The gates of the palace creaked open, slow and heavy.
Daemon stepped through without ceremony.
The servants froze, wide-eyed, uncertain whether to bow or run. Whispers stirred like restless leaves.
"Welcome back, Prince Daemon," a few maids said hastily, their voices stiff.
"Welcome back," echoed a few guards, more out of duty than warmth.
Everything inside the palace was exactly as he'd left it—the polished marble floors, the red carpets stitched with gold, the faint scent of lilac and waxed steel hanging in the air.
Nothing had changed.
His footsteps echoed down the hall until two figures appeared ahead.
Queen Bianca stood waiting, draped in velvet and perfume.
Beside her, half-hiding behind the folds of her gown, was Lady Vexen. Her face went pale the moment she saw him—as if she'd just seen a ghost she'd prayed would never return.
"My son," Bianca said, voice sweet as spun sugar.
Daemon smiled politely. "I'm home, Mother. I made it."
"I see." She opened her arms with theatrical warmth, and Daemon allowed her to pull him into a loose embrace. "It's good they were able to remove the... demon from you. I wanted to be there," she whispered against his ear, "but I was afraid."
Daemon stepped back, keeping his smile intact.
She's good at acting, he thought.
"You don't have to worry, Mother. I understand."
Her face lit up with false relief. "I'm glad you do, my dear. Why don't you go rest in your chambers? I'll inform your father of your return."
She waved a hand, signaling Lady Vexen and several maids to escort him.
"As you wish," Daemon said, bowing slightly before turning away.
As he walked, he could feel Vexen trailing behind him—the weight of her fear pressing into his back with every silent step.
When they reached his chamber, Daemon turned and gave a polite smile to the maids.
"Wait outside. I need a private word with Lady Vexen."
The maids bowed and withdrew, closing the door softly behind them.
Left alone, Vexen forced a tight smile. "M-my lord, I'm so glad you returned safely. When the Queen said you were the reincarnation of the Demon King, I... I didn't believe it. I was devastated when we heard the rest... but I'm truly relieved you're alive—"
"Lies don't suit you, Lady Vexen," Daemon cut in calmly, his gaze dropping to her hands. "I see they stitched your fingers back. Temple healers?"
"Y-yes," she stammered.
"Why are you trembling?" Daemon tilted his head. "Relax. I'm not going to eat you."
Vexen tried to steady herself. "It's just... I fear I might no longer be useful to you."
Daemon chuckled softly. "No need to pretend loyalty. I know you don't like me. Honestly, your face irritates me."
Her smile faltered—but she held it.
"Then why call for me, Your Highness?" she asked through gritted teeth.
Daemon's eyes sharpened. "Tell me. What happened while I was gone?"
Vexen straightened. "During your absence, the court announced that Prince Gabriel would be crowned the next heir. The coronation is set for seven days from now. Otherwise... the palace has been restless. The citizens don't want you here."
Daemon hummed thoughtfully.
Everything was proceeding exactly as he intended.
Let Gabriel rise. Let him become king. Let him have his perfect reign—his children, his victories, his pride.
Only once he reached the very top would Daemon tear it all down.
Killing Gabriel now would be meaningless.
No... it would be too merciful.
He needed Gabriel to taste everything he ever wanted before he made him lose it all.
Fall is sweetest after the climb.
"My real concern is my father," Daemon said, pacing slowly. His mind turned over an old memory—the holy water, the hallucinations. He smiled faintly.
Vexen hesitated. "Is there a plan, my lord?"
"There is," Daemon said, stopping to face her. "You're going to help me."
Vexen stiffened.
"I'll need you to arrange something discreet," he continued. "Purchase a maid's uniform. And a wig."
Vexen blinked. "M-maid clothes? Are you... planning to cosplay?"
She stopped, realization hitting her hard.
"You know about Miss Rose," she whispered.
Daemon's smile sharpened. "Of course. She's my real mother. Not that it matters now."
He folded his arms, his voice low and cold.
"I'm not seeking a reunion. I'm setting a trap. I need the King convinced—not just of my loyalty, but of his own guilt."
His crimson eyes glinted.
"If he protects me out of guilt, I can move freely. I can grow. No assassins. No obstacles."
Vexen swallowed, realizing she had just been handed a role in a much larger, much darker game.
And there would be no walking away from it.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Vexen said with a bow, understanding the hidden meaning in Daemon's gaze.
The door creaked wider.
Gabriel burst in, rushing forward and throwing his arms around Daemon. "Brother!"
Daemon returned the hug, hiding the slight twinge of disgust behind a perfect smile.
As he embraced Gabriel, he subtly waved Vexen off.
She understood immediately and slipped away to carry out his orders.
"I'm glad you're alive," Gabriel said, stepping back with a grin.
"Of course I am." Daemon smiled lightly.
Gabriel studied him, frowning. "You look like you haven't eaten in a month. Didn't the Saintess feed you?"
"You don't need to worry," Daemon said smoothly. "I tasted some... interesting meat she offered.At least she wasn't as cruel as the rumors said."
Gabriel laughed. "Interesting meat? Maybe I should've asked her to feed me too."
He chuckled, but then his face turned a little more serious.
"But brother..."
"I know," Daemon interrupted gently. "I heard the news. Congratulations."
Gabriel blinked, surprised.
"You don't have to feel guilty," Daemon said, his voice calm. "You've always wanted to compete with me.Now you can lead the kingdom to greatness."
Gabriel's face lit up, touched by the words. "Brother... Thank you. Truly."
He shuffled awkwardly, then added, "Father also said you'll be given a choice.Either become a baron... or a commander to serve under me."
Daemon's smile didn't waver, but deep down, his fingers itched to tear something apart.
A baron? A lapdog commander under Gabriel?
How poetic.
From heir to servant.
He forced a light chuckle. "I'll think carefully about it."
At that moment, a knock came from the door.
The butler's voice called Gabriel away.
Gabriel hesitated, then reached into his robe and pulled out a small spiritual stone.
"Here," he said, handing it to Daemon. "Use it for your meditation. It's supposed to speed recovery."
Daemon accepted it, watching Gabriel flash one last smile and leave the room.
The door closed.
And Daemon sat in the quiet, turning the stone slowly in his hand, his crimson eyes cold and unreadable.