me," she said, addressing Sprinkle with a soft teasing smile.
- Writer
