Chapter 39

"Where are we going?" Lucian asked confused as they walked through a dark tunnel. They could hear laughter and instruments playing in the distance and the stench of liquor filled the air.
"We are going to a brothel. There is nothing demons enjoy more than women and liquor."
When they came to the end of the tunnel there was a large door blocking the way. The door opened by itself as if it knew that they were there. Roshan walked in and Lucian followed.
Half-n.a.k.e.d women walked all around the place, some of them swinging to the music, others carrying alcohol around and serving some guests.
"Lord Ramiel. Long-time no see. Are my woman not enticing enough anymore?" A woman in less revealing clothes came forward and greeted them. Lucian could tell she was a demon from her elegant movements and extremely good looks.
"Lady Tania. Your women are enticing but you know I am insatiable." Roshan replied.
Tania chuckled. "That I know." Then she shifted her gaze to Lucian and tilted her head. "And who is this lovely man?"
"I am Lucian," Lucian said as if that was enough for her to know who he was.
Tania pretended to shiver and wrapped her arms around herself. "Ohh...even your voice is delicious, young man." She said in a seductive tone.
Now the other women had gathered as well and were eying him with fascination.
"I'll give you a ride for free." One of them called and winked at him.
"I'll give you a ride you and pay you for it." Another one called and they all giggled like little excited girls.
"Alright now. Everyone, go back to work!" Tania called giving them a stern look. "Oh, you make everyone excited."
"I am not here for women," Lucian said.
"I know. You are already taken. I can smell her scent on you." She smirked. "So what brings you here?"
"We are here to meet some of your most precious guests," Roshan said.
Tania frowned. "I hope there will be no fight."
"I hope the same." Was Roshan's short reply.
Tania led them further in, through several rooms and halls as if she was taking them to a secret place. Then when they arrived in front of a door she motioned for them to wait as she walked inside alone. After a short while, she was back and gestured for them to go in. Roshan walked in first and Lucian followed. He was surprised to find that the room they walked into looked just like one of the rooms in a castle and didn't give a feeling of being in a brothel. It was clearly made for special guests and those guests sat in antique furnishings, wearing the most luxurious clothes and drinking the most expensive liquor, all while being surrounded by n.a.k.e.d women.
Women who forgot all about them as soon as they laid eyes on him. Before he could ignore their l.u.s.tful gazes Roshan gave them a nod to leave and just like that, obediently they left.
"Ramiel! Why are you ruining all the fun?" One of the four men spoke. Clearly, they knew each other. "And who is that?"
They all turned to Lucian, studying him carefully as if he was some unknown creature. Oh yes, he was. Probably the first of his kind.
"This is Lucian. I am sure you heard of him."
The man was about to take a sip from his drink when he suddenly paused. His gaze turned slowly into one of anger and disgust. Roshan ignored their reactions and continued with his introduction.
"And this is Antoine..." He said gesturing toward the man who had spoken. "Valentine, Erez, and Davor."
"You brought a witch here?" Antoine asked with a venomous tone while tightening his hold around the wine glass in his hand. Lucian could tell he would break it soon.
"Yes, a witch and the devil's son," Roshan said as a reminder.
That somehow made Antoine calm down a bit, or more correctly force himself to calm down.
He turned his gaze to Lucian, still disgust clear in his eyes. "If you came here to ask us to stand by your side against the witches then don't waste your time." Pretending to ignore him he took a sip of his wine.
Lucian didn't let Antione's actions affect him. "Who said I came here to ask?" Everyone looked at him confused. Even Roshan. "I came here to command."
Oh no, was the first thing Roshan thought but at the same time, he couldn't help but think oh yes. He liked fights after all and now Lucian had provoked some demon lord.
Antione was quiet for a moment as if trying to digest what Lucian said then he burst out into laughter. The others joined him.
Eventually, Antione stopped laughing when Lucian didn't react. Putting his glass down he stood up from his seat and walked up to Lucian. When they stood face to face he grabbed Lucian's jaw harshly.
Roshan didn't interfere. He wanted to see how Lucian would handle the situation.
"Listen to me kid. How old are you? Twenty-four? Twenty-five? Do you know how old I am? I am three hundred years. Three hundred! And you, a kid, dare to command me. Did you think I would fear you because of your father? He doesn't care about you." He spat.
Lucian didn't flinch all the time Antoine spoke in his face. Instead, he let him finish talking and then grabbed Antoine's arm in a firm grip. The evil gaze Roshan had seen before returned in Lucian's eyes as he slowly removed Antione's hand away from his jaw.
"You shouldn't fear me because of my father. You should fear me because I am his son."
"You shouldn't fear me because of my father. You should fear me because I am his son."
Antione grimaced in pain, that he tried so hard to hide but couldn't. The other men tried to rush to his rescue but Roshan pulled out his daggers and gave them a warning look. They stopped in their tracks knowing better than to fight a demon who was known for his skills to kill other demons.
Antione looked like he was being strangled. His face became pale and he fell on his knees. He could barely utter a word and all Lucian was doing was holding his arm. Roshan wondered what was going on.
Finally when Antione looked like he was going to die Lucian let go of his arm. As soon as his arm was free Antione fell back and crawled backward as if afraid to stay anywhere near Lucian. The other demons stared surprised, even Roshan.
Antione was a demon lord. He was much older than Lucian and he was known to be fearless and a skilled fighter. For him to look so scared, Lucian must have done something even if they saw him do nothing.
The other demons looked at each other, scared and confused. When Antione was a safe distance away from Lucian he finally let out a breath then tried to get up on his feet. He stumbled a little but then turned to Lucian with a straight face.
"What do you want?" He asked breathless and still pale.
"At my command, I want you to send your subordinates at any time and they shall obey me."
"You bast..." Erez began to curse as he tried to lurch at Lucian but Antione put a hand on his chest to stop him.
He shook his head at him as a warning then turned back to Lucian again. "Alright. If that's all you want." He said.
The others looked at him appalled.
"I hope you spread the word and if anyone disobeys report back to me and I shall pay them a visit," Lucian said in his most threatening tone.
"I shall do so, My Lord."
My Lord? That sounded funny coming from him. Roshan put his daggers back knowing that he wouldn't be needing them. Lucian's commands were already cutting through the air like sharp knives.
Without a word, Lucian vanished probably teleporting back home and Roshan followed. Once they arrived in the throne hall Roshan had to ask what Lucian did to frighten them so much.
"What did you do?"
Lucian sat on his throne with a thoughtful look. "I wasn't sure it would work but it did." He said.
"What worked?"
"Well, you know witches can draw power from nature like earth, sun, moon but also from each other. I am half-witch so I thought I would be able to do that. So when I grabbed his arm I drew power from him and used his own power against him." He explained.
Roshan never thought about that, maybe because no witch has ever done that before. Now he understood why Antione had looked so terrified. Lucian was already too powerful for his age as a demon thanks to his parents and adding Antiones power on all that must have been shocking.
"Are you saying witches can draw power from demons as well?" Roshan asked. Then they were in danger.
"Probably not. Witches are not physically as fast or as strong as demons. In fact, without their magic, they are no different from humans. Therefore grabbing a demon's arm long enough to withdraw power is not only difficult but suicidal as well. I, on the other hand, have the advantage of also being a demon."
Roshan listened fascinated. "That's genius. I knew you would be beast."
Lucian frowned. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"You should. Always. Especially if it comes from a woman." He winked leaning against the wall and crossing his arms over his chest.
"Do you think they are scared enough?" Lucian asked.
"They are. Trust me I know demons and now when you have them under your command you don't need to worry about the witches." Roshan assured.
Now finally everything was under control. For a long while at least.
"By the way. Klara and I are getting married next week and...you are not invited." Roshan shrugged jokingly.
Lucian chuckled. "You made a good decision. You don't want the devil's son and the bloodthirsty King to turn your wedding into a battlefield."
"Oh, I would love that. It would be good entertainment for the guests. I just don't think the bride would like it very much. Especially when she gets blood on her white dress."
Lucian shook his head with a smile. "Congratulations." He then said.
"I'll see you then...brother," Roshan said teasingly before disappearing.
Strangely Lucian didn't feel annoyed this time.
All relaxed he made his way to his chamber. He longed to see Hazel and be with her for the first time without worrying about anything, but when he walked into their room he found his mother instead.
Irene sat next to the window, knitting what looked like a sweater. She looked up at him with a smile, her eyes twinkling just like every time she saw him. It was like she was looking at the stars or something more beautiful, more magical, more beloved.
"Lucian." She said his name with such longing. "Look..." she held up the sweater. "Isn't it beautiful? I can't wait to see my grandchild wear it."
She looked at the sweater and held it as if it was the most precious thing in the world.
"It is beautiful," Lucian said.
"I did so many of those when I was pregnant with you, imagining how you would look in them." She still looked at the sweater while she spoke. Lucian knew she didn't want him to see her cry but he didn't have to see to know that she was about to. "I made them in all colors just in case. I even made a little blanket to keep you warm. All those things...you never got a chance to wear them."
Now she looked up to meet his gaze and just then a tear fell down her cheeks. She wiped it away quickly and smiled at him. "I am not crying because of sadness. I am happy for you. You will be a wonderful father just like you are a wonderful son. I am so happy I got the chance to meet you and talk to you. I never thought I would." She shook her head. "I am talking too much." She chuckled. "Hazel is taking a bath. I'll leave you two alone."
Standing up from her seat she gathered her things and headed toward the door.
"Mother."
The world suddenly went still. That simple word, that word he had wished he could say his entire life but never thought he would. He said it now.
Irene froze in place and stayed like that for what seemed like forever before turning around slowly. She could not believe her ears. Did she hear it right?
"What...what did you say?" She breathed her heart pounding in her ears.
"Mother," Lucian repeated now more softly as his eyes teared up.
Irene's heart tightened in joy and she burst into tears. Dropping everything in her hands she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him.
Lucian hugged her back as she cried into his embrace. "I love you son. Your mother loves you so much. So so much." She grabbed his face and kissed his cheeks.
"Mother." Tears fell down his face and she wiped them away gently.
"Oh no, don't cry." Him crying made her cry even more and they both cried in each other's arms.
It was tears of sadness, pain, loneliness, frustration but most of all it was tears of joy.
Lucian had been both excited and worried for the last few days. Excited because his child was coming into this world soon and worried because he was afraid to lose his wife to childbirth. Hazel was the only thing that kept him happy and sane. He could not live without her. But last week she had been in so much pain and many times he thought she was about to give birth.
Not being able to do anything for her Lucian felt helpless.
"Don't worry. She won't die. She has demon blood in her veins now." His mother assured him when she noticed his concern.
Still, he didn't like to see Hazel suffer and many times she looked like she was going to die. Especially when he heard her screams on the day she was giving birth.
"Your Majesty. It's better if you stay outside." The midwife advised him but he didn't listen.
He wanted to be beside Hazel. How could he leave her when she was in so much pain? But after witnessing the whole situation of giving birth his head began to spin. He tried to keep his calm and be there to support his wife but soon, he was losing it.
"You have to push, Your Majesty." The midwife told her.
"I don't want to anymore. Just take it out!" Hazel yelled.
The situation became more stressful and Lucian was tense the whole time while he held Hazel's hand.
"There is not much left. Just one more push."
The veins in Hazel's neck and forehead popped out as she pushed one last time before her head fell back with a sigh and the baby's cry filled the room. At first, Lucian didn't pay attention to the child. He just looked at Hazel to ensure that she was alright. He was not going to let her leave him.
After a few deep breaths, Hazel reached her arms out eagerly to hold their child. It was like she didn't care about her own condition and just wanted to see the baby.
When the midwife placed the child in her arms a smile lit up her face.
Finally, Lucian felt his muscled relax after being tense the whole day. Now he just stared at the beautiful sight in front of him. His wife alive, holding his child. The world went suddenly still and everything around them faded. All that mattered and all he could see was the two most important people in his life. The ones who made living through hell worth it.
It was the happiest moment in his life, or so he thought before Hazel placed their daughter in his arms. His chest felt heavy with joy and his eyes became wet with tears. He didn't want to let go of her. He never wanted to let go of this feeling. The feeling of holding her. The feeling of being in heaven.
And so he named her. Heaven.
If he was his mother's light, then his daughter was his heaven. What more could he ask for?
"Your Majesty. I need to bath her." The midwife said with a pleading look when he didn't want to let go of her.
Hazel chuckled. "Yes, and I need to feed her."
"Yes, yes of course."
He handed her over to the midwife carefully.
Oh, he never wanted to let go.
But he had a lifetime to spend with these two precious people and he began by spending time with them today. He was still very emotional and all he wanted to do was hold them both. As they lay in their bed Lucian leaned in and placed a kiss on Hazel's forehead.
"Thank you for this beautiful gift." He said and then looked at their daughter who was sleeping between them.
"Hmm..." Was all Hazel said as she was falling asleep as well. He could see the exhaustion on her face.
Lucian kissed her on the cheek one more time before slowly getting out of bed. His mother had kept her distance, probably letting them have their time together but Lucian knew she was very eager to see her grandchild.
Slowly he lifted Heaven form the bed and carried her to his mother's room. On his way, he got even more emotional. After seeing Hazel go through childbirth he understood the pain his mother went through. He understood the love of a parent and the strong desire to protect their child. He even understood why his father wanted to kill him. Not because he hated him, but because he wanted to save him.
And many times during his childhood Lucian had actually preferred death over living in utter loneliness. If he hadn't met Hazel he would still have that wish.
Lucian knocked on the door to his mother's room and before the second knock his mother opened the door already with a big smile on her face. Her gaze fell on Heaven in his arms and without a word, she leaned closer to take a closer look. She couldn't even wait until he came in.
"Do you want to hold her?" Lucian asked.
Irene nodded and then slowly he placed Heaven in her arms. What happened after he couldn't quite explain but it was a magical moment. His mother holding his daughter was a picture he never thought he would see and this picture was breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. Knowing that his mother never got the chance to hold him long when he was born was the heartbreaking part. He couldn't imagine living without Heaven so he understood his mother's pain.
Irene broke down in tears but Lucian knew they were tears of joy. "She is so beautiful." She sobbed. "She looks just like you but she has my eyes."
Heaven had woken up but she wasn't crying. She seemed to look at Irene curiously with eyes green as emerald. Yes, she had the exact same eyes as his mother.
Lucian just sat and watched as Irene adored her granddaughter, singing her songs, kissing her and talking to her. He never thought that a child could bring so much happiness to a whole family.
Suddenly Heaven began to cry. "She is hungry now," Irene said.
"Yes, I should take her Hazel," Lucian said standing up.
Irene placed Heaven in his arms still unable to look away from her. "Grandma will see you later." She whispered the turned to Lucian. Grabbing his face she kissed both his cheeks.
"I am lucky to have you both." She smiled.
Lucian leaned down and placed a kiss on his mother's forehead. He had wanted to do that since he saw what a mother went through to bring a child into this world. His respect grew for both his mother and his wife and he was lucky to have them both.
But his father, where was he? Lucian had expected him to be here to see his grandchild but he wasn't. Once again he was disappointed. Maybe he should just stop expecting things from his father.
Feeling somehow disappointed he went back to his room. Putting the thoughts of his father aside he decided to enjoy this time with his family. He just lay in bed with them while Hazel fed Heaven. His very moment felt more intimate than anything he ever experienced and Lucian wished for it to last forever. But he knew that even more beautiful moments would come in his life now that Heaven was part of it.
Eventually, all three fell asleep. Heaven slept in her crib and Hazel slept in Lucian's arms.
In the middle of the night, Lucian woke up feeling strange. Someone was in their room but before he could draw his weapons from under the bed his father spoke.
"It's just me." He said.
Lucian turned to find his father standing next to the crib where Heaven was sleeping.
"I couldn't help myself." His father said sounding apologetic.
Lucian removed the sheets and climbed out of bed. He went up to his father who kept standing still in the darkness.
"Why didn't you come earlier?" Lucian whispered as to not wake Hazel and Heaven.
"I shouldn't be here." He said more to himself than to Lucian. Then he looked at Heaven. "Your daughter, she is beautiful."
"Your granddaughter." Lucian pointed out.
Lucifer kept staring at Heaven and Lucian couldn't tell if he was getting emotional.
"Do you want to hold her?" He asked.
Lucifer's eyes widened. "I shouldn't." He shook his head. ¨
"I didn't ask what you should. I asked what you want?"
Lucifer looked up at him. "May I?" He then asked.
Lucian could hear the excitement in his father's voice and his hands shook slightly as he picked up Heaven carefully. From the way, he picked her up and held her Lucian could tell it wasn't the first time his father held a child.
"I have not been a good father." He said as he studied Heaven lovingly and held her as if she was the most precious thing in the world.
"Then be a good grandfather," Lucian said. It was his way of saying that he forgave his father.
Lucifer looked up and met Lucian's gaze. In those eyes, Lucian could see gratitude but also a possible beginning of a relationship between them.
It was summer again. The sun shone brightly in the blue sky and the warm summer breeze spread the scent of flowers in the air. But despite the beautiful weather and view, all Lucian could do was stare at his now Five-month-old daughter in his arms. Nothing was more beautiful to him in this world.
The last five months of his life had been a blessing. He was surrounded by people he cared for. His wife, his daughter, his mother even his father. They were slowly getting along. What more could he wish for?
Hazel was well and healthy, and an amazing mother. She was also a wise queen. Lucian was proud of her. Now being half-demon she became even stronger and radiated beauty and confidence. Now he wasn't afraid to hurt her as before.
His mother was always there to support Hazel and help her understand her demon side and his father was often there offering his help to run the kingdom. But Lucian was managing well so far without any help.
"Are you going to stare at her the whole day?" Roshan suddenly appeared disturbing his peaceful moment as always.
"Sometimes I believe you exist to annoy me," Lucian said giving Roshan a stern look.
"That's what brothers are for." He smirked. "Didn't you call me brother last week?"
Lucian sighed. He did call him brother last week. Why? He wasn't sure, but he was definitely regretting it now.
Roshan leaned over Heaven. "Hello there. Remember me? Uncle Roshan." He smiled.
Heaven waved her arms in the air. "Oh, I miss you too." He replied.
Lucian had been surprised by how comfortable Roshan was with children. Now with his own child on the way he was very excited.
Klara visited often as well now that she and Hazel were very close. Sometimes they could chat for hours and other times Klara would teach Hazel how to fight. At first, Lucian was worried since Hazel had just given birth but she recovered so quickly and was so eager to learn. Maybe it was her demon that was giving her strength.
"Your Majesty, My Lord." Lydia came to the garden and before she could speak Lucian knew that Hazel had sent for Heaven. "Her Majesty wants to feed the princess."
"I'll bring her myself," Lucian said not wanting to let go of his daughter.
Lydia bowed and left without a word.
"I'll take my leave as well. I just wanted to say hello to Heaven." Roshan spoke.
"Will you come by for dinner?" Lucian asked.
"If you ask nicely." Roshan teased.
Lucian chuckled. "I wasn't asking you to come. I just wanted to know so that I could poison your food."
"I guess you will have to wait and see if I want to die or not." He said before vanishing.
"Your uncle is not in his right mind," Lucian told Heaven before carrying her to Hazel.
Once he arrived at their chamber he found Hazel in bed reading a letter. She had been exchanging letters with her mother lately and he noticed it made her both happy and sad at the same time. He could tell she missed her mother.
When she heard his footstep she looked up and put the letter away quickly. There were tears in her eyes that she tried to hide.
"Is your mother alright?" Lucian asked as he walked closer.
Hazel nodded. "She is fine." She smiled giving him a reassuring look.
Lucian sat next to her on the bed. "You will meet your mother someday soon. I promise." He said hating to see her sad.
Hazel nodded again, then carefully she reached for Heaven. Once Heaven was in her arms a smile lit up her face.
"I can't believe she grew so fast. It feels like I gave birth to her yesterday."
"I know." Lucian agreed.
Time was running by fast and there were too many people Lucian wanted to spend time with all while taking care of the kingdom. He wanted to be with his daughter and wife but also with his parents. The last few months he discovered the fun side of his mother and the caring side of his father. He enjoyed spending time with both, but he had to say that he enjoyed spending more time with his mother than his father. Lucifer was still a bit difficult to figure out.
Hazel began to feed Heaven. Lucian kissed her hair before standing up to leave. "I'll see you at dinner." He said and left to proceed with his royal affairs.
A king always had a lot to do.
The sun went down with Lucian still being busy with state affairs and then it was already time for dinner.
As he made his way to the dining room he was surprised by the many voices he heard inside the room. Who else was here? He used to dine with his wife and parents, sometimes even with Roshan and Klara but this time he heard other voices as well.
Curious he continued until he walked into the room and to his surprise found Julian and his family sitting at one side of the table and his parents, Hazel, Roshan, and Klara sitting on the other side. Witches on one side and mostly demons on the other and.... They weren't fighting. They were actually chatting happily.
Lucian never thought he would ever see this happen. His real family together with the family that took him and helped him when he was lost.
Suddenly someone screamed. "Lucian!" A girl came running toward him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I missed you."
"Elle!" Julian suddenly stood up from his seat with a look of shock on his face. "It's His Majesty." He warned.
Julian's family stood up quickly after him wearing an apologetic look on their face as they bowed to greet him.
Upon the word, Majesty Elle stiffened with a gasp and was about to let go of him when Lucian wrapped his arms around her.
"I miss you too, Elle." He chuckled and then slowly she relaxed.
Irene stood up from her seat and walked up to him. "I invited Julian and his family. I hope it's alright?" She asked.
"You did well." He replied.
Elle looked up at him and smiled while still having her arms around him. Lucian patted her head with a smile. "Shall we eat?"
She nodded and then followed him to the table. Lucian greeted each one of Julian's family and welcomed them. They seemed happy to see him as he was to see them and congratulated him on becoming a father.
Lucian sat at the end of the table. To his right side, his family was sitting and to his left side the family who had saved him. They were dining and chatting happily. Lucian looked at each one of them and warmth filled his chest.
Once Lucian had been utterly alone. He had no mother at all and no father who cared for him. His siblings were his main enemies and he had no friends. No one knew what he was and no one had cared to know. Even he didn't know. He had been confused, sad and lost. He had given up on life. Until he met her.
His wife. The one who changed his life. The one who took his sadness away. The one who made his life worth living every day.
Hazel.
His eyes searched for her across the table. She looked up from her plate hearing his silent call and looked at him with concerned eyes.
I love you.
A smile lit up her face at his words and even though he couldn't hear her he knew she was saying the same words back.