As one would expect, news of the Demon Lord's Domain hadn't been accepted quietly, yet it hadn't been met with nearly as much opposition as imagined. Seemed that having a demon lord quietly in his own kingdom was less terrifying than the constant threat of another ogre war lingering over Dreymyr's denizens. For the most part Rumple ignored this, he'd never really cared much for politics and had no intentions of bothering himself with it when Horatio, Artem and Gasper were apparently more than happy to deal with it all for him – they were the cause of the bulk of it anyway. Instead, Rumple had taken his family to their new home and again promised Bae that this would be the haven he'd hoped for. Belle had been delighted with the vast library he'd constructed just for her, a plethora of books in all genres for her enjoyment. The children had soon claimed the gardens and courtyard as imagined, they knew every nook and cranny having played their games in them, while Renner had spent a full three days committing each brick to memory. Azzy delighted in no longer being shrunk down, instead walking at his full height as nature intended. Demiurge felt much the same; he may have been a kitten when Rumple had first come across him, but soon matured into a sizeable tree cat who spent most of his time up the gargantuan weeping willow tree on the far side of the castle or trailing after Renner. Now that Belle had assisted in the two of them forming a taming contract, the former assassin and tree cat had grown even more in sync. Phria had been the one Rumple had worried about the most, she was still Captain of the Valkyries and had travelled even further from Yanhil. Sure, he'd constructed a personal training room for her, but she still had responsibilities and duties. The Emerald Queen had become the public's nickname for Phria while Belle had been dubbed as the Sapphire Queen – a little too Wonderland for Rumple's liking but there was little to be done about it. Marrying Rumple had pulled Phria in two directions and it wasn't fair. Of course Phria never complained, but things couldn't stay the way they were forever. In an attempt to silence his own concerns, Rumple had provided the map of his new, unwanted, domain to his wives and given them free rein to name everything as they pleased. They'd been happy enough to go along with it, though they'd done it mostly for the benefit of their husband's conscience than because the idea of naming every mountain, lake and meadow in the Demon Lord's Domain had made them giddy.

Then the letter had arrived. A letter from Demeer which was finally the good news Rumple and Jefferson had been waiting for. Finally, finally, they'd been granted permission to enter Akula Prison in Worynheim and meet the Little Disaster. Since Demeer had begun battling his way through red tape and Horatio had thrown this new land on him, Rumple had been more or less locked away in his laboratory working on everything from stabilizing Tvon's spell to tweaking the enslavement ritual to lessen the cruelty inflicted on the slave. Then there was the 'Frankenstein thing' Rumple had mentioned. Several times his wives had heard him mention Victor Frankenstein but never really known if that was someone he hated, admired or quietly tolerated. Whatever he'd been doing in his laboratory, it was supposedly inspired by that doctor and neither wife quite knew what to make of it. Sitting still hadn't ever been Rumple's strong suit, hence why he spun so much. However, when that letter had arrived, he'd gained a renewed vigor then left with such swiftness that Valdis hadn't even had enough of a chance to demand going with him. Belle and Phria had wished Rumple the best of luck for he was doing something most noble for Jefferson. He'd been reunited with his son and now it was time to reunite Jefferson with his daughter. So Rumple had departed with the Hatter and a promise to return for his wives once the logistics had been sorted. Meanwhile, Belle and Phria had occupied themselves with the map Rumple had given them. Bae hadn't been concerned about the trip to Akula Prison, but his three sisters had. The prison was infamous for those held there, all manner of malevolent, contemptible, and malicious mages who posed such threat to the realm that they couldn't be contained by other prisons. Then, of course, there was Ravavena herself, a demon lord who'd turned the ogres into an army. Was it any surprise Amicia, Semiramis and Valdis worried for their papa?

The Dark Castle wasn't only situated in the middle of a dramatically large lake with a bridge that needed summoning by Rumple himself or four other people he'd programmed the spell to accept – them being Belle, Phria, Renner and Demeer. No, the Dark Castle also had the strongest barrier Rumple had been able to create defending it, so neither queen had seen a problem with letting Renner have a day to himself. That was how the girls had ended up settled in the throne room Rumple had begrudgingly had to build; a spacious room with lots of natural light and a raised platform in the centre flanked by two pillars. Upon the platform sat three thrones which, while ornate, weren't ostentatious in the slightest. The middle throne had been upholstered in a gray brocade while the smaller two were in emerald and sapphire respectively. Most throne rooms throughout Dreymyr only bothered to accommodate the primary wife, but Rumple wouldn't hear of such disrespect. He'd not wanted to be a sovereign in the first place so he'd certainly not shut out his sweet Phria simply because etiquette stated she was somehow worth less than Belle.

"Papa really said we could name everything?" Amicia questioned as she leaned against Azzy's fur where they'd all gathered on the floor before the thrones. "Anything we want?"

Belle smiled. "Within reason, yes. This is your papa's kingdom now whether he wants to acknowledge it as that or not. His only stipulations are that this castle is known as the Dark Castle and that the forest between it and the Blockade is called the Enchanted Forest. Everything else we may choose."

"Mama Belle," began Valdis with her head cocked to one side causing her luxuriously long black hair to cascade over her shoulders. "What does stip – siptu-?"

"What does stipulations mean?" Belle supplied for her only for the youngest girl to nod. "It means a something that has to happen."

"Shouldn't Bae help?" Semiramis queried as she glanced around as if to confirm to herself he wasn't present.

Bae, bless his soul, had been forced to cope with a lot of stress, fear and dark memories since he'd been summoned by Tvon and while older than he appeared, Bae still needed time to decompress. Alone time hadn't been something any of Rumple's family had found forthcoming in recent months what with everything that had happened. So, just as Renner had earned a day to himself, Bae had been provided space to sort through his emotions. Of course Amicia, Semiramis and Valdis had their traumas, but simply being allowed to be children was a key part in helping the three of them heal – silly things like naming mountains and rivers. Fearing water as she did there had been much concern over the Dark Castle being at the centre of a vast lake, but Semiramis knew her papa wouldn't let anything bad happen to her and, being a freshwater lake, sea beasts couldn't lurk in the depths quiet so easily.

Phris pushed her long ponytail over her shoulder and unfurled the map Rumple had drawn for them. "How about letting Bae name anything we can't think of something for?"

That was precisely what they did. Belle and Phria spent several hours laughing with the girls and choosing names for the various landmarks in Rumple's new domain. Some were named after people and things they'd encountered in their journeys such as Loch Maurice, Lake Demeer and Bertha's Bay, while others were named for their appearance: Capricorn Point and the Dagger. It had been Amicia who'd insisted the two groups of islands to the north and south be named after Belle and Phria, but neither woman had been all that keen on whacking their name on a handful of islands, so a compromise had been made resulting in the Sapphire Isles and Emerald Archipelago. Then there was Valdis' triumph; she'd pointed out that a small bay to the north-west looked like Azzy's jaw when he yawned so Azadanes' Teeth had been jotted down on the map. Rumple may have asked them to deal with naming everything in his domain because he'd not wanted to and to distract them, but it had actually turned into a fairly enjoyable afternoon. By the time they were done, almost every landmark had been given a moniker, and those that hadn't, Bae named the next day after breakfast.

~X~

Since the very moment Rumple had arrived in Dreymyr it had been abundantly clear that all viewed dark magic as an infection, a contagion, something evil that had seeped into their world, and Rumple had given that opinion serious consideration until he'd learned how the previous Dark One had escaped the realm. Dark magic hadn't entered Dreymyr like a poisoned lake, it had always existed there as a fundamental part of the world. Isra's defeat had caused the anchor to come loose and dark magic to grow chaotic, then the slaying of so many darkness dragons had resulted in the magic being siphoned off into some artefacts and those attuned to violence or those easily corrupted as a desperate way to control the chaos and fashion a makeshift anchor. As a Cardinal Dragon, Isra's defeat couldn't have resulted in death as most of the legends claimed, had that happened then darkness would have overrun Dreymyr as a wild magic and swallowed everything up whole. No, Isra was a linchpin and surely still lived – a problem for later and one which wouldn't ever be mentioned to Valdis if Rumple could help it. Speaking of Valdis, the legend also insisted her egg had been destroyed but Hilda Talinum had gone to the trouble of hiding her away: had she known Valdis might have been another attempt to keep that makeshift anchor intact?

Tvon had surely used up all accessible artefacts charged with dark magic during his repeated attempts to summon Rumple, so using Ravavena as their power source was the only option left. Of course Rumple knew using her could easily kill her and that he'd promised Bae no more unnecessary killing, but her death may have become necessary if it meant getting Jefferson home. He walked a fine line and just hoped his boy understood. After many years of neglecting morality, Rumple may have finally regained some of his humanity.

The plan had been a fairly simple one and shouldn't have needed much preparation; he, Demeer and Jefferson would make the journey to Shark Island assisted by spacial magic and Rumple's newfound ability to float high above the ground, then he'd return to the Dark Castle for his wives since having the Valkyrie Captain would go a long way to ensuring the whole thing went smoothly. However, as soon as Rumple magicked himself into Demeer's office he found the man himself with his head in his hands and Ognyan perched close for comfort.

"I'm sensing trouble, dearie."

Demeer startled in his seat but hid it well enough. With a sigh he fell back in his chair and reached to stroke Ognyan's little head.

"Turns out installing the most powerful of the demon lords as a king causes a lot of fallout."

Rumple giggled. "Who'd have guessed? And I told you I'd not be referred to as a king."

"My apologies. Did you not bring Captain Federlord with you? There are some things that I need to discuss with her."

"She's at the Dark Castle. Why do you want to talk to her?"

Demeer smirked. "No need to be overly protective. It is simply in regards to the Valkyries. The matter is fairly pressing though. Would you mind popping back for her before Jefferson arrives?"

Rumple's head cocked to one side. "When did I become your valet, dearie?"

"Oh, I'm sure you'd rather do this one little thing instead of causing your wife undue stress. I'm sure she'd be most thankful her husband acted swiftly rather than extenuating her problems."

"You're almost as good with words as I am."

With that Rumple vanished in a puff of smoke and Demeer savored his little win. Jefferson entered the office a few moments later and fell into a chair, one foot insisted on bouncing relentlessly and Demeer found himself grateful he had no children to fear for so greatly. Patience soon drained from the Hatter and he began questioning where Rumple had gotten to. Every second he was in Dreymyr was another second Grace had nobody but her caretaker to protect her. When Rumple did eventually return it was with Phria in tow and dressed in her Valkyrie armor of cobalt.

"You wished to see me, Grand Mage? Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong, no."

Jefferson shot to his feet, top hat clutched tightly in his hand. "If you're about to say we need to delay the trip, I'll punch you in the face. We need to go now."

He wasn't wrong. Things had been put off and put off and put off some more as far as Jefferson was concerned. He'd been patient and cooperative for so long that he'd started to feel as though he'd given up on returning to his beloved daughter. With Jefferson's need evident, it was quickly decided that he and Rumple would leave for Akula Prison then return for both Phria and Demeer once they could teleport freely; frankly, Demeer would just slow the journey down anyway.

With the Dark One and Hatter departed, Demeer's attention finally returned to the white-haired pantherian who did her best to keep her ears from drooping. Normally Valkyries remained standing, but with the situation and her now being a queen, he thought it best to offer her a seat.

"Captain – Phria, you've navigated us to a road never before travelled here at the Arcane University and I confess I'm not entirely sure what to do about it. While I personally have no issue, politics do like to cause chaos."

"You mean the Valkyrie Captain marrying a demon lord splits my allegiance. I can't be relied on to perform my duties anymore."

Demeer shook his head. "I have no doubt you would carry out your duties just as swiftly and reliably as you always have. You are right though. You've been absent from the University for months, and the public has officially recognized you as the Emerald Queen."

Phria worried her lip for a moment. Nobody had been more surprised than Phria when Iris Aspen had handed over the Valkyries to her, but she'd done her best to live up to the former captain's expectations. Would Iris be proud of her now, that was a question Phria couldn't help pondering.

"Am I to be relieved of my position, Grand Mage?"

"I think it would be for the best," said Demeer calmly. "You are a very capable warrior, but you have a family to protect now and that should take precedence. You've served loyally and I'm truly grateful for your service, but I think even you knew that when you left Vice-Captain Ravenscroft in charge you'd not be returning. She will make a good replacement for you, very smart and capable is that one. It would be inappropriate to have her half-sister become the new Vice-Captain, so I'd recommend choosing Ariadne or maybe Isadora. Of course, I shall leave that decision up to you. I am sorry about this, but I must think about what is best not only for the University and the Valkyries but for you as well."

Phria nodded solemnly. "I understand, Grand Mage, I do. Thank you for allowing me to tell them rather than simply being cast out in disgrace."

"You have disgraced no one and nothing, Phria. You are simply retiring. I will be sad to see you leave, you stamped so much of the Valkyries' prejudices out in your short time as their leader. You bettered them all. Well, maybe not Cynthia Stonecrop; there was never any helping her."

That was certainly true. She'd sent Renner to assassinate her out of sheer spite and hate. Had Rumple not chosen the moment he had to enter her office, Phria likely would have died and the children wouldn't have gained such a capable protector.

"Thank you for all you've done for me. I'll head to the training hall to inform Scarlette, and select a new Vice-Captain."

The goateed man rose from his chair and rounded it to shake Phria's hand. He'd not lied, he honestly would be sad to see the back of such a kind woman and skilled fighter.

With well wishes and words of luck for the future, Phria departed Demeer's office and began the walk to the training hall. A part of Phria, a quiet part at the very back of her mind, had known this day would come since the moment Rumple had agreed to marry her. She couldn't be in two places at once, nor could she perform her duties without people assuming her bias. The right decision had been made but that didn't mean Phria had to like it. She caught sight of herself in a glass display case then and paused to look. She'd hardly worn anything but her cobalt armor in years, it had practically become a second skin, then Rumple had gifted her that lovely black leather armor that Tvon had destroyed so quickly. Belle had returned to wearing dresses when not adventuring with their husband, was Phria expected to do the same.

"Don't be stupid." She told herself, Rumple wouldn't ever try to dictate her clothing. No, she'd remain in armor because that was a part of who Phria Federlord was, it wouldn't be the color of cobalt after that day.

With a sigh she continued on her way only pausing long enough for Lotomas to offer his condolences. She shouldn't have been surprised the werewolf already knew, not when he was Demeer's adjutant after all.

In the end Scarlette had taken the news well even if being promoted to Valkyrie Captain so soon had frightened her somewhat. Isadora had been chosen as the new Vice-Captain as she already kept the whole place functioning and had more than earned the position. And, with that, Phria's last duties had been performed at the Arcane University. Suddenly it felt wrong to be wearing her beloved armor, she wasn't in charge any longer so had no right to it. Then there was her wing gear, the Grand Mage hadn't mentioned it, so maybe she'd be allowed to keep it? A memento of her time as a Valkyrie.

~X~

The next day as Phria and Demeer awaited Rumple returning for them. Ariadne Eichrodt, a pantherian Valkyrie, knocked on the door to her room insisting she spoke to her. At first Phria had worried it was over the choice to promote Isadora rather than her, but Ariadne thought of nothing so trivial. The two women sat at the small table in Phria's room with tea while Ariadne unburdened herself.

"Is it true you're leaving, Captain?"

Phria nodded causing some of her white hair to fall over her shoulder. "It is, yes. I am a wife now and my husband has a kingdom to watch over. My place is at his side just as his other wife's is. I will help him in any way I can, loan him my strength when he needs it."

"The Demon Lord's Domain," she began after a sip of tea. "It is a wild place filled with beasts even after the ogres were defeated, yes?" Phria nodded. "There are few to protect his kingdom."

The white-haired pantherian cocked her head to the side quizzically; frankly she looked a lot like Belle in that moment.

"Ariadne, I feel you're trying to subtly broach something without actually using any subtlety. Just spit out whatever it is."

"Very well." The teacup went back into its saucer with a clatter. "There are those of us who feel our loyalty to you is more powerful than our loyalty to the Valkyries. You helped us when there were those who looked down on us for not being human despite us being nobles. We wish to go with you to the Demon Lord's Domain and serve under you once more."

Phria's mouth almost dropped open. She'd always known some were more loyal to her than others but she'd not expected to such an extent. Ariadne fought with a sword and shield, was almost as strong as Phria herself and surely should have found someone better to serve so earnestly.

"Em, how – how many is 'we'?"

"There are seven including myself."

"And if you're so adamant about this, I'm assuming Proserpina is another."

Ariadne just nodded. She and the demon Proserpina had been practically inseparable since they'd first arrived at the Arcane University. The two of them were clearly spearheading this whole thing but Ariadne had been talked into actually bringing it up with Phria.

"Ariadne, you have a promising career here as a Valkyrie. You were very nearly who I promoted as the new Vice-Captain. You're strong and capable."

"I appreciate that, Captain, but we've made our choice. Scarlette will take good care of the Valkyries and we understand what departing will do both to us and our families, but this is our choice. When the Dark One trained us I saw just how much there was left for us to learn and so did you. You were the only one who asked to call him master and have him guide us. You are the wise leader we wish to serve." One of her ginger ears twitched as a bird chirped outside the window. "Proserpina and I have already spoken with the Grand Mage and he's agreed to let us go with his blessing. Even allowed us to keep our wing gear."

Well, it seemed everything had essentially been decided for her. Phria needed to say no though, surely that would have been best for Ariadne and the others in the long run. Still, Demeer had agreed to this quite quickly by the sounds of things, that and she and Renner couldn't be expected to defend the Dark Castle and see to any monsters that cropped up alone forever. Yes, Rumple was the most powerful person in the realm, but he was a king now even if he didn't want to acknowledge that and it would be expected for him to have an army of strong retainers at his side. Seven people wasn't all that many anyway.

Phria reached for Ariadne's hand where it rested beside her teacup and gave it a squeeze. "Are you and the others absolutely certain about this? It isn't just leaving your position here, this means that you are vowing an oath to the Dark One. I am a proxy in this, I am loyal to my husband which means you will be as well. You might be from a minor noble family but Proserpina is a Viotto, they are the oldest noble demon family in Dreymyr."

"We know all that, Captain. I and the others knew what it would mean and we are still willing. The Viottos will probably be proud of Proserpina for choosing her own fate."

That stunned Phria into a momentary pause. Belle was fond of a similar saying and Phria had decided her fate the moment she'd chosen to wed Rumple demon lord or not.

"All right." Ariadne grinned at that. "I'll send word to Belle then you and the others will fly to the Dark Castle where you will obey her orders until I return. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain. I'll see it is done."

"I'm no longer your Captain."

The ginger-haired pantherian rose to her feet still smiling. "Yes, you're our queen now."

Then, with a bow, Ariadne was gone to tell the other six the good news. Phria wasn't entirely sure it was good news and fell back in her chair. Rumple probably wouldn't be too pleased to learn Phria had accidentally acquired a mini army, but the more people around to defend the Demon Lord's Domain the better.