"When in Rome do what the Romans do right?" Humans indulge in the wretched year around until Christmas rolls around and then they come to St Peter's Square in Rome to receive my oh so plentiful blessings so they can feel guiltless of sin.
I was the demon King known to all creatures as Anatole meaning rising of the sun. But to mortals, I was known as Amon or one of the youngest popes in history at the mere age of 40. It was quite ironic that my human name meant "the hidden one." as humans were blind to the fact every pope that was and every priest known is and always will be a demon.
Before the turn of the 21st century, demons used to be able to choose from three professions; priests, politicians, and policemen. When I took the throne, I ordered the demon council to forgo the police force in exchange for the business world. Humans did a far better job at corrupting and destroying each other as policemen but we could no longer let them destroy Earth. They were vile creatures that didn't deserve the use of the land. So, I ordered the highest ranking demons to take over as CEOs in the fortune 500 companies in order to alter the destruction of the Earth.
Before having to put on a façade to the world though, it was time to enjoy the annual Monster Mash ball. It was held in Italy every year and was known as the event of the year for all creatures alike from demons and warlocks to gnomes and fairies.
Security in the Vatican Palace had doubled in the past year after a rogue witch clan decided to try to ambush the demon council. In previous years I would escape the palace by taking the passetto del Borgo corridor as it was a hidden corridor used to flee the Vatican. Tonight I would have to get creative in order to have a secret night of pleasure.
Teleportation was a new power acquired when I took the throne so calling upon it was still difficult. It wasn't fully controllable and until I mastered it I needed to perform an old ritual. Closing the two heavy wooden doors to my room, silence fell. The noises from the guards finally quieted and I was standing alone in my bedroom with only the sound of the fire roaring.
Gathering the supplies was easy enough since I had been gathering them over the past two weeks. The dust from a fairy wasn't easily acquired but as king, I had my ways. Black ink stained the wood as I drew a pentagon sprinkling the fine powder at each point.
The ball would be held in the Villa De Vecchi castle under a cloaking spell only noticeable to mythical creatures. I envisioned the large black metal door amidst the castle's bright red façade and its inscription that read domus somnia and chanted the words "Discede in alio loco".
The floor shook beneath and I breathed a sigh of relief when guards didn't barge in. "Discede in alio loco." TIngling ran through my body as fire engulfed my skin, with closed eyes the room spun and when the ground settled I stood staring at the black metal door that I had envisioned. My stomach was queasy and not used to being teleported, it needed the heat from a fire ball to calm the thrashing.
Creatures starred as I walked through the crowd with grace, most knew me or at least knew of me. One didn't shake things up in the world to not be known. Nonetheless, the bartender was a feisty Aqrabuamelu. Her majestic scorpion tail just barely grazed the shelves behind her, yet her face, torso, and arms were petite in comparison.
Fragile even, "one fireball shot please and make it a double."
Her smile was warm and devious at the same time. "My lord, shall I get you ANYTHING else?"
Just like that, the fawning began and the appeal was gone. Nothing would have happened, demons were forbidden to engage sexually with anyone besides demonesses. Many still tried, if caught the demon council would banish them and revoke all powers and abilities. Their punishment would be banished from their partner and a life of solitude. Not exactly enticing, but still some tried to get away with it.
Each section of the castle was broken down into mingling areas for each creature. Creatures alike were allowed to mingle and be friends, but it was always nice to hang with one's kind as well. Mermaids swarmed their lagoon and giggling mixed with sweet serenades could be heard echoing throughout the castle. No doubt, they were putting on a show, they always loved being the center of attention.
"Here you are my majesty, a double fireball shot, I even added a little ash from the heart of a Chimera."
She winked trying to draw my attention, but it was gone as fast as the drink in my hand.
I will admit the ash was a nice touch though and I felt the vibrations tingle through my body as the fire settled in my stomach.
The demon section was one of the highest rated sections along with the witches and warlocks and fairies. Each creature had a ruling family, but demons, witches, and fairies were seen as the most powerful among them all.
Taking a seat among the green tufted velvet couch, I observed the area. Demonesses were sexy but not without fault. Nonetheless, tonight was for blowing off steam and I planned on doing just that. The body tight dresses and lingerie practically screamed to admirers who came to play, while taken partners wore traditional gold vines woven in either their hair or around their body.
"Anatole, this is Luna. She is one of my bestest friends and I wanted to introduce you to her."
My god, how had I missed this demoness? The look of her alone almost made me call upon fire out of mere reaction. It wasn't often demonesses were curvy and fair skinned. Freckles sprinkled her cheekbones and the tips of her shoulder as a flowing ball gown with a slit all the way up to her waist revealed smooth thick thighs.
The emerald green shade of her dress only made the blue of her eyes shine more. I didn't realize when, but at some point I had stood and her hand fell on mine as my lips grazed her knuckles.
"The pleasure is all mine Mrs. Luna?"
Her giggle was even more enticing as she looked down at me. "Just Ms., but really, I prefer to be called Luna, just Luna if you don't mind."
"Not at all Luna."
"Thank you Dioness for introducing me to this lovely woman."
Her smirk filled her face, but I didn't notice the hint of mischief that it held.
"Care to dance Luna?"
I realized Luna's hand never left mine, and she merely curtsied accepting my offer. She had to know who I was, right?
My hand settled on the middle of her back as I guided her down to the dance floor where I pulled her body taut against mine. I could feel her warmth and the rise of her chest as we began to waltz.
"So Luna, why have I never seen you before?"
"Well, this is my first Monster Mash Ball I've ever been to if I'm being honest."
"Is this also your first time in Italy?"
"Is it that obvious?" Her face grew red and I squeezed her tighter against me somehow needing her closer.
"No, but most that have been to Italy have been to the Monster Mash. So I just assumed, it was also your first time in the country as well."
"Oh, well yes it is. Is this your first time at a Monster Mash Sir?"
Our rhythm haltered as I missed a beat hearing her refer to me as Sir. It was intoxicating and not a pleasure I often got to indulge in. I decided to test the waters and live dangerously. "No, it is not Amore."
Just when I thought it wasn't possible, her cheeks grew to a fire red and she bit her lip.
"Do you know what the inscriptions on the door to this castle mean?"
"Yes, I love studying Latin, I believe it means house of dreams right?"
"Smart girl, yes, Latin seems to be a lost art even among us mythical creatures. I'm impressed. But, do you know why this particular castle is full of such irony for that inscription?"
"That I'm afraid I do not know."
"This house to mortals is known as the most haunted house in Italy. To us creatures, it is merely a portal to the underworld. However, that doesn't take away from the fact the original family faced the horrors of murder and suicide as well as every owner after them. The demon council took it from the mortals not so much to stop them from the bloodshed, but as you can see to use it for our events. It makes quite a perfect escape since mortals are too scared to even try to snoop, don't you think?"
"I see, that was quite smart of the council to do that. Back home we have a similar get-away, that's actually how I met Dioness and became friends with her."
-------
After what seemed like hours of dancing around with Luna in my arms, the music slowed down.
"Anatole?"
"Yes, Luna?"
"I kinda promised myself I would have no regrets tonight, and well..."
A silence fell between us and I almost broke it until her lips fell on mine.
