A/N: Thank you for taking a look at this! This is a story I originally wrote for Tumblr's Melizabeth week but thanks to the recent plot twists in the manga I had to rethink the ending a bit and so finished it way too late haha. Anyway, I really hope you like this. Cover art is by the wonderful thestarrynightgazer who you can find on Tumblr ans AO3.

Peace, the like of which she had never really known, flowed through Elizabeth like a gentle breeze. She smiled as the sun shone down on her back, pleasantly heating her skin and the feathers of her wings. Taking deep breaths of the perfumed air, almost tasting the pleasing aroma of mint and thyme, she stretched out her arms, just about suppressing the urge to dance on the crumbled, marble tiles. For today was the day Meliodas would make good on his promise and prove his love. Today he would leave his clan and join her.

The bright, golden light of the sun suddenly darkened and a shadow covered the ornate white statue or some long-dead goddess as she sneered down from the top of the smooth, marble palace. Elizabeth felt herself bounce on the balls of her feet as it slid along the ground to the ruined amphitheater, her eyes squinting against the glare as she peered up into the sky. Black wings spread out across the blue, snatches of sunlight framing the familiar shapes. Elizabeth grinned, excitement thrumming through her as Meliodas swooped down, and she ran, pelting across the stone and patches of weed and grass to tumble with a heady mix of joy and relief into his arms.

Only they did not loop around her. Elizabeth waited, clinging to Meliodas, her fingers digging into the fabric of his suit. She waited and waited to feel the pressure of his hold. But he did not hug her back, his arms remaining limp at his sides. Confused, she looked up, the smile dying on her lips as she gazed at eyes black as pits and lips that were pressed tight together in a thin line.

"Meliodas?" She stepped back, grasping tight at his upper arms. "What's wrong? Has something happened?"

He stepped back, pulling away from her, and she reluctantly let him leave her grip. "I… I can't do it, Elizabeth," he rasped out, his eyes quickly dropping down to the floor.

"Can't do what?" she asked in puzzlement, her stomach free falling to her boots as she began to sense his meaning. "You can't have changed your mind!" Her eyes widened, her mouth parting slightly as she watched the demon she loved refusing to look at her, taking in the way his shoulders rose and fell with his agitation. "Why?" she demanded into the ongoing silence, her hands balling into fists, her nails digging into her flesh as she tried to control her temper. "We have been planning this for weeks and weeks. Only yesterday you said…"

"Well, things change." He met her gaze then, cold resolution clearly etched on his face. "I have been selfish," he intoned, his every word sounding flat. "I cannot just abandon my clan, my colleagues, my family for the sake of…"

"For the sake of what?" she challenged, her teeth clenching with anger. "For the sake of our love? Our dreams? Everything we've ever talked of? For the sake of peace, Meliodas. I thought you wanted that as much as me."

"For the sake of a goddess who doesn't know her own mind."

Elizabeth recoiled as if she had been slapped, her breaths coming in short, sharp bursts. "This is all smoke and mirrors," Meliodas continued, as if unaware of her perturbation, the mark on his forehead visibly pulsing. "I don't know what I was thinking. A relationship between and demon and a goddess? Between two heirs to the thrones of the Gods themselves? This is madness. Utter madness. Lunacy that can only end in our deaths."

"We've been through all this," Elizabeth groaned as she closed the space that had opened between them. "I told you, I was willing to take that chance. We agreed…"

"No. You agreed." Meliodas folded his arms across his chest, his brows drawing together in a stern frown. "You are known for your ability to persuade. You have used your magic on enough of my brethren to demonstrate your power. How do I know that you have not done the same thing to me?" Elizabeth gaped at him, horror flooding her form as the voice she loved so dearly grew for formal and cold, the demon prince's shoulders drawing up as he glared at her with authority.

"Meliodas," she murmured, her brain scrambling for words as desperation seized her, "you can't mean that. What you're saying is… it's…"

"Are you about to claim that such a feat is impossible?" he shot back, his eyes narrowed as his arms crossed more tightly. "Are you claiming that you are incapable of influencing my mind?"

"No, but…"

"Then we are done."

Elizabeth looked at him closely, noting the way his jaw worked as darkness spread out from his back, large wings forming in preparation for flight. "You don't mean that!" she yelled and she moved quickly towards him, feeling him flinch slightly as she cupped his face. "You love me, Meliodas, I know you do! You…"

"Is everything alright here, Sire?" The sibilant hiss floated down from the air and Elizabeth cursed herself as she stumbled backwards, her feet catching on the stony ground. How could she not have felt the approach of these foes? The aura of power that washed over the space, bouncing off the broken columns and crumbled steps, was vast, completely unmistakable. So focused had she been on Meliodas she had failed to sense the approach of these huge, rolling powers.

"Aranak, Zeno, perfect timing as always," the prince said casually as he stood to attention. Elizabeth watched as the two demons descended, one little more than an oval head atop a wizened body, the other a mass of muscle, his enormous arms mottled with veins. "This is Princess Elizabeth of the Goddess Clan," he said coldly, barely shooting her so much as a glance. "No, I must insist that she is left unharmed," Meliodas added lazily as he reached for his sword, deftly intercepting a flash of Hellblaze the smaller demon had sent in her direction. "The Lady has invoked the right of parley."

A groan sounded from the largest of the demons. "That's all shit, that old magic," he grumbled as he flexed the muscles in his chest.

"Peace brother," the smaller one hummed, his face a mask of nothing as he floated in the air, his arms and legs dangling almost comically below. "This is ancient magic, unfathomable and complex. The prince is right, it is prudent that we respect it." Elizabeth took a deep breath, her heart hammering in her chest as the large one muttered "Bollocks" rather audibly.

"Save it. She has nothing of interest to offer," Meliodas said loftily, his voice dripping with disdain. "We will take our leave of you," he said as he turned towards her. "And don't worry boys, if I ever see her on the battlefield, I will kill her." Elizabeth gasped as Meliodas took off without so much as a backwards glance in her direction, the laughter of his companions echoing through the air. The floating head shot her a nasty, lopsided grin before following in the other's wake, his larger kin taking a menacing lunge towards her, before evidently thinking better of it and also soaring up to the sky.

Elizabeth watched, as the black shapes grew smaller, fading to mere specks on the horizon. It was only as the wind picked up, whipping her long hair into her face and blowing cold across her cheeks that she realised she was crying, tears streaming down her face. "Meliodas," she whispered, her voice swallowed by the breeze, "don't leave, please. I love you. I always will."

As Meliodas strode through the halls of the castle, he felt his insides churn uncomfortably, making him twist his mouth in irritation. Servants fled before him as he stormed to his room, tendrils of darkness trailing in his wake. He had done the right thing. He knew he had done the right thing. So why did he feel so perfectly wretched?

The image of Elizabeth, her face frozen as if in horror, flashed before him, making him stomp his feet as he walked. The suits of armour lining the walls rattled as he passed, the sounds of his footfalls echoing through the halls. He was unsurprised as he rounded a corner only to see a small, portly man, staff in hand, purposefully blocking the entrance. He sighed, forcing himself to relax; every instinct was telling him to attack the obstacle, but he knew it would end with his face on the floor.

"Young master," the demon before him intoned, "I was informed that you had returned. May I remind you that we have a full schedule today…"

"Give it a rest, Chandler," Meliodas snapped, his eyes narrowing to slits. "Training is off."

Chandler leaned on his staff, his affable face falling to a stern frown. "I must protest," he warned, his avuncular voice now cold as ice. "Cusack has been informing me of your brother's recent progress. I am sure you are aware he has unlocked his original power. If you do not keep pace…"

"I. Said. No. Now, get out of my way." Without waiting for a reply, the prince swept past his tutor, relief flooding through him when he was not pursued. Chandler would usually give way if he was sufficiently firm, but it was by no means guaranteed. He walked as fast as he dared without looking back, determined to reach his room before the demon changed his mind.

Once inside, Meliodas sank back against the closed door, his breathing hard as his eyes adjusted to the gloam. It was an austere room; just a bed in the centre of a Spartan space, a polished wooden wardrobe, a small table and a drinks cabinet the only other additions. The window was draped with heavy curtains, effectively shutting out what little light there was outside in the demon realm, the quiet and dark such a contrast to the bright white and gold of the sky palace.

This was to be his life now; shut up in darkness, away from life and love and the warmth of the sun, away from green trees that flashed red and brown as the seasons cooled, away from the fresh smell of grass after rain. And in that moment he hated everything, the sadness that had sat in the pit of his stomach curdling to wrath. With a snarl, he grasped up a goblet that stood on the table, hurling it across the room to collide with the wall. The clang of metal and stone rang out, the sight of the crushed vessel doing nothing for his sour mood. He had reasoned this out, decided with cool rationality that he would have to break off his affair with Elizabeth: her very life depended on it. There was no way his father would let her live. She might even be tortured. He had been certain he was making the right call as he had hatched the plan the previous evening. But now, in this moment, he was not so sure.

He did not lift his eyes from the floor as he heard the door open, a small shadow creeping inside before closing it with a soft click. Meliodas waited, allowing the silence to ring, knowing there must be some purport to this visit. His brother and he were hardly strangers, but Zeldris was completely incapable of small talk.

"What were you doing with Princess Elizabeth?"

The question was unexpected, and Meliodas paused in his breathing, wondering just how he should address the enquiry. "You might as well tell me," his brother continued, flashes of his power crackling through the room. "I know you went to see her, and I do not for one minute believe this nonsense about parley. If the Goddess Clan wished for peace they would have sent that arrogant shit of an archangel, the one who claims to speak for the Supreme Deity herself."

Meliodas allowed himself to glance up to look into Zeldris's hard, angry face. "It's none of your business," he finally replied, calling his own powers forth in an attempt to intimidate. "What I do with my free time is my own…"

"Not if it has implications for our clan's safety." Zeldris stepped towards him, his expression softening as he approached. "Just tell me," he coaxed. "I know it is nothing of significant concern. Why…"

"I was going to leave, okay?" Meliodas felt a momentary satisfaction as his brother visibly recoiled, his mouth falling open in shock. "But I didn't. I'm here, whatever the personal cost. And I'm pretty sure I just made the wrong choice, so if you don't mind…"

"Stop." Zeldris held up a hand, shaking his head slightly in an apparent attempt to marshal his thoughts. "You are telling the story wrong way out. Start from the beginning. Why would you want to leave us?"

Meliodas struggled to speak, an almost painful lump restricting his larynx. Zeldris looked at him carefully before continuing, "It is because of the princess?" Meliodas tried to respond, his teeth clenching as his cheeks flamed uncontrollably, but the necessary words would not come.

"It is!" exclaimed Zeldris as Meliodas looked studiously at the stone floor. "You are full of surprises. I never would have imagined you could fall in love."

Zeldris hissed and Meliodas felt his anger simmer over to a rolling boil. "How could you have been so reckless? Have you any idea what father will do to you if he finds out about this? Have you…"

"That's why I'm here, and not with Elizabeth." Meliodas stalked towards his brother, his fists clenched tight at his sides. "It would never work out would it? He'd find us and kill us both. He'd…"

"Not if you gave up your power." Zeldris's features softened slightly and Meliodas frowned. Since when did his brother ever relax? "If you gave up your Commandment and sealed your magic, I do not think anyone could stand much chance of locating you. You and the goddess could escape."

Meliodas felt his head swim as he struggled to breathe. Visions flashed before him, tumbling on top of one another. He and Elizabeth, lying on the grass, gentle blades brushing against the goddess' cheek; a little cottage in the hills, soft sunlight and a warm body lying next to him, her feathers soft under his fingertips; the sound of laughter, and a small, round-faced boy with a cheeky grin, laughing as he pulled at Elizabeth's hair. He closed his eyes tight, the pain of longing and want so sharp he felt as if his hearts would break. It was what they had wanted, both of them: peace, love, and a family.

But the dream burst as soon as he tried to examine it. Elizabeth was a princess, a future queen, and as selfless as anyone who had yet walked the earth. She would never leave the alliance and he knew it. That was why he had determined to defect, knowing that she would refuse to join him, even if such a thing were possible. The goddess took her responsibility seriously. She had dedicated her life to peace, and she would not run, not when she could still fight and persuade. He sighed bitterly; it was as if they were cursed, unable to realise their love however pure it may be.

Snapping back to himself, he realised that Zeldris was looking at him with a peculiar expression. Deciding to deflect his brother's curiosity, he challenged, "It sounds like you have given some thought to this," allowing the hint of threat to enter his tone. Zeldris responded immediately, his face smoothing into an impenetrable mask, his shoulders drawing up straight as if he were standing to attention.

"I can assure you I have given no consideration to such a question," Zeldris replied coldly, but his voice wavered slightly, the change imperceptible to all but those who knew him. Meliodas took a step towards him, peering into his face, alarm pounding in his veins and ears as he caught the flash of guilt that crossed Zeldris's features.

"Don't lie to me!" Meliodas watched as Zeldris's hands curled into fists at his sides, summoning his powers to the ready in case of attack. "You have thought about it! Your answer came far too pat. Do I have to explain to you your duty? Do I…"

"Meliodas, would you just shut up?"

He stopped, the words dying on his lips, trying to recall if Zeldris had ever spoken back to him before. Disagreements yes, they had indulged in those since childhood, often resorting to magic and fists to settle their differences. But since reaching maturity and taking on the role of their father's executioner, Zeldris had not once showed him the slightest sign of disrespect and, for the moment, Meliodas was not quite sure how to answer him.

Zeldris continued, his jaw working visibly, "I am telling you now, this is none of your business, and even if you torture me I will say nothing. So, are you intending to kill me or will you let this go?"

Silence ticked for several uncomfortable seconds before Meliodas murmured, "I… understand," his shoulders dropping as the throb of agony he had carried since leaving Elizabeth pulsed anew. "Let's say we never had this conversation."

"Fine with me." Zeldris turned, beginning to make his way to the door, pausing for a moment, and stretching out an arm towards the handle. "I am… sorry for you," he muttered. "It must have been difficult, saying goodbye."

Breathing ragged, Meliodas called out, "Zeldris!" just as his brother reached the door. He bit his lip as Zeldris turned back towards him. "If you get the chance, don't make my mistake, okay? I don't want to see you go through this pain."

A curt nod was the only reply, before Zeldris swung open the door and swept from the room.