Selene Valac stood at the window of her husband's study, her slender fingers holding back the heavy velvet curtain. The light cast long shadows across the estate grounds, painting the world in shades of purple and gold. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she tracked two figures moving across the courtyard below.
"Alexius," she called softly, not turning from the window. "Come see this."
Her husband looked up from the book on his desk, the shadow of irritation at being interrupted passing quickly across his face. He rose and joined her at the window, his presence warm at her back.
"What am I looking at?" he asked, his deep voice rumbling close to her ear.
Selene pointed toward the garden path. "Our son appears to be... escorting Latia Astaroth somewhere."
Alexius leaned closer, his long black hair brushing against her shoulder as he peered down at the courtyard. Below them, Dante walked alongside Latia Astaroth, their heads bent close in conversation. More tellingly, their hands were linked, fingers intertwined in a gesture that spoke of something beyond mere political alliance.
"Well," Alexius said, a rare note of surprise coloring his voice. "That's unexpected."
"Is it?" Selene turned her head slightly, catching her husband's eye.
Alexius studied the pair as they disappeared beneath the shadow-dappled arbor that led to the private gardens. "The Astaroth girl is... acceptable. Her lineage is solid, her magical aptitude exceptional, and her connection to Beelzebub potentially useful."
Selene smiled faintly. "Such romance, my love. I can see why I fell for you all those centuries ago."
A low chuckle escaped him, and his hand came to rest at the small of her back. "You married me for my political connections and shadow manipulation abilities, as I recall."
"And you married me for my exceptional Void Sight." She leaned back against him slightly. "Yet here we are."
"Here we are indeed." His fingers traced small circles against her spine, a private gesture of affection he allowed only when they were alone.
Selene turned fully from the window, studying her husband's face. The years had not changed him—devils aged so slowly—but experience had carved subtle lines around his eyes, marks of the burdens he carried as head of a once-great house. In private moments like this, away from the political machinations and formal posturing, he softened. The patriarch became simply Alexius, her partner in the long game they'd played together for centuries.
"Something changed in him," she said quietly. "After that incident."
Alexius nodded, his expression growing serious. "The coma concerned me. Three days unconscious, and he offered no explanation upon waking."
"Not to you, perhaps." Selene moved to the sideboard, pouring two glasses of deep red wine from a crystal decanter. "But he spoke to me."
"And?" Alexius accepted the glass she offered, their fingers brushing in the exchange.
Selene took a measured sip before answering. "It was... personal. Let's simply say our son had a profound experience. One that seems to have given him clarity."
"Clarity enough to pursue the Astaroth girl openly?" Alexius raised an eyebrow.
"Clarity about many things." She settled into one of the leather chairs near the fireplace, arranging her flowing gown of midnight blue with practiced grace. "Including, it seems, his heart."
Alexius joined her, occupying the matching chair across from hers. The firelight caught in his dark purple eyes, making them gleam like polished amethysts. "You approve."
It wasn't a question, but she answered anyway. "I do. Latia Astaroth is brilliant, politically savvy, and genuinely kind beneath her formal exterior. She challenges him intellectually while accepting him for who he truly is."
"You can determine all that from your observations?" Alexius sounded skeptical.
Selene smiled. "I see more than most, husband. You know this."
He inclined his head, acknowledging the truth of her statement. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, each contemplating the implications of their son's budding relationship.
"I've always wanted a daughter," Selene said eventually, her voice softer than usual. "Someone to share certain knowledge with, to guide through the complexities of devil society from a feminine perspective. Ariel is nice but she seems content with being a servant."
"You're getting ahead of yourself," Alexius cautioned, though his tone lacked its usual sharpness. "They're walking in the garden, not announcing an engagement."
"Not yet." Selene's eyes sparkled with quiet amusement. "But I've glimpsed possibilities, Alexius. This could be the beginning of something significant."
Alexius nodded. "Speaking of patterns, I received communications from Sirzechs Lucifer today on behalf of the satans."
Selene's interest sharpened. "Regarding?"
"Our son." Alexius leaned forward slightly, his posture shifting from relaxed to strategic. "They've proposed that Dante attend Kuoh Academy on Earth."
"Kuoh?" Selene's brow furrowed delicately. "The school managed by the Gremory and Sitri heiresses?"
"The very same." A shadow of his usual formality returned to Alexius's expression. "They presented it as an opportunity for Dante to experience the human world while completing his education, but the political implications are clear."
Selene set her wine aside, her full attention on her husband now. "They want a Valac under their sibling's supervision. It would establish a clear hierarchy with House Valac subordinate to both Gremory and Sitri."
"Precisely." Alexius's jaw tightened. "Dante would have no authority there, while both girls hold positions of power. He would be subject to their rules, their judgments."
"A clever move," Selene acknowledged. "Particularly from Serafall, given the history between Dante and her sister."
Alexius's expression darkened at the mention of the infamous chess match incident. "The Sitri girl still harbors resentment over that childish slight. She would make Dante's time at Kuoh difficult."
"He was thirteen," Selene said, a note of maternal defensiveness creeping into her voice. "Boys that age say foolish things without considering the consequences."
"Nevertheless, the damage was done." Alexius rose, moving to stand before the fire. The flames cast his tall figure in dramatic relief, shadows dancing across his aristocratic features. "I'm inclined to reject their proposal outright."
Selene watched him, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "Before you do, consider the potential advantages."
He turned to her, one eyebrow raised questioningly.
"Dante has expressed interest in visiting the human world," she continued. "He's been researching potential peerage members, and Earth offers opportunities the Underworld doesn't."
"He can visit Earth without placing himself under Sitri and Gremory authority," Alexius countered.
"True, but attending Kuoh specifically would place him in proximity to other young devils, potential allies beyond just peerage members." Selene rose to join him. "And consider this, husband—what if Dante excels there? What if he outperforms both heiresses on their own territory?"
A spark of interest lit Alexius's eyes. "You suggest we turn their strategy against them."
"I suggest we consider all angles before dismissing an opportunity." She placed a hand on his arm, her touch light but grounding. "Imagine the satisfaction of watching our son demonstrate Valac superiority in their domain. Think of the bragging rights you'd hold over Sirzechs and Serafall."
A slow smile spread across Alexius's face, transforming his severe features. "You always did see the board more clearly than I, Selene."
"It's why you keep me around," she teased gently, squeezing his arm.
"One of many reasons." His hand covered hers, warm and solid. "But the Sitri girl—"
"Sona is intelligent and disciplined," Selene acknowledged. "But she's also fair, despite her personal feelings. She won't mistreat Dante without cause."
"And if he gives her cause?" Alexius asked dryly.
Selene's lips quirked upward. "Then he'll learn valuable lessons about consequences. Either way, the experience would benefit him."
Alexius turned fully toward his wife, taking both her hands in his. Their eyes met in the understanding that came from centuries of partnership. "You believe this is the right path for him."
"I believe it offers interesting possibilities." Her silver hair caught the firelight as she tilted her head. "And our son has always thrived on challenges."
"Very well." Alexius nodded decisively. "I'll consider the proposal more carefully before responding."
Selene smiled, recognizing his capitulation for what it was. "A wise decision, husband."
He pulled her closer, one hand moving to trace the curve of her cheek. "Your counsel has never led me astray, even when I've been too stubborn to heed it immediately."
"A rare admission from the proud Lord Valac," she murmured, leaning into his touch.
"Pride has its place in public. Here, with you, truth serves better." His voice deepened, taking on the rich timbre that still, after all these centuries, sent a pleasant shiver through her.
Selene stepped closer, eliminating the space between them. "Truth, is it? Then truthfully tell me, Alexius—does the thought of our son finding happiness with the Astaroth girl please you?"
"Happiness is secondary to advantage," he said, the words automatic, rehearsed. Then his expression softened. "But yes, seeing him genuinely engaged rather than merely performing his usual act... it pleases me."
"He reminds me of you," Selene said softly. "The you that exists behind closed doors, not the formidable Lord Valac that others see."
Alexius brushed a strand of silver hair from her face, his touch lingering. "Then he's fortunate indeed, for he seems to have found his own Selene—someone who sees beyond the performance to the truth beneath."
"Flatterer," she accused without heat.
"Merely observant." He bent to press his lips to her forehead. "Should I summon him for a discussion about Kuoh?"
Selene shook her head slightly. "Let him have this evening with Latia. The decision about Earth can wait until tomorrow."
"As you wish." Alexius stepped back, though his hand remained linked with hers. "Now, shall we finish our wine and speculate further about potential grandchildren, or would you prefer to discuss the latest movements in the Devil Council?"
Selene laughed. "Politics can wait, husband. Tonight, I'd rather imagine our son's future—and the possibility that I might indeed someday have a daughter to spoil."
"Not too soon," Alexius cautioned, though his eyes held a warmth that belied his stern words. "He has much to accomplish first."
"Of course." Selene reclaimed her wine glass, raising it in a small toast. "But a mother can dream, can she not?"
"Dream away, my love." Alexius clinked his glass against hers. "After all, your dreams have an uncanny way of becoming reality."