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Exhausted by yet another long day of doing Ghirahim's bidding, you shoved open the heavy, stained glass double doors of his castle and walked inside. Trusting that one of the many servants would pick up after you, tossed your soiled armor to the intricate marble floor. Eager for the fresh air, you pulled off your helmet, tossed that too to the floor and shook out your hair. After only a few months of living with Ghirahim, the servants had come to fear and respect you. Though some may not like to admit it, this castle was now just as much yours as it was his.

As you walked through the large open foyer, Ghirihim phased through one of the nearby walls and greeted you with a crooked smile. “Ah, you're home. And just in time too.”

“For what, dinner? I sure as heck hope so because I'm starving.” Placing your hand on your empty stomach, you groaned loudly. “I had no idea those villagers were going to put up such a fight. You had no idea what I had to go through to get this for you.”

Completely ignoring your complaints, Ghirahim extended his hand and wiggled his fingers as if he wanted something. “But you did get it.”

“Of course I did buddy.” Smirking wickedly, you tossed Ghirahim a small burlap bag, filled with your spoils. “I wouldn't dream of letting you down. Though I've got to say, there had better be something seriously special about those jewels. If not, I spent a heck of a lot of time prying them away from people for nothing.”

“They are special. You'll see soon enough.” At this point, Ghirahim no longer tried to correct you when you called him anything other than Lord, he knew he was only wasting his breath. “Go eat, and bathe. When you are done, meet me in my study. I have something for you.” Giving you no chance to question him, he phased through the wall once more and vanished before your eyes.

“I really hate when he does that.” Annoyed, but too hungry to fuss over it, you headed towards the dining room and ate to your heart's desire. Once full, you allowed yourself a long, relaxing soak in your spa like tub. Now clean, full, and a bit rested, you readied yourself to meet Ghirahim. You dressed in yourself in a deep green dress, fit for royalty. It had golden embroidery all along the long, flowing sleeves, swooping neckline as well as the hem of the skirt. To hold everything in place, you tied a matching golden sash around your waist. Honestly, you had grown accustomed to wearing clothing more suitable for fighting and adventuring, but Ghirahim insisted you dress in this fashion when home. It could be a bit bothersome at times, but most days, you didn't mind. Though you would have much preferred to go to sleep, you finished dressing and journeyed to the study. As expected, Ghirahim was waiting for you. “Alright, I'm here. What did you want? It had better be important, because I could be sleeping right now.”

Looking up from something obstructed by a large pile of books, Ghirahim rose from his high backed chair, walked over to you and took your hand. “Sit. There's something I need to speak to you about.” With a stern, yet mischievous glimmer in his eyes, he led you to your seat and returned to his own.

“This isn't going to take a long time is it?” Already complaining, you dropped your head back and loosely closed your eyes. “I know how you like to draw things out for dramatic effect. I don't think I can keep myself awake long enough for that.”

Refusing to give in to your attitude, he took a moment to calm his nerves before speaking. “It will take less time if you don't interrupt.”

“Oh, well excuse me for opening my mouth.” Slumping into your seat, you waved your hand flippantly. “Please, continue.”

“Very good.” Staling, just as you knew he would, Ghirahim placed his elbows on his large, onyx desk and used his hands to hold up his chin. “Are you aware that you've been my right hand for a year now? Exactly one year ago, to the day, I broke you of your convictions and convinced you to be by my side. You were bothersome and rebellious at first, but at this moment, I must say you were very much worth the headache.”

“Aw, that's real sweet of you to say buddy.” Despite being in a dress, you placed your feet on his desk and crossed your legs. “Is that the only reason you called me in here?”

“No.” After shoving your feet back to the floor, he placed both hands flat on the desk and leaned over it so that his face was uncomfortably close to yours. “Since you've proven to be trustworthy, and useful, I have another proposition for you. Would you like to hear it?”

With your brow raised, you leaned back in your chair and turned your face away from him. “Do you have to be so close to ask it? You're so close, I feel like you're going to kiss me or something. It's seriously weird.”

Trying his best not to let your sarcasm get to him, Ghirahim walked around his desk and stood in front of you. “If you don't give your tongue a rest for the next five minutes, I will cut it out of your mouth, and hang it above my fireplace as a trophy, am I clear?” Taking your nod as a sign that you would keep quiet, he continued. “As I'm sure you've noticed, over the last year my servants have come to respect you. To them, the orders you give are just as absolute as mine. Furthermore, there has not been a single command that I've given you which you refused to obey. You may have been sharp tongued and foul nurtured while doing so, but you never fail to get the job done.” Knowing you were growing bored with his speech, he cleared his throat. “In summary, I wish to promote you.” Staring down at you in silence, Ghirahim impatiently waited for your response. “Well?”

“It hadn't been five minutes yet. I don't want to lose my tongue you know.” Unsure what he could possibly give you that you didn't already have, you took a couple of seconds to think. “Promotions are always nice. But there's a little problem. You don't pay me anyway, and I do as I please now, so what good is a promotion? I don't think you have anything to offer me anymore.”

“I thought you might feel that way.” Smirking in a pleased way, he walked to the other end of his study, and retrieved the burlap sack that you'd used to carry your earlier spoils. Looking terribly smug, he placed the bag on your lap and gestured for you to open it. “Perhaps what is inside that ugly little sack will enlighten you.”

Honestly quite curious, you tore into the material to find the jewels you'd stolen earlier in the day. Now, however, they were set in a magnificently elegant crown. “Well, this could mean a lot of things. One of those things is pretty obvious, but I never know with you. For all I know this could be a hint that you want to play dress up. With a bit of work, you would make a pretty girl.”

Ghirahim pressed the tips of his fingers to his pounding temple and hissed. “Must you ruin every single occasion with your crude sense of humor?”

“I can't help it. It's a gift, and a curse. It all depends on who you ask.” Smiling in the sweetest way you could manage, you placed the silver crown on your head and wiggled it into place. “Anyway, do you care to explain all of this to me.”

With a firm nod, Ghirahim placed the palm of his hand to your cheek. His expression was unlike any you'd any you'd seen grace his face. Now more than ever, you were confused, curious and almost a little bit nervous. “I, Demon Lord Ghirahim, want you to be my Queen.” His voice was strong and unwavering. Even if you wanted to believe that he was teasing you, his tone wouldn't let you. “Answer me now, before I make the decision for you.”

“You must have lost your mind. Being around me has made you go completely, one-hundred percent insane.” You placed your hand on your chest and laughed. “Still, Madam Demon Queen does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it.” With your finger pressed to your lips, you said several variations of your name with the word Queen in it. “I admit, I do like how it rolls off the tongue.”

Still not sure if you were teasing him, or seriously considering his offer, he lifted your chin up and made you look at him. “Then you accept my proposition?”

“You asked so nicely, how could I possibly say no?” Taking his hand from your cheek, you gently kissed his long, slender fingers. “But really Ghirahim, making me steal the jewels for my own crown? That's pretty low class. I expected so much better from you.” Puffing out your cheeks, you crossed your arms over your chest like a spoiled child and snorted. “I want a new, better one.”

Smiling in a truly happy way, Ghirahim allowed a low chuckle to escape his throat. “Whatever you wish, my Queen.”