The sun had just started its journey down to the horizon when Apollyon appeared at the city gates. Jesuha stood there with the king as he approached. Standing nearby was Inglesha, her head downturned and her hands bound in front of her. Dread showed on her face as the demon made his way towards her. Apollyon stopped in front of her and looked down at her beautiful, tear-stained face. Reaching up a hand, he stroked it before turning to the king. He sank to one knee before him and spoke. “Oh mighty lord, I have come to claim what is mine.”

The king gestured the man to rise. Apollyon did and turned back to smile at Inglesha. His father didn’t say a word, only looked at Jesuha. So Jesuha stepped forward. “Apollyon,” he called his enemy by his name. The man turned to face him but quickly averted his eyes from his face. “You will not leave with this woman.”

Inglesha started and stared at him. Apollyon looked at him fully in the face now. “What do you mean, your highness? This woman has broken your most sacred laws. She is too dirty to live within these walls. Her place is with me.”

“No, her place is by my father’s side. I will go with you. I’m taking her place.”

“No!” Inglesha screamed as she struggled against the guards holding her.

Jesuha made his way over. “Release her,” he commanded Gabriel. Gabriel nodded as he walked over and opened the cuffs on her wrists.

The second she was free, she gripped his shirt. “Jesuha, no! This is my punishment, and mine alone!”

He took her hands into his own and kissed them, “Not anymore.” Gently, he took off his cloak and draped it around her shoulders. The shimmering white fabric covered her filthy robe, making her look even more radiant. He put an arm around her shoulder and guided her towards his father. “Father, here is your daughter. I ask that you forgive her for her treason, and accept her as your own. Love her as you have loved me.” The king stepped forward and embraced Inglesha. He glanced at his son over her shoulder as he turned back towards Gabriel and held out his wrists. The cuffs clicked shut, and the King turned his gaze away.

As the king turned to lead his daughter through the gates, Jesuha turned to face Apollyon. He had been watching the entire exchange with a look of glee on his face. “Come, my prince. We will have a lot of fun together.” So the prince walked away from his kingdom with his enemy. But he was at peace because his bride was safe.