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The night had begun like any other since Leona Kingscholar's second arrival within the borders of Pyroxene. A beautiful, yet isolated country ruled by a kind, selfless ruler known as Vil Schoenheit. Of course Leona's opinion had molded over time.
Originally they were enemies— the lion a captive of the Queendom. Meant to serve time within the castle before an experiment were to occur. One to wake the Queen's son Epel Felmier from a curse. Who knew the blood of the disgraced second born prince of the Sunset Savannah would prove so efficient?
Vil had searched far and wide for a century, waiting for the moment in which someone— anyone could 'help' him wake his son. Most times it ended with the untimely demise of the subject. Yet the case of Leona went differently.
For one, the lion had come with the intent of harm– the desire to pillage her domain and leave nothing but sand in his wake. After a swift defeat, he remained for weeks on end within a tower. Inevitably breaking free and stumbling across Epel's body. The discovery of the vampire's secret only intrigued the brunette. So he did what any totally sane pirate captain would do, he offered his blood willingly. It was clear Vil was desperate and Leona had become familiar with the castle prior to his 'escape'. Funnily enough, Leona's blood worked like a charm. Months of experiments and a growing relationship ended with a celebration following the awakening of Epel. Many smiles, cheers and alcoholic beverages were thrown about — all in joyous intent, for the prince had returned.
Even as a former prisoner, Leona found it difficult to leave the castle— having come to enjoy the peace of life, no need to be nomadic or sleep with his one eye open out of fear of betrayal. Most of all he'd come to like Vil. Infact, he was in love with Vil. That alone terrified him. His own cowardice drove him to announce his departure that very night. Uncomfortably so as he forced he and his crew — the Savanaclaw pirates — out the doors of the castle and into the monstrous wastes outside, to the ship Vil kept docked at the southern port. Yet fate was not so kind. The creatures of the 'cursed wastes' descended upon the crew like a pack of rabid wolves seeking a rabbit.
Even as an infamous pirate, his crew would have met their maker, had Leona not used himself as a shield for his men to retreat to the safety of the castle. By the time Vil and her men made it to the scene, Leona had defeated the beasts, standing before the queen and his people — only then had he collapsed, wearing a smile on his face. As Schoenheit held the dying lion, mourning the inevitable loss. Leona made things much worse, confessing his love for the vampire. Confessing each moment he adored about him, every feature upon her face that he adored. His last words being "I knew loving you was something I would never regret."
Vil forced upon the brunette the last laugh though. Mourning his death, he placed a curse upon Kingscholar. "I curse you for the life you've reborn. I curse you for the love you've left in me that is too heavy for me to hold alone. I curse you, I curse you, I curse you Leona Kingscholar, that your path will always lead to mine. Till the day our love dies." Such a curse resurrected the lion, granting him a second chance at life and (eventually they found out) immortality. This of course extended the stay of the pirates within Pyroxene's largest castle. Inevitably a formal wedding and more celebration. To the people, the queen is a fair, but strict ruler. One many respected and adored. The king is intelligent and tactical. A prideful, brave fearless man and above all— a hero. A savior of the kingdom, driving the country back to its glory. For the awakening of the prince brought life to the kingdom once more.
Leona didn't wish to leave his bride, but the sea called to him— for the couple now held a shared goal. That of creating an immortal life for the rest of the captain's crew. Vil's interest in potionology was their best chance at such a thing. At least in Leona's mind. His wife was a beautiful smart person who knew everything and was always right. So obviously it was his goal to fetch as many foreign plants, herbs and materials as possible.
The departure was short lived however, for Leona made his return a few weeks later. Nothing in hand, he simply missed his wife. Much to Vil's dismay of course, but he welcomed his husband with open arms. It had only been a few days since that Vil and Leona decided to hold a small celebration for his return — even if nothing proved fruitful due to Leona's clingy nature.
Here the lion stood, before a long mirror, admiring his reflection in the mirror. Wearing a white dress shirt embroidered with gold, black pants, an obnoxiously flashy black and gold belt and finally his beloved leather black boots — he was ready. The king took the time to do makeup, gold eyeshadow with black lipstick. He applied a wing of eyeliner and even wore a white eyepatch. Of course his handsome looks were nothing in comparison to Vil Schoenheit, his love, the queen of this glorious kingdom. Call him whipped, but his beauty was to die for.
The brunette's tail swished excitedly— akin to a puppy happy to see its owner as he trotted his way into the banquet hall. Leona shoved the twin doors open with all his might, a confident grin plastered on his face. The life of the party has arrived, more so the reason for the party in the first place, but he relished in the attention. He took the time to acknowledge each member of his crew, greeting them and hugging each one of them. To Leona they were like family — his kids even, seeing as he took to taking in the younger generation. Ruggie and Jack always seemed supportive of whatever weird situation their captain had dragged them into. For Ruggie it was money, and Jack idolized Leona. So they stuck like glue. Leona didn't mind, for they were unyieldingly devoted to his cause.
Eventually, the lion's attention was dragged to Vil. Nothing would pry him away at that moment. He stared like a deer within the headlights — enthralled by his beauty. Vil didn't need to even wear anything fancy, yet he was the true one worthy of attention. Her hair slicked back beautifully as always, the candlelight illuminating the vampires gorgeously pale skin in just the best way. The hues of purples and whites painted upon his face, bringing out her eyes perfectly. Seven— Vil Schoenheit and Leona Kingscholar? Leona was the luckiest man alive and he knew that.
Graciously, the lion approached him from behind and grabbed her hand gently, slipping his fingers beneath Vil's gloved hand, feeling his palm. His smile appeared more gentle— genuine. "Hello there, beautiful." Leona began with a small chuckle, enamoured by the vampire. "What's someone like you doing all alone?" He questioned innocently. She, infact wasn't alone. The lion had interrupted a conversation she was having with Rook.
Rook shot Leona a glance, sensing that he was being ousted, gave an elegant smile to both. He took the queen's other hand a moment and left a chaste kiss upon his knuckles, before disappearing into the shadows.
Vil reared his head to look at him, a smile on her cherry painted lips. "I'd have said enjoying my peace and quiet, if it weren't for a certain someone coming back to pester me again." She spoke in a joking manner as his body turned to face the lion.
Leona fake pouted as his ears flicked down, rolling his eye and removing his hand from her glove, cupping her hands and bringing them to his face. Forcing her to hold his face. She gripped it tenderly as her thumbs made circles against his skin. He smiled down at her husband as her joy became evident. Vil's husband truly was adorable. Nudging her gloved hand, his emerald eye trailed to her beautiful smile. His heart melted at the sight. She was truly beautiful — all his.
A soft purr erupted from the lion's throat as he embraced his wife. "What can I say? Maybe I am a bit of a house cat." He mused as he kept their faces close, mere centimeters away, close enough to kiss. Their noses touching gently. "I don't know what I want more, the meat on the tables or you." His hands tailed up her back as he gripped Vil's shoulders from his position.
"Maybe I'll take both for myself."
"Hm, such a greedy beastman you are," She said, eyes falling to his lips, then meeting his eye, "Do they always raise royalty so spoilt? You can't always have what you want, take what you please."
And yet, in spite of his words, Vil didn't seem to be making any attempt to resist or make this any harder for him. In fact, she seemed more than happy for him to trap her in embrace, claiming her being for himself.
The greed quickly consumed the lion as he fought the urge to kiss her— to mix the black and crimson upon their lips and ruin the makeup. Like hell though, he spent far too long doing this for her sake. Leona spoke something under his breath as he brought his head in toward her leaning down. He nuzzled her neck a moment as he took in the pleasant smell of her perfume. His tail swished wildly as he pulled back, raising an eyebrow as he spoke. "Say, let's ditch this party. They could do without us for a few, couldn't they?"
Leona didn't seem to care too much about the theme of the party being himself in the moment, only wishing to spend more time with his lover— his sole reason for returning to the kingdom so soon. The brunette's ear flicked as his attention moved past his partner, staring to the balcony. The natural light of the moon descending on the castle and peering through the stained glass windows. "I'd love to invite my treasure out for a dance, what do you say?" Slithering one hand from her shoulder to the back of her head, running his fingers through her hair gingerly.
Vil's eyes widened slightly in surprise as a pleasant smile found itself upon her face. She giggled softly as a small blush formed. "That I am." He confirmed the captain's words with her sweet voice. "The greatest treasure one could ever find." Vil's soft hands gently curled around Leona's ears as she played with them. "I suppose I wouldn't mind if a dirty pirate stole me away for a while." Speaking wistfully as she removed her hands, much to the lion's dismay. His ears flattened as he rolled his eye, pouting at her lack of contact.
"Oh, poor kätzchen." He noticed, teasing Leona as she took his hand, guiding him away from the party. The click of her heels heard through the crowds of attendees chatting idly.
Escaping the crowd was a breath of fresh air for the captain — a moment alone. He raised an eyebrow as Vil had taken them much farther than Leona anticipated. Just where were they headed? He didn't bother to break the peaceful silence the two had created. They never needed to speak to one another, for her presence alone brought him a sense of peace he lacked in the world prior to meeting her. Having left the need to run from everything — a home to return to, and a lovely partner to spend his immortal life with. Nothing could have been better than this. Even if it was something he didn't know he even wanted in the first place.
Vil had taken them to her personal garden, the place where she grew a plethora of plants — all of which formerly dedicated to her son, now a beautiful haven lit solely by the moon. The glass panels showing the vast night sky filled with stars. Leona's ancestors likely watched him from above. What would they think of him now? He cared little. For his whole world was right here with him.
Vil took initiative as Leona stood quietly, staring at the stars. Her hands interlocking with his as she began to sway them gently — gathering the attention of the shorter (thanks to Vil's heels). The lion glanced upward slightly, his emerald gaze locking into her beautiful eyes. It was quickly that Leona found himself at peace. Every worry in the world seemed to escape the captain when he made eye contact with him.
He took note of the light that seemed to hit Vil's features perfectly, reminding him of just how fortunate he was for such a life. There would have been a time Leona thought he was undeserving. But now he was greedy. The vampire was his — and in turn, he belonged to her.
As Vil forced their hands outwardly, he swiftly placed a hand beneath Leona's arm— grasping his back. The vampire began to step side by side, guiding Leona to do the same. A smile remained permanently upon her features as they eased into a steady pace. Humming softly with content, Leona spoke up. "I didn't know a vampire could dance."
"And I didn't know a pirate could have both legs working." He responded quickly as their movements became more broad within the middle of the greenhouse.
They didn't need music, for their hearts were their tempo. Vil could hear the racing heartbeat of her lover— he was truly an adorable kitten at times. She began to move more confidently, being weary of the inexperienced captain.
"Both of my legs work perfectly fine, thank you." Leona finally responded, neglecting the fact he almost tripped on Vil's foot during an outward step to move closer to a bed of tulips.
"Clearly not fine enough. Must I hold you like a child?" The vampire's smile grew, forcing him back as both of their arms extended forward, clasping hands and doing a spin.
"As if." A scoff exited the lion as their arms moved out once more, bringing them close. Leona's stubborn temper quickly evaporated when a small kiss was planted upon his nose — Vil forcing them out once more.
She laughed softly as she brought one of Leona's hands in the air, twirling him and pulling him in once more. The vampire was well aware of the state Leona was in. Utterly flustered. His heart was pounding as he watched him with a surprised expression. Each second of bliss that passed only made Leona fall harder and harder.
"This simply will not do." Vil spoke with the click of her tongue following. As their arms extended up in the air and trailed down, she tilted her body back, Leona leaning in and towering over her. She flashed him a smile as she let go of Leona's hand. "Loosen up, my dear." The blonde's hand playfully flicking the lion's ear. "I cannot imagine how difficult it is to be so stiff and flustered." She mused as their postures straightened up once more.
He rolled his eye at her word as he couldn't stop the smile creeping up on his face. "You really are something else." Leona took initiative, guiding their pace into something quicker despite how much of an amateur he was. Years of swashbuckling aided him though— even if he wasn't currently fighting with his wife.
"Quite bold tonight, kätzchen. Is the power getting to your head?" The woman raised an eyebrow as they made their way closer to a bed of roses. This time Leona the one bending back, Vil above him. Peering down at his husband, the one he originally called livestock. Now one that made him feel an ounce of warmth in her cold, dead heart. Leona was remarkably handsome and charming when he chose not to be vulgar.
Her time spent teaching him to be more proper and prince-like seemed to have paid off as she observed him. The lion had plucked a singular red rose from the bed, biting into it with a laugh escaping his throat. Wiggling his eyebrows– the two stood upright once more as their waltz continued.
A moment of peace as the moon watched them dance, the beautiful blue light glimmering within Leona's gaze as he watched Vil intently. Each feature upon her face was etched to perfection, something only Aphrodite was capable of — he was convinced he married the incarnate. If Vil were to be the goddess of beauty, let Leona carry the mantle of war. Seven have mercy on anyone who thinks to insult his one true love.
As they spun around in a wide circle, the captain freed a hand from Vil's grasp, plucking the rose from between his teeth and tucking it behind her ear. Even the colour red brought forth even more beauty, his smile growing as he admired her.
Yet Vil's attention was elsewhere. Strangely enough, Leona's immortality created an abnormally high pain tolerance. So he hadn't noticed the thorn that pricked his black lipstick covered lips, blood pooling. Her eyes widened slightly as she brought them close once more, their chests touching. "You're so selfless." The vampire's words evoked confusion— but nothing could be said as she brought them into a kiss.
Call her selfish, but she yearned for the blood of the beastman. Not only was he of royal blood, but they were married, not a single member of Pyroxene was allowed near Kingscholar when he bled, for they would face the consequence of touching what belonged to the queen. As their lips made contact, Vil sucked upon the wound, tenderly moving her hands and gripping Leona's shoulders. The lion simply maintained the kiss with her, cupping her face within his palm as his head cocked to the side— not another soul was around, so he cared little of the lipstick that began to smear on both of their faces. The colours merging and creating something truly beautiful. Akin to their love, it was a disaster yet a masterpiece.
Their dance seemed to stop a moment, the world along with it. No more spinning, nothing outside of their kiss. Just them as they held one another, a moment of pure passion. Slowly Vil opened her eyes and gazed upon the beastman as they both pulled back slightly, Leona's soft panting heard mere centimeters away.
This time Leona instigated it, bringing her into another kiss — eager. There was no time to breathe when he was in front of the one he loved. Vil alone was his oxygen. The beastman nibbled on her lower lip. As her mouth parted slightly, the lion pounced. His tongue entered her mouth as Vil's grip tightened. It slowly turned to a battle. Their breath against one another as they moved ever so closer to one another. Each inch of their body making contact. Their grip on one another was impossible to pry.
To hell with anyone who may have bore witness to such a moment, but neither cared. They both pulled back, panting softly as they admired each of their handiwork. Leona and Vil stood before one another, covered each other's smeared makeup. Not a single word was shared, their eyes locked on one another as they both regained their breath.
Leona was handsome, her king. Vil was beautiful, his queen. Together they now shared the kingdom of Pyroxene. Their land — the garden is a shared moment of pure love.
Their mutual time of being enthralled by one another was cut short as Vil began to laugh. Her divine self erupting in an adorable fit of laughter, it was contagious. Leona began to laugh with her as they shared an embrace with one another.
The vampire laughed so hard tears brimmed at the corners of her eyes— she was overjoyed. The lion was quick to notice, quickly bringing his hands to her face once more, wiping away at her tears with his thumbs. Planting a gentle kiss against her lips.
Leona stood like a dork, smiling widely at her, his fangs out, ears up and tail swishing wildly. He truly was her house cat— and he held not a single regret about it. "I love you so much I might have to marry you again."
Vil raised an eyebrow at Leona's words as she gave an amused scoff. "And what good will that do? Make you my first and second husband?"
"I'll be your husband a million times. Even in different lives.." Leona began as his smile turned soft. "Each world we meet in, every life we share. It will be together. We will find one another — and I'll be damned if I don't see your beautiful face every time."
Vil seemed genuinely taken aback by the pirates words, her face twisting into a smile back. "Silly cat.." Her words were airy as she gave it a thought. Such an idea didn't seem so bad. Vil was certain he would originate as a pain— but inevitably become something more. When Leona said it, she was confident in his words. He was no fortune teller, but he was her husband. Now and forever. The two cursed to live alongside one another until they could no longer love. That sounded like a very distant future, and she liked the sound of that.
"Tsk, your party is going to end if we stall any longer." Rolling her eyes playfully, she tugged at his ear before petting his head.
"Shall we leave then, your majesty?" Leona teased as his grin never ceased, his hands grasping Vil's own.
"That is 'my queen' to you, dear." He was quick to scold his husband, her thumb grazing the wedding ring Leona wore.
The lion mimicked her action as he nodded idly, gaze trailing to their hands before meeting her eyes once more. Vil Schoenheit was to die for— he'd done it once and he'd do it a million times over, as long as he got to see her beautiful face everyday. "Fine, we can attend after we clean up. As much as I want everyone to know just how much you belong to me. I'm sure you want to look at least a little presentable."
How thoughtful Leona was. She simply smiled at him as they held hands. "I love you, Vil." It was short and simple, yet something that always seemed to strike life to her dead heart.
"I love you too, Leona." There wasn't a need for anything more than the contact of their intertwined fingers. They were content — happy.
The couple left the moon alone in favour of the ongoing party, the ghost of their dance still lingering within the empty greenhouse. All of which serving as a beautiful memory with many more to come.