“Bring him in!” Her voice rang out in the hushed room and set the demons on edge.

They all stood up straighter when the male, who was soon to be their king, entered the room. He was led by a handsome male who glared at the others around him and when his eyes landed on the Queen, his expression softened and he smiled graciously at her.

“My Queen, I have brought him like you asked.” The male bowed slightly.

“Thank you, Sada.” Asteria stood up from her throne and walked over to the male pair. “You’ve done well to bring him here.” She reached up with a fair hand and laid it to rest on Sada’s cheek. Desire simmered below the surface of his eyes and the Queen, never missing a beat, ignored it.

She only smiled softly up at the tall male and then turned to Orion, who was looking at them with a hint of something that no one could find the words to describe. Was it jealousy? It couldn’t be; he hadn’t been in the demon world long enough.

Was it proof that the Queen’s spell was working on him? No mere mortal could resist her.

“Have you been well?” Her words were full of falseness and went undetected by Orion.

“I’ve been better,” he admitted.

“That’s a shame.” Asteria grinned and took his hand. “Come, try out your throne. Your spot will be right next to me.”

She guided him over to sit on the throne and stood by his side. Her grin growing ever wider, she asked, “how do you feel?”

He joined her in looking out at the room below them and the countless demons that stood on guard in the room.

“Soon you will rule over them and you will be the greatest demon king that ever lived. Isn’t it marvellous?”

“Yes, marvellous...”