"Long time no see, David."
Michael's voice carried through the air with quiet pride, as though nothing in the world could disturb him.
The crowd reacted instantly—some stepped back in fear, others stared in curiosity… a few even in awe.
Evelyn simply watched him.
Curious.
What kind of power did he possess to make men tremble without lifting a finger?
"Welcome… Zafil," King Dave said stiffly.
Michael smirked faintly before turning his gaze.
"Her Royal Highness… mother of my betrothed," he said, bowing slightly. His tone was distant—cold—as if she meant nothing to him. As if he hadn't turned Evelyn's entire world upside down.
Queen Victoria met his eyes, unflinching.
"I have no words for you."
"I'll take that," he replied calmly.
King Dave turned and began walking toward the palace hall. The Queen followed. Michael followed as well—uninvited, yet entirely in control.
Inside the grand hall, everyone took their seats.
But their eyes…
Their eyes were on Evelyn.
All of them.
Except hers—she could only feel his.
She turned slightly… and there he was.
Already staring at her.
Her heart skipped.
Her father's voice broke the moment.
"Good morning to all citizens present. Today marks my daughter's engagement, and I would like to address—"
"There is nothing to address."
The interruption was sharp.
Cold.
Final.
"Your daughter was promised to demonkind. And so it shall be."
A murmur spread across the hall.
"Xavier," Michael said calmly, his tone suddenly edged with authority. "Show respect. Evelyn is not an item. She is fulfilling a duty."
Silence fell.
Even the demons seemed slightly surprised.
Evelyn noticed.
This… this side of him was new.
"I will agree…"
Her voice rang out.
Clear.
Steady.
"I will agree on one condition."
All eyes turned to her instantly.
"And what would that be?" Michael asked, his expression unreadable.
The hall buzzed with whispers, anticipation rising. Even her parents looked at her, waiting.
Evelyn took a breath.
"You will never harm my people… or my family. Not now. Not ever."
A pause.
Michael tilted his head slightly.
"Is that all?"
Evelyn's voice hardened.
"If my kingdom ever offends you… punish me instead."
Gasps filled the room.
"Use me. For anything. But leave them out of it."
Silence.
Heavy.
Deadly.
Then—
"Accepted."
"Evelyn!"
King Dave stood abruptly, fury and fear flashing in his eyes. He grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the hall. Queen Victoria followed quickly behind.
"You do not have to do this!" King Dave snapped. "Go back in there and take it back. Now!"
"It's already done, Father," Evelyn replied calmly.
"I caused this… and I will fix it."
"You don't have to prove anything!"
"I do."
Her voice broke slightly, but she held her ground.
"If this is the only way to protect everyone… then I'll do it."
King Dave's expression softened, pain replacing anger.
"You are my daughter… not a sacrifice."
Evelyn looked at him, her eyes filled with quiet resolve.
"Maybe this was always my destiny."
After a long, painful silence, she walked away from them.
Queen Victoria broke down immediately.
"This is not what we wanted for our only child, David…" she cried.
King Dave clenched his jaw.
"She will not suffer."
They returned to the throne room.
Michael stood waiting.
King Dave faced him directly.
"I will hand over the crown… if you swear you will never harm my daughter."
Michael's gaze darkened slightly.
"I would never even dream of hurting Evelyn."
Just hearing her name from his lips sent a strange shiver through the room.
He continued, calm and composed:
"But it would be… an honor… to choose a king for the humans."
King Dave's expression hardened.
"It is settled."
"Father—"
"It is settled!"
His voice echoed across the hall, final and unyielding.
And just like that—
Evelyn's fate was sealed.
🔥