Chapter Twenty-Four: Suitor

Hesitantly, Raven walked down the dark halls of the royal castle. Just like the disparity outside the castle, the hallways were just as dreary and dark. They were painted in crimson red, illumined by dark lighting, and had the foul smell of demon odor. While she walked down the gloomy hallways, several demon servants that worked in the castle stopped in their tracks to bow to the half-demon empress. Unbeknownst to the half-demon, they held their breath as she passed by them, but she paid the demons no mind. However, Raven's thoughts were consumed by what is to become of her. She was still uncomfortable with the fact that she would have to marry a demon and give birth to Trigon's grandchild. Each time Raven thought about the situation, she fell ill with nausea.

Soon, she found herself at the door of the imperial study. Raven could sense that there were two beings behind the door. One aura radiated from Trigon, and the other aura oozed from an unknown entity. She assumed that this would be her suitor. Thankfully, the door was cracked and the woman took a quick peek inside. Yet, door was slightly ajar, so she could only she a piece of the study. Raven saw several chairs, bookshelves, and books; but did not find the two entities. She could only hear what they were saying.

"Is everything in place?" an unknown voice asked. Raven assumed that this was the voice of her suitor.

A soft chuckle echoed throughout the room. "Yes. Everything should go according as planned. I warned her of her behavior and she should be down within moments. You do know that she is tainted with the blood of human?"

"Of course your highness. Everyone in the whole demonic world knows."

"Please, do not address me as your highness. After all, once you marry my daughter, you will be compensated with a seat in the royal thrown beside me." Trigon explained.

"Will I also get a dowry for this?" The suitor asked.

"Yes you will be paid in no time. You will have all the money you will need. All I ask is that you marry my daughter, and plant your seed within her womb. After she gives birth, I will take care of daughter afterwards no worries."

Raven turned away from the door. She could feel tears accumulating in her eyes. However, she didn't know why exactly. The woman knew exactly that her father was evil and this wouldn't be a surprise from him at all. The half-demon knew that she was a pawn in his game, like all his subordinates. She closed her eyes picturing Garfield in mind. All she wanted was him; no one else. But she would sacrifice her freedom for the sake of his life and her Messors. Raven opened her eyes and grabbed the knob of the door to enter. She took a step in the study, having two pairs of eyes upon her.

"Ahh I see our Empress has finally graced us with her presence at last." Trigon announced standing next to her soon-to-be suitor. "Archon, this is my daughter, Raven."

The suitor bowed and Raven returned the favor with a curtsey. The demon was about average height with dark hair and eyes. His hair was short, nails were long, lips were thin, and having an average stature. He wore a black suit with a red tie. Archon also wore a smug expression on face with slight disgust. She could tell, like other demons, he did not like her scent. However, he covered his disgust better than the other demons.

"Pleasure to meet you." Archon greeted the woman.

"Likewise." She lied through her teeth.

Archon walked closer to woman, and she clenched her fists holding her rage. Once he was a few feet away from her, he softly took her left hand and placed a soft kiss on the top of her hand. Raven wanted to roll her eyes for how cliché this demon was towards her.

"You truly are a sight to be seen. I cannot wait to make you my wife." Archon stated, but she knew better; he was lying through his teeth as well.

Slowly, the demon circled the woman and examined her features. He looked at her up and down, and Raven felt offended by this action.

"Why you are circling me? Are you some type of vulture?" Raven snarled to the demon. She could see at the edge of the vision, Trigon cross his arms in disapproval.

"My dear," Archon softly said still inspecting the woman. "I am just examining the features of my future wife of course."

He traced his fingers along her hips. "After all," he whispered close to her ear "You have the perfect hips. Perfect for childbearing."

Raven growled under her breath hoping the demon would hear her but not her so-called father. Archon withdrew from her ear and smirked. "My my, aren't we frisky? I do hope that you are this frisky in bed."

She wanted to punch him. She wanted to stab him. She wanted to put him out of his misery, but no, she kept her cool and bit her tongue. Archon inched near her face and closed his eyes. The suitor took a large intake of air, smelling the woman. He held his breath and wore a questionable expression on his face. He lowered his head and opened his eyes. His expression changed from amused, to angry. His dark eyes bore into her amethyst ones. Archon cringed and bared his sharp canines. The male turned away from the half-demon and faced her father.

"Prey tell, what is the issue?" Trigon asked confused as ever.

"The issue?" Archon yelled angered. "I cannot believe I did not detected it earlier. And you? You've gotten too old to even detect it!"

"What do you mean Archon?" Trigon asked.

The suitor pointed towards the woman. "This half-breed is no longer a virgin. I am absolutely positive that you promised me that this insubordinate half-blood was a virgin, which was an agreement we had for me marring this wrench!"

Raven could feel her heart race as she saw the anger and rage from Archon and, not to mention, confusion from Trigon. She stood their motionless and expressionless as Archon yelled at Trigon.

"Someone has taken what is rightfully mine and I will not stand for this. You promised me a virgin and you gave me whore! Deal is off." Archon stomped out of the room leaving Raven and Trigon alone.

The woman looked down at her feet not wanting to make eye contact with her father. Trigon walked closer to the half-demon and stood a few feet away from her. She continued to look at the ground. Swiftly, Trigon took his hand and slapped the woman on her cheek sending her to the wood flooring. She whimpered feeling a burning sensation on her cheek. Raven could taste the bitter iron aftertaste of blood in her mouth.

"You bitch!" Trigon bellowed with fire in his eyes. "Just like your filthy whore of a mother."

Raven looked up at Trigon the Terrible feeling her body shake in fear.

"Guards!" Trigon called and soon three imperial guards entered the study. "Take this whore away from me. I do not even think about taking her to her quarters. I command that you take her to the catacombs where she belongs!"

Raven gasped and was taken into custody of the three demons. She tried to resist, but her strength was slowly dwindling away like her hope.