Arcanus 14

[catriana_fiction]

Title: Arcanus (Previously known as Demon King)
Series: Original
Genre: Fantasy/Drama/Romance
Rating: M
Chapters: 16/??(WIP)
Summary: He is the Demon King of the West, one of the few true immortals of the western lands. When his kingdom is frozen by 'Olde Magick' he goes out into the world to find clues and answers. Along the way he binds himself to a young vampire, encounters a half-elf that is more than what he seems and quickly begins to realize that freezing his kingdom was only the beginning.
Notes: Rori is introduced. For those curious, he is the main character of the story Transcendence.

 

14

xxxxx

‘Confused’ was probably not the most accurate word for what Naliel was feeling as he turned to look at Rioran. The demon king’s expression was unreadable but emerald eyes were definitely serious and intense.

A dark secret which involves me? It took only a few seconds for Naliel’s sharp mind to understand what the demon king was implying and his body didn’t know whether it wanted to pale or burn. At his struggling expression Rioran smiled humorlessly.

“I told you Gladian never had a lifemate,” he began, taking a step back “but don’t you think that’s a bit unrealistic? He’s over twelve millennia old and he’s never found a lifemate? How does that even make sense?”

It did sound unrealistic, especially as a demon. Being the highly spiritual creatures that they were, he should have found a lifemate ages ago. Of course, what Rioran was suggesting didn’t sit well with the half-elf “Well, there is the belief of reincarnation; just because a lifemate hadn’t been found doesn’t mean that they didn’t exist. Perhaps the same lifemate had lived different lives and –“

“Stop being stupid, it doesn’t suit you.” The redhead snapped, looking irritable. “If it is possible for someone to fall in love more than once what makes you believe there’s only one lifemate for one individual? It’s been said before, demons and dragons can innately find potential spiritual matches. Do it mathematically; what are the chances of there being only one individual that can be a spiritual match for another? The world is very big Naliel.”

Noticing that the other male was looking uncomfortable he decided to get straight to the point “Gladian has found countless of potential life mates. He refused all of them because he didn’t want to be bound to anyone. There are a few others, most notable being Xene, the king of dragons. He’s been alive a little longer than Gladian and has also refused every lifemate he encountered. Once you bind yourself, that’s it; you’re stuck with them. I had bound myself to Liari because I had known she was my lifemate but mostly because she had been dying.” Rioran grimaced “Had the situation been different, I would…” he sighed “I would have straight rejected her and immediately left vampire territory to get as far away from her as possible.”

Naliel stared at the man, stunned. ‘Dark secret’ indeed. “But…why? Liari does not seem to be a bad girl…”

He shook his head “She’s not at all, but that’s not really the point. For one, my dislike for vampires was well known; I never made it a secret. On top of that she had been a child and lastly…” he looked very frustrated with himself “She’s not at all my type and yes, I do have a type, believe it or not. When I had first realized my mistake I had been absolutely furious. Being bound to someone is a demon’s greatest fear because of how vulnerable it makes us. Were Liari a crueler person I would truly be under her power and unable to do anything about it. My irritation at being bound to her remained for some years, probably up until before her sixteenth birthday when I was forced to realize my feelings were not platonic. I did not hate her, but I seriously disliked the fact that I had done what I had, even if she wasn’t a bad child.

“She was cute, tolerable, but still a child and under normal circumstances I would not have given her much thought, even had she not been a vampire. Don’t misunderstand; I haven’t actually had a lot of true lovers in my lifetime. My patience with individuals tends to be rather thin, especially if they’re idiots. ‘Gentle’ is hardly a word you could use to describe me but is something women desire. I have never been terribly fond of being with men. Gladian was the exception – mostly because I hadn’t a choice initially – and there had been one other but he wasn’t even a ‘lover’ so much as a ‘one night stand’ and…” he snorted “I had thought him a woman at the time. I hadn’t cared once I had found out, but I would not have pursued him had I known initially.”

The half-elf decided to take Rioran’s suggestion and sat down. No wonder Rioran didn’t feel that he could love Liari. He suddenly felt very sympathetic for the both of them. How different would things have been if they hadn’t met? “I…understand but what does all of that have to do with me?”

“I’m about to tell you, learn some patience.” He growled “When it comes to people I am attracted to, I value intelligence over anything else, even looks. After bonding with Liari I had been quite irritable and bitter. For a while I had wanted nothing more than to go back in time and change everything and I had constantly wished I had been paired with someone else, someone of legal age.” He made sure he had Naliel’s gaze when he spoke next “And then I met you.”

He knew where this was going and the half-elf had absolutely no idea how he should think or feel about it “I…you never…”

“Made it obvious?” he shrugged “I am quite old, if I do not want someone to know something, they will not know it. In any case I do not want you to get the wrong idea. I met you and your intelligence had been refreshing in a sea of stupidity otherwise known as vampires. It was not an issue of love nor am I proud for feeling the way I had back then. I had been resentful and bitter about my situation and then all of a sudden this high elven male appears who was exactly my type despite the whole gender thing.”

He shrugged “In short, for a while I had wanted you. Had you shown interest I would have pursued you, but you didn’t.” he smirked “I hadn’t known at the time it was because you already had a lifemate. I hated the fact that I couldn’t have been bound to someone like you instead of a small girl I had absolutely no romantic attachment towards and didn’t think I ever could.” He turned away, frowning “Thinking on it now that I have Liari, I feel rather…horrible about it.” He scowled and shook his head “Had I not forced your hand these words would never have been spoken.”

Naliel let this digest “So…you’re saying that you only desired me because I was something you wanted but could not have? And what you did have you did not want.”

Green eyes slid over to him and Rioran smirked again “Yes. I’m a bastard; you’ll never hear me deny it. Not that I do not find you to be good company, but I probably wouldn’t have been as interested had the situation been different.” He tilted his head “But be flattered, you’re the only male I have ever actually wanted, I’m sure that makes you special in some sort of fashion.”

“Your audacity never ceases to surprise me, Rioran.” Sighing, he put a hand through his thick hair “Well, I do believe this definitely falls under ‘deep dark secret’.” He looked at him “Earlier…what you were saying…were you trying to imply that I was a ‘spiritual match’? You say your attraction was only because of –“ he stopped when he saw the redhead smile humorlessly at him. Understanding, he looked away “I am sorry.”

“Sorry?” he sounded confused “For what? You are already bound to your lifemate, just as I am to mine. Besides, had you returned my feelings things would have…gotten very awkward and complicated. Don’t misunderstand, Naliel, I might be unsure about certain things concerning Liari but I do wish to be with her and try to make things work. I care for her and those feelings are romantic in nature. She has grown to be beautiful, intelligent, and kind. I…” another sigh escaped him “would like to make her happy. She deserves that.” He glared at the half-elf “And if you ever tell anyone I was this damn sentimental I will kill you and I swear it will be very slow and very painful.”

Naliel laughed out loud, leaning back in the chair “Your secrets are safe with me, O, great demon king.” Just like that the atmosphere changed. It was no longer tense and uncomfortable, and it seemed as if the two had become closer now. The small strain between them that had kept them only as loose friends had lifted and he could not complain.

He was only half surprised when the redhead finally gave in and moved, grabbing the back of his head and pulling him forward. Rioran was the second individual he had ever kissed and he found that he did not mind it as he thought he would have. It was quick, fleeting, and he knew it had only been done to satisfy curiosity.

This would never be discussed again. Tomorrow the incident would be considered as having never happened and that would be that. He wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about the whole revelation; Rioran would never directly admit it but he had basically implied that had neither of them been bound to their lifemates…it would have been highly likely that instead of sharing his kingdom with a vampire, it would have been with a certain half-elf. But that wasn’t the way it happened and he didn’t at all regret it. Neither did Naliel. He loved Sarnaiel and could not imagine living a life without him and despite all of what had transpired tonight, Rioran felt the exact same way about Liari.

He loves her… Naliel mused, smiling inwardly as the demon king flopped unceremoniously on his host’s bed and put a hand over his eyes. He does not yet realize it, he doesn’t see the changes she’s already made in him. Well, all good things took time and he wished them luck. Looking out the window he smiled sadly.

I will need my own luck…if I am to have Sarna back in my life again. Please gods…I do not wish to lose him again now that I’m so close to having him back in my life. Let us be reunited safely.

xxxxx

Liari had never been to an actual kingdom before; the biggest thing she knew of was the Lotros estate and it just did not. Have anything. On this.

Sunstone resting along her skin underneath the rather beautiful pale blue and silver dress Rioran had brought for her on the airship, she tucked stray strands of hair behind her ear, hazel eyes wide with wonder. Wyst City had been large but the capital of the Bavarian kingdom was incredible. It was divided into five districts, all of which were the size of a city itself.

The castle was massive, it looked like a huge stone mountain and was probably the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in her entire life. The area was bustling with people as it was just an hour or so near midday and she had never seen a place look so alive and vibrant. The streets looked clean and the bricks were so yellow they looked almost gold. There were shops everywhere with things she didn’t even know existed much less something to purchase. There was a crier standing up on a wooden box shouting about some current event or another that she had no idea about.

It did not take long for her initial wonder to turn into extreme discomfort. The place was too large and she began to feel crowded and intimidated. Even though her hair was well done and she was wearing fashionable clothing she kept getting stares and it made her feel as if perhaps she looked strange.

She could hear Rioran chuckling lightly in her mind “Vampireling, those are men staring at you and in case you have never noticed, you have a rather appealing frame. Also, as a vampire you automatically radiate an appealing presence; you will draw human men to you whether you want to or not. You’ve never known it because blood has always been provided for you, but to many races’ standards vampires are considered to be ethereal beauties. It is also why you’re all incredibly vain. The vibe you give off is supposed to lure people to you, giving you an easier time of manipulating their minds and taking their blood.”

Oh. She hadn’t known that, it wasn’t as if she had ever expected to be around humans in her lifetime. It’s…a little uncomfortable. They look like they want to eat me and not the other way around.

He found this to be even more amusing and this time when he spoke it was out loud and near her ear “I do not blame them.” He murmured low. Embarrassed, she pushed at him lightly, hugging herself. He had been rather merciless with his teasing ever since her blades had decided to take over her mind. She knew he was doing it to be an evil bastard but it hadn’t even been her fault! Why did she have to suffer through his antics?

“Oh, it’s definitely your fault, Vampireling.” It sounded like a low drawl. “You have absolutely no idea how close you came to being ‘eaten’, as you’ve put it. It’s one hundred percent your fault for allowing them to convince you to buy them in the first place.”

She sighed, exasperated. Oh fine, continue to blame me then.

“I am grateful for your permission, I shall definitely take advantage.”

Gods she wanted to just kick him in the shins sometimes. Of course that amused him and he was clearly broadcasting it for her. Liari understood that a part of the reason he kept teasing her was because he didn’t want her to become downcast or upset about what happened. He didn’t truly blame her and that was somewhat of a load off her mind.

Although she hadn’t had control over her body, the memories were still there and those thoughts Rioran wasn’t really trying to help her forget. If anything, he was pointedly ignoring them. He had held her and kissed her before but what happened the other day had been completely different. Her neck still throbbed from Rioran’s mark and she had a scarf around her neck to cover the bruise. More than once he had trailed his fingers over sensitive skin, his expression thoughtful and a little guilty.

He had been aggressive and out of control, when she had awakened and the memories hit her she hadn’t known what to feel about it – that wasn’t counting her shredded gown and the practically destroyed mattress. She had been glad he had left and stayed with Naliel for the rest of the night; she didn’t think she would have been able to face him right after such an ordeal. When she had awakened the next night he had acted as if it had never happened, so she decided to pretend as well. Less awkward for everyone.

The half-elf had left them once they had docked and the couple did not question; they had expected it really. Naliel’s lover was somewhere in the capital and he was going to do everything in his power to find and rescue him. Briefly, she wondered what sort of person this Sarnaiel was. Naliel obviously loved him a great deal, perhaps they were similar in personality?

“No, that’d bore Naliel to tears.” Rioran picked up on her thought, smirking “I have a feeling the guy is probably the complete opposite. Call it ‘demon’s intuition’ if you will.”

A small shiver went through her suddenly as she felt more eyes on her, bringing discomfort. Something warm enveloped her hand and she looked down at their interlaced fingers, heat rising to her cheeks. He seemed amused by her shyness but said nothing, only tugging her slightly so that she was leaning against him. She noticed immediately how the eyes on her began to drift noticeably away although she had no idea a part of it had to do with Rioran’s aura that he was broadcasting to intimidate anyone who looked at her desirably. He had played nonchalant about it but in reality he didn’t like men staring at her any more than she did and he really had no desire to piss off the humans in the kingdom by ripping someone apart.

Asking around they found that there were actually ten shops that sold enchanted clothing. A bit more asking around and they found that there was one shop that was slightly above average price but the quality and enchants were worth the kon.

Rioran, I’m curious. You’ve been saying that Humans aren’t fond of the other races but they can’t use magic right? So where are they getting enchanted items from?

“The black market, mostly.” He answered out loud “Not every human hates the other races, it’s mostly individuals that are a part of that religious order. Prior to that humans only really hated demons, all the other races were fine. Anyway, lesser vampire clans and those you call ‘Mixed’ are the main contributors of recent trends although the best clothing is old elven attire. It may look outdated, but elven enchantments are some of the best. My clothes were enchanted by elves before they did their disappearing act.

“When dragons were more nomadic they did a lot of trading, it’s what they do. And before you ask, demons don’t really do their own crafting. A lot of our items were by trade due to the nature of our alliances with others. We never ask for payment or tax for providing protection but we will take things given to us and we do trade. The one thing we are good at are the communication stones you’ve seen me use. We are rather proficient at enchanting gemstones although dragons are better. So to make it short, any really good items we find for you will either be of dragon or elven origins. The former I seriously doubt but hey, you never know.” He opened his mouth to say something else when he abruptly stopped, looking off towards the distance. Since he wasn’t trying to hide his emotions she could feel his confusion.

“Rioran?”

That seemed to snap him out of it. Frowning, he shook his head “Nothing. I think I’m imagining things…no, I know I am.” Still frowning in slight confusion and disbelief he began to guide her to the store that had been mentioned. It was in the fourth district which was close by the air ship docks.

“What did you think you imagined?” it was a gentle probe and he looked at her briefly as if he were about to tell her once again it was nothing before he remembered his promise.

“I thought I…sensed someone familiar. An old…” he grimaced “acquaintance.” From the way it was muttered it sounded as if this person was anything but. “And…something else puzzling.” He gave her a side glance “I can sense Naliel off in the district he said he would be exploring and if I flare out my senses enough I can somewhat sense something dark within the city, I am assuming this is from Olde Magick or whatever the hell is supposed to be here. That really should be it for magical beings but I’m sensing something else and it’s not an elf, dragon, vampire, or demon.”

Well, that only really left one race “So it’s a human?”

Rioran shook his head “No, that’s impossible, humans don’t have any magical talent, not unless they’re of mixed blood. Perhaps that is it…”

“Oh…Kaden what a beautiful necklace that woman has!”

The couple was so distracted that it was only until the owner of the voice was right in front of them that they noticed. It was a young human couple, both obviously aristocrats. The woman had long brown hair that was pinned up in a rather elaborate set of twists and curls, bright brown eyes with a very pale complexion – typical since nobles didn’t exactly get a lot of sun. She was wearing a beautiful and heavy-looking green and cream dress full of ruffles, ribbons and bows. She couldn’t have been much older than twenty and seemed to be radiating positive energy. Rioran thought she looked rather hilarious although Liari didn’t share the sentiment.

The man was almost her complete opposite. He had medium-length black hair that was pulled back into a low ponytail, a typical hairstyle for a young male noble. He was wearing silks, all dyed black with silver trim and Rioran thought the man looked as if he was going to a funeral and not standing beside what obviously looked like his wife – she had a ring on her finger. The man held handsome, angular features although he looked rather unemotional or perhaps bored. He was also very pale but his eyes betrayed his facial expression. They were dark brown and swimming with emotion, mostly anger. When his eyes moved over Liari she felt herself shiver slightly; he looked as if he couldn’t stand the sight of her.

Did I do something wrong?

Rioran frowned “No. He’s probably just pissed off about whatever it is nobles get pissed off about. Maybe he doesn’t enjoy the company he has. Ninety percent of noble marriages are arranged, that’s between all the mortal races.”

Oh.

“Thank you…” Liari smiled gently at the woman who looked practically beside herself. She looked up at Rioran “My…um…” What do I call you?

“Husband.” He said flatly and she fought hard not to react “I got it for her as a wedding present. We are newlyweds.”

N-newlyweds?

“Well, you’re sure in the hells not my ‘girlfriend’. You’re stuck with me for eternity so yeah, newlyweds.”

“Oh! Congratulations!” she tugged on the man’s arm and he gave her a thin smile that barely hid his irritation “Isn’t that sweet, Kaden? They’re just like us!”

“Yes, it is very sweet,” he muttered flatly before looking at them “forgive my wife, she tends to become...enthusiastic over ‘shiny’ things.”

“Ouch.” Rioran thought and Liari had to keep from wincing herself. There was obviously no love or chemistry in that relationship.

“It’s fine…” the vampire began to feel highly uncomfortable around the man. Rioran gently took her arm and moved as if to leave and she was grateful for the out “Well, if you’ll excuse us…”

“Oh, please wait!” letting go of her husband’s arm she took Liari’s, giving her a warm smile “At least allow me to introduce myself. My name is Hannah en Larchs, I’m actually not initially from Bavaria either but you don’ t see many foreign nobles here. Please, you must tell me where you acquired that necklace, it’s so beautiful, I’d love to have something like it.”

“Hannah,” her husband now looked very irritated “You are bothering these people. They don’t even know you.”

“But what if they don’t know anyone here in their class?” she looked put out “This stuffy kingdom is so rigid about social classes, sometimes it’s nice to know that there’s at least someone who will help you if needed.”

I like her. Liari found herself immediately warming up to the woman. She had initially come off as a little ditzy but in reality she seemed to just be a naturally social person.

“Or she’s bored out of her skull living with the ‘stiff’ she calls a husband.” The redhead mused.

“Thank you –“

“Please, call me Hannah.” The woman insisted and Liari smiled.

“I’m Liari…”

“Nathrie.”

She paused only for a second “Nathrie.”

This seemed to excite Hannah even more “Kaden, I told you her husband’s clothing looked western!” she turned back to Liari “You’re from the western lands, aren’t you?”

“Nod your head and say yes, Vampireling.”

Shut up. “Yes…”

An arm came around her shoulders and Rioran leaned forward, smiling at Hannah “I was traveling to Bavaria when I came across her and asked her family for her hand that day. I did not believe in ‘love at first sight’ until I met her.” He was laughing in Liari’s head as he had Hannah practically eating out of the palm of his hand with the lies. She didn’t find it so funny, Hannah seemed like a nice person, it was obvious that she was probably just pent up and without anyone to be around and so was trying to make friends – she couldn’t blame her with a husband like that.

Of course, Rioran was about as sentimental and gentle as a rock to the skull. To put the icing on the cake he turned and pulled Liari close, locking his gaze with hers. While the two humans would only see a tanned brunette with dull brown eyes she could see the vivid green and remembered just how enchanting Rioran’s eyes were. It was always such an intense gaze, as if he could see into a person’s soul and reveal all of their secrets. His expression was serious “To me, she is the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Sadness filled her and she looked away, embarrassed and a little something else. Please…don’t say things like that so seriously.

“Why not?”

Because I…might start believing you.

“Who said I was lying?”

“We should get going.” Kaden was practically pulling on his wife’s arm, obviously uncomfortable by the ‘newlyweds’ display of love and affection. Hannah looked a mixture between genuinely happy and a little sad. Liari’s heart went out to the woman. “It was…nice to meet you. I apologize if my wife was rude or made you uncomfortable…”

“Hannah is very kind and sweet.” Liari said a little too firmly, surprising all three “Any man should thank themselves lucky to have her.” His eyes widened at her audacity but she ignored him and turned to the woman “We won’t be here long, I’m afraid, but it was really nice meeting you, Hannah. Perhaps if we ever come by again we could meet for tea and maybe even become friends.”

She looked a mixture between happy, pleased, grateful, and hopeful. Liari felt horrible for lying to the woman but if there was any way for her to…

“I’m sorry, Liari but…this is human territory and right now vampires are just as hated as demons.”

I know.

“I’d really like that. Goodbye, Liari.” With a small smile she allowed her husband to pull her away. Kaden gave Liari a funny look, as if he didn’t know if he should be offended or feel guilty, before wordlessly walking off.

“You’re a home wrecker, I hope you know that.” Rioran raised an eyebrow at her and they once again began to walk towards the store “Now she’s going to have all these independent thoughts about how he should be treating her like a queen and make his life hell.”

“Good.” She sniffed indigently “He was being a jerk to her. You know, she probably didn’t want to marry him any more than he to her.”

Chuckling, he shook his head “It’s none of our affair, Vampireling. Be glad that we get along…somewhat.” She giggled at that and he took her hand again, pulling her close. Leaning against him she looked up, curious.

“You know, with the dresses and how nice you’re being, I’d almost say you were trying to spoil me.” He didn’t answer but she was fine with that. Their relationship was a strange one but it seemed that Rioran was actually trying. It wasn’t necessary; it wasn’t as if she’d ever leave him, even if he never loved her.

Picking up on her thoughts he stopped again, pulling her so that she was facing him. Even though they were somewhat in the middle of the road along the market area he didn’t seem to care. Keeping hold of her hand he raised his free one, brushing his knuckles along smooth skin. It was then that she realized that they weren’t drawing any attention. Illusion?

“Liari, listen,” with a small sigh he pulled her close “These past few days I have been…thinking. About a lot of things. I will tell you all of them in detail later but I want to make something clear first. My feelings for you are not platonic, I care about you…the more I am around you the stronger I feel towards you. I do not always show it but…”

She found herself stunned as she was pulled in and lips brushed along hers softly. It was just a chaste kiss but it felt so significant to her.

“I might not be in love with you, Vampireling, but I truly wish to be a part of your life and make you happy. You deserve that, especially since I’m difficult to deal with. I want to be with you, I want you by my side. Perhaps that is love, I do not know; it is not an emotion I have ever felt towards another. I know that I want no other with me, and I…”

Rioran stiffened and she found herself being pulled against his chest as he turned, looking rather surprised. Well, more like shell-shocked, if she had to think of a proper term.

There stood a man, no older than nineteen or twenty years of age. His hair was short and completely devoid of color. His skin was also the same and there was the distinct impression that perhaps he was an albino. Eyes a bright blue; he wore blue silks with black trim, denoting him as a noble. He had a small bag in his hand and he was staring right at them.

“Who are you?” Rioran actually pulled Liari closer to him, as if the young man was about to spring and attack them at any moment. Looking up at him she was completely startled, she’d never seen Rioran look so disoriented and confused.

Rioran?

“That boy…that boy shouldn’t exist, Liari. He shouldn’t be alive.”

Well, that was confusing. She watched as the boy in question blinked at them and looked a little apprehensive, shifting nervously.

This was not the reaction Rioran wanted “I know you can see and hear me, human. Who are you?”

Now she understood the confusion. Rioran had cast an illusion spell over them to give them a bit of privacy. This boy had seen through it?

“I don’t know.” He sounded very upset “This shouldn’t be possible but…this is the person I felt before. He can see through my illusion, not a huge feat for most races but impossible for humans, and there’s a…he’s definitely spiritually attuned. I think I’ve seen it all.”

“Tell me your name, mage.”

That startled the boy and he gasped, eyes widening. For a second he looked as if he wanted to run, saw Rioran’s expression and thought better of it. “I…I am Rori. Rori vil Wesser.”

Rioran?

“Take a good look at him, Liari, for what you are witnessing is nothing short of a miracle. That boy, Rori vil Wesser, is the first ever human magic user.”

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