Chapter 14: Five Days of Doom

Cael was fairly certain his life was now measured in “how many times death had knocked on his door,” and as of this morning, the tally was uncomfortably high.

And now there was a new problem: a mysterious demon prince requesting an audience with him.

It had been two days since the request for an audience and Vizier Krohl advised that Prince Vaedranis would likely arrive 5 days later.

Cael had been quietly, carefully, and desperately trying to dig up information. Everyone he asked gave the same frustrating answer:

“Their kingdom is far from here. We don’t really have accurate information.”

Which, in Cael’s mind, translated to: You’re probably doomed, but we don’t know how yet.

Of course, that didn’t stop the rumor mill from working overtime.

“I heard he wrestled a dragon for breakfast once.”

“Some say he only speaks in riddles. Fail to answer, and, poof, you vanish.”

“They say his smile can charm you into signing away your soul… or your pants.”

By the time Cael finished his morning chores, he had assembled a mental image of a six-foot-four demon in royal armor, feeding dragon meat to his pet hydra, speaking in cryptic poetry, and seducing everyone in a five-mile radius.

LUNCH WITH THE INNER CIRCLE

The Queen had summoned him for lunch along with General Draz and Adviser Nyssa. The meal was surprisingly peaceful, until Cael brought up the prince.

General Draz leaned back in his seat. “Yes, I’ve seen him. Handsome, poised. Carries himself like a proper royal.”

Nyssa nodded. “Refined manners. Elegant speech. Definitely not like Prince Veydran.”

For a moment, Cael relaxed. Oh. So, not a narcissistic, sword-waving lunatic. That’s… good.

Then Draz added, “Which is exactly what makes him dangerous. You can’t read him.

A reckless idiot is predictable, you know where to dodge. But someone like him? Could be smiling while he plans your funeral.”

Nyssa nodded solemnly. “It’s the quiet ones you have to watch.”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Cael’s hand froze halfway to his mouth. “So… he’s an assassin in royal clothing?”

Draz and Nyssa exchanged a glance that didn’t help his anxiety one bit.

A TALK WITH THE QUEEN

Later that afternoon, Cael cornered Ashara in her study.

“You’ve met him, right?” he asked.

“Once,” she said, setting aside her paperwork. “During introductions at a royal gathering. He’s a typical demon prince, tall, handsome, yes. Quiet. Kept to himself.”

Cael hesitated. “…And you’re not interested in that kind of thing?”

Ashara smirked. “Darling, if I wanted a hot and handsome man, I wouldn’t have married you.”

Somehow, that didn’t sound like the compliment she thought it was.

Still, he pressed on. “General Draz and Nyssa said that’s what makes him dangerous. You can’t tell what he’s thinking.”

Ashara laughed, leaning back in her chair. “He’s no danger to me.” Her smile faded into a thoughtful look. “…But I do wonder what he wants with you.”

Cael felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. “That’s… not reassuring.”

She leaned forward, brushing her fingers under his chin. “Don’t worry darling. I’ll protect you.”

Which might have been comforting—if she hadn’t immediately added, “Speaking of which, I have something to help with that tension you’ve been carrying.”

ANOTHER NEW POTION

From her drawer, she pulled out a familiar vial of shimmering liquid.

“Oh no,” Cael whispered.

“Oh yes,” Ashara purred. “The Heart Spring elves have been perfecting the formula. Stamina, endurance, duration, all improved.”

His mind flashed back to the progression of suffering:

* Version 1 – Lasted 5 hours, nearly died.

* Version 2 – Lasted 8 hours, only half dead.

* Version 3 – Still 8 hours, but body and endurance improved. Minimal death.

* Version 4 – Lasted 10 hours, nearly dead again.

And now… Version 5.

“I’m telling you, my body ca...”

She pressed the vial to his lips. “Drink, darling.”

Twelve hours later, Cael lay sprawled across the bed, muscles twitching, eyes glassy. His body had given out around hour nine, but Ashara, blissfully energized, had been far from finished.

Ashara stretched beside him, fully satisfied. “We’re getting there, Cael. I’ll have the elves improve the body strengthening again next.”

CLOSING MONOLOGUE

As she hummed and left the room, Cael stared at the ceiling.

Five days until the mysterious prince arrives.

If I survive that long, it won’t be because I avoided danger.

It’ll be because my wife hasn’t finished me off first.