Chapter Text
Every click of the cameras, flashes of lights, the wave of loud chatter and demands left the King, someone who should be used to this kind of attention, disoriented. All the while, his beautiful wife, the Queen, absorbed the fixation on her. Well, her and her husband. Despite the grand height difference between the two lovers, all attention was focused on them both, if not more, on the overwhelmed King. He hid it well, though, plastering a dazzling smile with hooded eyes, masking the slight tiredness in his expression.
It felt as though everything was moving past them, though they stood still. The reporters' cameras moved around quickly, peaking over heads, finding a small crack between arms, all to snap a picture-perfect image of the royal couple. All the flashes moved as quick as lightning, flashing before smudging away against the darkness. Truthfully, he was surprised that no one else was gaining a headache from the commotion. And all for a celebration.
“Your highness, your highness!” A waving microphone in the ocean of clambering people caught the Monarch’s attention. His blue eyes shot over to the reporter, softening into a more light-hearted smile with joy that seemed genuine. Once the reporter saw that eyes were on him, he dipped the microphone back to him as all those around them went quiet, respectfully waiting for the question and response. “The ball was fantastic, going with a theme of ‘Masquerade.’ What would you say your favourite moment was?”
The chuckle he released echoed over the crowd, accompanied by the continues clicks of the cameras. With gentle touches, his arm wrapped around his tall wife, who kept a soft smile on her lips, one hand holding her masquerade mask. The dazzling accessory gleamed with maroons as music notes scattered on the sides, trailing to the top of the mask leading to the biggest part of the dress up: large, arching devil horns.
All the while, the King held onto his mask gently, completely disregarding it, while his wife held hers tightly to her chest. His own mask was drenched with the colour red, marks of any other colours of the rainbow scarcely showing. The mask looks incomplete, half done even. No patterns or work were found on the piece of article. Only large devil horns, matching his wife’s own but incredibly large. If the small man placed it on his face, it would seem like he’d fall over with how heavy they loomed, despite not being made of any material to cause unbalance.
“There were many, wonderful moments! Though I’d have to say, my absolute favourite was…” Watching him walk in, he thought to himself. A small blush crept onto his cheeks, not entirely visible against makeup that mimicked a porcelain doll: rosy red circles. Slowly, he trailed his eyes from the reporter to his wife next to him. She stared ahead, though she knew his eyes were on her. Despite knowing what he should say, he couldn’t help but remember another walking into the ball. The mask carried empty, black eyes, and these beautiful, long antlers. The most precious thing about the mask was that it was entirely made out of a deer’s skull. Still, it covered the person’s face completely and caught the King’s attention. That reason being because he knew exactly who it was. An old time friend who always made an appearance despite it bringing trouble.
“It was…” He muttered once more, pulling his brain apart to find a moment he could speak of with his wife instead of another person. And as soon as he found it, his grip around her waist tightened. “Seeing you sing to my violin.” The crowd awed at the memory, causing more cameras to flash and capture the moment in front of them. The Queen calmly peaked down, smiling more and scoffing, though the crowd among them couldn’t see. All they saw was a happy couple, the ideal couple, who ruled over their lives. “You made it very difficult to focus on playing, my Queen.”
“I’m pleased to hear that I can still capture your attention, my King, even after all these years.” Her velvety voice caused him to shiver, feeling the bite in her words, the bitterness. Not that she cared, with her own baggage barely being hidden from the public. Though, she didn’t want him to make her seem like she wasn’t wanted. To others, at least, she didn’t give a damn if he didn’t want her privately but needed that publicly. Because how could no one want her.
“That…” He continued, talking once more to the reporter while keeping eye contact with her for a quick second, turning to the reporter rapidly as she looked back at the cameras. “Was my favourite moment of the evening.” Satisfied with the answer, the reporter smiled with appreciation before more protests of the King’s attention came his way. He scanned the harsh ocean once more, looking for someone to calm it for another second. “Yes?”
“Do you already have plans for your 30th anniversary?” Everyone froze, all eyes on the two like spotlights. While she thrived, he shrunk. His face giving away how exposing the question felt, lips pressed into a thin line and creasing his cheeks.
“Um, well…” Everything felt hot in a moment, even with the snow fall and chilling breeze around them. The frozen, January air did nothing to cool his embarrassment away. Shakily, his hand slid away as he stood up right, stiff as a snowboard. They just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, must they really plan for their 30th? “What’s the point of spoiling it, eh?” The jokeful manner caused his wife’s eye to twitch in annoyance. Right, he reminded himself before taking a breath, have to present myself in a “royal manner.” Smile gracefully, he held out his hand for his wife to gently place hers on. A small signal for their leave. “I suppose we will all have to wait and see.”
The two began stepping down the stairs, their guards parting the wave of people, making the King feel like Moses. Yet that didn’t cease the questions, comments, the shouting from the crowd. They both continued to walk, heading to their respective carriage that awaited its owners. As one coachman opens the red door, helping her majesty in, the King waits patiently.
“King Lucifer! What do you have to say to your father, who suspected this marriage would fail with her Majesty, Queen Lilith?” His head snapped to the person asking, halting all conversation, though the continuous clicking of cameras continued. A horrid, sharp smile etched onto his face, completely replacing the once soft expression that he held the entire evening. Heels snapped against the stone floors below as he made his way to the reporter, who grew more terrified as the King approached. Not to punish them for the question, but to get close and personal as he gave his answer. Those around him swore that his head echoed an eerie creak as he tilted his head to the side.
“How do you like me now?”
“I’ll be away this weekend.” Lilith’s monotonous voice vibrated around the quiet bedroom, only being muffled by the moving sheets as Lucifer awoke. The bright sun filled the bedroom, blurring his vision more as he achingly rubbed the sleep from his eyes. His hands peeled away from his eyes, adjusting to the brightness around him and searching for Lilith.
There she sat, at the obnoxiously large dressing table. As if there wasn’t already enough light, she had the lights framing the mirror on to help with her makeup. It was completely unnecessary, causing Lucifer to squint with confusion as he examined her movement.
“Not even a ‘good morning’..?” He replied with a small mutter, not caring if Lilith heard. Sitting up, Lucifer turned to face his wife, who currently had her back turned. Focused heavily on her makeup, Lilith continued to make sure she was perfectly ready for her outing, unbothered with Lucifer’s comment. She won’t even make eye contact with him in the mirror.
Lucifer caught his reflection, causing him to pause. His eyes were heavy with bags underneath them. No amount of sleep would ever erase the distress from his skin, no amount of care. The usual smile that was on his face had turned into a quiet frown, making him feel alien to his own reflection. The person who looked back wasn’t King Lucifer, it couldn’t be. Yet as he blinked, so did the reflection.
“Why are you going to be gone?” Lucifer asked, furrowing his eyebrows with confusion as he snapped his sights away from the imposter. Instead, he focused on the way Lilith batted those long eyelashes. He could have sworn she would start to fly off with how big they were. The image of her flying off made his lips quirk up a bit.
“Adam will be going out of town this week and gone for a while.” Answered Lilith, zipping up her makeup bag and smacking her lips a few times for good measure. Next, she grabbed a spray for her makeup from her table, spraying it roughly before waving her hand around to help dry the substance. “For a tour in… Who knows where.” Rolling her eyes, Lilith focused a few minutes more on her appearance. Patching up any errors of imperfection here and there while Lucifer grumbled to himself.
“Guess this is a ‘travel safely’ visit, then.” Lucifer stated back, looking down at the sheets that covered his waist still. These kinds of things were common for Lilith, though the real meaning was not ever spoken about. Not that she didn’t hide it, she was very open about her ‘visits’ with different people. And Lucifer let it happen. His hand crumbled the blankets, feeling anger seep into his brain. Shakily raising his vision, Lucifer saw it again.
Lilith, on the small couch in their bedroom, with another person next to her. They were clearly too caught up on the deep kisses she gave along their neck to notice Lucifer in the doorway. But not Lilith. She had stared at him dead on, daring him to say something. And he walked away.
“Like a coward.” Lucifer spat at himself mentally, his hand shaking slightly at the memory. How he still continued to sleep in this bedroom was beside him.
“Yes, you know how it is, darling.” Her dark voice rang Lucifer out of his trance, making him blink back into reality. Turning back to her, he noticed that she was all cleaned up for emptying the house for the weekend. A large, maroon bag stuffed with her essentials, while a dark red suitcase held her clothings. Knowing Adam, he’d have her spend time in his pool the entire weekend. In fact, he was the most common visitor inside her legs. It made Lucifer sick, at first.
“Ah… Well, I’ll inform Charlie that you’ll be busy then.”
“No need.” Lilith interrupted, her chair making no noise as it slid on the floor. Each clack of her heels reminded Lucifer of how empty the house will be. This enormous castle for one man. “I have asked her to meet me at a restaurant tomorrow for breakfast. Adam won’t be joining us.” The scoff that followed reeked with annoyance and frustration. “Charlotte and Adam really can’t get along for even a second. Even for me.”
“Charlie.” The correction reached deaf ears. Instead, the door to their bedroom was pushed open by Lilith, who waved down a servant. The well-dressed worker scurried inside, grabbing her bags and taking them to the front of the house. Lilith walked in front of the tall mirror, checking for the hundredth time her appearance.
“I’ll be back on Monday.” Lucifer simply nodded, lowering his head to see his hands. An echo travelled the room as the door closed behind her, leaving him in the loudness of the quiet bedroom.
Biting his lower lip, Lucifer grumbled to himself. He should get up. Have a delicious breakfast that was just prepared for him. Spend time in the lovely sun. Perhaps practice playing his beautiful violin in the garden. He should get up. Quickly, he was once again blinded by his white sheets as he threw them over his head, kicking off what he thought were ugly red comforters and curling into a ball. Eyeing the doorway, Lucifer grumbled again.
He should get up.
“Luci!” A deep and loud voice boomed Lucifer awake.
Lucifer’s eyes shot open as he suddenly felt freezing cold. With a startled expression, he looked down to find his blankets completely pulled off, exposing himself with just his boxers. On the end of the bed stood a tall, dark man, shadowed by the sunlight behind him that flooded the room.
“What the fuck?” He asked loudly, covering his chest as if he was a proper lady. Instead, the man grabbed his arms tightly. It startled Lucifer, not the action specifically but how large his hands were. Though he couldn’t take a moment to examine them before he was hoisted out of the comforting bed, placed rapidly on the floor, standing.
Quickly, he regained his balance, and as soon as he did, Lucifer got to take a good look at the man in front him. Dark skin, hair gently combed back though keeping its volume, and an equally well kept beard. His clothing matched his bright green eyes beautifully. A long, blue coat accompanied by a dark purple suit underneath. Lucifer’s face lit up, all anger at being woken abruptly left.
“Ozzie!” Asmodeus smiled as Lucifer threw his arms up, excited to see one of his long time friends. He bent down a bit to hug Lucifer, their height difference being comical. As if to make things worse, Asmodeus wore tall heels, while Lucifer had to stand on his tip toes. “What are you doing here?” He asked, pulling away from the hug and shivering a bit. Not wanting to keep the King cold, Asmoedus waltzed over to the large walk in closet that Lilith left open.
“A little birdie told me,” the Prince started as he searched for Lucifer’s robe, “that someone had left for a visit.” He froze as he noticed a huge portion of Lilith’s clothes were gone, frowning deeply with angry brows. “Seems they were correct…” Even though Asmodeus is known as one of the most lustful Princes in the world, he had judgement against adultery. It made his skin boil, especially when it causes so much harm to the other. And even though he wanted to beg Lucifer to divorce Lilith, he knew it wouldn’t do him any good. So instead, he grabbed Lucifer’s yellow duck robe, one that Lilith despised. “So, I am here to make sure you stay alive.” Asmodeus stated proudly, walking out to hand Lucifer his robe.
Lucifer decided that standing was too much work, having flopped back on his bed and staring at his ceiling. He huffed out a scoff at Asmodeus’ statement, keeping his arms out on the bed. Lucifer, a King, needing a babysitter? No way, not needed.
“You don’t need to.” Dragging himself to sit up, Lucifer frowned as Asmodeus smiled brightly.
“But I want to!” The Prince answered back, holding out the duck robe, to which Lucifer happily grabbed for it, forgetting about the whole idea of being babysat. As Lucifer threw on his robe, Asmodeus slid over his yellow slippers, continuing on with talking. “How does some breakfast sound? I’m sure your staff prepared something de-lish!” Instead of waiting any longer for Lucifer, Asmodeus started his way out of the bedroom while Lucifer followed, tripping over his half-on slippers.
The hallways shone with the bright sunlight, even brighter against the blinding white snow still on the ground. Even if it was sunny, the air was cold, keeping the snow fresh and clear. Lucifer couldn’t look at the snow outside, his blue eyes making it extra sensitive. Though the cold was enticing, piercing his skin. Asmodeus' booming voice echoed through the halls as the two made their way to the kitchen. Nothing he said reached Lucifer, who simply examined the walls and windows, trying to distract himself from his thoughts. It would be wise to listen, though he felt too tired to pay attention. From the sounds of it, it was some issues with the others that Ozzie was babbling on about.
The kitchen was equally bright, much warmer than the hallways. Some chefs were cleaning the dishes in a secluded section of the kitchen. The sound of clattering dishes and utensils helped bring Lucifer back to the present. With each clink, he could guess what was being touched. A plate, a glass cup, not a wine glass though, perhaps a ceramic bowl. The two royals headed towards a small table near the large windows, the table already set up for Lucifer to dine on. Asmodeus sat in the chair without any plates, continuing on with talking as Lucifer settled down cautiously. As soon as he did, a servant scuttled over and settled the plate down.
“We have his highness’ favourite breakfast: pancakes in the shape of a duck, accompanied by apple slices on top, maple syrup, and a hint of powdered sugar.” She stated clearly, smiling at the dish that Lucifer eyed. Behind her, she revealed a tall glass of apple juice, to which Lucifer grabbed immediately. “Would his highness enjoy a small bowl of fruits as well?” The woman asked, looking directly at Lucifer.
“Let’s see if he eats this for now! Though I wouldn’t mind one.” Answered Asmodeus for him, not wanting to overwhelm Lucifer with all the food. The servant bowed, heading over to a small area with fresh fruits. Asmodeus’ green eyes landed on Lucifer, watching him poke the small apple slices and resting his head on his hand. “Try to eat a little, please?” Lucifer looked up, frowning at the concerned face Asmodeus gave. Harshly, he stabbed a piece of the pancake that he had cut and stuffed it into his mouth, quickly widening his eyes as the flavour exploded in his mouth. Humming happily, Asmodeus chuckled.
The small servant brought the Prince his requested food, to which he thanked them. Reaching into the inside of his coat pocket, Asmodeus drew out a newspaper and opened it up while popping a tiny blueberry into his mouth. Lucifer ate the pancakes hungrily, the shape of a duck completely gone. Staring at his plate made him feel sick, the food slowly climbing up his throat. So instead, Lucifer began reading over what he could on the Newspaper cover.
The first clipping was about the anniversary celebration, of course. It was just a few days prior, so the fact that they were still on about it made Lucifer sick to his stomach. The reminder from his citizens over the “everlasting love” that he and Lilith shared was a painful reminder at how fake this all was. And how right his Father knew better.
Instead of focusing on his Father and the pain he felt creeping in again, Lucifer looked over the next few clippings on the front. The smallest one read, “Hostile Work Environment? Valentino’s Response!” It caused Lucifer to grumble a bit, furrowing his eyebrows at the mention of the famed Porn Director. He hadn’t heard about the accusations, though he was mildly curious. And the perfect person to ask about it was…
“What’s this thing about, uh… Valentino?”
“That little bitch!” Asmodeus slammed the paper down on the table rapidly, causing it to shake and Lucifer to jump up slightly. The calm green eyes changed to ones filled with rage, interesting Lucifer further at what this man had done to make the Prince pissed off. “I keep getting these reports from workers I know, saying that he is absolutely disgusting!” The other leaned back, picking a finger up as he listed out the crimes that others shared. “Drugging his employees, consent is barely a thing in his studio! Overworking them to the point their families don’t know where they are!”
“This man sounds like shit.” Is all Lucifer could think of, quietly watching his close friend go on about this director while chewing his pancakes. The list kept going, making him question how no figure of authority has stepped in and stopped this. Surely these accusations have caused some eyebrows to be raised before? It made Lucifer more suspicious, causing him to grab the newspaper, as Asmodeus now rambled about how he is disappointed in the industry and how it used to be back then. The influence Asmodeus secretly had in the lustful side of this community was hidden from the media, holding a secret club where everyone’s identity was hidden as long as they followed his rules. The main one? Consent is required, not optional.
The clipping was short and small, making Lucifer even more confused, as the kind of response Valentino gave seemed barely there. All he had to say was, “those making these horrible rumours will pay the consequences.” Lucifer looked at the author, seeing the name of a popular writer in the Newspaper that heavily works for Volt. Vow? No, it was… Vick? Someone from somewhere in the entertainment and news industry. As Lucifer sipped his apple juice, his eyes caught the small picture attached to the bigger news clipping.
“They’re what?” Lucifer spat out, ruining the newspaper with the apple juice that was previously in his mouth. Asmodeus froze, thankfully not getting any of the sticky drink on him, though he took out some napkins from the holder and began cleaning Lucifer up slightly.
“Pardon?” Asmodeus asked with worry, trying to peek at the clipping Lucifer read over.
“Prince Stolas and Princess Stella are getting divorced?” Replied Lucifer with a wheeze, both laughing and baffled at the news, mostly because he is receiving it through the newspaper. Slapping the paper with the back of his hand, he looked at Asmodeus and spoke. “How come I wasn’t informed of this earlier?”
“The Goetia’s are my responsibility, Luci, remember? It was to take some weight off your shoulders.” Asmodeus gently plucked the ruined newspaper from his grip, waving one of the kitchen staff over to discard it. Right, how could he have forgotten. Asmodeus and the others wished to split the work, so Lucifer wasn’t drowning in royal duties. Which would mean that Prince Satan would have to oversee the divorce, most likely. Lucifer sat in his spot, staring at Asmodeus with speechlessness and confusion. It was not a common occurrence, a Royal divorcing. In fact, it is one that has never happened despite there being a way to make a divorce possible. “Truthfully, Stolas needed to get out! I’m proud of him for finally doing so, it is long overdue.”
“Wait, wait… What do the others think of this?” Lucifer asked, desperation in his voice, which made Asmodeus frown. Of course, the Prince caught onto why Lucifer was curious, making the smaller cower away in embarrassment. Looking down at his half-eaten pancakes, Lucifer sulked in his chair. “I think I’m full.”
“Lucifer…” Reaching for the plate, Asmodeus sighed before continuing. “Could you please try to eat a little more?”
“I am done, Asmodeus.” Replied Lucifer, looking at the other, his head never lifting. The Prince paused, stuttering with his hand as he pulled away. Coming to collect the plate, the kitchen filled with the clatter of dishes being cleaned, ingredients being organized, letting Lucifer drown in his hopeless dream. While he wasn’t in bed, sitting in the sun was the next best place to simply sleep.