FALLEN ANGEL: MARRIED TO THE DEMON KING
Chapter 52: THE ROYAL PERFORMERS (2)

Chapter 52: THE ROYAL PERFORMERS (2)

Arella did not blink, afraid she would miss something if she did. Her breath caught in her throat as the shadows coiled like living smoke, trailing after the demon who was dancing a dance that seemed so akin to ballet she had seen from the humans.

The shadows shaped themselves into fluid forms as they danced independently of her movements, forming a troupe of dancers who danced in tandem to the demon, their patterns complementing the haunting tune that emanated from the self playing instrument.

The second performer, the scaled demon, also began to move in time with the music, her emerald tail flicking behind her, and catching the firelight as she weaved through the air. With each jump and twist, sparks of green and gold seemed to burst from her scales. To any watcher, it almost looked like she was hunting the first performer.

She leapt through hoops of shadow that looked like they were fighting against her, conjured up by the first demon who did not stop her own dancing. Her movements were immensely graceful for one who was bound to the ground.

The final performer, the horned demon, stood to the side, his hands resting lightly on his hips, as if he was surveying the scene. Then, out of nowhere, he began to clap his large palms in time with the music, the motion causing the entire room to shake.

The air around him seemed to shift, as threads of dark light spilled from his entire body, weaving themselves into a lattice of shapes that floated above the heads of the other two performers.

As he continued to clap, the music slightly shifted from soft and ballet like to something akin to tango music. Despite his hulking figure, the demon male was graceful in his movements, as he swirled to the dark skinned demon and took her hands in his own and they twirled to the tango like music.

The shadows from the first demon and the third demon began to form scenes in the air, and it was only after a few seconds that Arella realized the images bore uncanny resemblances to the demon king and herself. Her wings were outstretched and a pair of dark wings stretched out from the Demon King’s own back.

The performers moved in unison now, as the music slightly shifted once more. The vibrations in the music filled the room, seemingly striking a chord in Arella, one that made her want to stand and dance as well.

This was it, they were the performers she would choose.

The demon king leaned in closer and murmured in her ear, "They are quite something." His voice was barely a whisper, but seeing as they were so close, Arella heard it.

Arella nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from the performers. Her goblet hung loosely in her hand, already forgotten. She could feel the weight of King Varziel’s gaze on her, but she did not quite mind it this time.

As the performance reached its crescendo, the shadows rose, forming an enormous phoenix that soared up to the ceiling, soaring above the hall and seemingly ignited mid flight. It cast flickering light across the walls, before finally dissipating into a rain of golden embers. The performers froze in place, heads bowed, as the last notes of the music faded into silence.

The hall was still, save for the soft rustle of the performer’s breaths. Arella, who had been seated the entire time, also felt out of breath alongside them. Her heart raced.

Never had she seen a performance such as the one they had displayed. After all, humans did not have such power, and angels were terribly traditional.

"They are extraordinary." Arella answered King Varziel as she raised a hand to stop the servant that was coming to usher the performers out of the room.

"That they are," he agreed with her, "those who undertake this position, their art speaks for the demons where words cannot. Our species are not very well liked by the other two, although very valid, but..."

"Such a performance could at least lessen the hate of those who do not like your kind." Arella finished for him.

"You are correct."

Arella nodded her head, understanding them a little bit more.

"Well then, do you have your choice, or shall we need more time to come to a decision."

Her head whipped to him so fast, "Are you leaving this decision entirely to me?" she hissed, although she was sure that the performers could hear her quite clearly.

"Why not?" King Varziel’s tone was teasing, but his eyes held a seriousness that made her pause, "You are the queen, are you not?"

Arella frowned, unsure of the feeling that bubbled in her chest. Her wings twitched against her back as she glanced once more at the performers, who were still frozen in place, in that bow that their performance had ended in seeing as the royals had not given them permission to stand.

The weight of the decision bore down on her. Although she did not quite understand it fully, it was clear that this position was important to the demon realm. However, if she were to choose, it would obviously be the last group.

Their performance was more than stunning and their talent was undeniable. Their art spoke in a way that transcended words or boundaries.

She gripped the stem of her goblet tighter, "You," she addressed them as she placed the goblet down on the table with a soft clink, "Your performance was breathtaking. I have not been mesmerized like that in a very long time." At that moment, she wondered where her ever faithful mutt was as she badly wanted to sink her fingers into his fur and tug at it.

"The position of royal performers is yours. I hope your work continues to be inspiring as it was today."

The scaled demon’s tail flicked with excitement, while the dark skinned dancer’s wings fluttered slightly before stopping, and the male with horns bowed deeper.

"Thank you, your majesty." The dark skinned demon spoke. Their voice was low, much lower than Arella would expect from a male. She squinted her eyes, and finally realized that despite the dress that the demon wore, and his long hair, he was actually... a male.

This realization stunned her for just a few seconds, but she did not utter a word about it.

The other two demons echoed his tanks, their voices mingling into a harmonious chorus.

King Varziel clapped his hands together, the sound echoing through the hall, "A fine choice, my queen." There was a glint of satisfaction in his eyes, though Arella could not tell if it was directed to her, or the performers.

She picked back up her goblet, gripping on the stem tightly. The performers bowed once more, before being led out of the hall. They chattered excitedly amongst themselves, obviously elated to have gotten the position. Arella swirled her drink as she watched them walk out, making no move to take another sip of the drink.

"That wasn’t so hard now, was it," Varziel leaned close to Arella, his tone playful.

Arella cocked a brow, "I just went with my gut instinct and picked what I like. It may not be what the demon realm needs."

King Varziel chuckled, "Perhaps those instincts are just what the demon realm needs." He did not elaborate further, but stood, "Would you like to take a walk in the gardens before we retire for the night?"

Arella looked up at his outstretched hand, deliberated on not taking it so that she could preserve some of her self control. Her body seemed to have a mind of its own though, for she took his outstretched hand, allowing him to pull her up.

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