Hell’s Consort

Newest Chapter of Highest Tier (January 2022)

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Archdemon Empress Luna

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'Faeries and their unhealthy obsession for festivities…' Luna desired to click his tongue and shake her head in apprehension.

Instead, she settled for a slight  wince when she heard about this unique tradition in the Autumn Courts.

Two weeks earlier, a small Fae messenger in a winged horse had arrived in Hazelnut Manor, informing them that Queen Morgan's Envoy would visit the Estate she had given them.

Of course, Apollyon and Luna  wouldn't be able to escape her specific queries about how they have handled their newfound status as part of the royal family.

Maybe, the  Queen had desired to be there to inspect the Estate herself and see if Luna and Apollyon were treating her handpicked servants well and to enjoy the transformation of frozen grapes into this celebratory ice wine.

Nevertheless, she caught herself smiling a little, prepared for the Autumn Queen's interrogations.

Luna had looked forward in seeing the Autumn Queen once again, catching up with her about the latest news in the Autumn Palace and the what she and the Council of Elders had found out about the ongoing hunt for the Tree of the Four Seasons. 

'It was almost three months when they last saw each other.' She mused as she sat on the edge of the mattress while the two maids brought a white gown they had fetched from Queen Morgan's gigantic closet that was connected to the royal bedchamber. 

The Autumn Courts were the top distributor of unique wines in the entire Faerie Courts.

They were the only Kingdom who had discovered  the concoction of mixing wine with blood that was drinkable by pure and half-blood vampires in Apollyon's Realm.

Since the North and the East of the Faerie Realm's population consisted of Vampiric Fae, it wasn't really a surprise that their alchemists were able to figure out the exact portion of these two different components that was safe for Vampiric Fae to drink and enjoy its taste.

Apollyon  told her with a scowl that he wasn't fond of creating these parties like he used to revel in the blood moon festivities before—definitely not in the middle of a crisis and his wife's pregnancy.

But, Luna still insisted that their Household must do it to uphold traditions as new Monarchs.

Luna would also like to attend the Wine Tasting Ceremony and she would never dare miss it for the world.

"It was just a harmless party, Apollyon." Luna said as she leaned on the threshold of the door to their bedchamber while she watched her husband take off his long-sleeved black uniform as the General for the Order of the Selcis.

Even if Apollyon found it ridiculous at first, he acquiesced a little later when she hinted that she wouldn't shut up that night if he didn't agree.

Lying down on the bed to the side, Apollyon groaned as he placed a pillow over one ear and covered her head, hoping that would muffle her voice that repeated her wish every chance she got.

Her husband finally relented, thinking that a peaceful sleep was more worth it.

Luna recalled herself laying on her back and staring into the ceiling while she caressed her large bump, waiting to hear her husband's soft snores after a minute of silence.

Apollyon was already exhausted at the heavy burden of responsibility weighing around his shoulders--to find the Tree of the Four Seasons.

It didn't escape her notice how Apollyon did everything she wanted these days that she almost assumed that his first refusal was merely an act, to find out for himself if he could resist her wishes.

Apollyon knew he would give in eventually and it amused her to no end.

Now, her husband need not be told twice what she actually needed from him.

He had turned her into this pampered, spoiled and needy pregnant wife that she almost couldn't recognize herself, much to her dismay. 

Queen Morgan was the one who suggested the event and it might come across as disrespect if Hazelnut Manor wouldn't adhere to such a simple wish, fulfill her expectations.

Since Apollyon and Luna were part of Queen Morgan's family now, it was part of their responsibility to honor this invisible standard she had set and if the Queen shall be direct about it, the less problem it was for them.

They must fulfill the duties as the new Lord and Lady of Hazelnut Manor.

It was not only necessary because of the Queen's bidding but also to showcase their  faerie tenants' hard work in producing thousands of barrels of ice wine despite the literal threat of demons looming over the protective shields of the Autumn Courts. 

Still, Luna thought it was rather less fortunate for Hazelnut Manor to serve as a host for this year's special festivity in such a dangerous time, keeping the entire Household momentarily distracted from handling the real problem.

It was the perfect opportunity for their enemies to take advantage of the circumstances and the idea always gave her a sinking feeling at the pit of her stomach but she admitted that it was a well-deserved reprieve from the minor demon attacks as of late.

It was best for her to make space for all these wonderful things to happen instead of focusing on the bad and staying up at night, sweaty from all this crippling fear.

The Kingdom's fortifications might be stronger but that was the least of their concern.

The Autumn Courts had too many things to worry about but Luna couldn't do anything to help.

She was rather indisposed due to her pregnancy so she let her husband and her Archdemon Familiars do all the work. 

Involving herself where she wasn't needed would only get her into deeper trouble with her husband.

If she desired everything to run smoothly  then she should better get out of their way.

"It was for her own good." Apollyon would tell her over and over. 

It was effective.