Ridley

When we'd been confronted by demon guards outside the palace gates, we were convinced we would have to fight them. However, to our shock, they stood down, telling us that Prince Vandel had requested to meet with us in person. I had expressed my doubts to Percival, pointing out it could easily be a trap, but Percival had only shrugged and said that we could fight our way out. So here we were, in the literal beating heart of enemy territory. 

As we were led through the castle towards the throne room, my fingers curled in on themsevles, nails digging into my palms. I hated this place. Everything about it felt off. I could see no demons, other than the guards who led us, but I could still hear the echo of footsteps through the halls and the faint whisper of voices. That was especially unnerving considering that everyone around me was dead silent.

They led us towards two towering iron doors which parted, as if pulled by an invisible string, as we approached. At last, we stepped into the throne room. It was large and circular, the floor made up of the same shining black glass as the castle's exterior. A massive chandelier dangled from the ceiling's center, illuminating the chamber in an eerie glow. Looming beneath it was a throne. It twisted high above our heads, two iron extensions stretching out from the sides that resembled wings, framing the young man seated within. There he was, the infamous man of the hour—the Evil Demon Prince of Darkness himself, Vandel.

There could now be no denying that he was the demon I'd locked eyes with at the wedding. I had never seen anything as outrageously gaudy as the outfit he currently wore. His sleeves were jeweled, with glittering rubies spiraling up the fabric, paired with a massive cape and a black feather collar so big that I had no idea how he could even move his head in it.

He looked up, a calm expression on his face. Erica, Percival, and Thomas all instinctively bowed, but I refused. I would never bow to that monster.

"Ah," Vandel said, "so the gallant knights arrive at last." His voice was smooth and cold like marble, and when he spoke, I noticed the sharp points of his teeth.

I took a step forward, trying to keep myself from being unnerved by him. I could show no weakness. "We want Princess Annette returned to us." 

Vandel smirked. "My, you're a brave one. If this heroic act wasn't so annoying, it might just be cute." He crossed one leg over the other and I spotted little purple bows attached to the tops of his boots. "Now, I don't really want to fight with any of you. There is no need for bloodshed on either side. That's why I simply invited you here. The princess will be returned to you..." His eyes glinted in the darkness. "After she marries me."

I glared at him and he held my gaze. "She'll never marry you!"

"Oh, I quite disagree."

I stiffened. He seemed so confident. Could it just be an act?

A sly grin spread across Vandel's face. He stood up, the train of his long cape dragging behind him as he made his way down the marble steps descending from the throne. "Actually, I should be thanking you, Sir Ridley."

My eyes narrowed. How did he know my name?

"You see, I could have tried a variety of techniques to get the princess to agree. But really...all I need is you."

And that's when I realized, to my complete horror, that I couldn't move. It was like my legs were attached to the floor. Vandel snapped his fingers and a burst of fire sprang up in front of the door. My stomach dropped. I should have known better. This was an obvious trap and still I had trusted that even demons would have a shred of chivalry.

Vandel turned to the remaining knights and winked. "If you extras leave now, I'll let you live. Seem like a good deal?" He snapped his fingers once more and the fire vanished.

I went to call out for them to stay strong but, before I could even open my mouth, they all raced for the exit—even Percival. The iron doors slammed shut behind them, the sound echoing through the chamber. It felt like a coffin lid slamming shut. 

Vandel snickered. "What good are friends, right?"

My throat had gone dry and my eyes stung, but I attempted to appear indifferent, unafraid. Maybe the other knights were secretly planning to take Vandel by surprise. Delusion or not, I clung to the thought like a lifeline, 

Vandel circled me like a hawk, fingers clasping behind his back. He looked smug and I hated it.

"You won't get away with this," I said through gritted teeth.

"Watch me." Vandel continued to circle. "Things should be incredibly easy from here on out. All I need to do is torture you in front of the princess and she'll do everything in her power to save you...including marrying me."

I shook my head. "What makes you think she would surrender due to the state of only a lowly knight?"

Vandel paused his circling for a moment to sneer. "Are you really so naive?" His laughter echoed around the chamber, cold and cruel, making my skin crawl. "The princess is madly in love with you."

"You don't know that!"

Vandel arched a brow. "You're right. I suppose I'm not a hundred percent certain." A sharp smile spread across his face. "So why don't we find out!" He lept forward, grabbing me by the arm, and leaned in close, his face only a breath from mine as he whispered, "Let's see how far the love of the princess really goes for you, shall we?"

The moment the words left his mouth, I realized with a start that I could move again, but my entire body felt heavy, like being weighed down with lead. Vandel pushed me forward, feigning annoyance at how slow I was going, despite clearly being the one causing it.

We made our way into a dark hallway off the main throne room. The more we walked, the more dispersed the candelabras lining the walls became. They shone a ghoulish green, enveloping the labyrinth of corridors in a diminishing glow. Soon we were walking in almost complete darkness, but Vandel seemed to have no problem with that.

Finally, he came to a stop, the clang of metal echoing through the pitch-black hallway. I assumed he'd just removed a chain of keys. To further back the theory, following the sound came a click before light instantly flooded into the hall. Vandel had swung the door open, grinning as he ushered me inside. 

"Ooooooh, Princess," Vandel cooed. 

Then he stopped.

The room was empty.

Vandel furrowed his brow, glancing about as he entered. Even his cold and calm exterior couldn't hide the confusion that flashed across his face. He began to circle the room, and it quickly became obvious he was trying his best not to panic. Clearly, keeping up the facade that he knew what he was doing was important to him.

After several excruciatingly awkward minutes, he turned back to face me, arms crossed. "Well, I guess they moved her to another room—" 

And that's when Annette appeared behind him and slammed a large glass plate over the back of his head.

Vandel froze, mumbling only the words, "Oh shit," before he crumpled to the ground.