Chapter Text
“Do not look so sullen...”
It was obvious her steward was trying to wrestle some good cheer into her, but when his tone sounded both sad and defeated, it was hard to garner any ‘good’ from it. Usually, it would be her that wanted to see smiles and happy faces, but Lumine Cornella Tigel could not bring herself to feel anything, but miserable.
She did however feel the eyes of her brother, who sat beside her, upon her person and she chose not to look upon him, instead casting her gaze outside the carriage window. There was not much to the scenery and Lumine took in the drab, dismissal view of the shadowy, misty forest. The land they were encroaching upon was known as the *Karmatic Kingdom and it was just as dreary as it sounded. The only comfort she received at this point, was from the lull of the carriage wheels spinning endlessly, whilst the wood creaked in rhythmic procession.
Resting her forehead against the cool surface of wall, Lumine closed her eyes, wanting desperately to block out the depressing mood. She could hear the driver of their carriage shouting at the palace guards that their destination was just another thirty minutes away. Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach at the news, and she let out a bitter sight. Do not cry. Do not show weakness, Lumine.
“Mayhap mother and father will have a change of heart when we arrive.” Aether Lucian Tigel laid his hand upon his sister’s shoulder, trying to let her know that he was on her side. That he was right there with her and if she decided to just jump ship, he would as well. It wasn’t as if they never alluded to do such a thing, but it was the constant threat of war and duty, that kept them from doing what they wished. “Lumi…”
“It is to late, Aethi,” she could see riders for the Karmatic Kingdom galloping alongside them, their blackened steads and raven black uniforms matching the aesthetic that she was certain was in the ruler of this Kingdom’s heart. “, for I am duty bound. I will soon be married to a demon…”
💚🌻 Bride of a Demon King 🌻💚
Chapter One
Written By @hanabobanagames
It was when she had turned fifteen, did her parents start to gradually ween her into becoming a bride. Her mother would constantly talk of foreign matters whenever she was around and made sure to always bring up gossip over a certain Prince, or even a Lord. ‘They are quite handsome’ or ‘They fought in dozens of battles and won!’ her mother would gush, continuing to name names and details of their features and trophies. And then his name had fell from her lips and it was as if the room had grown bitingly cold. Even the servants had scuttled out, wanting nothing to do with the name itself.
Alatus. The King of the Karmatic Kingdom, a kingdom known for being both powerful and reclusive. It was said that in the night, otherworldly creatures would come out and stalk the outskirts of the kingdom. Warding off unsuspecting travelers, assassins and or spies. It was a rumor, but it was a rumor that had spread far and wide. King Alatus, people gossiped, had beastly monsters under his rule and that is why his kingdom remained impenetrable. That his army and Generals were all hellish fiends and that the King himself, was cruel, ruthless, and possessed dark magic.
This of course led Lumine to believe that King Alatus was some ugly, horrible man, who could curdle dairy with his stare. She had said as much to her mother, who laughed and waved off her fanciful thoughts, reminding her that there their own kingdom would never grow so desperate as to make a marriage proposal with one such as him.
When Lumine and her brother had turned seventeen is when alliances became shaky, and war loomed upon their small, wholesome kingdom. More and more parties were thrown to gain new allies and friends to their side, so that their walls would not fall, and their people could remain safe.
Rather than meeting and mingling with faceless individuals, Lumine had chosen to wallow her time away with a strange, yellow eyed cat. A cat who had randomly shown up and made himself at home on her lap. Which didn’t bother her since she adored animals and also adored petting them endlessly.
Besides, Lumine knew exactly what these grand parties really were about. There was a reason why her father kept sending servants and soldiers to look for her, and why she chose to hide away and not be found. These parties were to present her as a gift, wrapped up in pretty packaging. Her parents had no choice after all. This was them being desperate to save their home.
On the eve of her eighteenth birthday, is when Lumine Cornella Tigel had been summoned to her father’s throne room. The moment she had stepped foot inside the grand room, the air itself felt suffocating and her parents looked as if they were about see the gallows. It was when her father had held up the rectangular, missive for her to view, did she see the dark green seal encrusted upon the back. The Karmatic seal.
The seal of the rumored Demon King.
‘… No!’ Lumine had felt her whole world crumbling around her, she couldn’t even bare to hear her parents’ excuses, as she simply ran from the room. Had things gotten so bad, that her parents had no choice but to ally themselves with King Alatus himself? And they would so willingly use her as their peace offering? Was her fate to be the tie that would seal this alliance?
Sprinting through the hallways, tears spilling down her face, Lumine found herself rushing into a random room, sobbing uncontrollably. The thought of running away, being free from her ‘duty’ raced through her mind. She paced around the room, knowing tears wouldn’t solve her problems. Just as her feet were taking her towards the window, the urge to leap out overwhelming, did she hear the door creak open ever so slightly. Whirling around, Lumine caught sight of no one, before meowing reached her ears.
“Xiao.” The yellow eyed cat she had met a year ago, had somehow found her. This cat was a mystery to her, coming and going as he pleased. Sometimes she wouldn’t see him for weeks, while other times, she would see him every day, often curled up on her bed, or lounging in areas where she would likely be. Lumine hadn’t expected to see him on this side of the castle, a place she hardly ever traversed.
Seeing him however was a welcome reprieve from her misery and still sniffling, Lumine bent to hold out her hand. He was a beautiful feline, with almost light, neon green streaks running through his fur. It was his yellow eyes that captivated her the most, since she would often seem them in the middle of the night, as he guarded her whilst she slept. Over the past year, Xiao had become a very close friend, one in whom she could confide in. After all, a cat could not pass judgement.
“If I were to throw myself out this very window,” she whispered, letting her fingers smooth through Xiao’s fur. “, then I could be fre- Ow!” Lumine reeled her hand back, eyes wide with shock. For the first time, Xiao had actually extended his claws and scratched her. “… But then do I just accept being married to the demon king of Karmatic?” she stared angrily at the cat, who met her glare head on. “I have never met him. I know not what he looks like. He could be this old, withered, seventy-year-old man!”
Xiao sat now; gaze still fixed upon her. His tail swayed from side to side, unfazed by the words she was telling him.
“I have heard tales of a maidens first time,” she hung her head now, cradling the hand Xiao had scratched. It hadn’t been a slice that would draw blood, but the sting of the attack lingered. “, I do not wish for a night of agony and pain. What if he is cruel? What if he makes me do things I do not wish to do!? Am I just supposed to accept my fate!?” she knew better then to think Xiao could talk back to her, but it always felt as if he were about to at any moment. She let out shaky exhale of breath, coming to wipe away the remainder of her tears.
“If I do not accept my fate, then my kingdom will fall and so will the people within. Men, women, and children. Marrying King Alatus will guarantee my kingdoms protection…” for once in her life, Lumine wanted to trade places with Aether, her twin. How lucky he was. “I must go through with this proposal,” she scoffed lightly now. “, for I am far to ugly for any other prince to accept my hand.”
Xiao hissed, causing Lumine to jump a bit in fright, shocked at the overall behavior of the feline this night. He had never been so aggressive before, especially with her, so she couldn’t help but be startled at his odd mood. Now more then ever, it seemed as if the things she was saying to him, he was responding to. Which was insanity.
“What has gotten into you?” she murmured, hoping that he wasn’t becoming rabid. She couldn’t bare to handle more bad news. Tentatively, she extended her hand out once more, “Can I not hold you, Xiao? Please. I am in desperate need of a hug, my friend.” She gave the cat her best smile and her heart swelled in her chest, as he accepted her affection. With no hesitation, Lumine swooped him up in her arms and embraced him tightly. “I am so frightened…” she breathed.
= + =
After that night, Xiao had gone missing. It wasn’t surprising that he would vanish, the cat was as independent as they came, but Lumine had wanted to take him with her on the trek to her prison and quite possibly, the place where she would perish. No longer would she be with her parents, or her brother. Her only other friend, Xiao, had just poofed. And the gut wrenching feeling of loneliness and dread, settled within her heart.
“The city looks quaint,” the steward voice now, leaning close to the other carriage window. “, I see people…” he awed, noting that he had garnered Aether’s attention. “Oh, um,” a sheepish smile now grew upon his face. “, I heard the city in the Karmatic lands was haunted, that the houses were dilapidated, and the people were all mutated minions.”
“Silence.” Aether hissed, eyes narrowing upon the man, who looked extremely apologetic. He sat back in his seat, guilt written across his face, as his gaze now shifted to Lumine.
“It’s okay.” Lumine had for awhile been looking at the city herself, eyes falling on every shop, cottage, and tavern. It wasn’t anything that she imagined either and the riders had split way from their small caravan, obviously not wanting to disturb the city. There were couples holding hands in the streets, a few drunks stumbling about, there was even what looked like a bakery, with a baker sweeping away at his stoop, in the middle of the night no less. A sign that he was not worried about crime.
Everything looked… Normal.
From outside, Lumine heard the driver inform them that they were coming upon the castle gates, which were opening to them. They could presume the riders had informed the guards of their impending arrival, so there was no delay in their journey. Unfortunately. Despite the city looking lovely, even at night, that did not mean the castle would be warm and inviting.
Lumine could even feel a cold chill run down her spine, and she shivered in place, wondering if it was the air from outside, or just her nerves. Her mother has asked of her to wear a nice, eye catching gown, but Lumine had refused. Instead, she wore a very modest gown, with long sleeves and a bodice line that came to her neck. It left much to the imagination and while her mother looked displeased, the woman did not fight her on the decision. Lumine would be damned if she gave the King of Karmatic a reason to want to touch her.
As the carriage came to a slow halt, did the steward inhale and exhale loudly, before opening the door. The very second, he did, was the steward overrun by servants of the castle, pushing him aside and imploring Princess Lumine Cornella Tigel to step out.
Aether and Lumine both looked upon one another in shock, hearing their parents outside arguing with someone, voices raised in an uproar. Though the way they were greeted had been rude, the servants did show respect and bow their heads, handling royalty carefully, as they helped Lumine out of the carriage.
“What do you mean, sign a document!?”
“We will not be able to attend the wedding?” her mother could be heard, distress in her tone.
“Upon signing this document,” a large, broad chested man, decked in full armament bellowed forth to them all. In his hands he held a scroll and in his other hand, a tiny, leather bag. “,Princess Lumine Cornella Tigel will hereby be the new Queen of the Karmatic Kingdom!” he proclaimed, making sure his words were clear and precise. He was wearing a helmet, so Lumine found it hard to get a good look at his face, though the soldiers surrounding him, looked normal to her. “His majesty will hold no wedding! You are to leave immediately after signing this official document and once you have,” he held out the leather bag, for the Tigels to view. “, I will hand off to you the Karmatic royal seal. Proof of our alliance to you and your Kingdom, King Tigel.”
“T, this is-“
“His majesty wishes to see his bride post haste, your highness,” the man continued. “, it would be most beneficial for her wellbeing, that you do not keep him waiting.”
“…” Lumine brought her arms to wrap around herself, fear beginning to swirl in the pit of her stomach. I knew it. I knew he was a monster. No wedding, no ceremony and she would have to say ‘goodbye’ to her family right here and now. Her heart began to shatter into little pieces, as she watched her parents take the offered scroll, beginning to sign it with no hesitation whatsoever.
“Lumi…” Aether was at her side, taking her into his arms.
“Do not touch, Her Highness.” One of the servants moved to break them apart.
“He is my brother!” Lumine exclaimed, clinging to Aether, while glaring at the servant, who backed down at her sudden bout of hostility.
“My apologies, your Highness,” the servant hurriedly explained, head lowered. “, but King Alatus would not approve of another male touching you, be it any family member.”
“T, that is utterly absurd.” Lumine shook her head in disbelief, looking back to her brother, who gave her a regretful expression, before pulling away from her.
“I do not want you to get hurt…” he whispered, his eyes down casted, face a mixture of grief and anger.
“Aethie.”
“Come your majesty,” the castle servants of Karmatic began to circle her, bowing formally to her. “, your King awaits.”
A numbness overcame Lumine as she let herself be lead past her brother, past her parents who both held unshed tears in their eyes, as they witnessed her being escorted into the castle. She did manage to look over her shoulder once more, to see that they all had not moved from their spots, watching with despair on their faces, as the massive, castle doors opened for her.
“… Goodbye…” Lumine whispered in a shaky breath, eyes shifting back towards the inside of the castle, as she stepped past the archway, hearing the doors creak close behind her. As they shut, she could both feel and hear the finality of her fate being sealed. Tears would not come this time around, Lumine would not cry. She would accept her inevitable doom.
The inside of the castle was unlike what the rumors claimed it to be. Maybe because it was nighttime that it felt a bit dreary and dark, but there was elegant furniture and decorations sorted about. Paintings and tapestries hung upon the walls, the floor itself, though she couldn’t get a good view with the glow of the lanterns, looked to be made of pure marble and jade. She was sure there was a hint of green upon the ground, and she could only assume it was jade.
Silently, she continued to let the servants guide her down the fanciful hallways, very much like her own castle. Though where there were always lights and people about in her home, this castle lacked the charm and welcoming aura. There were only sparse lanterns scattered about and other then the four servants that escorted her about, it didn’t seem as if there were many more around. She did see a handful of soldiers however, all of whom bowed respectfully as she passed.
Lumine was soon led to a room that unlike the hallways, was well lit and glowing with life. There was posh furniture and a large, four poster canopy bed towards the back. There was a dresser and a wardrobe, she could even make another small room off to the side, that she assumed was the bath area. If for even a second, she started to grow comfortable, that feeling quickly vanished, as Lumine witnessed the servants immediately drop to their hands and knees for the person who had just entered the room.
“…” her back was still turned that person and Lumine feared turning to stare at her… Husband. He is my husband. Oh, Gods above… Her heart hammered wildly against her chest, hands clenched at her sides, as she tried desperately to scrounge up all of her untapped courage. By now her blood had run cold and she was sure, sheer adrenaline and stress were the only things keeping her from collapsing.
“Leave us.”
His voice made her seize up and she prayed that he could not sense her fear or see the way her entire body stiffened. Was she shaking? It was quite possible she was shaking, for she was absolutely freezing at this moment. Her bottom lip trembled, and she willed herself to even her breathing, counting numbers in her head. If she were to go into a panic attack, would he still have his way with her? She would have heart attack in that instance, she was sure of it. I would die. But… I would be free.
The sound of the door clicking close was her warning that she was now all alone with her husband. Lumine could feel his eyes burning a hole into her back and she squeezed her eyes shut, telling herself to just turn around and get this over with it. The sooner he had his way, the sooner he would leave her in alone, so she could heal from the damage and trauma he would inflict. How much would he make her bleed? Would he be a beast and take pleasure in her cries of pain? Or would he force her to be silent, with threats of beating her into submission?
Lumine turned, wanting to finally know who her warden was, who would be the one imprisoning her in this castle. Her golden eyes fell upon a pair of yellow, quartz like irises, that made her breathe catch in the back of her throat. For only a split second, Lumine had thought of Xiao, but that thought was banished, when she took in the human before her.
“…” he was handsome. She hated to admit that, but the man who stood before her, was gorgeous. He wore no crown, but Lumine could tell by his posture, that this was her husband. This was King Alatus. His wardrobe was pristine and though he wore casual apparel, it still looked quite regal upon him. He was not as tall as she imagined, in fact, he was just a head taller than her and his build was slim, yet she could tell there was muscle beneath the fabric.
This was the man with whom her parents had allied with. He looked no older than she did, mayhap a year or two. How was this possible? How could this man have ruled the Karmatic kingdom for such a long time and be so young? Perhaps this wasn’t the King. Was she being duped? Was this all a conspiracy and she would be murdered here? Would her family receive the same fate as they traveled back home?
“Are you-“ before she could say anything, he had spoken.
“Tonight, you will be well fed, and I will allow you to rest. Tomorrow night however, you will fulfill your martial obligations to me. You are my Queen now, Lumine Cornella Tigel.”
“…” she didn’t feel hungry in the slightest, if anything, Lumine felt like throwing up. “And if I refuse?” at this point, what did she have left to lose? She would not go down without a fight. She would not be the submissive whore he wanted her to be. Lumine swallowed what little saliva she had, as she watched Alatus step towards her, his movements reminiscent of how a cat would stalk its prey.
“You cannot refuse,” he was in front of her now, bringing his hand up to grasp at her chin. Lumine did the work for him, tilting her head so that their gazes locked with one another. “, you are mine, Lumine.”
“I am no ones.” Lumine gritted out, eyes narrowing ominously. Despite her insolence, Alatus looked amused and that in itself was scary. It was as if he expected such an attitude from her and was actually waiting for it to come out. What kind of game was he playing at? Did he want her to fight back? Because she would start biting and scratching, if that is what he wanted. She would not just let him rape her willing.
“No, Lumine,” his words came out in a hushed, low whisper, one that aimed to either seduce or lull her into a false sense of security. His face had grown dangerously close to her own and because Lumine was so stubborn, she refused to look away. She could even feel his breath upon her lips, feel the heat of his body so close to her own. “, you are mine.”
He was kissing her and Lumine had no time to react, being drawn in by his eyes and led astray by the vibrations of his voice. His lips had descended upon her own roughly, forcing her lips open, his tongue seeking out her own. She struggled to get away from the intrusion, but he only needed one arm to press her lithe, petite frame flushed against his own. His other hand caught hold of her right wrist, which she had raised to strike him.
“Mmmngh!” Lumine let the nails of her left-hand claw at the skin of his arm, trying to pry him off, battling with the kiss. But he continued to drown her, his tongue wandering all around her wet cavern, before releasing her mouth, leaving her breathless and panting.
“I am going to kiss you again, Lumine,” his hand came to squeeze the wrist he held though not enough to bruise, while his arm tightened around her waist, little punishments. “, and if you continue to fight me as you are now, then I will forgo letting you rest tonight and take it as sign you wish to fulfill your martial obligations. Seeing as you have so much strength to spare.”
“…” Lumine tensed up, seeing that he meant his words, his lower half was already pressed against her, and she could feel already his hardened member. He would in fact ravage her if she didn’t let him kiss her properly. That was the last thing she wanted, and she found herself pitifully submitting in his hold, her body growing lax. She would not fight him.
This time around, when he leant his face closer to hers, Lumine closed her eyes, pretending it was someone else who was kissing her. Some other man, in some other scenario and that they were happily in love. That this other man was someone she had known all her life and that they were finally sharing their first kiss, entangled in each other’s arms. That it was his tongue now roaming around her mouth, that it was his hand upon her backside, massaging her flesh and dipping towards her bottom, which was bringing her comfort.
“Mmm.” Alatus hand squeezed her butt and Lumine tried to stifle the small moan that escaped past her throat. She yelled at herself for feeling anything that amounted to pleasure in this man’s hands. When he finally pulled away from their kiss, she watched him lick his lips, staring at her with a seductive gleam. She held her breath, as Alatus leant his head below her chin, nuzzling her neck now. His hair against her flesh was soft, fluffy even and she had the sudden urge to pet him, as he continued to seemingly purr against her.
“… T-This isn’t kissing…” she honestly didn’t know what this was, and it disturbed her. Why was he trying to show affection to her now? The whole thing also reminded her of Xiao and that was even more of a damper on her mood, as she missed her furry friend.
She was released from his hold so suddenly, that Lumine found herself stumbling back just a bit, trying to maintain her balance. She was relieved to find that he was true to his word. He gave her one last look, with an expression that almost looked as if he were longing, before walking out of the room. That final expression on her face left her confused and troubled. Her hand came up to touch her neck, remembering the feel of him. His breathe against her flesh, as his hair very gently tried to tickle her. Just what had that all been about?
“…” left in the silence of the room, Lumine wondered if any attendants would come in and help ready for bed. Normally, she refused help like that, as did her brother, so they did things like dress, eat, and bathe themselves. So did her parents, which made them quite the odd royal family. She waited a couple of minutes to see if anyone would show up, keeping herself busy by wandering around the room. When it looked like no one was coming, her shoulders sagged forward in relief, and she found herself actually relaxing.
Her body felt like lead at this point and instead of sitting upon the bed, she just crumpled to the ground, knees giving out on her. My first night as the Queen of Karmatic. She brought her hands to cover her face. D-Don’t cry Lumine. Be strong. You are doing this for your people. For your family. This is your duty.
The sound of the door creaking open, made her heart leap in her chest and her head whip up. There had been no knocking, so her only conclusion had been that Alatus had returned. He had changed his mind along the way and wanted to have her now. Her eyes saw no one, until she focused her gaze towards the ground.
“X-Xiao!?” she exclaimed. “Oh, but how?” she honestly didn’t care, whether it be magic or a figment of her imagination, Lumine was just happy to have her friend at her side again. “Did you stow away, you rascal!” a bright smile grew on her face, as she held out her arms for the feline. Xiao leapt into her arms, and she squeezed him tightly, snuggling her face into his fur. “Oh Xiao,” she breathed. “, I’m so glad you are here. So, so glad!”
Xiao purred in her arms, meowing softly his own happiness to be back in her embrace.
“There is so much I must tell you…” she whispered, bringing Xiao to now sit in her lap. “Oh Xiao,” she scratched at his ears, enjoying how his tail now curled around her wrist, the very wrist Alatus had gripped tightly in his grasp. Now that she thought about it, Xiao would often curl his tail around her wrist, it was a habit of his. “, there will be no wedding. Alatus has turned my family away.” She mourned. “A-And… I am now the Queen of Karmatic. I am his wife.”
= t b c =