Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

“They’re here, your majesty.” A Faceless said to me with a bow.

“I always hated that dinner was used to discuss matters. it always seemed like a stain to speak while we ate.” I reminisced, seated upon the table.

Around me, the many Faceless and nobles gathered, shrouded in chatter and false smiles. God, I hate every last one of these fuckers.

“Are any of my Dukes here?”

“The Dutches is here, as is Lord Mimir,” replied the Faceless.

Already bored with the dry replies of the Faceless, I waved him off. It might have been a mistake making these types of people. I like looking at the pain and torn of a man’s heart. These faceless are… so broken they don’t even know what it feels like to be broken anymore.

“Before you go. Where is Tenebrae?”

The Faceless didn’t answer.

‘Leave.” I said, knowing they didn’t know. And turned my eyes towards the entrance as dozens of Lords and ladies of my court gathered with anticipation in their eyes.

The Pale Lord didn’t have a name for herself. The Realm of Oblivion had been locked for a long time, and this was the first time anyone would see her. And with her being so reclusive, it seemed odd she’d even agree to this.

Relaxed in my chair, a chill suddenly danced along my spine, drawing my attention toward the entrance that opened. Laws receded and coiled, silencing the anticipative crowd, as a young child tall as Ty stood. Draped in silvery attire, a small girl with dead eyes stood with one of the coldest expressions I’d seen since Zariel.

Silence engulfed the room as her beauty outshone even the prettiest of women. The Pale Lord stood still with such a cold regal grace even I had to smile as she stepped in.

“Presenting the Lord of the Cold Etheral, the Willow of the End, the Knight of Ash, and Lord of the Eternity, the Pale Lord.”

Frowning, noticing a missing title on her head, I couldn’t help but smile in appreciation as my attention shifted to the Daughter of Hades. Station behind the Pale Lord, holding her hand almost like her mother, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the similarities.

“Presenting the Lord of the Underworld, the Pillar of Dispair, Devourer of Gods, and Lord of the Oblvian, Lord Melinoe.”

What’s up with everyone with silver hair? I got it. The pale lord has it. Even Melinoe has it. I should make some rules against it… its a little childish, but I like being childish.

Melinoe scanned the room with her cold, indifferent eyes, narrowing them with a poised expression. She looked directly at me. Finding a smile as she tugged at the Pale Lord.

“Found him.”

“Release my hand.” Said the Pale Lord, glancing upwards.

Melinoe glanced down. ” No. You’re in time out.”

‘…’

‘…’

‘…’

“They’re pretty. Is that the daughter?”

“No, it can’t be; they don’t appear to have the same features.” Lord Ginnis, one of my kingdom’s most prodigious merchants, whispered. “Interesting.”

“So her name really is Pale Lord. How could it be a little girl,’ someone in the crowd added.

“Shhh. You should know better than to question someone’s appearance.”

‘But she’s so cute!” A woman I didn’t appear to recognize whispered.

“Shhh!” .𝙘𝒐𝒎

“She like a doll! I want hugs!”

Hearing how the conversation somehow derailed, I palmed my face, embarrassed for my people’s idiocy.

At least speak using divinity, so no one hears it.

Feeling the eye of the Pale Lord land on me, I merely showed a smile as she sneered and tugged on Melinoe’s hand.

“What the hell type of relationship do those two have? You know what? I forgot Melinoe is bat-shit crazy. I wonder how much worse she’s become?”

Rising to my feet, the audience paused and parted, forming a path for the Pale Lord and Melinoe.

“It is a pleasure to see you two again.” I started in a magnanimous voice. “Welcome to the Kingdom of Noctem.”

“Why the formalities?” Melinoe asked, tilting her head. “We killed together. Faught together. I’d expect a hug or a handshake from you, as would my Father and Mother.”

Startled for a second or two, I laughed and slapped myself on the head. “Then forgive me.”

Shadow Stepping in front of Melinoe, I smiled. “It’s good to see you again,” I said, hooking my arm around Melinoe’s neck with a large grin.

Melinoe giggled and nodded. ” Good. That’s more like it.”

“I see Melinoe is not the only one who needs training.” The Pale Lord remarked dryly, shaking her head. ” To be so informal is unbecoming of royalty. Seems Tenebrae has much to teach you.”

“You have no idea.” A rich, gentle voice replied, startling the Lords and Ladies around me, who all saluted, almost all falling to their knees.

Catching the look of absolute worship in the eyes of the people around me, I could only sigh at how beloved Tene was. I might be king, but Tenebrae was their God.

The Pale Lord’s dead eyes narrowed as her nostril flared a little with anger that was quick to fade.

Tenebrae’s regal smile never faded, only stiffened as she glanced at me, flashing back to the Pale Lord, as her cheeks seemed to heat up.

‘… Is she… embarrassed?’

Chuckling loud enough to mess with her turning her cheeks scarlet, I laughed, turning those around me confused.

“What a lovely day!” I shouted in regal laughter. “Pale Lord, Melinoe. Dark times are coming. Dark times indeed. Join me. It may be a little informal, but let us dine and discuss our kingdoms.”

“Yes. Please. Dine with us. Noctem has much to offer the Bed of Chaos and the Plane of Oblivion.”

Melinoe went silent, her heart turning colder as she nodded. ” It’ll be my pleasure. Come, Paley. Let’s eat.”

“I told you to stop calling me that.”

“You refuse to tell me your name. So I’ll call you Paley.” The Deadpan Melinoe replied without fear for her life and pulled her right after me.

Smiling, I glanced at the perplexed expression of Tenebrae as I offered her my hand. “Join us, my Queen.”

The perplexity around Tene only grew as she nodded, taking my hand without hesitation.

‘What are you thinking about?’ I asked her through a soul whisper.

‘I… I don’t know.’

My brow lifted and dropped as I dropped the matter. It wasn’t the time.

“Arsene.” Said the Pale Lord as we neared the table. “We’ll never be allies, you and I.”

“Never say never when you speak with a devil. We always seem to find a way.”