The Prince of Demons

My entire body was in agony; I stared at the ceiling wanting to cry. Duthane was ruthless. I think my nightmares of moltaug were now accompanied by the trumpets of the thwacks from the stick of corrections. I knew according to the malicious boot rumors I needed to get better at dancing, but Duthane’s lessons were ridiculously strict. From sunrise to sunset, I had to dance with the stupid mannequin. When would I even get to show this off? Now my speech, posture, and general way of carrying myself were added to the lessons as well. I still was given a bit of time to train my fighting skills, which I clearly needed to improve if I wanted to stay ahead of Lux. Even if I slowed down time, she could still move fast enough to be a problem. It's called , so I should have suspected this was possible. For some reason my archery was back on the menu for needing improvement, as Uncle Nox insisted that I get better at it without relying on my . When he sensed I was about to lose it from only practicing archery he would add in some swordsmanship also without using . I suspected having the skill without needing to augment the ability was important. I turned on my bed, looking to see Luna was laying on her bed nearby. We haven’t been able to spend as much time together. It was odd dating her as the visual feedback was off-putting, but I still liked being able to spend time with her. I remembered her sitting happily next to me listening to me play the piano. I never thought I’d actually enjoy playing the piano; my parents sucked all the joy out of it last time. I smiled as I recalled that. I felt kind of frustrated as we just seemed to be getting endless lessons now that our triumphant return was over. Being honest, the number of lessons we both received seemed to have been increased immensely once the celebration was over. I mulled it over before going to sleep, pondering why we were getting so many lessons.

I woke up sore yet again; a day or two off would be so nice. From how Luna stood up I could tell she wasn’t feeling much better. Lux stretched next to me also looking tired. We all begrudgingly got ready to face our lessons of the day. Lux, ever the bum, decided to curl around my neck and have me carry her to breakfast. Luna looked at me, giving me a begging expression. I sighed before I picked her up like a princess. Why am I the people porter? I moved us all to the dining room, setting Luna down just outside so no one saw me carrying her like that. We walked in and I was surprised to see Grand Archmagus Solomon sitting at the table. What was he doing here? Uncle Nez was also wearing his formal Archmagus attire along with Orga. Was there an event today I forgot about? The two of us sat down as Lux hopped over to her seat. I realized there was no Duthane here yet; I took more joy in that fact than I should have. My parents were sitting in a patient silence as we filed in. Duke Dawnsfield and my grandparents were also sitting at the table all wearing more formal attire. Cesar and Cleo were both present and dressed like the others. Julius was sitting next to his parents talking with Ein. Where’s Riva? Wait, there was a small booster seat between my parents. But why were the adults all dressed so well? I looked at Luna who seemed equally confused at what the event of the day was.

“What’s happening today?” I inquired as we all sat there.

“As Duthane requested, no contractions Nil. It is not proper. As for your question, we had an announcement for you two.” Mom told me. I fought every desire in my body to let out an exasperated sigh.

“What is the announcement?” I probed. Several of the adults had amused expressions.

“We are going to let you two attend the Imperial Hunting Festival. You each will have an Archmagus near you at all times, as well as another person for security.” Dad informed us. I actually felt excited. The torture will not be for nothing! Luna gave me a giant hug which I reciprocated.

“Really?!” we checked in unison.

“Really.” Mom confirmed. We would get to go after all!

“There are going to be some strict security measures you two better follow.” Duke Dawnsfield lectured. We both nodded furiously in agreement.

“Is that why Grand Archmagus Solomon is here?” I inquired. This would be great!

“Yes. I will be assisting in making sure the Imperial Hunting Grounds are clear and safe, as well as assisting in making sure the event runs without incident, Crown Prince Nil.” Grand Archmagus Solomon informed me. This was amazing! We should be safe, right?

“When is the Imperial Hunting Festival?” Luna asked, sounding ecstatic.

“In a few days. You two will have a few joint lessons to make sure things go smoothly.” Mom answered. Yes! I wouldn’t suffer under Duthane alone!

That smile better be getting to go dancing with me. Luna taunted with a smile.

It is. I swear. I joked back. Let’s see how she enjoyed that blasted woman’s lessons.

Someone is going to be sorely disappointed. Luna stated with a light chuckle. Wait, she regressed; she probably had all this etiquette nonsense memorized before. It’s not fair. At this point, Helga and Nautilus joined the table.

“I do not believe I have met your acquaintance. I am Grand Archmagus Solomon.” Grand Archmagus Solomon introduced himself to Nautilus.

“Greetin’s. I’m Nautilus.” Nautilus introduced herself. Grand Archmagus Solomon made a bit of a face, but clearly kept his mouth shut.

“This is Crown Prince Nil’s Naval Admiral.” Helga clarified while keeping an eye on Nautilus.

“What? I’m s’posed t’ say th’ title each time?” Nautilus asked, looking a little annoyed.

“Correct. We talked about this.” Helga retorted. Nautilus let out a massive, irritated sigh.

“Hel’o. I am Naval Admi’al Nautilus.” Nautilus corrected herself while keeping her eyes on Helga who nodded in approval.

“As in Captain Nautilus? The pirate that sank countless ships and pillaged numerous vessels of the Institute of Mages?” Grand Archmagus Solomon checked. His tone was excessively controlled.

“I ain’t givin’ it back. Gotta pa’don an’ everythin’.” Nautilus retorted in an instant. Nearly every other adult at the table sighed; Helga was rubbing the bridge of her nose a bit. I couldn’t even begin to describe Grand Archmagus Solomon’s expression as he processed the information.

“She was crucial in returning Crown Prince Nil home and he wanted her as his Naval Admiral.” Papa informed Grand Archmagus Solomon. Grand Archmagus Solomon took a deep breath before smiling.

“I understand. I look forward to working with you in the future.” Grand Archmagus Solomon said in a near soulless voice.

“Same.” Nautilus replied with equal enthusiasm.

At this point, breakfast was served; Luna and I were excitedly shifting as we ate. The adults made a lot of small talk, avoiding any real subject. So that was why my etiquette and archery lessons spiked so much. I’m not that hopeless; the number of lessons has been excessive. I looked at Luna. It’s because of those boots you wore. Luna looked back at me with a smile before summoning the boots. Is she a mind reader? She had the smuggest smile as she looked at me. It was a lucky guess, nothing more. I did not want to think of how Duthane would react if Luna wore those blasted things again. Luna might start the Speranza space program if she wears those boots. Would Duthane be reasonable if she did? I nearly laughed at myself. Not a chance Duthane would accept the metal toed boots again. Lux was cackling behind me, enjoying the sight of the boots yet again. I was not red. I was not red at all.

“How did you know?” I inquired, trying to keep my voice level.

“Nil Whisperer!” Ein chanted excitedly in response.

“As Ein stated, I am the Nil Whisperer.” Luna teased me. Not this nonsense again.

“The Nil Whisperer is all knowing.” Julius tagged on with a smile.

“Nil Whisperer foresaw her toes were in danger, so she prepared to defend them from your attack big brother!” Ein told me with great enthusiasm.

“I hear she even had anti effects put on just in case.” Julius added, clearly enjoying himself.

Dancing with you is dangerous. Lux chimed in while still cackling.

“I am sure when we spar later this will be equally amusing then.” I stated, glaring at Julius and Ein.

“When will you have the time?” Julius inquired with a small snort.

“Imagine challenging someone to a duel because they told the truth.” Luna teased me.

“Brother is red!” Ein observed. How could I get back at them? Wait. The answer was obvious. I smiled at my little brother and Julius.

“It is unfortunate you two will be unable to attend the Imperial Hunting Festival. I think you will need to be somewhere safe for the few days duration.” I suggested. Ein instantly stopped smiling as he realized what I was saying. The safety vault is sooo boring.

“What do you mean?” Julius checked. Even Luna looked a bit confused as Lux began laughing harder.

“You need to be kept somewhere safe and secure as there will be a lot of guards and security at the event, but you two unfortunately cannot attend. An alternative will be needed.” I continued. Ein was definitely not laughing now.

“But they are going.” Dad interjected, smiling at my attempt. I scowled at that news. Damn, I wanted to threaten the safety vault. Ein immediately began smiling again.

“Nil Whisperer knew it was safe to discuss your dancing!” Ein cheered. I couldn’t wait for Ein to start etiquette lessons so I could lord them over him.

“I guess I will just need to spar with you two to make sure you are prepared for the festival.” I sighed, having to fall back on old reliable for now. They both gave me unamused stares.

“Wow, resorting to dueling when you can not think of a better retort.” Luna teased me. I glared at the boots.

It’s all I got without being unnecessarily mean. Given how tense and strict things have been preparing for this I figured it was my best option for now. I could taunt Julius with insulting the Imperial Family, but that might give Grisbane some stupid ideas. I told Luna. Luna mulled it over for a few moments before shrugging.

You’re right there. Luna conceded. Lux was still laughing.

Why’d you bring out the boots? I asked her, trying not to sound like I was whining.

Why else would you be glaring at me? Luna shot back. Fair enough.

The rest of breakfast was uneventful while Julius, Ein, and Lux gave me a little more grief about my dancing skills; I would prove them all wrong in due time. Duthane’s lessons would pay off, they had to. Failure was not an option. I don’t want to live in the world where they get stricter and more intense. Helga and Nautilus escorted Luna and I to the room where all my lessons with Duthane had been. What is this room called? Dance room? I should pay more attention to things like this. Duthane was waiting for us, stick of corrections in hand. I hoped that would not be needed today. I’ve practiced so much with that blasted mannequin.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Dawnsfield. I am Marchioness Duthane Ombrun.” Duthane said with a polite bow.

“Likewise. I greatly appreciate your efforts in teaching Crown Prince Nil.” Luna responded with a very polite bow as well. Helga and Nautilus walked off to the side where I could hear Helga begin to lecture Nautilus on something as Nautilus smiled back.

“Now, we are going to practice requesting a dance and dancing with your partner.” Duthane instructed. Luna currently was not wearing the boots, so I should be fine.

“Lady Luna, would you like to dance?” I requested, using the form Duthane made me practice countless times. Nonleading hand behind my back, bowing respectfully, extend my leading hand out, and my legs should be positioned correctly.

“I would love to.” Luna replied, gleefully taking my hand.

I escorted her to the dance floor while Duthane began playing the music. I excitedly learned that Luna was much easier to dance with than the mannequin. Wait a second. She was a lot easier to dance with. Focus. Do not justify the boots. Do not justify the boots. Lead while adjusting to the difference in our strides as I was slightly taller than Luna. For once, Duthane didn’t use the stick of corrections throughout the entire song. Luna looked over the moon to be dancing with me again; something about her joy made me feel all warm and fuzzy. We danced to several similar songs, without me validating the existence of the boots at all. Okay, maybe the lessons were worth it. Luna looked so happy, smiling wide at me. It made me feel this great warmth as my heart was beating kind of funny. Dancing well with Luna was way more enjoyable than it should have been. I kind of get why she likes it now; being able to enjoy a moment with someone close to you. For once, I didn’t want the song to end as we kept dancing together.