A Cool Night

Azrael stepped out of his room into the dimly lit corridor. The palace was quiet, the kind of silence that only came late at night. As he walked, his footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor. He stopped when he spotted a guard standing at the end of the hallway.

"Get me a cigar," Azrael ordered, to which the guard nodded quickly, turning on his heel.

He walked down the corridor towards the balcony. Pushing open the doors, he stepped out and was greeted by the night's cool breeze. The moon was high in the sky, casting a pale glow over the palace grounds.

He walked over the railing, leaning against it. His sharp eyes seeing perfectly well, despite the darkness. He raked his fingers through his hair, a tired sigh escaping his lips.

He had almost forgotten about his little pet he left in his palace. Elysia. He thought, a faint smirk forming in his lips.

Azrael's smirk faded slightly, thinking of what to do with her next. He didn't get her for a specific reason, but what exactly was she to do in his palace? To Azrael, she was just a distraction, something to entertain him for a while, a pet. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized she was becoming more than that. There was something intriguing, alluring about her. But he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"You do not plan to stand there till dawn, do you?" Azrael turned around, coming to face the woman standing by the door.

"K-king Azrael," she greeted with a slight bow, her voice a little bit shaken. She was surprised at how fast he had noticed her, she hadn't stood there for that long, yet he somehow sensed her presence.

"What brings the princess to this side of the palace?" Azrael questioned, noticing what was in her hand, his lips tipped up into a devilish smirk.

Renata's eyes widened in shock, she quickly clarified. "I heard you wanted this," she said, her voice almost as soft as slik.

"Since when do you run errands for me, Renata?" Azrael asked, giving her a questioning look.

Renata bit her lips, walking forward to where he stood. She extended her hand, handing over the cigarettes.

She leaned casually against the railing beside him, looking out over the fields which was covered in darkness. "I couldn't sleep," she replied. "I thought to take a walk in order to clear my head. Then I saw you ask the guard for a cigar and decided to bring it myself," she said, looking ahead, as if scared to look in his direction.

This little liar. Azrael clicked his tongue, his body brushing lightly against her. Renata shivered when she felt him place his hand over hers. She watched as he lit his cigar with the lighter he had in his pocket, taking a long drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke.

"What do you want, princess?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous, yet it did something to Renata.

"I thought to spend some time with the king," she replied, her breath catching in her throat. She wasn't sure what it was about this dragon king, but he made her feel ways she hadn't felt before. The way his breath smelled like tobacco fanned against her face, the way his eyes glistened gold every now and then, it was intoxicating and she couldn't get enough of it.

"Thought as much," Azrael said, backing away from her. The feeling immediately vanished, leaving along side the king.

Renata felt disappointed, she cleared her thought before hearing the king say. "You should go back inside, it's cold out here," She saw his eyes glance over her body, causing her to shiver not just from the cool breeze, but from his intense gaze. She didn't bring her shawl with her and her dress was exposed her shoulder and chest.

"Did my brother tell you anything?" She asked, lowering her gaze. The wind blew, pushing her hair to her face, to which she quickly tucked behind her ears.

Azrael's smirk broadened into a smile, exposing his pearly white teeth. He asked. "The king and I discussed a lot of things, is there anything in particular you want to know?"

She pursed her lip, tightly before asking, "Um, did he make mention of me?" She looked to the floor, her face burning in embarrassment.

He tsked softly, asking, "Is the floor more appealing to look at than my face?"

Renata's eyes widened, she did not expect this question from the king. "O-of course not, king Azrael," she replied with a slight stammer.

"I thought as much," he said. Turning his back to lean against the railing. Renata stared dumbfounded at the king. Of course she knew the king was aware of how charming he looked, but she didn't expect him to be a big narcissist.

"King Calum suggested I take you as my wife," he announced, noticing how she tried to hide the smile that formed on her face.

"Oh," she heaved out, bringing her hand to cover her mouth. "I didn't... I didn't realize he would bring this up so soon." Her voice wavered slightly.

What a lie. Azrael pursed his lip, staring at the princess' face. "It seems the king is quite eager to secure alliances," he said, his tone dry.

Renata took in a deep breath, her brother had done exactly what she had asked of him, to propose a match between her and Azrael.

She glanced sideways at Azrael, studying his calm, unbothered demeanor. She wasn't sure how to proceed with her questions, but she decided to say it anyways. "And... And what is your response?" She asked, clasping her hands together.

Azrael turned his gaze to her, his expression still unreadable. "I'd consider it," he said nonchalantly. He noticed how she couldn't hide her smile again as she nodded, her face flushing red. Tossing the cigar away, he sighed inwardly. He had expected a calm night alone with his thoughts while smoking, but of course, he couldn't have that with this pest around.

"I've had a tiresome journey, princess.I should retire to my chamber," he said, glancing at her once more, before walking away.