22 Saul

Entering the castle Princess Mai found that the interior did not look at all as she had expected. A short rather unintimidating demon who introduced himself as Raphael greeted them at the door.

With Raphael leading the way Mai couldn't help but wonder if the tales were true that Demons really were frightening creatures to be wary of. Reservedly she thought to herself, 'Everyone in this world is evil one way or another.' Mai, who had ever been the poster child for kindness had found that there was a distinct lack of 'good' in this world. Populations without morals, kings without boundaries. To many who viewed her she was seen as the odd one.

Saul never letting his guard down slowly whispered to her, "Be on alert for a surprise ambush, I heard Demons can blend in with the walls, and can even hide themselves inside of tapestries and paintings."

Mai nodded, catching herself before she accidentally rolled her eyes. If they had wanted them dead their would have been no need to resort to such measures within their own lair. Instead she knew as they had plans for them they must also have plans for us. What shape these plans would take was still to be determined though.

Arriving outside the throne room, Raphael giving a courtesy glance at her company pushed open the double doors. Standing on formalities he announced Princess Mai and company as he walked up towards the throne and positioned himself to the right. Surprised she saw the throne room was empty except for Raphael, a female demon standing to the left of the throne, and on the throne itself.. a demon that made her take back every thought about the potential fierceness of demons.

Feeling intense trepidation consume her as she felt his gaze land on her she could scarcely breathe. An aura that radiated power and cunning radiated down towards her, seemingly enveloping her. With the initial moment passing she steeled her nerves and began approaching the throne.

Dah was impressed at the courage Princess Mai had just shown. He had used emotional manipulation on her to induce fear, but she must have been very strong willed for the moment seemed to pass swiftly.

Watching her approach he noticed that it was just her and her second in command that moved forward. The rest of her company kept as much distance as they possibly could without being disrespectful. It seems he wouldn't need to manipulate any of their emotions to cause dread to enter their souls just upon sighting him.

Focusing on the man walking up beside her he wondered how strong his will was. Suddenly focusing on him he started pushing feelings of anger and rage at him manipulating him to direct these feelings towards Dah.

"Greetings my guests", Dah stated not bothering to stand from his throne.

...

Saul had been impressed with the throne room initially before he had finally laid eyes on the Demon Lord before him. Knowing he could never leave Mai's side in such peril he had with the courage of a swordsman resolved himself to staying at her side even if it resulted in his death.

However, every step he took closer to the throne his feelings of chivalry were dissipating and being replaced with what could only be described as a firestorm of emotions directed towards the Demon Lord.

Arriving closer to the throne, Mai had lowered her head respectfully before resuming her gaze upon Dah. Saul however couldn't stop an agitated twitching as he watched Mai lower her head.

'How dare he!' Saul screamed internally.

Blinded by rage he drew his sword and lunged up towards the Demon Lord intending to skewer him to the throne. Before Saul could even realize that Mai had reached out to stop him he found himself eye to eye with Dah.

Dah had expected this to happen and had been prepared. Seeing Saul reaching for his sword he had enhanced his body with mana and waited for his moment. He wanted to make sure that the sword was out of the sheath entirely and in play before he acted.

With his moment arriving Dah had simply stood up, sidestepped and grabbed Saul by the back of his head. Making eye contact for the briefest of moments Dah lifted him up into the air by his head before crushing it inwards with the strength of just one hand.

Mai flinched seeing the now headless body callously being dropped to the ground.

Dah slowly turned to face her, casting [Death Shadow]. As swirls of dark shadows, and haunted skulls surrounded him his voice spoke in a booming voice, "How dare you come into my home and attempt to threaten my life."

Mai found herself unable to speak. Saul had been a good soldier and a faithful friend, and was one of the few she trusted. To see his body treated so callously. To see him die with such brutality. She felt shocked to her core.

Looking back at her company she saw them standing there with faces pale as snow. It did not look like they even had the strength to fall down. Straightening her back the best she could she put on a brave face and replied.

"I know not what possessed him. We wish only for peaceful conversation."

Dah smiled victoriously, after his display of power he knew full well that how the rest of the night played out depended solely on him.

As if the soldiers knew this also a few of them could not help but show their fear.

...