The Prince of Demons

Nil

At long last, we finally could see the capital. Home! I nearly started crying I was so happy. Luna was next to me, looking equally excited. From the road the castle was visible. The pirates got a bit nervous as we headed for the main gate, looking around to make sure we were committing to the path. Don’t worry, I should be able to keep you all from getting in trouble. Only Ailla, Lilas, and Nautilus were aware of who I was, so their nerves were understandable. As our group reached the front, we were stopped by the guards. We were so close. Only a little longer.

“Who are you and what is your business in Umbra?” the guard asked with a bit of an attitude. I don’t know if he’s doing his job or being discriminatory; I’ll find out later.

“I am Ailla Foredra, Matriarch Apparent of Themys. I was touring Speranza, and these are my guards.” Ailla informed the guard. I could feel some going on. Probably checking if she’s telling the truth.

“Who are the kids?” the guard pressed, glaring at us.

“Two demons that wanted to see their homeland. If I’d like an audience with the Emperor, do I request that here, or go to the castle?” Ailla retorted while giving the guard a stern stare.

“I will send a messenger ahead. Please proceed straight to the castle and they’ll be able to inform you of the time frame. Please enjoy your stay.” The guard informed us as he handed Ailla a map with a highlighted route.

The entourage followed the path to the castle. We’re so close. In no time at all, we walked to the castle; Luna and I were bouncing as we approached our final destination. I could see Cesar waiting to greet us with his clipboard. HOME! I could feel the normal ward. The smells. The courtyard. Waves of emotions were starting to overwhelm me. Luna grabbed my hand, and we both took a few composing breaths. We’re right here. Just a few more steps and our journey was over.

“Greetings Matriarch Apparent Ailla. I’m sorry to inform you, but the Emperor and Empress are both busy. The soonest I’ll be able to schedule you is in five days.” Cesar informed her as he reviewed his notes. Still as boring as ever, but I missed that. I walked to the front with confidence.

“Really Cesar? I have to wait five days?” I checked. Cesar froze; he dropped his clipboard as he looked at me with a look of pure shock.

“CROWN PRINCE NIL AND LUNA HAVE RETURNED!” Cesar bellowed at the top of his lungs.

I could feel the surprise of the pirates as countless guards descended upon the group. Lux almost instantly tackled me to the ground before the words fully left Cesar’s mouth; I could instantly feel several powerful forces descend. My parents, uncles, grandparents, Ein, Julius, Helga, and about every available force all appeared quickly. In a matter of seconds, I was engulfed by Mom, Dad, Lux, and everyone who could reach their arms around me. It was hard for me not to start crying as I was engulfed. I'm finally back! I missed them so much! But, I can’t breathe.

“You guys are hugging too tight.” I gasped, trying to wiggle a little space for myself. The rest got the hint and gave me breathing room. Lux hopped onto my shoulder, nuzzling me aggressively.

“I told ya, th' grublin could compensa'e us.” Nautilus teased her crew with a smirk.

“Thank you so much for returning him!” my parents stated in unison, looking over the moon they were so happy.

“Nil, m' crew is waitin’ for paymen’.” Nautilus informed me.

“About that, as Crown Prince, I am allowed to recruit people as advisors or into military positions, correct?” I verified with my dad.

“Princes are able to, yes.” Dad confirmed, sounding skeptical of why I was asking.

“I’d like you to be my Naval Admiral and hire the rest of your crew as officers. Full pardons and protections from alleged crimes committed.” I offered Nautilus. I’d love to have Nautilus on my side.

“Hmmmm.” Nautilus debated, taking her crew aside for a quick discussion.

“What are you saying Nil?!” Mom snapped instantly as she gave me an incredulous stare.

“I want Nautilus on my side. She’s strong.” I explained kind of wondering what this issue was.

“Wait, as in the Beast of Bethalis? The pirate queen Nautilus?” Nez checked. Mom glared at him. What’s that about?

“That’s her.” Luna confirmed with a nod.

“If she says no, they’re going to leave with compensation.” I declared. I’m not repaying her kindness by arresting her. Nautilus already seemed to finish talking to her crew. That was fast.

“Luna, can ya introduce me to someone?” Nautilus requested as my family was looking gob smacked at me.

“Who?” Luna inquired as Nautilus was indicating towards Helga. Where her eyes were focused was a bit obvious.

“What’s wrong with her? She sailed over six thousand miles with us, fought off numerous monsters, and even evaded patrols to get here virtually unnoticed.” I inquired. I’d like to keep her on my team.

“Helga, this is Nautilus. Nautilus, this is Nil’s caretaker, Helga.” Luna introduced. Helga, run.

“Would ya like t’ hear how I saved th' lil grublin? Maybe ove’ dinner?” Nautilus began immediately. I could feel her crew shake their heads with an exasperated sigh.

“You are not seriously considering appointing a literal pirate?” Grandpa Nil pressed. His tone made it clear he was trying to get me to say no.

“I am going to. If it makes you feel better, this is Matriarch Apparent of Themys Ailla Foredra, who is also able to vouch for Nautilus.” I retorted. I am making this happen.

“It’s like he’s allergic to being normal.” Uncle Nox muttered under his breath. I could hear Nautilus shamelessly flirt with Helga, who looked like she was trying to grasp what was happening.

“I like Nautilus too. So, what she’s a pirate?” Luna added. My family seemed to be grasping that I was serious.

“Luna, this is an Imperial Family matter.” Mom told her gently.

“I like her input.” I snarled to my family’s surprise.

“Nil, this is a highly unusual decision.” Dad informed me, seeming a bit caught off guard.

“It’s mine. Is there a rule against it?” I asked. My family was looking a bit surprised, clearly not knowing what to say.

“Nil, try to think of this from our perspective. Give us some time to process. We’re just glad you’re back.” Nez tried. Mom instantly stared daggers again.

“Fine. Why are you glaring at Uncle Nez?” I deflected. Why does Mom seem mad at him?

“He was supposed to protect you.” Mom stated, her voice making it clear how much she blamed him.

“I’d be dead if it wasn’t for his lessons. It was also a trap I don’t know how he could’ve seen coming.” I defended Uncle Nez.

“Nil, I was supposed to stop any going for you.” Nez confessed, looking guilty.

“But I was the target.” Luna mumbled. My entire family looked at her incredulously.

“She was the target. The assailant tried again and nearly killed twenty of our soldiers in his next attempt on her life. He was eventually killed by Nautilus when he went for Luna a third time your Imperial Majesties.” Ailla confirmed. Luna took a step closer to me.

“I was never intended to be in the trap.” I informed them. My family was definitely reeling at this point.

“It wa' a techni’ally.” Nautilus chimed in as her eyes stayed glued to Helga.

“Let’s all take a breather. Celebrate Nil and Luna returning. For now, Ailla and her husband, as well as Nautilus and her crew can be guests.” Grandma Poam suggested. Everyone kind of nodded in agreement. I noticed Nautilus was still trying to flirt with a crimson Helga. Luna prodded me.

“Can Luna and I please shower first? And have some fresh clothes? Some of the others might like to shower as well.” I requested. There were a lot of nods in agreement.

“That’s fine dear.” Mom agreed. I was quickly escorted back to my room by my mom.

You do smell. Lux confirmed with a smirk.

You know you missed me. I teased Lux. I was so happy to see the glutton again.

Missed beating you. Lux retorted. I began chuckling.

You’re going to be missing that for a long while. I informed her. I could imagine a little vein pulsing through her forehead.

Oh really? Lux challenged. After Nautilus’s hellish lessons, I better be able to win.

We’re celebrating my triumphant return today. Tomorrow, be ready to lose. I taunted her. Lux gave me a deep huff.

We’ll see about that. Lux huffed. Mom could tell I was teasing Lux as she leapt onto our bed.

“Nil dear, do you really want to hire Nautilus as a Naval Admiral?” Mom interjected as we reached the bathroom.

“I do. She’s strong and a great captain. She was also the only one we could find willing to help us. Nautilus might be a pirate, but she’s nice.” I explained as I took off my shirt. I heard my mom gasp. Oh yea, I have a few new scars.

“What happened?” Mom checked immediately, inspecting my left shoulder.

“We were attacked by an . It did bite my arm. Luna did a great job healing it.” I answered as she inspected it. Thankfully everything was put back in the right spot.

“Did Ailla save you two from it?” Mom asked as she did a few test pulses of my shoulder.

“I killed it.” I informed her. I could feel her shock. Granted, it took me out for ten days and it was younger than Lux.

“What else happened?” Mom inquired as she hugged me tight again.

“I’d rather not talk about it yet.” I requested. I need to make sure Luna and I tell the same story.

“We’re always here for you Nil.” Mom assured me. I felt so warm at her words.

“I know Mom. And please don’t be mad at Uncle Nez. It’s really not fair.” I added as I hugged her back. Her hug felt so pleasant; I missed it so much.

“Nil, why do you say that?” Mom checked, her voice sounding conflicted.

“Because I saw what he did to the guards, and Matriarch, and Matriarch Servant. It had to be thirty on one and the only reason Luna’s not dead is he ran out of time. He was terrifying.” I explained, feeling myself shake a bit.

“Okay Nil. It’s okay, you’re home now. Shower so we can eat and celebrate.” Mom told me softly, as her arms somehow wrapped even tighter around me.

I went into the restroom and took a shower. Oh, how I’ve missed this. Hot, running water was such a luxury that I didn't fully appreciate before. It felt so good being home, being able to see my family again. I’ve missed them so much. Once I was clean, it felt great to put on my actual clothes. I stepped out, feeling a lot better. Lux jumped back on my shoulder as I saw Mom was waiting for me. She hugged me again before taking my hand to escort me to the rest of my family. I was given numerous hugs by my family yet again which definitely made me smile. Luna was there, along with her father who looked incredibly happy. We returned to each other’s sides.

We’re finally back. I told Luna, smiling.

It feels good to be home. Luna replied, leaning against me.

We all walked to the banquet hall, where there was a feast being served. It smelled incredible as my mouth instantly began watering. I noticed Julius and Cleo were here now as well. Julius excitedly ran up and hugged me, along with Ein and Riva. I ruffled Riva's hair as she puffed her cheeks out at me in response. I gave Ein a quick hug as well. I was nearly crying again I was so happy to see them. Everyone was still swarming Luna and me. This feels amazing. I felt this pleasant fuzziness all over as we were there, having everyone trying to spend some time with us. My face was hurting from how hard I was smiling.

“Neve’ thought th' troublemake’ be popular.” Nautilus teased with a smirk.

“Troublemaker?” Mom checked, giving me a knowing stare.

“Lil grublin appa’ently has beef wit’ and rules. We dodged s' many pat'ols.” Nautilus answered. Please, I just got back. My family now began glaring at me. Nautilus you traitor.

“Dodging patrols?” Dad inquired, standing next to me.

“I wasn’t sure if they’d bring me back here. We were attacked at Ein’s party.” I defended myself immediately.

“You don’t have to worry about those families ever again Nil.” Mom assured me; something about her smile was a bit terrifying. I’m pretty sure they’re all dead, but I didn’t know for sure. We didn't want to take a chance.

“I didn’t know.” I grumbled. My dad ruffled my hair.

“You’re home now, and that’s all that matters.” Dad assured me.

“So, were you staying Nautilus?” Luna inquired. Nautilus has been teaching her a lot. She’s a great ally.

“I really don’ like stayin’ in one place.” Nautilus answered her. I noticed the crew was paying attention. I guess she may not have had a firm answer earlier, which was good for us.

Nil, you’ll back me up, right? Luna checked with me.

Of course. I confirmed, curious as to what she was about to do.

“But Helga is Nil’s caretaker. If you take his offer, it lets you spend more time with her.” Luna pointed out. Helga, I’m so sorry. Julius, please forgive me.

“What did you say Luna?” Helga inquired while looking quite red.

“If you want to try and talk to Helga more, being my Naval Admiral gives you a direct link.” I added. My family was looking at me a bit stunned.

“What are you doing Nil?” Julius inquired, as Cesar and Cleo both looked at us slack jawed.

“Salesmanship.” I retorted. Luna gave me a thumbs up as Nautilus mulled it over.

“NIL!” Helga roared at me, turning an even deeper shade of crimson.

“Think about it. If you don’t want to be Nil’s Naval Admiral, you could still give me combat lessons. I come over frequently and it gives you more time.” Luna continued. At this point, the pirates caught onto our game. Ailla and Lilas were sipping some drinks with wide smiles.

“Cap’n, you not considerin’ it, are ya?” Egoff checked, sounding a bit nervous. There was definitely blood in the water.

“Helga is single last time I checked.” I assisted. Have to tailor the pitch to the audience.

“NIL!” Mom yelled, trying to come up with the right words.

“Look at her, uh, how to phrase this, assets. She’s quite beautiful.” Luna pointed out. Helga somehow got even redder.

“Grublins, stop!” Sizal snapped. Nautilus was clearly getting tempted. Helga, I’ll make this up to you somehow. I promise.

“I could arrange for you two to get dinner at Beelze to discuss the offer.” I added. At this point, the shock wore off fully.

“Nil! That is enough!” Mom snapped, dragging me and Luna away as Julius, Cesar, Cleo, and Helga glared at me. Deserved. My uncles were clearly trying hard not to bust out laughing.

“I think imma take the offe’. Imma still teach th' lass t' fight though.” Nautilus informed us. Success! Helga was giving us an utterly incensed glare as we were dragged away.