Chapter 10 - The Plot Is Sealed
Author's Note: I am going on hiatus so that I can plan out and draft the next arc of this story. I also hope to get a few more stand alone stories ready to post. This will be the last chapter of The Demon King's Pet for a month or two, so I hope you enjoy it!
"Hear ye, hear ye! With the withdrawal of all other contestants, the representative of the High Veils Academy of Magic has been declared the winner of today's magic contest!"
The announcer in the fields below, not the herald in the royal stands, is a twat, Saph announces quietly. Elli nods along, waiting for the next announcement. It's not enough to distract the concubine or the rest of the crowd from the circle of demonic mages currently working to close the rift high above them.
"That pushes forward the final contests of the day, the Commoner's Melee! After a brief intermission, we'll all watch the bravest of the unknown--and a few prisoners seeking a second chance--risk their lives to create a new name for themselves! All you need to earn your reward is survive!"
"Ugh, this is the sort of thing nobles enjoy watching most, the suffering of their lesser kind." The maidservant bemoans before quickly cheering herself up, "Which means nobody will care if I sneak off to entertain myself with the commonfolk, right?"
The queen glances between the girl and the suddenly blushing herald. "I think one of you might be missed. Wait until tonight's feast is in full swing if you're thinking what I think you're thinking."
One of the few remaining men in red robes, Stalbar, adds from where he rests across one of the benches. "Or they could entertain us for once. I've yet to see your kind rut like wild beasts."
The herald chokes on his own lungs while Saph sputters out, "What? We weren't... in front of...?"
While many had left to go assist the mages below, the king's seats were far from empty. Human servants, sycophants, the queen and her attendants, a few of the less magically inclined demons, and Elli all waited for their king to return. And all were now watching the maidservant grow more flustered.
"Going to find some place to have sex?" Another robed invader clarifies what everyone now assumes to be true.
Arisselia mediates, "It's not as if it's unusual to do so publicly." Although, now that Elli is recovered from the fright of watching her first magic battle, she's detecting an accusatory undertone in the queen's voice.
"And we know your kind has different marriage rituals, so it's not like we'll hold you bound together if you do consummate your carnal relationship publicly." Stalbar clarifies with a dismissive wave. "So go on, give us a show!"
Elli has a revelation of her own. "Is that why his majesty only ever fucks Queen Arisellia in front of everyone, and not me?" The queen palms her own face at the open boldness of the concubine's question.
"I really should teach you to be more tactful, girl."
"Of course. One should always claim their spouse publicly so everyone knows who not to mess with. The rules are similar for concubines and other lovers, as you've learned." Stalbar goads further, "Come on, surely you can just suck off the boy!"
The boy in question looks like he might just pass out. He trembles like a leaf, unable to even come to Saph's aid with words.
"Oh for the love of..." The maidservant stops herself from blaspheming a fake god's name, "We haven't even kissed yet!"
"That's a requirement?" Nearly all the robed ones look confused.
"In human courtships, I mean if you're of lower..."
The herald, finding some iota of bravery within himself, ends Saph's tirade with a kiss before she can even start explaining. She melts into the kiss, swooning against his chest as the other ladies of the court clap and laugh.
Despite her own cheeks flushing at the display of affection, Elli sees why the conquerors would be entertained just by watching.
"Now you can suck his cock!"
That earns another round of chuckles and Saph's cheeks are fully reddened as they break their lips apart.
"Save a dance for me tonight, if I am relieved of duty early enough?" The herald offers before Saph can run off to hide and recompose herself. At least he gets a shy nod before she escapes.
Soon after, the King returns, arms raised towards his wife and concubine to demand some sort of reward. Stalbar might get his entertainment after all.
Elli rushes towards him, ignoring the movement out on the tourney field as grunts begin fencing off sections for the next round of combat. It's not entirely comfortable, hugging her master when he's still clad in full armor under his red garments, but she needs him to know how much she's worried.
A gentle hand messes up her pinned hair as he speaks, "Well, wife? Have I not earned your praise?"
"It was most impressive, my husband. Your magical abilities alone should make all reconsider resisting your rule, and your tactful acknowledgement of your opponent's skills may lead a few more to bow at your feet before the night is over."
He frowns despite the praise, "Uduza has told me about your connection to the man. He has until the end of today's combat to decide if he will choose marriage and servitude or the freedom of death."
Uduza pushes around her brother and sits on the edge of the throne to pester the queen. "Favorite color, and does he prefer a painted face? You must give me an advantage over Darafel, because if he chooses combat, I'm not sure I can take her."
Arisselia blinks. "Oh, that. You're quite serious about this?"
"He's going to give one of us strong babies or I will end his existence myself!" The excited demon begins pulling containers from a belt pouch hidden within the folds of her robes. "What color should I use...?"