Meeting the Demon

**Aileen's POV**

We walked for close on two miles away from the fair. The only noise to accompany our journey was his Highness' grumbling. Whatever girl he knocked up was real lucky. Prince Roy was the whole disgusting package. At least now I didn't have to unwrap it ever.
Devon was silent just as in my dreams. Do your job and be gone. He would make for a great politician or secretary.
I kept my eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. One of these idiots tried something, I would kill them. Their deaths would be similar to the monster stupid enough to chase a girl into the DSS woods. Just like him, I would feel no remorse. Prince Roy was an evil coward and Devon had chosen his path.
Ten more minutes and there were no longer any people around. My guess was on Shiuku scaring them off. He would want things to go exactly his way. For well over a year Shiuku has been invading my dreams, touching me, and saying he'll make me mine. This was his game; his playground.
I was curious what choice he would be so kind as to give me. A great part of me wondered if he had just found out that I had been used before. Now he had no need for me. Maybe he would let me go.
Those evil men did do me one favor in that case. No more evil demon.
"Whatcha thinking about communal slut?" Roy taunted. I knew he was an ass, but had no clue he was this foul.
"I was just a child you shi-" I was about to launch my fist into his lips, when Devon held up his hand.
He moved his fingers to form a claw. He spun his hand in a slow circle. Instantly, a sharp little tornado surged at Roy. The wind tore his skin from forehead to chin in little red lines.
Roy stepped back and howled in pain at his minor injuries. *Spoiled brat try having most your bones broken and spit on* I thought to myself.
The prince was about to say something, but Devon cut him off, "do not speak those words to her again. I only let it slip because of the citizens around. Shiuku will not care if I kill you."
I'd never heard him speak so many words. I'd never heard him speak without a measure of shame, or sadness. Was this what Devon used to be like? Before joining with the world's most powerful demon?
For a moment, I thought Roy would say something back. Instead he marched on forward, whining like a kicked puppy.
We continued towards an abandoned building...of course. Long grass reached up covering the foundation of the little house. There was some illegible red spray paint on some broken pieces of wood. Devon had Roy go around to the back of the beat up old house first. Next I was nudged forward with Devon bringing up the rear.

I quieted the evil voices in my head and took many deep breaths. I willed my pounding heart to slow. This would be the first time I meet Shiuku. Hell, this would be the first time I see what the demon lord looks like. *Don't show him fear. Be strong.*
When I finished fighting my way through the grass I noticed Roy on the ground. It wasn't Shiuku on top of him. Black hairs were tangled around his shoulders as a bruised up fist came crashing down on Roy's face.
"Father!"
My Father looked up. There was not a single injury on him, but I saw pain in his expression. He stood up. Under him Prince Roy's face was a purple bloodied mess. Only two minutes could have passed while Devon and I hadn't been far behind; even with my slow measured steps.
My legs carried me over to him. Father swooped me up in his large arms and cradled my head. Tears streamed down my eyes. Father, he was here. He still cared. I had someone.
A closer look showed me how hollow his cheeks were. Father's body was slimmer too. Thankfully he was not crying. No, not in front of Devon, Roy, and Kalum.
"KALUM!" I shouted stretching an arm to bring him into the hug. Just like Father he had lost some weight too. He hadn't lost his comforting smile though. I felt a false sense of security with them again. My family, the ones who were there for me through all the hell my childhood was.
"Well I hate to break this up, but I would love to see my wife's face in person now." A chilling man said from above us.
Grey almost silver eyes were framed by the pitch black hair. Several times Shiuku's stubble had rubbed against me. Now I could see he had facial hair just as I thought. Small sideburns met a goatee.
Shiuku smiled looking down at us. He had long eyelashes too...So captivating. *"Slut"*
Damn it! Get out of my head! That one I had seen Kalum kill when rescuing me. Dead men shouldn't taunt!
My Father tensed up, readying himself to fight, even he didn't make a move though. All of us were paralyzed.
"So shall we get on with things? Now I'm sure you all want to know why I have...graced you with my presence." His firm lips twitched as if he made some grand joke with the word graced. Yeah, I get it your a demon. You shouldn't use that word.
Father broke his temporary paralysis first. "Oh yes, I've always wanted to talk to an actual demon. Angels have never really been my thing. Too far in the darkness myself I'm afraid."
I didn't like how Father was talking. He was joking with a demon who could kill us all in two steps. Harassing the demon to hide his earlier fear was not wise. At least I thought.
Prince Roy turned to run. Father caught him by the shoulder. "You really gonna try to run? Our score is not yet settled. Hurting my flesh and blood isn't something I can turn a blind eye to. Come now, let's talk to the demon together!"
My Father kept up a pleasant tone, as if we were all having a casual conversation. That had Roy's face blanch.
The demon chuckled drawing attention back like a ring leader at the circus. "I see you still have quite the dark heart King. So much death around you. It's no wonder you managed to kill one of my men. Though I must thank you King Ulrich."
"Oh, and how is that demon lord? Have the people I killed damned my soul to hell? You are thankful for my soul when I die?" Father paused and rubbed at his beardless chin. "Well, I don't really feel like dying today. Perhaps another day? I still have lots to do and all that."
Shiuku laughed, a full laugh from the belly. Honestly, despite the situation, I almost did too. He was trying to order a demon. Father was making mock in a way! He was showing what makes him so strong. Never back down.
"No, no your Highness," the demon cooed. "Perhaps you should talk to the DSS about demons here... There is only one person I am here to collect. I will assure you that I am not dragging her down to hell. In fact... quite the opposite. I'm sure you would not like to hear those details. I'll spare you that."
Father crossed his arms, ice in his gaze for the demon.
"I am Demon Lord Shiuku, feared from generation to generation. Never killed. I am here for your daughter's hand. I thought it only right to at least have a proper meeting before marrying your dear little princess."