“Friendship,” he repeated, tapping their glasses together and taking a sip.
The rest of the night became a blur. They drank and danced until both of their feet ached. They seemed to form an understanding between them for the time being. Azazel only hoped it would stay that way. When it was finally the dead of the night, the pub cleared out as customers drunkenly stumbled back to their homes. Aerilyn was also not the most stable on her feet. Azazel had cut her off after four drinks, but it was obvious that she probably only needed two.
“Az, it’s also so blurry. Everything is spinning,” she giggled, tripping over her foot as she stumbled into him. He slid his arm around her waist to keep her upright as they walked side by side back to the palace. “We aren’t far, just hold onto me and you’ll be back in bed soon,” he reassured her as she stumbled again. In reality, it was going to take forever for them to get back to the palace at the rate at which they were moving.
“Carry meeee,” she whined, stopping in her tracks and throwing her arms up toward him. The man couldn’t help his laughter as he nodded, scooping her up. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, her head pressing into his shoulder as she burst into more giggles. Aerilyn was rarely happy and hearing her giggles made his insides warm in delight. “Hold on tight, doll,” he rubbed her back as he continued their walk back to the palace.
The guards were waiting for them at the entrance, opening up the large doors for them. Aerilyn had gone silent during the walk and he assumed she might’ve fallen asleep. He tried to stay as quiet as possible as he made his way through the palace to her new living quarters. His room was just down the hall, ensuring the best protection he could for her. He was careful to open the door, cradling her small frame against him as he made his way into her room. He pulled back the blankets onher bed and gently set her down on the silk sheets. Azazel tucked her under the covers, making sure they pulled up to her chin.
She was so peaceful in her sleep. She looked so innocent and delicate. Like a glass that would shatter with any sort of touch. He wanted to reach out and caress her milky skin but forced himself to step away. He headed to the doorway, glancing back at her one last time.
“Welcome home, Aeri,” his voice was just above a whisper as he pulled the door shut behind him.
Epilogue
The split between worlds shimmered before the queen, the two realms crashing into one before her. The scent of the world she’d begun to hate seeping through the portal. She had grown up in the other world, but she had found her home within another. She reached out, feeling the cool texture of the magical barrier before stepping through it. The air changed the moment she entered the other realm, the weight of it making her skin crawl. The palace that she now stood in was much different compared to the one she lived in. The smallness of it made it feel like the world was crashing down on her. Her palace had high ceilings and was more spacious.
“Mortianna,” his deep voice came from behind her, making her skin crawl. She had once loved the man, but he had since used her for manipulation to get what he wanted. He leaned back against the throne, his hand full of rings tapping on the armrest. The face he wore was different from the one she’donce known. She hated that he had changed his features. The face he wore was much more beautiful, which made hating him more difficult for the woman.
“My king,” she forced a smile on her face as she bowed her head in a motion of respect for the man. His eyes followed the movements, studying his prey. He assumed she’d grown weak over time, that he was stronger than she was. His doubt in her would be his downfall, she swore that to herself. “I saw the Chosen One, I felt her the moment she entered the cave. She almost got the sword. I stepped through the portal just in time. How could you let her leave these walls?” Her voice was harsh, the anger pulling at her tone.
“She needed to find you. I’m bored of waiting around. I need some action. I want to see if she’s capable of what you claim,” his voice was uncomfortably calm. “You will regret it. She is learning about her powers, she knows she’s different. You’re allowing her to get stronger. Your stupidity is going to get you killed,” her laugh held no emotion in it. His expression darkened with the words, anger contouring his features. She felt no fear for the man that stood before her. He was and would always be inferior to her. Her power would always make him look weak.
“If I was killed, your life would be much easier wouldn’t it? You should be excited about that possibility,” he stood, attempting to use his height to intimidate her. It was a foolish attempt in her eyes. She only stepped towards him, closing the distance as she kept her chin high. She refused to back down before him. At the end of the day, they both knew who was the one in charge. “Simply jumping for joy,” she rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh. Her annoyance was obvious in her tone and expression. He chuckled in amusement, a sparkle forming in his eyes.
“You continue to underestimate me. I need this all to end now. I need her dead. Once she’s gone, we’ll be invincible. Yourkingdom will finally be at peace and so will mine,” he cooed, adjusting the crown that lay upon his head. The wicked man unfortunately looked handsome in the attire and she hated him for it.
“War is coming, Mortianna. Prepare them. It won’t be long until the Chosen One is at our doorsteps.”