FALLEN ANGEL: MARRIED TO THE DEMON KING
Chapter 43: THE DISASTROUS MEETING (3)

Chapter 43: THE DISASTROUS MEETING (3)

"The human realm is vast, much more than the demon realm or the angel realm. There is much we do not know, seeing as our visits there have dwindled over the years." General Thaluzar’s voice rumbled. He shifted once or twice, and his hulking figure seemed uncomfortable in the chair. Leaning forward slightly to place his elbows onto the table, his figure cast a shadow over the wood. "We cannot rule out the possibility that this material originated from humans, nor can we ignore the implications of humans finding their way into our realm if it really is them."

Arella tilted her head thoughtfully, her fingers finding Echo’s fur and brushing it out absentmindedly.

"The treaty is already fragile as it is." General Lilithia broke the silence that had fallen over the room. She ran a hand through her silver hair. "Demons will be itching for a reason to plunder the human realm, for that is all that many of them have known. Their fangs itch for blood, Your Highness."

"I am aware of this." King Varziel placed the fabric down onto the table, "Many of the older generation do not agree with my ways."

"You are right," General Kaelzarin added, "they may see this a chance to take back what they believe was taken from then under your rule." His sharp blue eyes flickered to Arella for a split second. "Many are already dissatisfied with your choice of a queen."

Tension in the room grew as the General’s words sunk in.

"The question of our marriage aside. We just need to find the origin of this fabric, do we not?" Arella broke the silence, "We do not need to cause panic among the masses." She pinched the bridge of her nose using her pointer finger and thumb. "I have connections to the human realm; I may write a letter to one of the kings so that he can get his people to help get to corners that demons may not be able to get into."

The room fell silent for a moment as the suggestion hung in the air like a fragile thread. King Varziel’s gaze shifted to Arella, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. "You would reach out to the humans directly?"

Arella bobbed her head up and down, her hand still resting on Echo’s fur. "Yes. Humans are... odd creatures. They wage useless wars, are much disorganized, and are driven by selfish desires. However, they are able to find answers within that chaos. They may uncover information far quicker than our forces could."

General Morvath scoffed after Arella was done speaking. He leaned back into his chair. "What if your letter stirs up suspicion instead of cooperation? A letter from an angel about demon matters might do more harm than good."

At this point, Arella was tempted to drown him in a floating ball of holy water.

She resisted this urge and directed her signature sickly sweet smile at him. His glare faltered at her kind-looking expression. "Not to worry, I have a person I trust in the human realm. He is also in a position of power, which will make things much easier as well." Her sweet smile felt like daggers: "When one works hard for peace, keeping that peace is of utmost importance." She glanced at the demon king and said, "Therefore, I will relay my message carefully to avoid unnecessary alarm to the human realm. I will need to have a small piece of that fabric though."

"The fabric is already small as it is," General Morvath complained, but still took a pair of scissors from somewhere and gave it to the king to cut a small piece.

"What if this human deccidess to usse thiss information againsst uss?" General Nyssa’s voice was soft: "After angelss, humanss are ssecond in rank to not be trusssted."

The demons broke into chatters as General Nyssa’s words sparked a cascade of murmurs among the generals. Their voices overlapped and blended into a low hum of unrest.

Before Arella could respond, King Varziel raised a hand, silencing the room. "Enough. The queen’s suggestion is not without merit. Demons cannot simply waltz into the human realm if they so wish without it causing significant effect on the treaty. I wished to send a group of Shadow Soldiers to look into the matter. However, seeing as there is a safer option, I see no reason why we should not take the safer option."

"Then we shall divide our efforts." General Kaelzarin grunted.

"Agreed." King Varziel nodded. "Morvath, Lilithia, I would like two demons from each of your ranks to head down and assist those I sent from the department of special demons in the south."

"As you instruct, your highness." The two generals spoke in unison.

"If there are any lingering signatures, your demons should be able to identify them, Lilithia. Morvath, your people shall try and trace if the fabric has any origins in our realm." As he spoke, he picked up the scissors and fabric. "Kaelzarin, increase patrols along the border and in the places where we have portals. Any suspicious people should be taken into custody."

"As you instruct, your highness."

"The rest of you, keep your ears to the ground. We all know the High Lords will always have complaints. However, they should not go out of line. Anyone who does should be reported to me."

"As you instruct, your highness."

He turned to Arella, "Your insight may prove useful, my queen." The smile he gave her was warm, and dimples graced his cheeks. Arella was tempted to push him onto the table and take him in her mouth.

"Of course," she crossed her legs and gave him a smile in return, "I will do what I can to help." She accepted the fabric he was handing her. "I will have the letter ready by evening and will give it to you to go through before I send it."

She had expected to be sidelined, of course, a silent observer in this gathering of demons. Yet, here he was asking for her help more than her sending a measly letter to her dear friend Charles.

"As for the unrest," Varziel continued, "The realm will be busy with the coronation of their new queen. There will be no room for more. However, I still want any feedback from you all. Nyssa, have your demons keep an eye on those who come into the palace. Information will eventually make its way into the palace."

"As you instruct, Your Highness."

The tension in the room was palpable. "Then let us proceed with urgency."

.

S/T:

Arella: Dear readers, we need your help. Does anyone have any idea where this fabric could have come from? Comment your guesses!

Varziel: (Appears out of nowhere) You cannot try to get the readers to help you figure out where the threat is coming from.

Arella: (Pulls him away and whispers animatedly.) (A look of realization settles over Varziel’s face.) (They return to the camera holding hands.)

Varziel: We would appreciate your assistance.

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