Her Dark King

*** The castle was a flurry of activity, much more than the usual morning rush. Excitement vented the air along with hushed conversations that propelled the rumors floating around the hallowed halls of Waelmore Castle. Rumors that reached one of the monarchs who was enjoying her morning tea. "I can't believe the Princess is coming back today! Do you think she's finally going to marry Lord Devin?"  One of the maids inquired from her two companions, each of them pushing trolleys of laundry that consisted of fresh sheets and towels for the Princess' room. "What other possible reason could there be? She's been at Iroway forest for the last six months with her godfather for her magic training. And when she left, I did hear rumors that she would only return to finish preparations for her wedding!"  The two squealed in excitement as their third companion rolled her eyes before opening the grand white mahogany double doors into the beautiful room that had not been occupied in said six months. She couldn't understand their excitement but she also couldn't blame them for their ignorance. The only reason she was so enlightened was the fact that she was the Princess' personal attendant. "What's with that reaction, Wendy? Do you know something we don't?"  Wendy shrug was non-committal, not that the two women were expecting anything from the woman. She was a vault of secrets, revealing nothing no matter the incentive. She and Briar, the Queen's attendant, were famed all around the castle attendants for their unwavering loyalty to the mother and daughter. "Well, anyway, Lord Devin and Princess Allegra will make such a fine match! The goddess has answered our prayers! I just know their love story is going to be one for the ages, just like Queen Evanora and King Atalante!"  Their dreamy sighs vented the air as Wendy did her best to keep her eye roll at bay as she prepared herself to cast the necessary spells. "I do believe we are here to work and not gossip about the Princess or her nuptials."  Wendy muttered, the green glow of her magic lighting the room up as the sheets on the bed unfurled themselves before those in the trolley took their place on the bed, straightening out and tucking themselves in at Wendy's command. With subtle eye rolls, the two women pursed their lips and got to work, their own magic venting the air as each of them commanded the broom to sweep the room and the mop to follow through.  Their excitement couldn't, however, be completely extinguished as they whispered excitedly within the bathroom whilst changing the towels and running a bath which filled the room with a familiar aroma. "What's so exciting about that rude and stuck up brat marrying my darling Allegra?"  Wendy muttered grudgingly as she replaced the pillow covers, her annoyance growing further at the sound of the excited squeals from the two in the bathroom. "Believe me, Wendy, I feel the exact same way you do."  A soft feminine voice spoke up from the doorway, the sight of Queen Evanora prompting the attendant to immediate action as she curtsied low before her Queen. "Your Royal Majesty...I didn't hear you come in."  Her face was flush with embarrassment as she prayed hard to the goddess Hecate that her earlier slander hadn't been heard. "Its quite alright, Wendy. The excitement in the castle has me restless and the familiar scent of cherry blossom flowers, almond and cedar wood pulled me in."  Her smile was as beautiful as she was.  Queen Evanora was famous for many things; her quick wit, sense of humor, being one of the strongest witches in the Gremory bloodline since her great ancestor and founder of the Grevia Kingdom but, most of all, for her dazzling beauty that had left many in awe. Caramel colored flawless skin, beautiful hazel-chocolate brown eyes and gorgeous raven black shoulder length curly hair, she was stunning with curves at all the right places and a fashion sense that had created trends all around the Grevia Kingdom and beyond. Her bare arms bore beautiful tattoos and magical markings that glowed an ethereal gold at the activation of her incredible powers as did her eyes. "You must be excited for Allegra's return?"  She spoke up as she slowly advanced further into the room before settling on the well made bed. Her hands trailed down the navy blue floral comforter, following the pattern of the golden embroidery. "I am. As is the entire kingdom it seems."  Wendy responded, earning a chuckle from Evanora as she trailed her eyes out to the view beyond the glass double doors leading to the balcony. The sun had risen hours ago, its glow casting beautiful shimmers of light around Grevia.  She understood the people's longing for their next monarch. Heck, she herself hadn't been able to contain her own excitement once word was sent of her little girl's imminent return.  That was before I got a snippet of what's to come...Before I saw him in my vision... "Your Royal Majesty."  The two attendants finally made their appearance, bowing low before Evanora who was quickly pulled from her troubled thoughts. She chuckled at the sight of their worried gazes, no doubt after being caught gossiping about their Princess' future which wasn't as set in stone as she thought it was a few days ago. "Please be at ease. I'm grateful for the good work that you've done to welcome Allegra home. I am sure she'll be pleased to take a bath with her favorite scents once she arrives. Goddess knows Merlin doesn't have female bath products at hand in that run down shack he calls a home."  Evanora mused through a mischief filled grin, her memories of spending time in that cabin with her oldest friend coming back in droves. "Now, that is no way to talk about your brother, my love."  A masculine and playful voice spoke up, prompting the three women to bow instantly at the sight of their King. "Your Majesty."  They chorused, earning a small smile and nod of acknowledgement from him as he gestured for them to stand. "You know I'm right, darling. Do you remember how many times we had to fix the bathroom faucet when we spent that summer vacation there? I mean, the man is one of the most powerful wizards in the world! He could mend it easily and yet he loses his marbles when we use magic to fix the damn thing. I swear, sometimes I am sure he lost it during the 200 year war."  Atalante chuckled at his wife's venting which he knew was all in good form. The two were closer than many, their trust for each other absolute. She wouldn't, after all, let just anyone have her one and only child stay with them for six whole months.  Merlin had proven himself worthy to take care of their daughter. He would rather die than let anything happen to his goddaughter. The three attendants watched on as the two monarchs interacted, each of them awed to be in the presence of their power that electrified the air despite the seals they placed on themselves in an effort to not hurt those around them.  It was why their match had been talked about in all the supernatural factions. No one had foreseen the union between the Royal house of Gremory and the most powerful Noble Mage family after the royals, the Salvatori's mainly because the two had feuded for centuries.  Queen Evanora's proclamation of her love for King Atalante had torn the magical world asunder with Wizards and Witches alike picking sides for and against their union. Some nobles were, however, afraid of their unification due to more selfish reasons, that is, their offspring becoming one of the strongest mages to be born into this age.   The two overcame this hurdle, however, and united their families during their incredible wedding celebrations as well as the announcement of the birth of Princess Allegra. "If you would please excuse us, we shall proceed to finish up the preparations for Princess Allegra's arrival."  Wendy spoke up, shaking her head at the sight of her two companions visibly ogling the King who was absolutely oblivious and was, instead, ogling his stunning wife. Wendy couldn't blame them, though.  King Atalante was and still is a heartthrob among many in their world. His bad boy status well before he married Queen Evanora had propelled his notoriety and s*x appeal among ladies and men alike but it was his stormy gray eyes, copper colored hair, well built physique and charming smile that had taken the cake with many developing even more intense crushes after his coronation. "Thank you for your hard work."  Evanora said, earning a nod from Wendy before she pulled her two companions out, leaving the Queen chuckling as she placed her head on her husband's shoulder. "I don't think I will ever get used to how hilarious that is."  She muttered, earning a confused frown from her ever oblivious husband whose devotion to her was absolute. The two were soulmates, their enemies to lovers story one for the books but also the reason behind their intense love for each other. They knew each other well, had loved each other through the good and bad times.  Which was why Atalante could see right through his beautiful wife's amused smile. He had seen her worry and unease from the moment they woke up despite her efforts to hide it so as to not worry him. "Merlin sent word a couple of minutes ago. Our little girl should be arriving any moment now."  He muttered, watching her reaction carefully. He could see the excitement in her beautiful eyes but the worry he had noted was also there, lurking in the shadows which confirmed his suspicions. "Our little bunny is all grown up, Atalante. And I don't know how to feel about that."  Evanora responded, offering partial insight into her jumbled up thoughts. "Oh, Eva...We knew this day was coming, my love. But you know she will always be our little bunny, forever." Evanora nodded, chuckling at the finality in his words that were laced with equal parts consolation as well as parental worry. He didn't want to lose his little girl too and the heartwarming sight reminded her of why she fell for him in the first place. "Well, the rumors have spread all around. Everyone is convinced that we summoned Allegra back so that she can marry the Wraith boy....what was his name again?"  Evanora muttered grudgingly, earning a loud laugh from Atalante before he planted a quick kiss on her pouting lips that instantly morphed into a smile at his amusement. "You know his name is Devin, my love. No need to hate on the young man. He has, after all, been pining after Allegra since they were children."  Evanora rolled her eyes at that, clearly the least bit amused by this piece of information. "Well, crushes are normal. Doesn't mean that she has to marry the guy. Goddess knows Elvira Wraith would be over the moon at that. The woman has been laying it on thick, always praising her son and emphasizing on the good their union would bring to Grevia. Its so freaking annoying! And let's not forget the entitlement! She thinks she already has this in the bag. Its as if she cannot comprehend that anyone wouldn't want to marry her 'perfect' son."  Atalante couldn't help but laugh out loud at her outburst, a sudden action that had Evanora joining in, her annoyance forgotten as she let her husband hold her close. Her feisty nature was one of the many things he loved about her as was her fierce protectiveness over the people she loved.  He also knew well enough that this was no empty rant. "Darling, everyone is operating on the assumption that the Wraith family would be the obvious choice for Allegra's future due to the fact that they are currently one of the most powerful families in Grevia. I mean, I am not the biggest fan of Reagan Wraith. I find him to be a little unsettling, in all honesty, but our union operated on that premise and look at us now. More in love than ever."  Their lips met in a chaste but loving kiss that left them stuck in their own bubble of love but Evanora's worry won out as she pulled away from his comforting embrace. "Our love story is different, sweetheart. And if we were to operate on that premise then Allegra could marry into the Steros family! I mean, their magic origins are just as powerful, maybe even more than the Wraiths. She and Tristan Steros are the same age group, Allegra is best friends with Karin, who happens to be Tristan's twin, and Zena Steros is my best friend just like Colin Hart is yours! Its honestly a match made in heaven!"  Atalante watched as Evanora mused on her theory, her excitement making him chuckle as he took a step towards her. "In as much as I would love this plan, we both know very well that Allegra would Never agree. She and Tristan have been friends since they were children. And let's not forget that Tristan also bats for the other team. I doubt either one of them would be willing to agree to such an arrangement. Those three and Helena Steros also consider each other brother and sisters."  Evanora sighed in exasperation at her husband's words that she knew to be true.  Although Helena Steros was the older than them by two years, she had been the bigger sister Allegra needed and had looked after her and her two siblings, the Steros twins- Karin and Tristan. The four were close, just as the monarchs were to Duke Colin Hart and Duchess Zena Steros. "Yeah, you're right. Goddess, this is tough. And the vision I had last night isn't helping either."  Evanora noted her mistake as soon as she said it, the stiffening of her beloved's shoulders sign enough. "You should have woken me, my love. I know how tough those visions are to your body."  Atalante chastised, earning a silent apology from his wife that was muffled due to the tight hug they were now engaged in. "I am okay, I promise...It was actually smoother than most but the contents were...unsettling. Apart from a war looming in the horizon, I saw him. The King of Avernus was perched atop a grand throne with our little girl beside him. She was wearing a crown of skulls and her eyes were...they were a midnight black. Their hands were entwined as they gazed down at the war torn realms below them. It was a stunning revelation but...I don't know what it truly means, my love." Now it was Atalante's turn to worry as the two settled on the made bed once more, each lost in this new revelation. It was rare for Evanora's visions to be wrong. The divine revelation came from the goddess herself. Many of her visions had a clear message being passed forth but this one seemed...different. Maybe because their daughter's future, something they had been worried about, was the main topic? Or maybe it was because an individual they had not seen in very many years had suddenly turned up and was now part of their little girl's future? "Could he be...Is he really?..." Evanora was the first to speak up, voicing the one thought they were all thinking. Neither one of them was ready to admit it outloud for it would only make it more real. The vision would come to pass and they weren't sure how to feel about it... It was not uncommon for a Gremory Queen to have an arranged marriage. It was actually quite common in their world which was why everyone firmly believed that Devin Wraith was Allegra's future. What was not very common was a Queen being united with a King from a neighboring realm.  There was no set law in Grevia that banned such a marriage but the two monarchs knew that it would cause quite the stir. Allegra's union to the King of Avernus would mean having a different kind of marriage than most. She would have to divide her time between Grevia and Avernus and live her life apart from her husband.  It was a life that Evanora did not want for her little girl... "Let us not jump to conclusions, my love. He may have been present as a form of symbolism. The Mohen sleep is approaching and we have been worried that Allegra won't have found her beloved, her other half before then. It may be the goddess trying to prompt us to intercede and assist Allegra to find someone worthy of her heart." Atalante tried to explain away, a reassuring smile on his lips as he held his queen's hand tight. He may have been her rock on the outside but his thoughts were a complete mess within... He couldn't comprehend the vision or the implications behind it. Not that he had any issue with the King of Avernus who was one of his oldest friends. He is a being who vowed off love...He has been cold, unfeeling and disinterested in any type of romantic conquest...Could he really be my daughter's future? The goddess wouldn't resign our little girl to such a fate, right?  "You know, if it really turns out to be him, I wouldn't be mad. The King of Avernus has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of protecting the people closest to him. He cares about his Kingdom and would extend the same courtesy to our own people, no doubt. I guess I'm just really scared of having to force Allegra into a marriage that she does not want, all because the Mohen Sleep is approaching. How could I possibly do that to my own daughter when I had the fortune of meeting and loving my own other half? I promised myself that my little girl would never have to go through an arranged marriage and yet the possibilities of that continue to grow..."  A traitorous tear trailed its way down Evanora's cheek, prompting Atalante to wipe it away. He hated seeing her cry.  He had vowed to always be her rock, to make sure that she never had to worry or cry again.  He had vowed to the goddess to always protect his girls, the most precious people to him.  And protect them I will... "Please don't cry, my life. Remember, it is not set in stone. There could still be a solution, or rather, a better explanation to the vision. Nothing has been decided yet and knowing us, we will find a way to overcome whatever obstacle. We have faced multiple troubling situations and emerged victorious. This will be no different. I promise you that we will find a way to ensure our precious little girl is safe and loved. I know that she will find her happily ever after and we will be right here to witness it, no matter how long we need to hold out." Atalante meant every single word. He would die for his family, go to the Underworld and back if that's what it took. His daughter would find her happiness, no matter what.  But not with him...Oh goddess, not him...He is one of my best friends and I would have been okay with this were it not for the secret I know...One that might be too much for any one of my girls to handle... Evanora was awed as always by her husband's tenacity. He had always been the stronger one emotionally between them and had been with her through all the tough patches. Been her strength. Many knew him to be the ever smiling and lovable King but he was also one of the most powerful wizards of their age with unmatched skills on the battlefield. As the General of the Grevia Mage Army, he had faced multiple hard situations and emerged even stronger. His fierce resolve to protect his beautiful family was his motivation. His words brought her comfort, eased her worry and gave her a eureka moment that had her smiling wide. Atalante watched his wife formulate an ingenious plan. He had seen that look multiple times but it never failed to send a chill down his spine. Her tactical skills were both amazing and scary. "Alright then, what do you have?"  Her chuckle at his recognition of her plans made him smile as he watched her get on her feet excitedly. "You said 'Happily ever after' and I couldn't help but think of the old fairytales from the human world that my mother would read to me as a child. And they just gave me a eureka moment."  Determination and Excitement were dominant on her features as she stood before him. "To give Allegra a chance to choose her future husband, we are going to widen the pool of suitors. Like Prince Charming's father from Cinderella, we are going to hold a Royal Ball and invite all the supernatural factions to come participate. This way, Allegra will have a higher chance of finding the love of her life! We'll start with Royalty and Nobility to see if any one of them peak her interest before opening the ball to the rest! I know the statistics will be crazy and planning will probably drive us up the wall but if we have even the slightest chance of helping our little girl find love then we have to take it! Also, if she does end up choosing the King of Avernus then it will be her choice and not one dictated to her by any of us. It will give her the chance to love him for him and not because of circumstances thrust upon her!" Atalante was speechless, choosing instead to plant a passionate kiss on her beloved's lips as the two got lost in each other. Her brilliance was one among many aphrodisiacs that made him fall deeper and deeper in love with her each day. "You are incredible, woman. She might fight this though, you know."  He muttered, earning a chuckle from his dazed wife who seemed unperturbed by his words. She knew her daughter well enough to know that Atalante was right. "Oh, I know. But she won't really have a choice. We are doing this for her and she has to be okay with it. Besides, it will be fun! And we get to be her fairy godmother!" Atalante's laugh was interrupted by his wife's enthusiasm as she pulled him up for a small victory dance that always tugged at his heartstrings. "Pardon the intrusion, your royal majesties, but Her Royal highness, Princess Allegra, has arrived."  Briar, the Queen's personal attendant, reported, earning wide smiles from both monarchs who were quick to exit their daughter's room and make their way to their beloved daughter, praying that their plan would work... ***