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Your band of outcasts had lived between the borders of the two Kingdoms for many years, quietly building strength in the shadows. There was the Kingdom of the Sun, or the Land of the Sun as it was often referred to, and the Kingdom of Darkness – strong relations between the two lands having led to a decrease in new recruits. No wars were being fought. There were no sick soldiers and no refugees. There was still however, citizens sick of the arrogant rulers, the cruel laws and fanciful ideas of what happiness meant to the commoners – each King a God or Goddess in their own right with the Princes and Princesses being no better…there had been rumoured talk of a new Kingdom though, a place of true joy with loving royalty that treat everyone who would be beneath them as equal. A prosperous land…nobody knew if it was truly real, word of mouth the only source of information…so you’d sent a band of scouts to travel to said land whilst you remained in your home…home where you hid forty or so children, men, women, elders – tucked away beneath the soil where there stood a tall tree. Its roots supporting the warren like structure and its many rooms…
It’d been at least twenty days since the scouts had left when you made a discovery of your own.
Moving silently through the forest a dark cloak hid your body, bow on your back and an elk skull mask obscuring your face in case any prying eyes happened to spy you on your journey. The antlers compensated for the lack of horns you had as a demon. You’d gone further than you had before, nearing the border of the Kingdom of Darkness – so close you’d reached the treeline that separated you from them…the wasteland bearing little life with nothing to see for miles. The moon illuminated the plains and the eerie layer of smoke that seemed to rise from the ground...broad daylight only a mile or so behind you. Nothing of interest except a tower, not too far from where you were, what you perceived to be a tower at least, the spire only visible from behind a high wall…you would have thought it was a watchtower but no watchtower would be behind walls without the ability to actually watch. The area the walls seemed to cover from the angle you were stood only seemed small too. Hiding behind the trees as you head closer to the curiosity until you were stood opposite it: eyeing the structure carefully. It didn’t seem like there’d be any threat and whatever it was, was certainly out of place. Heart racing you stepped from the trees, a single foot crossing the border and falling on the dead earth. Taking in a deep breath as you ran, straight towards the wall – pushing your cloak over your wings and stretching them out…walls no match for any of the winged creatures of the world. With a single bound, you propelled yourself into the air. Flying up and catching the wall and hanging – waiting silently as your tail flicked impatiently behind you, listening for any sound that might alert you to danger. No signs of life other than the lush green garden that dwelled within the walls. Hauling yourself onto the top of the wall and staring down in awe. There were roses of every colour, vibrant flowers growing amongst the emerald green grass below. A direct contrast the land right outside it…a single open window on the tall tower, pearly white stone in pristine condition…carefully manoeuvring around the wall you kept an eye out for trouble, whilst taking in the odd paradise. There were no doors on the main walls. No way in or out other than going over the top. No doors on the tower, the window being the only way anything could possible make it inside. The way you were going – once again opposite the opening: ready to jump. Hand on the knife tucked away on belt just in case anything inside was hostile…if there was anything inside. With another bound you flew across the gap, landing on the window sill and finding yourself inside a room. The only inhabitant staring at you in fear as she reached for a nearby chair…
That had been some time ago: and that she, turned out to be a he...not just any he either, but the Prince of the Kingdom of the Sun. Your plan B if your scouts didn’t find the promised Kingdom of Silver…
The treasured Prince of the Sun Kingdom, given away to the Prince of Darkness all because he disagreed with the way his Father ruled – cast out and abused, made to live in the tower. Yet he was dead to everybody where the sun always shined…his own Father had declared it so, with his Sister being next in line with the throne, much to a silent outcry of the public. Ivlis been the most popular between the two heirs but it seemed that his ideas for the Kingdom had not matched his Fathers whereas his Sister was a shining example of his corruption. His imprisonment having more to do with politics than you’d original thought as you learnt more about him, pieced together what you both knew…the Devil hating his Father for what he’d done. He hated the Devil Prince of the Kingdom of Darkness for holding him hostage. Torturing him and treating him like nothing. Your face the first different one he’d seen in many, many years…and…you soon grew to be friends – more than friends as time went on further still. Your scouts still absent as you planned to free the Devil.
“Here.” You chirped, casting the bag towards him as you landed on the windowsill. “I seem to recall you weren’t too happy about wearing dresses. I’m not certain if they’ll fit you but it’s worth a shot.” Ivlis hesitated, having opened the bag to see the clothes you’d brought him. Happy but unhappy.
“(Y/N) you know I can’t wear these.” He sighed. “Or have them here. What if he found them?” ‘He’ was a reference to Satanick, the Prince of Darkness…the one responsible for holding Ivlis captive.
“He won’t though.” You chirped, hopping off the windowsill and striding towards him.
“I’m breaking you out. Today. Right now.” He opened his mouth to speak, failing miserably as you lift your mask, smiling sweetly at him.
“Now…” you soothed, taking the bag from his hands and tossing it on his bed, “as much as the colour red suits you and that silk is pretty nice…hurry up and get dressed.” He went to protest when you kissed him, muffling whatever words were going to leave his mouth as he tensed. His hands soon cupped your cheeks as he kissed you back, breaking away and resting his head against yours with a pained smile.
“You know how much I'd love to go with you (Y/N) but I can’t…” he sighed, leaning back and running his hands down your sides until he could entwine his fingers with yours, “you know I can’t – if I leave there’ll be a search party for me and I can’t put you or your friends in that kind of danger…why can’t you understand that (Y/N)?” With a gentle tug, you guide him to the window, motioning to the walls.
“I understand completely Ivlis and everyone is ready to take that risk...they see it as an opportunity Ivlis. If the scouts come back empty handed we have you. You’re evidence enough that the Sun King lied to his people. We could convince them to rebel…convince the people who once followed you to do so again…if the scouts come back and there is a Silver Kingdom out there somewhere then you can come with us…having royalty with us would help us gain refuge…” you trailed off, a sullen sigh passing your lips as you sat on the windowsill.
“I don’t want to leave you here any longer…not with him Ivlis.” You stated boldly, meeting the Devil’s gaze as he sat beside you – an arm pulling you closer to him. “I can’t do this by myself anymore, I need you there – it’d give everybody a hope I can’t…” He didn’t respond, simply looked over his shoulder at the garden below.
“What if the Kingdom of Silver exists and we have to leave…would you come with me then?”
“Yes...” he sighed, “but no sooner than that (Y/N)…I have your visits to look forward to until then.” You felt a knot creep into your throat, no longer the cool-headed leader you were before, since you’d met him…slowly becoming an emotional wreck and not just as a result of your love for him but his love for you too.
“Ivlis – come with me today please…I, won’t be able to visit you for much longer and I…” you trailed off, the Devil blinking idly at you in shock as he heard the crack in your voice…eyes soon clouded with concern as he hugged you tight, stroking your hair as you burst into tears.
“It’s okay (Y/N),” he soothed, unsure what to do as he tried his best to console you, “I’m here…” You couldn’t stop yourself from crying, embarrassed as clung to him. Never wanting to let go as he cradled you to his side…
“Why won’t you be able to visit me? You’re not in danger are you? Nothing’s gone wrong has it?” He asked hastily, making you laugh through your tears, burying your face into his shoulder as he brushed aside his hair – taking your chin between his fingers and forcing you to face him.
“What’s so funny?” He soothed, wiping your cheeks dry of tears as you beamed at him.
“If I tell you, you have to promise to leave with me today…” he narrowed his eyes at you, knowing he wasn’t going to say yes. With a peck on the cheek, you rest on his shoulder once more. Enjoying what precious time you had with him. You danced, got him to at least try on the clothes you’d brought for him…fitting him quite nicely – suiting him far better than the dress the perverted Prince forced him to wear. The red scarf you’d given him your own from when you were a child but you didn’t tell him that…you just hoped he’d wear it when he finally came with you. The pair of you lounging around and talking for the most part – sharing some of the food you’d brought with you and showing him pictures some the children and artists amongst your group had drawn of each other and your hide-out. Desperate to convince him to come with you, but you were getting nowhere. You were happier at least – happy as you sat opposite him, telling him the latest information you’d picked up, about the deer you’d seen in the forest – stopping mid-sentence as your eyes widened…still not used to the feeling as Ivlis tilted his head in concern, your body hunched over slightly as you hugged your waistline tight.
“Are you okay (Y/N)…?” He mused, nodding as you smiled weakly at him, letting go of yourself slowly as you felt the flutter of movement inside your belly…making you queasy as he gathered together all your stuff, putting it safely back in the bag you’d brought with you.
“(Y/N) you’re as pale as anything…are you sure you’re fine?” You wanted to tell him but you didn’t know how he’d react. The Prince stuck in the tower. It wasn’t like you’d expected to fall for him and you certainly hadn’t planned for what’d happened after that…still…you didn’t want to leave without telling him, neither did you want to leave without him.
“I told you if I tell you, you have to come with me.” You joked, Ivlis not very amused as he stood, helping you up and pulling you into a hug.
“If you tell me I’ll consider it…” he drove a hard bargain, you mused.
“Fine…” you sighed, “can I ask you something first though?”
“You just did.” He purred, brushing his nose against yours and pecking you on the lips.
“Mm, I did didn’t I…” you chuckled, taking in a deep breath and letting out a sigh as he wrapped you in his arms once more, “Ivlis, if you had any children what would you call them?” You could have vomit you were that nervous, having never been so nervous even when you’d faced death and yet…watching the cogs turn in his head made you panic. He’d opened his mouth to respond to your question, hesitating as he stared at you, forming two words.
“Are you-” he cut himself short, your cheeks red as you nod, averting your gaze – unable to see the dumb smile that crossed his lips. Soon swept up with a yelp and he spun you around.
“I’m going to be a Father!” He declared proudly, putting you down and pulling you into a kiss before you could say anything. Wrapping your arms around his neck and savouring the moment…Ivlis resting his head against yours as his golden eyes glistened in the dim light, breaking into a fit of giddy laughter as he swayed you gently.
“(Y/N)-” he began, but you cut him short with another kiss.
“Come with me Ivlis.” You muttered.
“Well isn’t this the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!” Ivlis’ grip doubled twofold on your waist, immediately shielding your body with his as he glanced over his shoulder in fear – frozen - a silhouette against the window and blocking out the light, darkness descending over you. There was a dull thud as the intruder leapt from windowsill, Ivlis pushing you back as you peered over his shoulder. No doubt it was the Prince of Darkness: the long cloak brushed to one side to reveal his royal attire – purple eyes glowing in the shadows.
“I thought you’d been seeing somebody else Roach.” He snarled. “Another Roach – a Roachette too with little Roachlings on the way, oh isn't this wonderful it just melts my heart!” The Prince’s tone was misleadingly cheerful – his whole manner betraying the cruel and ruthless monster Ivlis had always described to you. Ivlis was speechless as his hand found yours, gripping it tight, your body hitting the stone wall behind you – unable to move any further back. The tiny tower feeling even smaller as you stood near the Prince of Darkness - like you were trapped, like Ivlis...
“Don’t look so scared – I’m not going to hurt you…I’m not mad…” the Prince of Darkness sighed, reaching out and taking Ivlis’ chin between his fingers, “just let me take a look at you darling stowaway.” Ivlis didn’t move, nor did he speak, not until you stepped out from behind him.
“(Y/N)!” He barked as you faced the other Prince.
“(Y/N)?” He repeated. “What a pretty name for a pretty little demon! It’s a pleasure to meet you (Y/N), I presume Roach here has already told you this, but my name is Satanick.” You didn’t say anything as he folded his arms. His gaze dancing along your body as he began to circle you, inspecting you…fingers grazing your wings and making you flinch.
“You're not from the city are you (Y/N)?” He soothed. “It looks like you’ve been living rough…you know (Y/N) actually rings a bell. You wouldn’t happen to be the (Y/N) – leader of the rebels who have been a thorn in every monarch’s side for years? All this time all we’ve had is your name and nothing else, no information as to where you operate, your numbers, anything…and yet I find you here with my toy. Don’t get me wrong I’m very impressed…less so in your choice of mate though.” He stopped, stood before you once more as he tilt his head with a smirk, leaning towards you and gently stroking your cheek – Ivlis tensing up as much as you as he watched on unable to do anything, the faint traces of red in his hair beginning to glow a fiery orange.
“You’re quite the catch (Y/N)…your head would fetch a fine price but you’d make a good wife. Rest assured I’d make you far happier than this Roach, I’d keep your rebels safe too.”
“In your dreams.” You hissed, tilting your head to the side and away from his touch. The Prince chuckled at this notion, foot tapping impatiently as the tension suffocated you, adrenaline pumping through your veins.
“Of course…I was just joking of course, I wouldn’t want to destroy what you and my little Roachkin have, you’re far too cute together, but I can’t just let you walk free either.” As he turned his back and strode back towards the window Ivlis crept towards you, tugging you to his side where you were safe...stopping you from making an attempt on the other Prince's life...it wasn't a risk you were willing to take though, fingers entwined with Ivlis' as he kept you close.
“I could rip off your wings so you couldn’t fly. Keep you locked in here too. Or I could force you to take me to your hideout but that’d be too easy…no fun…although I’m sure my brother would love to watch you cry as he slaughtered your friends. Then he’d kill you too I’m afraid sooo that’s a no go. I’m not one for killing pregnant women.” Satanick rambled on to himself for a few minutes, trailing off as he clicked his fingers together.
“Tell you what!” He declared, spinning around and beaming at you – hands behind his back like some child as he swayed. “I like you (Y/N). I like your group. I like Roach!” You didn’t speak, both of you stood like you were about to be executed. Like you were just waiting to say your final words…
“You know what I looove more than all of this (Y/N)…fun…let’s have some fun shall we – I let you take Roach. Today. Turn a blind eye to it. Then, when I come back tomorrow and find him gone I’ll tell my brother…tell King Siralos too his son has gone missing…and you’ll have the full force of the two Kingdoms coming after you…and when we find you, I won't hesitate to kill Roachypoo here…then, maybe you too if I don’t decide to keep you as a pet…” the wave of relief that’d hit you only dragged you back into a sea of despair as you realised everyone would have to go, leave home tonight and get as far away as you could. The Prince of Darkness living up to his title…Ivlis stood by your side as you watched the shadows creep across the procession. Your second in command leading the group as you followed up the rear. Ivlis stopping momentarily as you passed the tower once final time. A note left for your scouts only they could decipher God forbid they ever returned. Sending a silent prayer to God that they’d found the promised Silver Kingdom…noticing your newest member had stopped…strolling over to his side and bumping into him. Mask lift to offer him a smile as his attention was diverted from the prison.
“Come on.” You soothed, taking his hand and leading him to saftey. “We’re going to find a far, far better home than that one…”