The Cursed Prince

"Demon King!" 

"My liege!"

"Your Majesty!"

"My loyal leaders and vanguards of the demon realm, I summon all of you to attend a party and bring all of your men here for an everflowing and lavish gathering!" Raphael called out to his men. 

All of the demons cheered and one by one, each of the demon leaders stepped out from the portal and bowed to Raphael. They knelt to their king respectfully and seemed to really be happy with their ruler.

However, all of them paused and looked at Harlow who was actually the odd one out. At the gazes of all of the demons, the princess couldn't help but feel a little uneasy and she involuntarily stepped behind Raphael to avoid their staring at her.

Harlow wasn't scared or anything, but it was strange to have a variety of people direct their attention to her. People were actually a little less prone to stare back at Draec and they avoided her eyes.

"May I present to you my one and only bride." Raphael chuckled and gently wrapped his arm against Harlow's waist. There was a grin on his face. "The reason for this celebration is none other than the arrival of my long-lost partner!"

"Woahh, slow down there buddy." Harlow tried to grab Raphael's attention and correct his words while trying to get out of his grip. However, it proved to be difficult as a multitude of people started to leave the archway portals and stepped happily into the throne room.

Countless visitors from across the demons realm arrived to join in the celebration and feast. Praises and shouts echoed in the hall as they greeted their one and only ruler.

"Long live the king!"

"Demon King!"

Each of the guests cheered as they stepped into the throne room. All of them were actually bringing long banquet tables filled with delicious meals or brought gifts and treasures to celebrate the night. 

The entire room was filled with a sudden raucous sound of a hundred guests coming in and Harlow couldn't help but admit that it was impressive. Most human guests wanted at least a week or a month's invitation in advance.

People needed to travel far away to get to Draecian. So, instant guests that simply came and with all of them ready and willing to party at the word of their king? That was amazing to Harlow.

Raphael indeed fulfilled his promise.

However, before Harlow could admit and compliment him, the Demon King's leaders all started to step forward and speak with the princess. They all seemed eager to greet her and congratulate her.

"We sincerely wish you a long and happy marriage!" a woman with her lower half being a snake's tail slithered and hissed happily at Harlow as she shook her hand.

"May the two of you be happy here in the underworld where life and death are equal." A living skeleton wearing armor went out and bowed his head to her. In his skull, two purple flames of light lit up within them.

"It is good to be wedded! Have a dozen children with the king and be prosperous!" laughed the goblin general at Harlow.

"Ehh…" Harlow couldn't help but scratch her cheek. She actually wanted to roll her eyes because all of these people were greeting her so sincerely and merrily. However, she couldn't outwardly deny them.

She was here for a mission to find the magic closet so she needed to play the role of the willing bride of the Demon King and gain his trust, just as she agreed with Julian. 

"What do you think, wifey?" Raphael softly whispered into her ear with his deep and dark voice. "Is this party not grand and majestic enough for you? Do you wish to see Icecube dance here in the throne room? For phoenixes and griffons to fly overhead the chandeliers?"

Harlow felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest at the sudden closeness of the Demon King. His hot breath tickled her ear and she moved away from him a bit and went for a smile. "It is grand and wonderful just as you said."

"But?" Raphael's brows raised questioningly. 

"There's nothing wrong with it…" Harlow pursed her lips and looked away. 

"You still seem unhappy."

Harlow smiled a little and didn't know what was wrong. This party was actually amazing and even far more interesting than the one that her parents prepared for her over a couple of weeks ago.

"Is there anything else that does not appeal to you?" Raphael asked. "Would you like to change anything? What food do you want to eat? I can bring you countless layered cakes and mouth-watering desserts unlike any other."

Harlow couldn't help but laugh and narrowed her eyes at Raphael. "Do you really think you can bribe me with food? Gifts didn't work, so now we go with treats?"

Raphael shook his head. "They are not bribes at all, Harlow. I simply wish to see you smile and have your mood perk up. I know that things between the two of us seem difficult, but I am genuine when I say that I want you to become my bride and I wish you were happy."

Harlow bit on her lip and wondered if Raphael was one of those lovestruck fool types. She sighed and shrugged a little.

"I just remembered that if I hadn't run away during my birthday, I would have at least danced with my father and brothers during the celebration."

Raphael immediately extended his hand to her as the throne room suddenly dimmed except for the center of the room. The soft music of violins and other instruments started to play in the background as he made an offer. 

"If you do not mind dancing with me… would you care to take my hand?" Raphael asked with a smile.

Harlow's eyes widened for a moment as shock came over her face. There were some oohs and ahhs that came from the guests who saw the Demon King offer his bride to dance with him.

While she was tempted to say no, she gingerly took his hand, and then Raphael pulled her into the center of the throne room. She didn't expect that he would offer something like this at all.

Perhaps the Demon King actually had a heart, she thought to herself.

Not so bad.

This all worked in Harlow's favor too. 

The princess ended up accepting it because she needed to earn his trust anyway. So, they danced in front of the guests. Everyone started to watch the star of the ball and the party grabbed their attention.

"I didn't realize you could actually dance well," Harlow commented to him quietly. It was kind of weird to not make any light conversation while they were dancing.

Raphael chuckled as he spun the princess and whispered to her ear. "As I said, there are a lot of things that you do not know about me, Harlow. Now that you're here though…"

"I'll be able to get to know you." Harlow met his gaze and smiled a little. "You've already said that."

"I truly have.." The man smiled sweetly and nodded to confirm.