#tabol

[ruewrites]

Devotion

AO3

Ship: Diavolo/Lucifer

Word Count: 3250

Warnings: Smut

A/N: Some people had wanted to see Lucifer and Diavolo's honeymoon and oops more story progressed from there. I hope you all enjoy! Comments are appreciated <3

Summary:

Devotion: 1.love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause. 2.religious worship or observance.

Sometimes in this life, others are more devoted to us than we can comprehend.

Lucifer sat on the bed with a sigh. Slowly, he slipped his silky gloves off of his hands and kicked his shoes off his feet. The affairs of today had been a grand one, doves as far as the eye could see, a cake crafted by Barbatos big enough to feed an army trimmed with gold and black flowers. Asmodeus had been chittering away with him every free moment he could squeeze himself in, eyes sparkling at every romantic aspect he could pin down and sprinkling in his own fantasies of what a wedding could be like.

"I could only imagine what this would be like," Asmo had said, "I can't wait."

Exhausting was the only word that came to mind for Lucifer.

It was mostly for show, a way to introduce the future co-rulers and gain them favor with the public. Over all, it was mainly a way in which the royal family could keep their favor with the people. A wedding was no more than a spectacle.

And yet-

A deep groan left Lucifer's lips as firm hands made their way to his shoulders, kneading away at the tense muscles beneath. He leaned back into the ministrations, allowing his eyes to slip shut. 

"How are you feeling love?" The words were ended in a soft kiss to his neck that made Lucifer shudder. Diavolo's voice was low, soft, and warm like a thunderstorm rumbling in the distance on a summer evening. 

Lucifer glanced down at the ring on his finger, appreciating the way it glistened when the light hit its surface. Without a word, one of Diavolo's hands traveled across his arm and to his hand. Carefully, he lifted the ring to his own lips and kissed it softly. 

This made Lucifer give in the rest of the way, leaning into Diavolo fully and allowing his body to be enveloped by the warmth.  Both of them continued to move backwards until they were staring at the ceiling.  

Finally, after a moment, he let go of the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. The rest of the tension left his body. His fingers tapped against his abdomen as thoughts lingered in his mind. He knew what this was supposed to be for and yet-

“Happy to finally be alone and away from the commotion, but I suppose we still have a duty to keep.” 

It was his way of attempting humor. Lucifer was more than aware that nothing would force him to couple with Diavolo, especially not Diavolo himself.

"So," Diavolo started, glancing over at him, "Sex?"

Lucifer snorted, hand flying to cover his mouth, "There were many ways you could have worded that. That was not the most… elegant option." Consummating a marriage was important, it was symbolic. Two people coming together just as two entirely different kingdoms did. It was important, it was expected, it "sealed the deal" so to speak. 

"But what about it?" Lucifer asked.

"About what?"

"About 'so, sex'?"

Now it was Diavolo's turn to snort, "Ah I hear how it sounds now."  He turned his head to look at Lucifer, his fingers started to drum as he spoke, adding to the illusion of that perfect summer storm.

"What do you think about it? About the moment now?"

The truth? Lucifer was starting to feel uncomfortable in his wedding attire as the storm inched closer, it was hot and muggy and made him feel rather sticky. He was waiting and watching as the clouds grew closer. 

"What do I think?" Lucifer repeated. The uncomfortable heat was pooling, concentrating in a single area. 

The surprised look on Diavolo's face was definitely worth a thousand kingdoms' treasuries. Lucifer straddled his waist, strong thighs gripped his waist as he sat proud atop the man beneath him.  He shifted, making himself comfortable, "I think I need to see how desperately you want me, why you begged and stood determined to be by my side."

He watched as Diavolo's mouth dried, as want filled his eyes. His hands hesitantly moved to Lucifer's hips, trembling as he did so. The storm was upon them now, hot and heavy in the air. It was getting hard to breathe.

"Up," Lucifer commanded, and Diavolo followed, sitting up and pulling Lucifer even closer to his chest.

"Good boy," Lucifer purred, stroking along the side of Diavolo's face, watching as the man leaned into the touch, "You want me."

"I crave you," Diavolo corrected him quickly, "Ever since the first night you allowed me to touch you, and even before that. We have had many firsts together, and I am honored by your trust in every single one."

Lucifer's eyes softened, and his heart melted as the first patters of rain fell. He leaned in, kissing his husband to communicate what words failed to. Diavolo moaned beneath him as the Arcadian Crowned Prince ground against him. His growing need was evident, and Lucifer was growing feverish. Ripping away Diavolo's shirt became his first priority. They could deal with the rest later. Clothes hid secrets well, and very often Lucifer found himself at odds with his secrets. Does he share them or not? What were the consequences of letting his resolve, his masks, slip?

Disrobing meant leaving himself vulnerable.

But with Diavolo he was allowed to be vulnerable.

He waited with bated breath as Diavolo looked over his body. It was far from pristine and perfect like the prince had most likely imagined. A litany of scars marked him in places and the most prominent ones were on his back. He watched as those large fingers hesitantly reached out, and when Lucifer didn't pull away, he started to trace them.

"It's not everything you expected-" 

"You're beautiful," Diavolo's voice was filled with nothing but reverence, "I have never seen you without your shirt off. Thank you for sharing this with me."

Allowing himself a moment to bask in the attention, Lucifer allowed himself to focus on how Diavolo touched him. How his body reacted to each gentle ministration. Then something glittering caught his eye. 

Diavolo let out a groan as Lucifer yanked on the pretty golden barbell piercing through his nipple. "I've had my eye on these for a while now. Tell me Prince, do you like it when I touch you like this?"

"Hells Lucifer," he was breathless,"What are you doing to me?" 

"Taking control, especially now that I can touch more than your cock in secret." 

Quiet nights holding his hand over the prince's mouth as he stroked or fingered him to completion in defiance of his father. There was no better form of resistance than finding sneaking ways to get around the rules. And there was no better reward than seeing the way his at the time fiance had looked at him.

In Diavolo's eyes he was truly the most beautiful creature. 

The storm was amping up now. He pushed Diavolo back. The arched form of his aching manhood was pressed against his rear, desperate and wanting. Maintaining eye contact, Lucifer leaned down. The taste of metal coated his tongue as he worked. A large hand entangled itself in his hair, encouraging him to go further. His hand played with the other side of his chest. Diavolo continued to groan above him, another hand moved down his back and Lucifer stilled. 

"May I open you?" Diavolo asked.

Lucifer straightened. He had to keep the illusion of control. He was aware something inside of him was broken. He always had an illusion of control, but it was never something he could actually possess. It always evaded his grip. Playing a part was his job, his role was to be the Crown Prince of Arcadia, nothing more than a puppet on a string. Diavolo cut those strings, or began to, and he understood how fragile and delicate they were.

“Only if I give you permission.”

He nodded.

“And I can take it away at any time.”

Another nod, “You are the one in control of yourself, just as you always are. ”

Reaching behind him, Lucifer grabbed Diavolo's aching member. His husband arched letting out a low rumble in his chest, "And you are positive you won't mind?  No matter what my decision?"

"As long as you are in throes of pleasure or content I don't mind."

Lucifer thought for a moment, then his mind seemed to be made up. He settled back down into the act he was comfortable in, the act they both knew gave him the power and control he felt like he lacked. “Alright then,” he whispered, “Go ahead.”

Eagerly, Diavolo grabbed for a small jar next to the night stand before passing it off to Lucifer. As he poured some on his own hand, he  couldn’t help but focus on how warm it was and how slick it felt on his skin. His nerves struck him in that moment, and he considered retracting the consent he had given, but then those gentle hands changed his mind. The first finger slipped into him without issue. He hissed, eyes closed and brow furrowed. When the second was added was when the noises started. They were muffled and short, trapped behind pursed lips and gritted teeth. He reached behind himself and grabbed onto his husband’s cock, initially gripping it tighter than what he meant to. His hands shook and his body shuddered. When Diavolo stuck a certain spot inside of him was when he lost his resolve. The moan that escaped him was not a noise he thought himself capable of making. 

His grip released the weeping member and went for Diavolo’s wrist instead, “That’s enough.”

Diavolo watched him curiously as his fingers were removed. Lucifer lifted himself, and with as much poise and grace as he could muster, impaled himself on his husband. Diavolo was a large man, he knew this to be true, but it quickly resurfaced in his memory as he struggled to bottom out. The fullness he felt was almost too much, almost. 

Diavolo went to speak, but Lucifer held up a hand to stop him. Then he moved. Diavolo’s hands flew to Lucifer’s hips and those golden eyes were fixed upon him, “Lucifer-”

“Do you feel good?”

“Incredibly so.”

“Am I better than anything you’ve had before?”

“You’re the only thing I want. I am honored to touch you.”

His voice flattered and his hips stuttered as he tried to meet Lucifer, but the Crowned Prince had other ideas, “You’re being so good for me right now, and good boys get rewarded. Tell me, what would you like?”

There wasn’t a single sliver of hesitation from Diavolo, “I would like to make love to you.”

Lucifer’s brain stilled. Make love to him?

Diavolo had been a bit of a romantic ever since they’d met and even before that, but the answer still caught him off guard. It hadn’t been what he’d been expecting. The words ‘to cum’ were the first that came to mind. That was usually what he was aiming for during their more private sessions.

Diavolo sat up, it changed the angle and coaxed another sigh from Lucifer’s lips. 

“Would that be quite alright?”

Lucifer studied his face, used his fingers to gently trace along Diavolo’s cheekbones and lips. The storm inside of him was quelling and in its place, a gentle shower. He didn’t say a word, rather, he let their lips meet once more in a gentle embrace. It was trust, it was openness, it was a sense of home.

All of it came together, a result of an act of devotion.

When they pulled apart he nodded, and he found himself being moved to his back. Diavolo’s thrusts were consistent, gentle yet powerful. Lucifer had one hand tangled in his hair and the other on his back. He didn’t want to break eye contact with him. Each movement continued to coax gaspy grunts and sighs of pleasure from his lips. This was good. He liked this.

“I would do anything for you, you know,” Diavolo whispered, “Should entire kingdoms turn against you, I would remain by your side. I would put myself before any danger in your name. My dying breath is for you.”

Something about this scared a part of him.

Words carried so much, especially words spoken into existence. He held Diavolo tighter, “Don’t make a fool’s promise.”

“I would never do such a thing.”

Lucifer could feel his eyes wetten, his breathing quickened, and with it the heat coiling in his stomach. 

Right before the edge, Diavolo pressed their mouths together.

Lucifer had never seen stars quite like that.

***

"You are aware that there is nothing forcing you to be with him?" 

"Besides the union of two kingdoms?"

"You know what I mean Asmodeus."

The pair spoke quietly as they danced, Lucifer spinning the Jewel of Arcadia around, the skirts he wore flew out around him, in the most elegant ways imaginable. Asmodeus looked happy, everything about him seemed happy, but looks could be deceiving. Lucifer knew this to be true. 

Asmo was in close again, his eyes darted over Lucifer's shoulder once before the sunset met rubies once more. Lucifer struggled to find the most appropriate words, something that wouldn't be so… crass.

"You don't have to copulate with him if you don't want to," was what he finally settled on, "You have autonomy you know, laying with him is not mandatory."

No matter what anyone said.

Something faltered inside Asmo, but it was quick to disappear before Lucifer could say something about it.

"I mean, I want to," Asmo whispered, "Have you seen him? He's a total hunk. Just my type. Don't think I am any less refined but I wanted to jump him, I really did." Asmo's words became even more quiet as he reached the ending bit, as if he was worried someone would overhear. 

Why Lucifer would never understand. A part of him worried it was because he was the first man in a while to give Asmo any ounce of attention. Lucifer didn’t trust him, not entirely anyways. 

It was… also a bit more detail than Lucifer needed.

Their waltz continued, the tapping of their feet on cobblestone keeping them in time. 

Lucifer took in a breath, "You deserve the world My Jewel, I just want to make sure you know that. His duty now is to make you happy. Every waking moment should be for you, and his dying breath is for your name alone. Anything less is less than you deserve. Anything less is worthy of more than divorce. Death isn't even suitable for such an offense."

Tears pricked at the edges of Asmodeus' eyes, "Lucifer."

"That is all I have to say on the matter, my job is to make sure you enjoy the rest of the daylight now," he smiled, he wouldn't have Asmodeus for much longer, so he might as well enjoy the rest of the song, "I'm a bit rusty at dancing, wouldn't you agree?"

***

“Sit.”

“But-”

“Sit.”

Diavolo let out a soft huff, finally taking a seat on the edge of their bed. Barbatos stood behind Lucifer watching the pair with a bemused smile. Cerberus had followed suit, confused by the command, but eager to follow it nonetheless. Lucifer pinched his brows together, collecting his thoughts before letting out a sigh. 

“You are still in recovery, therefore you are to be resting and allowing yourself to recover.”

“But it has been ages since I’ve picked you up and held you in my arms!” his voice was bordering on whining. He reached for Lucifer pulling him forward, just short of into Diavolo’s lap. “Is it suddenly a crime to wish to display my devotion and affection to you?”

“You know that is not true.”

Diavolo plopped  back onto the bed with an arm covering his eyes as he began his lament, “My darling husband no longer adores me. He is but a mean man, a mean mean man.” He peaked out from underneath his arm, a smirk on his face, “But oh do I love it when he is mean.” 

His voice had dropped an octave. It was suggestive, playful. 

Hands on his hips Lucifer wandered closer. Leaning over Diavolo he put one hand next to his head, “You know I am not mean. I simply take control, and you like when I tell you what to do, do you not?”

Diavolo hummed in response, eyes hooded. 

“So you will rest for me, yes? Then we can play together.”

Instead of a response, Lucifer received a quick smack to his ass. Well, he supposed that was what he deserved for letting his guard down around his playful husband.  He yelped, falling on top of Diavolo who chuckled next to his ear.

“This means punishment, correct?”

“Whatever am I going to do with you?”

“Perhaps let me kiss you?”

“You would like that wouldn’t you?” 

He went to stand but Diavolo yanked him back down. Barbatos’ throat clearing drew their attention back to the other side of the room, “Shall I dismiss myself?” 

“Apologies Barbatos, my husband seems to have gotten a little too eager." 

Lucifer stood and righted himself taking a seat on the bed. Diavolo propped himself up on his elbows, eyes aglow, "Perhaps some tea would be in order?" 

"We just received a new spiced blend, hand picked by Queen Asmodeus himself"

Lucifer's ears perked, "Queen?"

"It seems his majesty thought it a bit more appropriate. There's a letter attached as well, I have it with me if you would like to read it."

Lucifer all but snatched the letter from Barbatos' hands much to Diavolo's amusement. 

"That blend sounds quite interesting! Prepare us some, would you Barbatos?" Once the butler bowed and left the room, Diavolo turned his attention back to Lucifer, "All good things?"

"It appears so," the pair moved from the bed to a set of ornate chairs so that Lucifer could grab his spectacles, "It appears they stopped in Estos, for a short while on their trip back to Wystyria."

"I hear it's lovely this time of year, perhaps we can stay there when we travel to visit them."

Lucifer put the letter down before taking Diavolo by the hand. He pressed a kiss to the wedding band, "After you recover a little more, then we can speak of such things."

“And when do you think that will be?”

Leaning back in his chair, Lucifer tilted his head to the side, “In time, but until then it is my duty to take care of you.”

“Personally attended to by the King of Arcadia himself? I’m honored.”

Lucifer stood from his chair and knelt by his husband’s side, “You have performed a great act for me, and now it is my turn.” Taking both of his hands, Lucifer held them tight, “Let me do this small act of devotion for you. It will be one of many, I can assure you. I am not always the gentlest man, but I am not hardened. I do this out of love, for you.”

Diavolo’s jovial form softened, and his hands melted under Lucifer’s touch, “I have heard that I am quite the unruly patient.”

“You are just you,” Lucifer smiled, “Your perseverance is one of the many things I love about you.”

“Even when it is seen as stubbornness?”

“Especially then,” Lucifer smiled, “Now, I believe we have a letter to draft over tea, especially if you wish to visit once you recover.”

[revoleotion]

hubris and distrust

this is something I lovingly titled "fanfic fanfic" and it is set in @ruewrites TABOL universe. Except that I don't actually understand a lot about it because I only really got into it at like 3am last night.

That being said, I have many headcanons about Barbatos in this universe, so naturally I had to write something. I'm very sorry if this doesn't fit with the universe, in that case just consider it an AU of your AU fanfic.

tags and warnings: Barbatos-centric, aromantic Barbatos, panic attack (not in detail), Luke curses a lot

.

Barbatos could not be trusted.

It was a fact that had defined him for ever since he could remember. At times, Barbatos liked to think he was never born at all, he was simply spawned out of feelings of hubris and distrust. Barbatos had been defined by secrecy for so long and - like Lucifer’s brothers would say - the simple act of “fucking around and finding out”. The world had been a messy place for Barbatos until he found his home.

Barbatos’ home was, by all means, not a physical place. It was a person.

Over the years Barbatos had come to terms with his lack of romantic attraction to anyone. He was very glad for that, especially when it turned out that the person he loved the most, in all the ways he could, was in love with someone else. Barbatos had never felt out of place in that relationship. The world had become less messy after he found his home, after all. When Diavolo and Lucifer found each other, it was like he seamlessly fit into place with the two of them. Not as a part of their relationship but as an element that was always going to be there.

Before Barbatos had met Diavolo, the world had been full of tempting, suffocating possibilities. He had tried ways to make it seem manageable, ways to make it smaller at all costs. He had turned a blind eye to all the overwhelming options, he had forced himself to become awfully, achingly lonely.

Barbatos was not lonely anymore.

Except that he was.

Had he become predictable? Had he become more unstable in his attempt to settle?

He had friends. Luke was understanding, if not comforting when Barbatos was filled with that deep, irrational, foolish panic that he was missing a part of his own body. It drove him insane, and it had to be absurd to watch. As powerful Barbatos had been in his previous life (previous, like he somehow died and was reborn at Diavolo’s side), the world around him knew him as a butler. Nothing more. Except that sometimes his old life was leaking through, his sarcasm, his strictness, his manner of expression, everything that made him a powerful human but not a good butler.

(Barbatos had secretly decided that if he had to become a bad butler to see Diavolo again, he was going to become the worst butler the world had ever seen.)

Azazel had warned him about this, in gentle words paired with a judging, if not hateful expression. The accusation had been as blatant as it had been wrong. He had said, “I wouldn’t resort to even more poison. Whatever you create will be served first to the person you claim to love.”

Barbatos had smiled. And smiled. And when his hands had started shaking, long afterwards, with Luke sitting on the edge of his bed and whispering soothing words that were far from reassuring, he had still smiled. He hated himself for it but it was the only defense he had.

Azazel knew of the person Barbatos was trying so hard not to be. He knew of the person Barbatos had to become to break through, break out, return home.

Barbatos could not be trusted. After all that time. Because he was made out of distrust. Because he never made sense. Because he was never born, he was created.

Simeon didn’t like the person Barbatos had once been. He, too, thought that Barbatos never truly grew out of being that bitter creation. Simeon and Barbatos had never truly fought because none of them were very confrontational but there had been discussions one word away from being hostile, expressions one twitch of a muscle away from being hateful. There was none of that now.

Because Simeon and Luke couldn’t be trusted either.

“This is ridiculous,” Simeon revealed, his legs crossed and looking up to Barbatos and Luke from the floor. There’s enough space on the bed, since Barbatos is known not to take up much space after all, but they’re not close enough friends to sit together on the same bed, even with no romantic or sexual intentions attached.

“You are many things but you are loyal.”

“I will take this as a compliment,” Barbatos informed him, and his smile became a little warmer, a little less painful.

“It was meant to be one.”

“I can never be sure with you.”

Simeon smiled, if only for a moment. “I can’t forgive you for stealing my apprentice but I hope you can forgive me for misjudging you.”

Barbatos looked down on him in all his angelic beauty, his face nothing but earnest, and he decided that he liked Simeon. Simeon understood how it was to have everything you once thought you were fade until you couldn’t hold onto it anymore. Simeon understood how it was to be happy in a way nobody wanted to grant you. Simeon knew how it was to lose faith in the person you were for so long.

“You’re not the only one who thinks I cannot be trusted,” Barbatos said after a long pause.

“Well, that’s bullshit.” Luke’s voice was loud, yet not raised enough for anyone outside to hear. “What a villain you are, having a breakdown because someone accused you of hurting the person you love the most. You should rot in jail for all eternity.”

Barbatos wanted to say that it hadn’t been a breakdown, and that he was fine, really, but Luke had been too kind to him to be lied to. Who knows, maybe this was how Barbatos broke down. Silently. He was a silent person, so it made sense that his breakdowns matched that.

“I miss him,” he said, and to his horror he couldn’t keep his voice even when he said that. He still wasn’t sure how to be friends with someone who wasn’t Diavolo. Sure, Barbatos had gotten closer with Lucifer over the years but he was convinced that he never would’ve been this amicable with him if it weren’t for Diavolo wanting them to be. (That being said, Barbatos was glad that he got to know Lucifer. Lucifer was similar to him in more ways than Lucifer or Barbatos himself would ever want to admit.)

“No shit,” Luke said gently. “But you’ll see him again. You have to. If there’s any good in the world, you will get to see him again.”

Barbatos didn’t have to look down on Simeon to catch the air of sadness around him, the doubt, the loss of his faith that was so profound that it tinted the air around them. Just as quickly as it came, it was over again, and Simeon smiled up to them like nothing had happened.

“Of course,” he replied to Luke. “Not to mention that Solomon has a plan.”

Right. The plan. Barbatos was going to have to dive deep into the memories of who he had once been.

It was worth it, of course. After all, it was for the person Barbatos would both die and murder for. He would burn down the entire kingdom to make sure Diavolo was going to be safe.

Hopefully, it wouldn’t have to come to that. The world wasn’t as vast as it once had seemed, and Barbatos was no longer lonely.

[ruewrites]

Thrones are Built on Lies Chapter 22: Death, Birth, and New Beginnings

AO3

Ships: Solomon/Asmo, Diavolo/Lucifer

Word Count: 9214

Trigger Warnings: Violence

A/N: Listen, y'all have @revoleotion to thank for me finishing and uploading this today. I did cry a few times while finishing this chapter. It's a long one, but I hope y'all like the finale! Comments are appreciated!

Prev

So it's settled then.

Lucifer's voice still echoed in his mind. It played in the background as he mulled over ways to breach the subject with Asmodeus.

You and I will venture down into the caverns ourselves, find the heart and return. The others shall remain here where it is safe.

As safe as it could be. 

There had been an increase in attacks from abominations. Solomon could only guess that Azazel had been biding his time and working on his little projects under the noses of his family.  He wasn't holding back anymore. Not only was the clock ticking to save Diavolo, but also to stop Azazel from wreaking havoc across the land. He wouldn't stop with Arcadia, he would never be happy with just Arcadia.

There was still risk involved, sure, but at least the royal guard would be here. They wouldn't be in the caverns.

Leaving everyone else behind was the only way to keep them safe, but-

"No."

Asmo didn't like it.

"Asmodeus, please, just listen to me."

"No."

He didn't like it one bit.

Solomon let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. He loved Asmo, he really did, but this… This was ridiculous. "Asmodeus this is for your own good. Now please-"

"My own good?" Asmodeus scoffed, "My own good? What, if you don't mind telling me, is so good about having my dearest older brother and my husband, the two people I love the most mind you, wandering back down into the caverns where there's already danger on what is essentially a suicide mission while I'm stuck up here?"

"It's not a suicide mission Asmodeus."

"That's what Satan called it!"

Solomon rubbed his eyes, he could feel frustration bubbling at the back of his mind. It was going to be dangerous, and that was exactly why Asmo couldn't go. What chance did a small bunny have against a pack of vicious wolves? How would he ever forgive himself if he allowed something to happen to him.  He needed to keep his nerves, he needed to talk sense into Asmo. 

He wished he'd been the one to break the news to Asmodeus.

"Asmodeus, you're being a bit-"

"Don't you dare say unreasonable."

"I was going to say, anxious."

Asmo crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. Solomon bit his tongue, pulling back the vicious words his mind thought of.  They were both frustrated, and he wasn't going to give into it. He reached out towards Asmo's shoulder. Perhaps gentle touches were the answer-

"Don't touch me."

Or not.

"Asmodeus-" 

"You're not touching me to get me to agree with this horribly stupid idea that you and my brother have concocted!"

"It's because we care about you Asmodeus."

"And obviously you care more about me than I care about you?"

"Don't be sarcastic, I never said that."

"I'm going to be sarcastic as long as you insist on being stubborn," Asmo drove his finger dead center into Solomon's chest so hard it felt like a spear on the brink of puncturing skin and bone, "You're hurt and therefore I should come along."

"I'm not doing that Asmodeus."

"And who said you could control me?"

"No-"

"So I can certainly follow you if I want to!"

"No!" his own tone would have scared Solomon if his emotions hadn't been so high. He was stressed. He was angry. He was petrified. "You're staying here! You're not coming with us! That's final."

"And why not?"  Asmo was matching him. They were going toe to toe in their most aggressive dance yet.

They were both escalating the situation in a grand crescendo in what was their most agitated dance yet.  Solomon wasn't sure how it would end. He could never be sure how it would end, he wasn't even sure about the next words that would come out of his mouth.

"Because I can't lose you Asmodeus!"

There it was.

"And how do you think I feel?" there was a tremor is Asmo's voice now, one that almost made him sink in on himself, but his eyes…. His eyes were still filled with fire. 

"Do you think that for a single second Solomon, I would be compliant in just standing by and letting my husband walk backwards into hell towards his death?"

"It's not-"

"Don't tell me that's not what this is! Why else would you be so insistent that I shouldn't be allowed to come?" Asmo lowered his hand, but he was still boring holes into his soul, "I wouldn't be able to live with the idea of losing you." 

He moved away from Solomon's touch, only taking a moment longer to stare deep into his eyes before rounding and storming out of the room. This left Solomon with nothing else to do but sink into his chair. 

Well, that certainty could have gone worse, but it also wasn't the best case scenario. 

Maybe Solomon was being selfish. Maybe he was only thinking of himself once again. Maybe he hadn't changed as much as he thought. Maybe he'd only changed the perspective from which he was looking through.  

It was the same tune, different tempo.

The same window, a different season.

It was selfish, and Solomon didn't care. A life without Asmodeus was not one he wished to reenter. And if that made him a selfish man, he would stay a selfish man. His kingdom was a part of Arcadia now, and if anything happened to him, Asmodeus would inherit all he had. Perhaps things would be better that way.

"That probably didn't go as well as you wanted it to." Simeon looked a little frazzled as he stepped into the room.

"It certainly could have gone better," Barbatos agreed, following not too far behind.

Solomon felt himself slump further into his chair.  He knew that it hadn't gone well, but had others really needed to witness such poor humiliation? Not only his humiliation, but Asmo’s as well. He was sure his spouse wouldn’t want anyone seeing him in the state he was currently in. “Is there a reason you’ve entered my chambers or have you simply come to tell me what a terrible husband I am?”

“His majesty was curious as to whether you’ve solidified your plans for finding the Heart, he is rather eager to get this whole ordeal over with.”

“As we all are,” Simeon set a few books on top of Solomon’s nightstand. Solomon couldn’t help but wonder if he had meant to say that last bit out loud. Had he even realized he said it out loud?

“Yes, I’m as prepared as I possibly could be, I think I know exactly how to find it.” They would have to go a little off path of the symbols. If Solomon’s hunch was correct, and if his memory wasn’t too disturbed from his run in with Azazel, there should be a slightly different symbol in the passageway below. It wouldn’t be obvious if you weren’t looking for it, but if he was paying attention he could find it and it would lead them right to the Heart. He had to be right, and even if he wasn’t he’d have to fake his confidence. There was absolutely no room to waver. 

Barbatos nodded, and his eyes wandered towards the doorway, “And, would you like me to ask his lordship to speak with the prince?”

“No.”

Solomon’s answer was immediate. The word flew past his lips faster than he could register. Even before his thoughts caught up with him  he knew why he’d said it. It was one thing for Solomon to tell Asmodeus he had to stay behind, it would be something completely different if he asked Lucifer to say something to him. It would be different if Lucifer wanted to speak on his own volition, but for Solomon to ask him to talk with him would be a violation of trust. It would be a terrible betrayal. Solomon couldn’t tell him what to do, he couldn’t control him and it would be wrong of him to do so. Going to Lucifer, well, that would certainly feel like attempting to control Asmo. 

“No,” he repeated the word again, but softer this time, “I’ll speak to him.”

Barbatos nodded. There was no other word on the issue.  

Simeon moved across the room silently, thoughts were tumbling over in his mind, "I can't say I blame him. I'm not that fond of this idea either. You really don't plan on bringing anyone else with you?"

"I wouldn't feel right doing so, Simeon."

"You don't have to be a hero you know."

Solomon could feel the edge in his words. He knew Simeon disagreed with him. That was what he liked about Simeon, he was never afraid to vocalize what he felt. It was refreshing and Solomon needed a voice like that. But that didn't mean he had to follow his friend's words. 

"Luke needs you, Simeon, it would be selfish of me to steal you from him."

Maybe Asmo was right.

Maybe he was walking straight to his death.

And maybe he wondered if he would welcome it with open arms.

***

“You have Asmodeus quite upset with you.”

Solomon had wanted to run into Satan, but he hadn’t been expecting the fourth prince to be looking for him as well. Solomon tried to read his expression, he couldn’t tell if he was angry at him in particular or the situation as a whole. Maybe it was both.

“His voice was echoing off every wall in the library, I'd never seen him like that before."

Satan did say that Asmo told him everything in the confines of the library. He could only imagine how his partner must have been if Satan couldn't get him to quiet down in his library. 

Solomon ran his hand through his hair, "I figured he wouldn't be the happiest with me. I didn't expect him to take the news well."

"So you knew it would upset him?"

"My intention was not to upset him, no."

But he had a feeling it would, all the same. Asmodeus adored him, just as he adored Asmodeus. Asmo was doting and kind, and Solomon knew he had anxieties, many of which stemmed from trauma. With all that he knew of Asmodeus, Solomon knew that he would hate his idea from the very beginning, but he also never tried to talk him into not doing it. Instead he wanted to go with them, and Solomon couldn't let that happen. 

"I would like to speak with him again," Solomon continued, but Satan would cut him off.

"So you can upset him again?" Solomon didn’t miss the edge in Satan’s voice this time. He wasn’t surprised in the slightest.  He upset Asmo, so he deserved it. 

“No, of course not. I’d just like to speak with him again. Leaving him in such a state would be unthinkable,” Solomon meant no harm, and he hoped that maybe he’d be able to have Asmo understand things from his perspective, “Do you know where I might be able to find him?”

***

There was something cathartic about walking through Arcadia’s lands. He walked by the arena, seeing Leviathan practice with his favored guard as Mammon lounged back in the stands and away from the main grounds of the palace and into Asmodeus’ sector.  It was so vibrant and pretty, he wanted to commit every image to memory, every tiny flower, the way the people interacted with each other. 

And then there was his husband.

His beautiful perfect husband. 

A man so fit to rule by his side and care for his kingdom, well, his section of Arcadia.

Looking back, Solomon swore he was glowing, that the sun formed a halo around his perfect pretty curls. Solomon couldn’t help but lean against a nearby tree and just admire him. He looked so pretty smiling and laughing, dancing in between men, women, and children alike. They adored him, they loved their prince and he loved them just as much. Who was Solomon to take him away from them?

He felt a wetness prick at his eyes, even if only for a moment, before he wiped it away. 

By the time he looked up, Asmo had seen him. They locked eyes and Solomon straightened himself. 

They met in the middle and then walked in silence to a place they had gone to talk time and time again in favor of avoiding prying eyes and ears. Time seemed to slow to a near stop. He committed their walk to memory. Every tree, every stone, every flap of a butterfly’s wings became seared in his mind’s eye. When they finally led themselves deep enough into the woods, Solomon sat at the edge of a hill, watching only for a moment as his husband stood and stared out at the sky on the horizon.  

After a moment longer, Solomon cleared his throat to speak, but Asmodeus had other plans in mind.  

“Twice now, you have told me that I am as dangerous as I am beautiful, that you know I’m strong,” he glanced down at Solomon, “Did you not mean that?”

“No, of course not, I meant every word I said to you-”

“Then why are you so insistent that I stay?”

Solomon felt his throat tighten, his face stared straight ahead. He focused on the sky ahead. 

“I love you, and I can’t stand to lose you.”

The sun.

“I don’t have many people who care for me, but you- Asmodeus you have so many people who love you. So many people would grieve you if I let something happen to you.”

The clouds.

“And if anything were to happen to me, I need you to care for our people. For Simeon. For Luke.”

The birds.

All of them became blurrier and blurrier with the ever passing seconds. He already hated the idea that he was taking Arcadia’s king with him. He couldn’t risk the chance of him stealing away another one of their beloved princes, a prince who Solomon had come to love and adore more than anything. His darling little bunny, so warm and loving and with so many to love him. So many people were at risk he couldn’t place another life on the line, especially not the one he loves. 

He didn’t notice Asmo kneeling before him. It took both hands on his cheeks and a turn of his head for him to notice, and even then, he didn’t want to look in his partner’s eyes. “You have many people who love you, including me, and I don't want to lose you either," Asmo stroked his cheek and pressed their foreheads together, "What about all of those promises you made me? What about the life we're supposed to have after?" 

Solomon didn't know what to say, so he didn't say anything. Instead he collapsed into Asmodeus and let his worries fall from his eyes.

***

The countdown had begun in Solomon's mind, and so he started committing every inch of Asmo to memory. It hit him. He hadn't wanted it too, and it did. He wanted to touch every part of his skin, remember how his kiss felt on his lips. He wanted to remember roses and honey, and eyes that held entire sunsets.  

Asmodeus  kissed him while they were still alone, and then the little bird charm on his bracelet. 

"I promise I'll take care of them," he whispered  "Promise me you'll come back. Please."

Solomon remained silent, eyes becoming lost in the wall behind them.

"Solomon."

"I'll try my best. I will," he cupped Asmo's face and sighed, "For you. I want to, so so badly." 

They stayed in their embrace, time ticking away ever so slowly. If only they could be in a different life. Everything could have been simpler for them. If only the stars had been kinder.

If he could trade a few years of his life for only 

seconds more with Asmo he would.

The rest of the family trickled in front of the cavern doors. Asmo's fingers moved slowly in his palm as they all stared in silence.

"Mammon," Lucifer's voice has the second son coming to attention, eyeing his brother with a certain kind of anxiety, "I expect you to take care of things while I'm gone. Take care of your brothers."

Mammon nodded, "I wouldn't have done anything less."

It was hard to believe that this was the same family Solomon had had so many dinners with. The same family who hurled food like they did insults. It was the family that Asmodeus loved, and Solomon was part of it now and he was going to do something to benefit the family.

Lucifer was looking at him now. It was time to go. Slowly he untangled his reluctant fingers from warm, tender hands and moved next to Lucifer’s side. It was time to repay the family that took him in. It was time to pay his due diligence to Arcadia. Lucifer reached for the corridor doors.

Then they thumped. Lucifer pulled back and Solomon felt magic start to tingle at his fingertips. 

“What the hell is that?” Mammon murmured, hand already reaching for the hilt of his sword.

“Nothing good,” Leviathan chimed in, mirroring his brother.

Growls started to emanate  as the thudding came faster. The door could only withstand so much. And when it did give out, it burst into a thousand tiny splinters hurtling through the sky as the caverns gave birth to one of their horrible monstrosities. Its neck was incredibly long, and its head very pointed. To Solomon it almost looked like a giant bird, but if it had been anything else before, it was unrecognizable. It had tiny claws for hands and points for hind legs that cracked the ground with every step. With tiny, black, beady eyes that  scoped around the room, looking at its prey and then its mouth unfurled like a flower from hell, lined with razor sharp teeth,  as it let out a screech that sent chills down Solomon’s spine.  It lunged for Lucifer, and Solomon’s body moved on instinct.

Without thinking he shielded them both with his magic, and the creature came down on them over, and over again. While he focused on keeping the shield up, he saw a second one crawl from the depths out of the corner of his eye.

He heard Mammon yell something, and metal cut through the air as the creatures let out terrible screeches. They had to think of something, had to come up with some way to take these creatures down. They needed a plan. 

"Let down your shield."

"What?"

Lucifer had his sword drawn, eyes focused on the monstrosity before them,  "Let your shield down. When I say."

Solomon was hesitant, but one look at Lucifer and he knew that anything else wasn't an option. So he waited for the creature to rear, and when it was at its peak, he lowered the shield and Lucifer lunged. 

He struck the creature with force and it screeched. Solomon flicked a quick spell towards its eyes and it started to topple backwards, but not before one of its hind legs smacked Lucifer, sending him toppling down the passageway. As it fell backwards it hit one of the pillars.  Solomon just started to register the screams of the servants as the pillar cracked and started to fall towards him. He needed to do something and yet his body froze around him, rendering his consciousness a prisoner.

Slowly his hands moved and magic sparked, but it was all too slow. He wasn't fast enough, couldn't be fast enough.

And then a thud sent him flying. A warm body with his tumbled down the stairs as a pillar collapsed over the entryway. When he finally stopped tumbling, he had to take a moment to catch his breath. The searing pain in his arm returned. Forcing himself upwards he registered two things:

Lucifer trying in vain to push past the blockade to rejoin his family in combat.

And the last person he wanted to see stuck down here with him.

Asmodeus slowly pushed himself upwards, his attire was ripped and scuffed, and a few offended scratches dared to mar his body. He pushed himself up and turned to look at Solomon and then his brother, who at this point realized he could do nothing but stare helplessly at the blockade before him. 

"Lucifer."

Asmo's voice was soft. Lucifer's shoulders had slumped forward, his frame broke for a second. Solomon was seeing the weight of everything that had happened finally hit Lucifer. There was an air of helplessness surrounding him, and it was very disturbing. But there were more pressing matters on Solomon's mind.

He stumbled trying to stand, suppressing the way his arm throbbed, and made his way over to Asmodeus placing his hands on his shoulders. "We have to find a safe place for you to stay."

"What?"

"Your brother and I are going to be going deeper into the caverns, it's only going to be more danger-"

"You're fucking kidding me."

Solomon was taken aback.

"You're seriously going to leave me by myself down here and call it a day? You're going to leave me here?"

Asmo was backing him up now and all Solomon could do was raise his hands in defense.

"Of all of the idiotic, stubborn-"

Rocks falling stopped Asmo in his tirade. The pair turned around looking at where the noise came from. Solomon readied himself, stepping closer and closer to whatever horror was sneaking up on them.

And then he pounced.

"I'm sorry! I know I shouldn't be down here! I'm sorry Solomon!"

Things couldn't possibly be worse.

Luke sat in front of him, scraped up knees and tears in his eyes, little hiccups interrupting his words, "I didn't mean to come down here! But I wanted to wish you luck and give you something before you left! It was going to be dangerous and- and-"

Simeon was going to kill him. 

Well, maybe not kill him, but he was certain that not knowing  where Luke was in a situation like this would have  his scribe in a frenzy. Perhaps Barbatos would be feeling a similar way. How did he not notice the boy earlier?

Asmodeus being down here was one thing. At least Asmodeus was an adult. Luke was only a child.

 "We should all stick together."

At some point Lucifer had left the blockage to join them. It was only now that Solomon also realized that his sword was broken near the tip.

"There's safety in numbers, splitting up could only lead to disastrous consequences."

Solomon bit his tongue. Lucifer was correct, but he hated the idea of bringing Asmo and Luke along with them. What if they got injured, or worse? Solomon would never be able to forgive himself.

"There's nowhere we could leave them safely?"

"I think I would have said differently if there was."

He resisted the urge to put his head in his hands, he resisted the urge to scream out of frustration. Instead, he took a deep breath in and let  it out. Fine. If this was how things had to be, then so be it. 

***

It took them a while to find the correct markings. The differences were slight and easy to miss. Two people were in charge of keeping hands on the wall at once just in case the person in front made a mistake. He and Lucifer took the lead on most of the journey, mainly switching between who was in front.

It was when he was in the back that Asmo nudged him.

"You're stumbling."

He was thinking too much. He knew, but focusing on more than one thing was nearly impossible at this point. How could he clear his mind and focus when there were so many things happening at once? All he could do was keep moving. Whenever the room spun a little too much, he would close his eyes and rely on his fingers as they slid over bumps and grooves. He hadn't felt like this in the caverns in a long time.

Usually Solomon was calm and collected and maybe he still was on the outside, but on the inside he was struggling. 

When he first arrived the future had been so straightforward and simple. Now he wasn't sure if the future would survive the next five minutes. Everything was cloudy and hazy, and nothing was visible.

Well that part wasn't just a metaphor anymore.

The pressure of the caverns was closing in on him, and he didn't notice until hands were already grasping at him.

"Solomon!" 

Luke was standing in front of him as the darkness slowly started to fade from his vision. Thin and strong arms were steadying him as he found his way back to the wall. They were close to the Heart, they had to be. They were deep below the palace floors now, there wouldn't be much farther to go.

"Darling, please," Asmo's voice was caressing his ear now, "Please. Pace yourself."

"I'm fine, we're almost there."

"Solomon-"

"Asmodeus."

He couldn't meet his gaze. He knew what he'd find.

Luke was shifting back and forth where he stood, unable to look at either of them. Meanwhile, Lucifer only spared them a glance. 

They had to keep going.

"It should just be a little farther-"

He stopped. There was something coming towards them. Slow and lumbering. Solomon recognized those footsteps. Pushing Luke behind him was his first instinct. 

The child didn't need to be burdened with the curse of this knowledge.

"Oh my god," Asmo's hand flew to his mouth, horror evident, Is that really-"

"Father," Lucifer finished, "Or his husk of a corpse anyways. Am I correct Solomon?"

Solomon couldn't tear his eyes away as the monstrosity lumbered closer. The stench of decay and death following in its wake. His hand reached upwards to touch his mangled arm.

"Yes."

Lucifer gripped his broken sword a little tighter. "I suppose he must have missed the news then. Which means it is my duty to deliver it to him swiftly." 

Its dead eyes were upon them now. Its expression was as unchanging as its broken jaw. But even so, it hoisted some form of rusted weapon over its shoulder and prepared to charge.  

"Take them and get to the Heart, and keep my brother safe, King Solomon."

The words echoed in his head alongside the cold clashing metal and the gurgling of the beast. Asmodeus was quick to pick up Luke and bolt, and as Solomon stayed close behind them he couldn't help but notice that he'd taken the time to cover the boy's eyes.

And so they continued on their own, down deeper and deeper into the abyss.  

Their walk was silent, Asmo had taken to keeping up with Solomon's stride.  Solomon glanced over towards him a few times, trying to think of anything to say. 

"Are you worried about your brother?" 

"Lucifer is strong," the words came out quickly, "He's extremely capable. I'm sure he'll be okay. He has to be."

The last few words came out so quiet, Solomon felt like an intruder just listening to him. Of course Asmo was concerned, how couldn't he be? Solomon saw the admiration he held for him, and he saw the way Lucifer cared for all of his siblings uniquely. His affection for each one was crafted specially to them.

Where Azazel found Asmodeus abhorrent and disgraceful, Lucifer found beauty and elegance. And the farther he had distanced himself from Azazel  the more Solomon saw what Lucifer did. 

"He'll be fine," Solomon said, "I've never met a man so hellbent on serving his family. If he would crawl to hell and back for you, I think destroying your reanimated father will be the easiest thing he's ever done." 

If Solomon hadn’t noticed the change in lighting, he would have sworn his husband’s smile was what illuminated the dark cavern in that moment. But the closer they walked, the brighter it became, he’d become so accustomed to the darkness that it took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the newfound light source, and when they finally came out of the tunnels, all Solomon could do was stare in awe. 

They now found themselves in a giant stone room illuminated in a soft blue light. Flora and fauna grew in patches around large stone pillars, on the floor, and stalactites hanging from the ceiling. And on the far end was a large crystal-like structure surrounded by moss and small flowers. It was the source of the light and wisps danced around it.

“That’s the Heart right Solomon?” Luke asked, “That had to be the Heart right Solomon?” Excitement was growing in his voice. Solomon couldn’t blame him, a certain type of giddiness overcame him. Like a magnet, Solomon found himself drawn to the Heart. His hand came up to its surface reverently. 

This was it.

All of the stories he’d read, the legends he heard, everything he had hoped about Arcadia was true. It was all true. He couldn’t react properly, how could he react properly? What was even the proper way to react.

He could feel Asmo over his shoulder.

“I could kiss you right now,” was what his head finally decided on, “God if the circumstances were different I would kiss you right now.”

Gentle fingers caressed his jaw and tilted his head towards him, “And what’s stopping you?”

Something flipped in him when Asmo’s soft lips met his own.   Lightning shot through him and before he knew what he was doing, he was picking Asmo up with his free arm and twirling him in a circle kissing him over and over again as the love of his life squealed.  He briefly caught a glimpse of Luke covering his eyes and making a face. 

So many emotions were running through him at the moment,  he didn’t know where to start. It wasn’t until he finally put Asmo down and kissed him one last time did Luke speak. 

“So this is it? This will fix our problems?”

Solomon nodded and then went back to caressing Asmo’s face, “Yes, yes it will.”

“Well isn’t this just touching?”

Solomon felt the room go cold as his head turned towards Azazel. He was smiling, but something about him was… different. His veins were illuminated like vines wrapping around his skin. As he strode into the room, two more monstrosities followed, skittering over the walls and crossing over each other only stopping when  Azazel lifted a hand. 

“What? Aren’t you happy to see me?” he asked.

Solomon felt Asmo jerk forward, he pulled him back.

“A pity, and after I came all this way to congratulate the new holder of the crown.”

Asmo’s eyes widened in horror, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Azazel. 

“Dear nephew, did you really think any of you stood a chance in light of such an unfortunate accident? I honestly believed you perished along with the rest of them.”

As he took another step closer, his form started to morph further. The white’s of his eyes blackened, the veins on his face glowed brighter, and the tips of his fingers lengthened and blackened.  

“I got to see a little glimpse into  your future nephew, you got to enjoy it for a little bit,” his voice was two toned, his mouth split open wider, his teeth sharpened, “But now it’s time for me to finish what I’ve started.”

“What have you done to yourself?” Solomon pulled Asmo and Luke back farther.

“You didn’t honestly think you found the Heart before me did you?” Azazel laughed, “Please, I spent all this time down here, and I’ve found that the effects of mixing remnants of my aberrations with the Heart’s essence is quite astounding.”

His head twisted from one side to the other, “Allow me to demonstrate.”

A shriek was all the command the other two creatured needed. They charged forward, and Solomon was back to being quick on his feet. Ward’s were already  thrown around Luke. The child hadn’t even been able to make noise as terror gripped at his heart.  Now he just needed to split his focus. He needed to make sure he kept that shield up. Now for Asmo-

His fiance was already gone splitting off, one of the creatures hot on his heels as the other kept its focus on Luke, continuously hitting at the bubble protecting him. 

He summoned bolts, prepared to strike at it, and then he was slammed against the crystal, causing him to misfire. His spell was sent crashing into the ceiling, and rock was sent tumbling atop one of the two beasts, although he wasn’t sure which. 

“One more chance,” Azazel crooned, “It’s not too late King Solomon.”

Solomon struggled as Azazel kept pressure on his shoulder. He could feel his body straining again, desperately trying to keep itself from breaking once more. He needed to get out, to keep his wards on Luke up, to help Asmodeus. He needed to protect them.

“Join me, and I’ll let you keep your little family here. I’ll even let you keep Asmodeus, with some adjustments to his rebellious tendencies of course,” Azazel hissed, “You liked Lilith before, and you’ll enjoy Asmodeus even more. You’ll have more power reigning over Arcadia under me than you could have ever imagined, you’ll go down in history as one of the greats.”

Solomon fired off another spell, aimed directly at one of Azazel’s eyes, causing him to screech and drop Solomon. Quickly, Solomon fired off another shot at the aberration trying to break his ward. As it hit, the creature made a noise and quickly skittered back into the darkness. But Solomon wasn’t able to catch his breath yet, Azazel came at him again. Their dance became steps of Solomon using wards to defend himself and sending off his own attacks when he could. 

Strike up.

“I have been so incredibly patient with you-”

Left.

“I offer you power beyond your wildest imagination and you deny it in favor of following and bending to that bastard’s every whim? You’re more of a fool than I thought.”

Azazel was coming at him hard. If Solomon didn’t have to split his attention maybe he wouldn’t have struggled so much. But he had to keep his focus, he couldn’t afford to lose it. Yet as the fury of blows continued to rain down upon him, he knew he couldn’t keep up. Maybe if the days had played out differently. Maybe if he hadn’t had to exude himself. Maybe if he’d come down here by himself. Maybe if he’d ended Azazel when he had the chance-

But it was too late.

Solomon made a mistake. 

A fatal mistake.

Pain bloomed in his side and he was thrown back against the Heart. Warmth spread on his abdomen as the blood seeped through his clothing. Azazel  looked more insect than human now the way his body morphed and elongated, and Solomon thought that rather fitting.

“You will die here,” Azazel hissed, “Knowing that you were a fool, knowing you could have had everything. Now you will have nothing and history will forget you.”

Solomon watched as Azazel’s other sharp hand raised, aiming straight for his chest. Even now Solomon tried to summon what little strength he had left to strike for somewhere that would at least give Asmo and Luke a chance of escape. Then Azazel stopped. A rock fell from hitting his head and onto the floor below. 

“Leave him alone.” 

Asmo stood behind them, another rock in hand. He threw it, causing it to bounce off of Azazel’s head once more. 

“I said leave. Him. Alone.”

Solomon wanted to scream at him. He wanted to force Asmo to get away somewhere he’d be safe. Instead he was forced to watch in horror as the hunter’s head turned to his new target, and the bunny refused to run.

“You won’t be going anywhere,” Azazel growled, pulling his claw from his side and letting Solomon sink to the ground, “I think I’ll make you watch.” 

Asmo threw another rock at him, but this time Azazel caught it in his claw, crushing it until it was nothing more than tiny pebbles, and then he dashed towards Asmodeus.  Asmo moved out of the way, causing Azazel to crash into a pillar. The once advisor turned monster was in a furious frenzy.  All Solomon could do was watch in horror as he clutched his side and struggled to get to his feet, but his body had given up on him. 

“I should have killed you long ago along with all of your siblings,” Azazel roared, “I should have had my brother marry you off to someone I would’ve known would do my job for me.”

He gained on Asmo, and just as he was about to turn again, Azazel caught him, sending them both crashing into the pillar. “I thought I could make you a perfect pawn. All you had to do was obey nephew and I could have let you live. I knew you were no good the moment that wench of a woman stepped through the palace doors, and now I will rid of you once and for all and take my rightful place on Arcadia’s throne.”

He raised his claw, and Solomon felt his stomach sink, somewhere in the distance someone yelled ‘no!’ as flesh was pierced. But Azazel had stopped, a look of surprise crossed his  face as the scorpion-tail etched blade pierced his chest. Hot, angry tears were streaming down Asmo’s face.

“Fuck you.”

The words were soft at first, and then Asmo twisted the pushed blade deeper. Blood already started to trickle from the wound and stain the blade.

Azazel dropped him, but Asmo held on, grappling and forcing the monster to the ground. There was a new fire behind his eyes. He had one goal, and it was to rid his family of the evil that plagued them.

“Fuck you and everything you’ve done to me and my family! I hate you. I never deserved anything you did to me!”

He pulled the blade out and stabbed again. “You and father both! I hope you rot and suffer in hell! I hate you I hate you I hate you.”

With each word, Asmo dove deeper and deeper into a frenzy, and Solomon could do little more than watch  as he saw Azazel’s life leave in weaker and weaker movements until there was nothing but stillness.  Asmo screamed, plunging the blade into the corpse one final time, and then his voice was nothing more than choked sobs.

Solomon’s wards fell, and he barely registered Luke coming closer.

“Solomon?”

“Oh god, oh god please no,” Asmo was on him now, moving quickly from touching his face to his wound. He could hear the ripping of fabric and then a deft pressure on his side, “Oh please please- Darling? Darling look at me.”

Solomon let his head lull to the side as he looked up at Asmo, “Hey.”

His voice felt weak.

“Oh thank god.” 

Gentle fingers caressed through his hair, lulling him into a soft and warm security. 

“I’m so sorry, I don’t think I ever gave you enough credit. You’re strong Asmodeus, incredibly so.”

“I am  your husband aren’t I?”

Solomon went to laugh, but it quickly turned into sputtering, the taste of metal covered his tongue. 

“Just hold on a little longer okay?” Asmo choked, “Just a little longer, we can get you back up to the surface. I’ll take care of you, I’ll never ever leave your bedside okay? I just- please, please just a little longer.”

None of them noticed the monstrosities emerging from the shadows to fight over the body left behind as they carried it back off and into the abyss. None but the King of Arcadia, who stepped into the caverns battered and bloody  but alive.  

“Asmodeus-”

“Lucifer! Lucifer do something! Please do something.”

Lucifer came closer, placing a hand on Asmodues’ shoulder as he looked at the scene laid out before him. Asmo cradled Solomon in his arms keeping him close, too afraid to let go. 

Solomon reached over to his belt, pulling out his findings and pushing them towards his spouse. “You know what to do.”

Asmo shook his head fervently, pressing himself closer to Solomon, tears falling on top of his head.

“Yes, yes you do love,” Solomon smiled, his words nothing but a hoarse whisper, “Can you please sing for me? I love to hear you sing.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Please? Just for me?” Solomon reached up and tried to wipe some of the tears away from beautiful  sunset eyes. He never realized that he himself had also been crying, “It calms me.”

Asmo was silent, and then in shaky tones he started to sing.

And as his vision went dark, Solomon couldn't help but commit the face before him to memory. Shrouded in the pale blue light, features so soft and delicate, even now in agony with tears cascading from his cheeks and covered in blood and hair askew Asmodeus looked like an angel. He didn’t have as many thoughts as he thought he would. In the end there was only Asmodeus, and Solomon was at peace.

He’d done what he needed to do.

***

Death is a natural part of the cycle of life. Without Death there is no Birth, and there is no Life. The Heart represents the basic principles of Life and Death, and somewhere in between there is Love and Birth. All of the first myths and legends surrounding it carry these themes, I personally believe the Heart may also operate in some form of equivalent exchange, but I am uncertain. The Heart is dangerous, but not on its own accord. The danger comes from those who wish to misuse and abuse its power. Leading up to our journey I have felt rather close with Death, and I think I’ve finally started to accept it, which is why I cannot allow you to come with me Asmodeus, I haven’t accepted it for you. Please forgive me, I know you will do a wonderful job taking care of everything and everyone in my stead. Please give Diavolo my best wishes for his recovery, I hope he regains all of his strength soon. Please keep my memory, think of me every time you open my journal. I love you.

-Solomon

***

To my Darling Solomon,

You are an incredibly stupid and reckless man.

Forever and Eternally Yours,

Asmodeus

***

Asmodeus stood on the balcony, watching the carriage below. All of the preparations were almost finished and he would be departing from his darling Arcadia today. Anxious butterflies fluttered in his stomach. Of course he’d been to his new little home before, but that was so long ago now and so many anxieties that came along with it. His eyes moved from the carriage to fix upon Lucifer. His darling older brother was overseeing every item being loaded onto the carriage just to make sure everything was right, just for him. That was until Diavolo snuck up behind him and lifted him off the ground, before tripping and sending them both toppling over. He watched his brother chastise Diavolo, and then Diavolo kissed him. It was tender and sweet, Asmo could tell that much even from where he stood. He always loved seeing them together, even if he had felt spikes of jealousy from time to time.

Thankfully the ritual had worked, Asmo didn’t want to think about what the future would be like if it hadn’t. (Hopefully they could use it on Belphie too, to help with the long term exposure.) The evidence left behind was a small red streak in Lucifer’s hair, and a black one in Diavolo’s. 

…

He would miss this.

He’d miss all of his brothers, and of course Barbatos and Diavolo too. 

He hadn’t thought he’d feel this way upon leaving Arcadia.

Arms snaked their way around his waist as eager lips made their way to exposed skin. A shudder ran through him and a soft sigh escaped his lips. Diavolo wasn’t the only one who’d benefited from the ritual.

 “I’m still upset with you.”

Another soft noise escaped him as the lips started to nip at him, “Are you now? You seemed perfectly happy with me last night.”

Asmo whipped around and tried to put on his best glare, “You were comatose for a week Solomon. A week! Of course I’m angry with you for thinking you could just run off and be a hero and then die.”

“But you still would have loved me and remembered me if I had died a hero wouldn’t you?”

“Dead heros don’t get mind blowing sex or wonderful good morning kisses from beautiful people,” Asmo wrapped his arms around his neck so that he could kiss him properly, “So don’t do that again. Like ever.” 

Solomon laughed and smiled into one more kiss,  “I know my little scorpion.”

“I will smack you next time. Barbatos will not be there to save you.”

“I know my little scorpion.”

The scene had been quite the spectacle, Barbatos attempting to hold back a screaming Asmodeus who had thrown himself into absolute hysterics. An Asmodeus who was in a limbo between wanting to kiss Solomon like he’s never been kissed before, and killing the man himself. It had taken a lot of wooing on Solomon’s part to soften and tame the furious prince.

“Simeon and Luke should have everything ready for our arrival, they made the cutest enclosure they could for all of your bunnies,” Solomon said, “So I can do plenty of apologizing and spoiling you when we arrive.”

He was leaning in for a kiss again, “Does that sound promising?”

Asmo couldn’t stay mad at him. The wound was still fresh was all, but the more Solomon recovered and the more the palace was returned to her former glory, the more Asmo felt anger seep away from him.  Lucifer was even considering closing up the corridors for good, just in case. 

“You’re going to have to work hard.”

Solomon chuckled, “The hardest I’ve ever worked, just for you.”

Asmo couldn’t suppress the smile that made its way onto his face as the two of them embraced. There was always passion behind the kisses, and the way their bodies moved together. Asmo loved him. He loved this man with everything he had. Asmo loved everything about him too. The way he carried himself, the way his nose would crinkle right before he was about to sneeze, how his brow would furrow when he was focused,  how he was clumsy in his dancing, his laugh, the way his blush would creep up the tips of his ears, how gentle he could be when his hands caressed down his waist, his horrendous handwriting, the way he would crawl into bed and into Asmo’s arms after a long day of working on his studies-

There was so much to love about his darling Solomon. 

Asmo hadn’t realized he was gripping Solomon’s hair, dragging him down deeper into the kiss. He couldn’t help himself! Especially not when he was recounting every single way he loved him. Maybe he should write his own little poem about it and get it all on paper. 

They could be a little late on their departure.

He was sure no one would mind. 

Asmo dragged him back inside giggling and pinning him up against the wall.

“Are you still angry with me?”

“Oh absolutely furious.”

If it hadn’t been for the knock at their door, Asmo probably would have hiked up his skirt and had Solomon on the floor. 

“King Solomon, Prince Asmodeus, I’ve been sent to fetch you,” the look on Barbatos’ face when the door opened was nothing short of unsurprised, “Unless you would like fifteen minutes?”

“I would need more than that Barbatos.”

“Shame. I can only offer fifteen.”

The pit in Asmo’s stomach sank further down. He was really leaving now wasn’t he? Barbatos led them outside to the carriage, packed and ready for their departure. 

Diavolo was the first to wish him goodbye, scooping him up in a giant bear hug. “Safe travels, and don’t worry I’ll make sure I take care of Lucifer in your absence. I know how hard of a time he’s having with you leaving the nest.”

He leaned down closer right next to Asmo’s ear, “And I believe Barbatos packed some sweets away for you and Luke, but don’t tell him I told you.”

He zipped his lips tight and then ran over to tackle a flustered Barbatos in a hug as well, he couldn’t forget the person who’d made his favorite treats and who helped care for both his brothers and injured husband. 

“Let me know if there’s any hot singles in your area yeah?” Mammon nudged him, “At this rate I think Levi might be the next one if I don’t find a worthy suitor soon.”

“Mmm, I think you may be right, I’ll see if I can find anyone to put up with you,” Asmo squealed as Mammon swatted at him and then wrapped him up in a tight hug, “Let me know if he ever finally gets laid by his favorite knight yeah?”

“Yeah yeah, just as long as you take care of yerself and send us letters daily got it?”

Speaking of Leviathan, Asmo wasted no time bringing up Henry as soon as he hugged the next brother, “Just ask him out already. You like him.”

Levi pushed him back, stuttering out some sort of objection but Asmo was quicker.

“Hey Henry!” he yelled over at the guard, “Are you free tomorrow night? Good! Because Levi is gonna take you out on a date!”

“Shush! Do you ever stop meddling in other people’s lives?”

“Nope! And now you have a date tomorrow because of me. You’re welcome! I want to hear how it goes!

Leaving behind the library would also be hard. The library meant leaving behind Satan, one of his brothers he could depend on through thick and thin, no matter what.

“You can always write to me you know,” Satan said, “Or get your husband to do that mirror trick again that way we can talk whenever you want to.”

“Or when you want to talk to me?”

“Sure, or when I want to talk to you.”

The twins wrapped themselves on either side of him in a big group hug.

“Oh I’m going to miss my baby brothers! Who’s going to defend you from our big older brothers?”

“I’m taller than you Asmo, and bigger,” Beel furrowed his brow  in confusion.

“I’m pretty sure we can take care of ourselves, but if we do need help, you better run back here right away with that dagger of yours,” Belphie smiled. 

Asmo squeezed them tighter, “Leave lots of flowers at Lilith’s memorial for me.”

And now finally, one of the hardest goodbyes he’d have to say.

“Lucifer-”

The King of Arcadia didn’t say a word, instead he wrapped his arms around Asmo and held on tightly, “Take care of yourself.”

Asmo didn’t want to let go. He wanted to commit everything about Lucifer, everything about his brothers, to memory. 

“Write to me daily, and I swear if he does anything to hurt you-”

“He won’t hurt me Lucifer.”

Lucifer brushed his fingers over Asmo’s cheek, “You’re so precious Asmodeus, remember that, you are special. And he better treat you as such.”

He pulled Asmo in for another hug, “And you should treat yourself as such.”

“I will.”

“Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“And you will write me daily.”

“Lucifer!”

Asmo laughed. When Lucifer finally pulled away, he walked Asmo over to the carriage where Solomon was waiting for him and helped him up into the seat. Asmo squeezed his hands once more before looking at his family. 

“Goodbye! I love you all so much!” Asmodeus waved to his family until he couldn’t see or hear them any longer. His hand fell, and he slipped his head back into the carriage. He didn’t say anything for a while. He had to get his words together first.

He reached for Solomon’s hand “Solomon?”

“Hm?”

"I know I asked you to take me far away from here," Asmo squeezed his hand tightly as he stared out the carriage window, "But could you promise me something different now?"

Solomon nodded his head, "Ask away."

"Bring me back someday."

Solomon smiled and pulled him closer, “Of course dear one. I wouldn’t ever imagine keeping you from them.”

"Do you promise?"

Solomon grinned and tapped the tiny bird on his wrist.

Asmo smiled and leaned in to kiss his husband once more, and so maybe he pushed him onto the cushion below, but what did that matter?

“Now?”

“Asmodeus. When we get back to the palace.”

“But that’ll be so long! We’re alone, I want you now.”

“We are not alone!” Solomon squeaked, as Asmo bit his neck, “Asmodeus the driver!” 

“It’s not like people don’t know we’re intimate-”

“Asmo-”

“I mean there’s a reason no one interrupted us after we got married, and people did leave food outside our door.”

Asmo squealed as Solomon pushed him, effectively switching their places, “I will not listen to you talk like this a second longer.”

The tips of his ears were red. Adorable. 

And then Solomon leaned down to kiss him. 

“As soon as I show you your new room, then you can have me.”

“Promise?”

“Of course, when have I not wanted you just as badly?”

Solomon lifted them both back upright and brought Asmo to his chest, “And if I change my mind and want you to hold me all day instead? What then?”

“Then that is what we shall do.”

Solomon carded his fingers through Asmo’s hair and held him tight. His heartbeat was strong, and it lulled Asmo into a sense of security. Even the hooves of the horses outside seemed to fall in line with the steady beat. 

Solomon couldn’t help but stare down at Asmo with absolute adoration in his eyes. He was going to do everything in his power to care for him and help him adjust to his new life. After all, what type of husband would he be if he didn’t make sure that Asmodeus was comfortable?  Slowly he moved his fingers up and down Asmo’s back, as Asmo’s fingers circled around his hips.

He needed to think of a title for his new book of memoirs for all the adventures he would have with his husband. They had plenty of discoveries to make and Solomon needed to share them with the world.

For the first time in either of their lives, both of them felt truly safe. No matter what the next adventure may be ahead at least they would have each other. After all, the life of a king didn’t have to be a lonely one.

Solomon kissed Asmo's forehead once more, before laying his head atop champagne curls and closing his eyes. They had a long journey ahead of them.

[ruewrites]

Thrones are Built on Lies Chapter 21: Follow the Siren's Song

AO3

Ship: Solomon/Asmo, Diavolo/Lucifer

Word Count: 5036

Warning: None

A/N:

*Realizes it's been a little over two months since I updated*

*Realizes I left it unupdated at a very mean cliff hanger*

*Realizes I put a chapter cap but no update*

Sorry guys. I didn't mean to leave you hanging! I hope you can forgive me! I also hope that you continue to enjoy these last couple chapters as well as the journey! We're almost there!

Comments are appreciated!

Next

Prev

"Your poor handsome face."

Solomon wiggled his fingers. They stuck outside both the cast and sling, and if he was being honest, they felt naked. Luckily, the healer had been able to doctor up his injuries a bit, but he would still need time to rest and recover. In the meantime, he had a rather diligent husband looking after him.

"Barbatos feels absolutely terrible, you know," Asmodeus said. His delicate hands removed his bandages, ready to wipe away any filth and fix him up with new ones.

"It isn't his fault."

"That's what I told him, but he won't have it."  Asmo huffed and dabbed a wet rag over his wounds, "He promises that he'll make it up to us, but I said the only thing I will accept from him is him not blaming himself!"

"Kind of like how you shouldn't blame yourself for what happened to Diavolo?"

"Hush."

Solomon chuckled as Asmo pecked his lips. He then switched to drying off the areas he'd made wet so he could apply the bandages. At least his hands weren't shaking anymore, and his lip wasn't trembling at the idea of 'what if?'.  They hadn't brought up Azazel in a while now. No one had. Solomon concluded that he was still MIA. 

No one had heard him. 

No one had seen him.

And this had Solomon on edge.

Azazel had made one last threat against Solomon's new family, and even with his absence he still managed to hurt Asmodeus. It wasn't fair, and Solomon was going to make him pay.  

Solomon watched as Asmo stood and walked towards a little tray with food on it. "You must be hungry, right darling?" he asked, rolling the cart closer.

"I am feeling a little peckish, especially since someone insists I still rest in our room this morning," Solomon leaned against the counter and smirked. He knew he still looked like hell despite the fixing up, but for whatever reason, Asmo still seemed to find him incredibly attractive. There were still kisses at all hours of the day, and excuses made to touch him. Although, Asmo never really needed an excuse to touch him.

Asmo didn't entertain him with a response. Instead he held a fork of food up to his mouth, "Say 'Ah'."

Oh, Solomon adored him. He wasn't going to complain about being fed in the slightest. It made things easier for him, and Asmo seemed to think he was absolutely adorable when being spoon-fed.  

"I must admit, the table is a little easier to sit at the table with Uncle gone," Asmodeus said, "I never realized how hard it was to breathe with him around until he was gone, it's exactly how father made me feel."

Solomon wasn't going to tell Asmo that Azazel was still suffocating him.  "I can only imagine how your father made you feel." he used his uninjured hand to caress Asmo's cheek. He leaned into his touch without hesitation, long eyelashes fluttering, and he sought comfort in Solomon. "I'm sorry I ever entertained either of them."

"We wouldn't be here now if you hadn't."

"It was still awful of me."

Asmo opened his eyes and moved forward to kiss him. His lips were incredibly soft and tasted of honey.  He was right; they wouldn't be together if Solomon hadn't agreed to the late king's terms back before love even entered the equation back before it snuck upon him. But he also hadn't had any reason to get comfortable with Azazel. Well, he had had a reason, but not one he looked back on fondly now. 

"Stop blaming yourself," Asmo whispered, "I don't like it."

"I'm going to do plenty of things you don't like in my lifetime darling."

"True, but you're giving yourself tension, and tension leads to wrinkles," his voice came out in a sing-song manner; it was playful. And Solomon couldn't help the smirk that came onto his face.

"And do you know a way to relieve tension?"

Asmo was already making himself comfortable in his lap. Oh he never imagined that he'd ever feel so giddy over such sultry acts. The way Asmo looked down at him had him excited. There was a twinkle in his eye, one he'd become very accustomed to on their wedding night, and the day after. He probably would have had more time too if Azazel hadn't interrupted them. 

"I know plenty of ways to relieve tension," he purred, fingers brushing back some of Solomon's hair, "I think all of them are fun."

Solomon's hand snaked down and grabbed at his ass. He had a very nice one, and Solomon was more than happy to paw at it, "Show me then."

"With pleasure."

They came together so easily, as if they were one being. Asmo's fingers were working the buttons of his shirt with amazing skill as he himself moved up into Asmo teasingly. Asmodeus formed a hurricane inside of him, one that could switch his mood from solemn to giddy without any effort at all. The marks from their first coupling still hadn't faded and served as wonderful reminders. They were poems inked on skin, lovely promises, and temporary reminders. Solomon was drunk off of them. Memories came flooding back into his mind, sending him into a state of euphoria he didn't even know he could reach. 

He squeezed tighter before letting his fingers dance up his lover's spine, and his body reacted in the most lovely way. Everything was going swimmingly, that was until he felt the pressure on his shoulder, quickly reminding him that not only was his arm broken, but his shoulder had been dislocated at some point. A yelp left him, dissolving into a hiss as he leaned back against the chair. 

"Sorry!" Asmo was quick to apologize, peppering the side of Solomon's face and his shoulder with kisses, "Stupid Uncle, still ruining my fun even after he vanished. Are you alright darling? I didn't make matters worse did I?" 

Solomon hummed, forcing his body to relax under Asmo's gentle ministrations. Anxiety was prickling the edges of Asmo's voice, he had his own scars from Azazel as Solomon did. He wanted to be the definition of perfection, absolute perfection. It would take a long time to drain the poison Azazel had dripped into his mind. Asmo was already perfect to him, and he would continue to be perfect no matter what. Besides, this little hiccup was Solomon's own fault for being a little too eager. He needed to give his body time to heal and then he could express himself properly to his husband. But that didn't mean he had to cut himself off. No. He would indulge every second he had with Asmodeus. "I do have some reading to complete if you'd like to stay where you are. We can figure out our other matters later."

He couldn't tell if he was getting closer or farther away from finding a more permanent cure for the poison seeping through Diavolo's veins. But he'd be damned before he stopped here. When words started to blur together, and language lost its meaning, the spine of the book in his hands hit the desk with a thump, and his head nestled its way between Asmo's shoulders.  He needed to find a cure.  He needed to… to…

Asmo had gotten up from his lap and moved behind him. His fingers kneaded into tight muscles, careful of his injured shoulder this time around. It felt good, really good. A sigh left his lips and his head lolled back into Asmo. A giggle left his husband's lips, and the hand on his injured shoulder moved up into his hair.

Oh god.

Now this, this felt incredibly nice. 

“You’re adorable,” Asmo murmured, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek before pulling away. Solomon almost couldn’t believe the whine that had left his own mouth, as he reached out for his partner to stay. While the old him would have been embarrassed, he didn’t feel a thing but yearning. He was a different man from when he had first arrived in Arcadia. He had to wonder if Asmo underwent some sort of change too.  “I’m just going to go get a hot towel or two for your shoulder, It’ll make you feel a lot better.”

Solomon’s eyes followed him, even as Asmo threw him a wink before giggling and disappearing around the door frame. His head lulled back and his eyes shut. What had he even read just a few moments ago? All he could picture were sunset eyes that cast fire upon every inch of his body they fell upon, lips softer than the finest silk he could buy, and hair strung with gold. 

A soft sigh left his lips. Whatever was he going to do with him?

“Well, don’t you look pampered.”

Solomon let his eyes opened and glanced over to Simeon as he stepped into the room.  Luke was trailing not too far behind, carrying a stack of folded scrolls and a quill in his tiny arms. It was almost comical. Luke was so tiny, one day he would no longer be small but those days were far far away.

“And I’m happy to feel pampered, I feel like I was trampled by a thousand horses.”

“So you’re not feeling any better?” Luke piped up. He looked more worried than Solomon had ever seen him before, young blue eyes growing five times their normal size. “Are you ever going to get better? Is your arm going to be like that forever?” 

“Now Luke-”

“I’ll be fine. I’m already feeling better than I was,” Solomon assured, “Asmodeus is taking wonderful care of me. As you can see, I am being perfectly pampered as Simeon said.”  He didn’t want Luke to worry. Apparently chaos had erupted when he had emerged from the caverns, and Luke had been absolutely mortified. He had no doubt that they were both worried they had lost him, just as Asmodeus had been.  

Simeon looked skeptical, one brow raised. Solomon could feel his contradictions before he even opened his mouth. “You feel better despite feeling like you were trampled by a thousand horses?”

“Well before it was ten thousand horses.”

“That’s a lot of horses.” Luke set the scrolls down and started organizing them. Were they notes for Simeon or recipes from Barbatos? Perhaps they were both, Solomon couldn’t say. 

“It sure is, and my husband has managed to wrangle them all.”

Simeon moved to his opposite side,taking a seat next to the window, “I bet you feel very lucky to have married him then.”

“Incredibly lucky,” Solomon agreed, “As I am also lucky to have friends like you and Luke by my side.”

Simeon smiled, and for the first time Solomon took note of the signs of exhaustion on his face. What had his friends been through? What hardships had they endured for the sake of his own ambition? Had they been able to adjust in Arcadia as well as he thought they had? 

“I would agree that you are very lucky indeed, so lucky in fact that Luke and I decided to bring you a present to help with your recovery.”

Luke dropped something onto the desk, making Solomon turn his head. On the table laid a book, beautifully bound with a mahogany cover and golden threads. He recognized this book.

“Simeon said this was your favorite story,” Luke chirped, “Did we get the right one? Is it really your favorite?”

Solomon smiled fondly, tracing the cover with his fingers. Memories came flooding back of the stories within. This book had fueled Solomon’s imagination, and looking back memories with this book were the only times Solomon could recall that he had truly ever felt like a child. 

“It is, I adored this one when I was a child. Wherever did you manage to find it?”

He would have to share it with Asmodeus.

“There was a tiny bookshop in the marketplace, we stopped by when we were out buying ingredients for Luke’s latest masterpiece,” Simeon explained.

Luke nodded along in agreement, “Will it help you feel better?”

“You know what? I think it will. Thank you, both of you. I’ll have Asmodeus read it to me every night from here on out, just like I had when I was about your age Luke.”

Luke’s face immediately lit up, any trace of worry had left his body, “Did you hear that Simeon? I bet Solomon only feels like he got run over by five hundred horses now! Just you wait Solomon! We’re going to help take care of you too! I’m going to get Barbatos to help me bake a cake just for you tomorrow! When we’re finished you’ll barely even feel like you were run over by one horse!”

Alas if broken bones were only that easy to heal, but all the same, Solomon couldn’t help but smile as he listened to Luke’s ramblings. When he was finally finished looking through the books before him, he would have his husband read to him as a treat. He had such a lovely voice after all. Perhaps one day Luke and Simeon could listen to him read as well.  His husband was talented, and Solomon wanted to show him off in any way he could. Not only that, but Solomon would get to share something incredibly important with Asmodeus, something that had probably contributed to shape Solomon in one way or another. Inside the bindings of the book were fantastic tales of magic, adventure, and peril, surely it had some hand in the way Solomon turned out. The more he thought about it, the harder it was to deny. 

This book had been an important part of his childhood. Maybe, well, perhaps if Solomon managed to find an heir for his own throne one day he’d share it with them. Perhaps he and Asmodeus would take turns reading aloud, or maybe they would prefer to read it quietly in the confines of their room by themself under the light of the moon as Solomon had all those years ago.

Solomon had craved and yearned for adventure back then, and now it seemed that he finally got his wish in a rather roundabout way. Although the author of his own story had yet to conclude his epic. How would his story conclude? Would he get a happy ending just like the heroes in his stories? Did he deserve a happy ending?

***

"So you really didn't know what was up here?" 

"I knew Uncle had his own study, but I assumed he just had personal copies of texts, but I wasn't even aware that some of these scripts existed."

Satan thumbed through one of the books, eyes glossing over the text as he went. He looked perplexed, and appeared to reread the sentence he was on a few times, "They certainly never mentioned any of this in our lessons."

Solomon hoped that Satan's eyes might be able to help him find the missing piece he was looking for, but a part of him had also apparently hoped he would never have to come back to this room. Nausea was bubbling up in his stomach and his eyes quickly gazed over the case he now knew to be a hidden door. His arm tingled, and part of him remained on edge, waiting for the monster he'd encountered to burst into the room sending splinters raining upon him. It had been at least a week now hadn't it?  Why did these thoughts still plague him? 

Parts of the underground system had become off-limits since Azazel's disappearance. Anything that was not absolutely needed for travel had been blocked for everyone's safety. Lucifer had mentioned he’d prefer if no one traveled below, even if it was inconvenient, and for certain doors to remain locked.  This room would be next, Lucifer had given them enough time to root through the books and that was it. So why did he still feel so uneasy?

"Would you mind helping me organize these books in the library?" Satan's voice brought him out of his haze slightly, but a part of him still remained behind, "Of course we have to look over all of them first, but it would help to have more than one pair of eyes." 

"No, I wouldn't."

Solomon hoped his smile was genuine. He didn't want to begin describing what was running through his head.  How could he even begin to describe what was running through his head? He hadn't really gone through any of it in detail with anyone. Not even Asmo. How could you tell someone what horrible monster was left behind of their father even if he was a monster to begin with? It was a terrible situation no matter which way it was spun, and he had to live through it. Would Azazel have turned him into one of those things?  Of course he would have, Azazel had wanted an army, he wanted control. Asmodeus and Belphegor had different roles to play-

No.

No, he couldn't let his mind wander. Thinking of Asmodeus in a position like that. It wasn't right for him. How many times would Azazel drag him around in a ruse? How many kings would Asmo be made to put on a show for? How many performances of "Lilith" would it take before he broke? He could picture the unkind men, men who he had been no different from. They would be nothing but a pack of wolves ready to devour his little bunny, and Solomon would be nothing more than a lifeless puppet. The thoughts were too heavy to bear.

Bile rose in his throat.

If everyone else was out of the way, what was to stop Azazel from beating Asmodeus into submission once more? What if he murdered him just as he had murdered the real Lilith? 

And Solomon would be helpless to all of it. He wanted to be there for his partner, and he couldn't do that if he was a mindless monster under Azazel's thumb. 

He had already been a mindless monster under Azazel's thumb at one point. 

Maybe coming up here had been a bad idea. After today, Solomon didn't think he would come up here ever again if he could avoid it. The room reeked of evil, and it reminded him too much of his own shortcomings. Asmo didn't want him taking on guilt, true, but he also couldn't help it. There was so much he could have done. So much he could have prevented. Maybe Asmo shouldn't have married him.

Solomon reached for yet another book on the shelf. As soon as he pulled it back a scroll  rolled down and fell at his feet. Despite being hidden behind the bookshelf, it looked rather pristine. There wasn't a single crinkle or tear in the parchment itself, and upon further inspection the writing remained unsmudged. 

"What is that?" Satan peered over his shoulder, eyes scanning over the paper. The words were familiar. 

Why would Azazel have this tucked away where it couldn't be easily accessed? 

The memory came back in drips. A day that Solomon also didn't want to remember, a day that was supposed to be beautiful and happy. A voice clung to the words on the paper, softly at first. It clawed its way from the back of his mind until it consumed his thoughts. Why didn't he think about this sooner? Everything was right under his nose. Everything! 

He was nothing but a man blinded by ambition. A fool's king. 

He rolled the scroll up, and looked Satan in the eye, "I need to speak with Asmodeus."

***

The twins sat close to Asmo. Belphegor had seemed to be avoiding him before when Solomon first arrived (if not acting outright hostile), but now things seemed to be settling if not settled. As much as Solomon needed to speak with his spouse, it didn't seem like it would be possible to tear him away from the conversation he was currently engaged in. 

"I hope he starves down there. He should rot and never be allowed to see the light of day ever again. He deserves to suffer for what he did to Lilith," Belphie was gripping the table tightly in his hand so hard that Solomon swore he could see each of the individual bones in his fingers, "He killed her. He killed her and replaced her."

"He didn't care. He never cared," Asmo's face looked green. Solomon would have to check in with him after they were finished talking. Azazel had hurt the family so much, Asmo deserved time to talk about it.

Beel's eyes were fixed squarely to the table, "I was supposed to go out with her that day, we were going to go to the market together." 

Solomon hadn't heard Beel speak much during his time in Arcadia, he hadn't seen much of the twins at all, but in this moment where Belphie carried anger and resentment, Beelzebub looked defeated and broken. From what Solomon gathered he was a boulder of a man, strong, and seen as fit to stay close to Lucifer's side when he became king. But now he was crumbling.

"If we had gone… Maybe she- Maybe he wouldn't have-"

"Maybe he wouldn't have just stopped at one on that day. Maybe he would have done the same thing to you that he had done to our wretch of a father," Belphie spat, "He would have killed any of us without remorse, he made that clear."

"He did have a talent for saying unkind things, and committing even crueler acts." Maybe Solomon was focusing a bit too much on his husband. There was a chance he had become hyper analytic of his actions, but the way Asmo rubbed his hands and arms as he spoke made Solomon's blood boil.

"Because he is the scum of the earth. Do you want to know what he said to me once?" The laugh that left Belphie chilled Solomon straight to his core, "Listen to this, he told me that two is a blessing, you never need two, but you have one just in case something happens to the other.”

His grip on the table loosened, and for a second his eyes betrayed how weakness had consumed his body, "He never cared about us, neither did father. We were nothing but easily disposable pawns."

His body fell forward slightly before he caught himself. 

"Belphie," Asmo's voice fell flat, as silence stretched between the three youngest siblings, "I think, maybe you should go rest now. Do you need help walking back to your room?" 

"I've got it, I think you have someone waiting for you."

Beel nodded towards Solomon. Had he been that noticeable? He wasn't trying to be. Although he didn't want to sneak around either. Solomon lifted his hand to wave as the twins stood to leave. Embarrassment gripped at his stomach and rose up to his cheeks for every second that eyes were on him. Asmo seemed hesitant to leave at first, but as soon as Belphegor waved him off that hesitation disappeared. 

"Oh! Darling, do you need anything? Does your arm ache? Do I need to fetch a healer?"  

Solomon laughed lightly as Asmo pressed a hand to his forehead. He had no idea what that had to do with his arm, but Asmo was displaying concern, and Solomon wasn't about to mock him for it. Instead, he took Asmo's hand in his own and pressed a kiss to his knuckles.  His skin felt warm against his chilled lips, like the summer sun melting away the last of winter's frost and bringing him to life. 

"There's actually something important I'd like to discuss with you, or I believe it to be important, I'm unsure."

He undid the scroll and laid it flat on the table, "You recognize this don't you?"

Asmo's eyes glanced over the words before furrowing his brow and looking at Solomon, "Of course I know it, it's the same ballad I told you about before. The one with the two lovers and the Heart."

Of course it was. At first Solomon had believed it was nothing more than a mere legend, simple fantasy. But what if the song really did hold some truths to it? Maybe he was being desperate, grasping at any straw he could to save Diavolo. But then again, why would Azazel hide something of such little importance? Maybe it was one last way to mess with his mind, to toy with him, or maybe it was as important as he thought it was.

"Have you really forgotten about it already? Is your memory really that short or did Uncle hit you harder than we thought?" One of Asmo's well manicured fingers pressed directly into the center of his forehead. The feeling alone sent something through him. It tingled and warmed him. It thrilled and excited him. It calmed and grounded him.

He took Asmo's hand and pressed his lips against his knucked, and allowed his face to rest against his skin. "No, that's not it. I just wanted to make sure I was thinking about the right thing is all." 

And now that he knew it was the right thing he could take his suspicions to Lucifer.

"Why take an interest in it now?"

"Why are you so inquisitive today?"

"We're married!" Asmo wrapped his arms around Solomon's and pulled, "You should be telling me everything."

"Everything eh?"

"Yes."

"Even what I ate for lunch yesterday?"

Solomon couldn't help but laugh at Asmo's pout, "Yes. Everything!"

"So a man can't have his secrets?"

"Solomon!"

"Alright, alright," he pecked Asmo's cheek and stayed close, "I understand. I'm still figuring it out but I promise that I'll tell you once I understand yeah?"

Asmodeus leaned into him with a sigh, "I suppose that is acceptable."

"Wonderful, now would you mind telling me about the story once more?"

***

Lucifer's hands were folded over each other in thought, his face barely illuminated by candle light. He hadn't spoken in a while, eyes deep in thought. When he did, his voice was quiet. Barbatos was making himself as small as possible, quickly and quietly refilling and replacing teacups, reheating lukewarm tea, and cleaning the remains of snack trays. The slight tremor in his hand was barely noticeable. Solomon wondered what could be the  cause of it. His thoughts jumped from Diavolo’s condition down to what had happened to himself. Whatever the case, Barbatos refused to let anything else bubble to the surface that might betray his anxieties. 

"You're sure about this?"

"As sure as I can be," Solomon hoped he sounded more confident than he felt. He could be wrong. Incredibly wrong. But what other choice did they have? There was no other possible cure, and the one he had concocted was temporary.

"I don't know about this,” Diavolo’s phantom form was haunting. The poison had been slowed, but it was still aiming to claim its victim, “We blocked off unneeded pathways for a reason. I’m not too fond of the idea of you possibly going down there and getting hurt in the name of a false hope.”

“And I’m not too fond of the idea of standing idling by while I continue to watch you waste away,”  Lucifer retorted, turning to meet Diavolo’s gaze. Solomon had never heard him sound so stern with Diavolo before. It felt wrong for him to be here now, he was an intruder, this wasn’t a moment he was meant to witness. Looking at him now, Solomon wondered if Lucifer was holding his breath through his words, “I can’t do that. Not when I know I could save you.”

Diavolo slowly reached for him, taking Lucifer’s hand and squeezing with what strength he still had, “I know love, but you are a king of a great nation, your people will need you.”

“And you are my world and I need you.”

Something flickered in Diavolo’s eyes, even if only for a moment. It wasn’t quite sadness, it was deeper than that, so much deeper. His grip loosened but Lucifer refused to let go. His other hand joined the embrace and he placed it over his own heart. They belonged together, they truly did, and Solomon swore he would do anything to keep them this way, to save Diavolo’s life.

Diavolo chuckled, “You’re such a stubborn man.”

“You have the audacity to say that to me? With how you yourself are?”

Even now they found time to banter.

“Barbatos will take marvelous care of you until I come back. He always does.”

“Of course, he always has. And you will come back to us.”

“I will, just as I will return to your side later tonight and be here when you wake in the morning,” Lucifer’s voice was barely a whisper now, kissing Diavolo’s knuckles as his head hit the pillows behind him, “For now, Solomon and I have plans to make.” 

They certainly did, and Solomon was afraid that he would have no idea where to start.

He was betting everything he had on a hunch, and in the end a hunch was all they had.

***

Two lovers and a bond between them so strong that it defies reality as we know it. Within death they find rebirth. No matter how many different iterations have been passed down through the years, those two themes are a common factor. While I am still skeptical about the truth behind the story, I do believe that the Heart lies within the caverns below, and that if it is invoked, it can call forth powerful magic beyond comprehension. My hope is that we can use it to reverse the poison’s effects. I still have many unanswered questions, but I simply don’t have time to answer all of them. It may be as simple as asking, it may not. I have tried to find instructions within the story with little to no avail. A sacrifice and a plea are both made, neither is uncommon for strong magic, but I fear that if the exact steps are not completed our mission shall be for naught.

[ruewrites]

Thrones are Built on Lies Chapter 20: Broken Blue Bird

AO3

Ship: Solomon/Asmo

Word Count: 5057

Warning: Body Horror, Violence

A/N: Sorry for taking a while to update! Grad school keeps me busy, but I hope you guys enjoy this update! I got a kick for writing this week and decided to write down what I was thinking. Comments are appreciated!

Prev

Next

Leaving bed had never been hard for Solomon before. But the way the sun came through the windows cascaded down onto Asmodeus perfectly. It made him look so perfect, so angelic. Solomon could stare at him like that for all of eternity and when he woke up-

Oh when he woke up.

His beautiful big eyes fluttered open before a hand came up to rub the sleep out of his eye.

"You have cold hands," Asmo had said.

"And you keep them warm."

He moved closer, kissing the tip of Asmo's nose and then his lips. His body ached. He hadn't been able to rest by any sense of the word. But what was new? At least this time, he felt relaxed. He remembered being surprised the day before when night had come again.

Everything was perfect in his mind, each detail was vivid.

The marks he'd left on Asmo were also fresh in his mind. He traced them over and over again with his eyes as they laid there.

Neither one of them could come up with a reason to move. They were content lying with each other, cascaded in the glow of morning light. So, Solomon had pulled him closer. He wanted to keep his arms wrapped around Asmo in the silence of the morning. He had wanted to press soft kisses to his forehead and murmur praises that would tattoo underneath his skin, making permanent marks of their love.

He had never known this before.

A knock came from their door. Solomon had debated on whether to respond or not.

"King Solomon? Prince Asmodeus?" Barbatos' voice rang through the door. Part of Solomon wanted to pretend they weren't there, stay quiet and wait until everyone left. He wanted to spend more time with Asmodeus and stay in their little world. "I hate to intrude, but do you mind if I speak with you for just a moment?"

Asmo let out a whine before Solomon could even utter a word. He buried himself deeper into the blankets and pushed himself against Solomon. So much for pretending they weren't there. He looked at the placement of their covers before adjusting them to cover Asmo just a little more.

"Come in," Solomon called, after assuring that both of them were decent enough. He sat up, letting his fingers run through Asmo's hair as his arms wrapped around his hips. He wasn't ready to let go, but he didn't want to rouse himself from his peaceful slumber. Solomon couldn't blame him. As soon as whatever matter there was to settle was settled with Barbatos he swore he would go right back to enjoying the proximity of his partner. Speaking of Barbatos, if he hadn't been watching he wouldn't have noticed the butler slip into the room. He was incredibly light on his feet. If he hadn't been so close to Diavolo and (by extent) Lucifer, Solomon might have asked him to come back to his own kingdom.

"I apologize for intruding on your private celebration."

"You're fine, Barbatos, I think we've done more than our fair share of celebrating."

Solomon felt Asmo's lips curl against his skin, and a giggle forced goosebumps to rise, "I could go for more."

"You might change your mind when I deliver the news I have," Barbatos sighed. Solomon sat up a little straighter and Asmo's head perked up. "I don't mean to ruin your moods, but Azazel wishes to speak with you Solomon."

What could Azazel possibly want to speak with him about? In all honesty, if it wasn't an apology for his spouse or a lead on cure for Diavolo he didn't want to hear it. He was done being used as a pawn. In fact what was stopping him from staying in bed with Asmodeus? Who was Azazel to tell him what to do? Azazel was no king, he would never be one. For a man who tried to remind everyone else of their place Azazel certainly couldn't seem to remember where his own spot was.

"I debated not delivering his message at all, but I didn't want him coming down here and intruding," Barbatos looked as if he fully believed that Azazel would do such a thing, and Solomon had no trouble believing that he would either. And as amusing as he imagined the sight would be for others, he would prefer it if he weren't dragged out of his bed only to get into a verbal argument with another man while naked. The idea just didn't appeal to him for some odd reason. "I apologize again, I tried to pretend my hearing had failed me."

"It's all right Barbatos, Uncle is a very pig-headed man," Asmo piped up, "We don't hold it against you."

"You're too kind, Prince Asmodeus. I suppose I shall take my leave now, it's time for my master's morning tea. I haven't been able to prepare it for him in quite some time."

With a swift bow he was gone. Almost immediately Asmo was tugging him downwards, back down where a soft bed and warmth called to him. Back to where all of his troubles were miles and miles away. Back to where they never existed in the first place. “You can ignore him you know,” Asmodeus whispered, pulling Solomon flush against his chest and running his fingers through his hair. Oh his fingers were heavenly. The way they gently scratched his scalp had Solomon crooning. When had he become so touch starved? Or more appropriately, how had he gone so long without another’s touch?

“You’re a king,” Asmodeus continued, “You don’t need to heed my terribly horrendous uncle’s every beck and call.”

Solomon adjusted his position so he could look Asmo in the eyes, “I would not put it past your terribly horrendous uncle to march down here and yank the sheets off of both of us if I didn’t meet him. He does have quite an awful temper.”

“Satan has a worse one, besides, it wouldn’t be all that bad. I’ve already seen you naked. I became quite acquainted with you actually.”

“Yes, and I don’t need half the kingdom seeing me in such a way.”

“You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

One of those perfectly kept hands slid down past his chest. Sneaky little bunny. The giggles that left Asmo as Solomon flipped him beneath him to rein his torrent of kisses upon him was a marvelous sound. Solomon only paused for the briefest of moments to adore the way that the sunlight filtered across his face. How it highlighted his cheeks and made his eyes shimmer with the light of a thousand suns. If Solomon traveled the entire world he would never find a sight as beautiful as this. His fingers trailed across Asmo’s cheek, mapping out a path he could remember for all eternity. Soft hands gripped his wrist as Asmo turned his head to face Solomon’s palm.

“Don’t go.”

He didn’t want to.

“I want you to stay here with me.”

And Solomon wanted nothing more than to stay there with him. The very idea of leaving this bed tore his very heart in two. A tiny voice in the back of his head whispered stay. If he could stay here forever with Asmodeus he would. He would stay in this moment with him even when the world came to armageddon outside their window. He didn’t even know when they had started kissing again, and he barely registered Asmo whispering “please stay” in between each kiss. Solomon wanted to indulge him. Why did Azazel have to ruin this? But he could come back, he would come back. He wanted a little more time in paradise with the person he adored.

Solomon forced himself to pull away, even as Asmodeus’ arms begged him to stay close. “Darling,” the gravel in his own voice as he whispered nearly made him jump, “I need to go.”

“No.”

Asmo kissed him again.

“Darling-”

“No.”

Solomon sighed into the next kiss. He was only doing this to placate Azazel, and then he could re-enter paradise.

“I’ll be back before you know it, I promise,” he murmured. Asmo made a noise in protest. “What if I take a bath with you before I leave.”

Asmo didn’t take long to think about it, and before either of them knew it, they were tripping over their sheets in order to make their way to the bathroom. Solomon was struggling keeping his towel up and they ran down the hall, almost taking down a few servants on the way. There were quick apologies, but Solomon wondered if they even heard. As soon as Solomon took his first step he slipped into the water. Asmodeus squealed as the water splashed upwards and Solomon went under. Eventually he breached the surface sputtering and grasping.

"You should be careful!" Asmo huffed, "The last thing I need is my new husband smacking his head against the edge of the bath."

"At least I know you would be there to revive me."

He couldn't keep himself away from Asmodeus. Touching. Kissing. Caressing. Washing. Anything to adore him the way he deserved. Solomon couldn't stop worshiping him. He wasn't sure how much time passed in the water. It felt like one of the most intimate times he spent with Asmo. He learned his routines, his little rituals, how to properly take care of his body. And Asmo wasted no time in giving him a routine to follow from this point out. They only left once Asmo started to worry about his fingers turning into prunes, and even then it was hard to leave their little oasis.

Once more Solomon found himself wishing he'd been born into another life. He wished it for both of them. He wished they could just simply be, spending their days relishing in life, in existing. He longed once more for a life in which he could explore, but now he wanted Asmo by his side. Once more he found himself hoping his own subjects would adore Asmodeus. Once again, he found himself praying for them to have a good life, a perfect life.

All too soon, he was making himself look official, presentable, something that would keep Azazel at bay for now. Asmo’s arms wrapped around his waist and he buried his face in his back. Solomon let his hands rest on his lover’s for a moment. It was a long moment, one that seemed to last an eternity, but eventually he forced himself to untangle himself from his other half.

“I’ll be right back.” He pressed a kiss to the back of each of Asmo’s hands, letting his face linger on soft skin.

“You promise?”

The little bird dangling from his wrist glinted in the sunlight.

“I always do.”

The room had felt so very warm.

These were thoughts that played on loop in Solomon’s mind as he made his way to meet with Azazel. He nodded to a few servants on his way. Perhaps Azazel had something to give him. Although Solomon’s mind griped that the thing he wanted to give him would most likely be a chewing out for disrespecting him in front of his family and a good chunk of the kingdom. Sure, Solomon was more than aware he had made an embarrassment of the man, but how much worse had he done to the family? How much worse had he done to Asmo? Surely any humiliation he had endured would have been miniscule in comparison. Solomon knew he’d be undoing damage for years to come, holding Asmo’s hands in the middle of the night and assuring him that he was more than enough. He didn’t know how to properly express that if Solomon could he would give him the title of queen. Prince simply didn’t cut it for Solomon. Perhaps he could pull some strings, maybe he could find a way to make an exception.

After all, he was King, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do on his own grounds.

He made his way up the steps, leaving no room for hesitation as he pushed open the creaky wooden door and into Azazel’s study.

“Ah, your majesty, it’s lovely of you to finally join me.” There was an edge to Azazel’s voice, cold like ice and as sharp as a dagger. “I was beginning to think that servant had failed to perform his task. I could think of many more suitable men to serve my nephew, you know.”

“Oh no, Barbatos did a fantastic job, as always. It’s not his fault that my husband and I were a little caught up in our own passions.”

“So he is a bit of a distraction.”

“I think I’m the one who’s distracting.”

Solomon felt the wood give under the force of his fingertips as he moved the chair back and took a seat. He was still insistent on disrespecting Asmo in front of him? Really? Solomon thought he’d made it quite clear that no one, not even family, would shame Asmodeus.

“I see, in that case I suppose he won’t have an issue when you start your journey home.”

Ah, that’s right. Azazel wasn’t intent on letting them stay in Arcadia for much longer. He wanted them gone. Gone and as far away from Arcadia as possible. Who knows what would happen then though. What would happen to Diavolo? To the family? Would Asmodeus even be allowed to come back after?

Solomon forced his most charming smile. The venom bubbling under the surface was potent, and Solomon could feel it pricking at his skin. “We don’t intend on leaving soon. Asmodeus isn’t feeling too well you see, I think he may need rest before we head off, and I promised I’d help with Diavolo’s condition! I am a man of my word, and quite the perfectionist. What type of scholar would I be if I didn’t see my job through?”

Azazel tilted his face to the side. His smile was faltering, the mask he wore so perfectly was cracking. It was breaking and falling onto the floor in heavy chunks.

“Perhaps he should have been a little less enthusiastic in his endeavors then.” Solomon’s skin prickled. “And you really shouldn’t concern yourself with things that involve us. We can handle Diavolo’s condition. You’ve done enough, you’ve made it manageable.”

“But it won’t be permanent.”

He didn't trust Azazel, not in the slightest. He had a silver tongue and quick wit. Solomon knew they were men of similar caliber, and that that gave him all the more reason to distrust the man before him. Azazel yanked him from his wedding bed in another sad attempt to manipulate him into his own pawn. Solomon was no one's pawn, not anymore.

"I am an ally now. It's beneficial to have me here during these times of crisis." Making sense was how he kept his ground. Making sense was building his argument. This was a battle of wits and they were both heavily armed. Solomon didn't even have to win per say, all he had to do was talk him in circles until he became frustrated with him. Then he could finally return to Asmodeus' warm embrace and feel his fingers card through his hair and scratch the top of his head. Oh how he longed for the feeling. He was quite good at having Solomon curl up in his lap and quite good when it came to pampering. "I only wish to assist in doing what is best for Arcadia, and she shouldn't have to lose yet another one of her rulers."

Just let him leave.

This entire conversation was nothing more than a waste of his time.

Azazel closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. His fingers tapped together slowly and Solomon swore he could hear the pads of his fingers collide in succession. "You know, you are completely right, your majesty," Azazel opened his eyes, "Please, forgive me for not seeing that sooner."

Azazel stood from his place and walked over to his bookshelf. His fingers brushed over each of the spines carefully. "I think that there is a possibility we could work together," he lifted one of the books and started drawing symbols into the woodwork. The splits in the case started to glow a ghastly blue and the case's old wooden bones started to crack and creak as the bottom dragged against the floor with stuttering breaths.

Solomon should have left. He should have gone back down stairs, away from the cold and foreboding cavern before him and back to the warm and welcoming bed with his lover awaiting him. He should listen to his reason.

"What do you say?"

But would he really be himself if he didn't scratch his curiosity?

***

The walls felt like they'd been sucked of life. It wasn't anything like the caverns beneath the castle. The walls were desolate and empty, the air was damp and thin and at times he questioned if there was any air at all. The sounds of his own footsteps were also nearly lost as if they didn't exist at all. The light from the study was almost a faint memory as they walked farther and farther from the open bookcase. As the light behind them faded, a sickly green glow in the distance became more and more prevalent. It was easy to miss, Solomon nearly didn't notice it. It failed to do anything in terms of casting out the darkness. Instead it seeped into the brick, infecting it with it's sickness.

"This is where I do all of my real research," Azazel said, pushing open another wooden door, "As you can tell, I do enjoy my privacy, I couldn't have anyone else finding my space."

Solomon had a hard time letting his eyes adjust as he stepped into the room, but even as they did he had a hard time processing what was before him.

Giant translucent stood before him filled with bubbling fluid. At the end was a desk, beaten, battered, and covered in ink splatters, runes, and various instruments.

Runes.

The runes caught his focus. They were unfamiliar to him yet foreboding. He could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand on ends, his skin prickled. It was like being warned of a lightning strike before it happened, but he had nowhere to run, nowhere to take cover. Whatever this was, it was far from holy. Solomon himself wasn’t unfamiliar with darker magic, he had dabbled in it. But this, this was beyond anything he had ever dared to encounter. His body had managed to maneuver him back against one of the containers. Something was moving just beyond the shadows, just a little too quick for him to grasp. His muscles still ached, his head still felt foggy. Yet his fingertips came alive with magic, crackling through him with a fierce intensity.

“I did try to put my niece in your place.”

Azazel was staying just out of his line of sight, slipping in between the containers, dipping in and out of the shadows. He caught a glimpse of his cape here, the whites of his eyes there. He was everywhere and nowhere all at once. “I’m sure you noticed that my brother’s children lack the Heart’s gift of magic. A shame really, but she was so different, so talented. I could see it inside her just as I saw it in you.”

Something jabbed at his side, quick and hard. Sparks leapt from his fingers striking at nothing as a fresh bruise started to bloom on his side.

“I knew that if she let me, I could drag it out of her, I could make her powerful, give her my brother’s favor,” he continued. Another strike came at Solomon from his opposite side, and then his face. No matter how fast he tried to react, he was always a second too late. His muscles were screaming in agony, his body was a burning building wearing down with each ember that left him. He had already worn himself down to a point where defensive magic would be less than worthless, all he could do was stay on the attack.

“Sadly she didn’t see my vision for the future as wonderful as I did, and she fell from her pedestal in my mind.”

Someone was behind him now.

“Just like you Solomon.”

His face hit the ground first. His assailant was strong, and far different from Azazel’s frame. Cold, rubbery hands. Fingertips much, much sharper than they should have been. Breath that was stale and devoid of any warmth. What Solomon’s eyes did take in was this: skin that was close to see through, eyes devoid of life and covered in a thick film, a jaw hanging lifelessly and filled with sharp teeth, and hair dangling down like spider threads. He couldn’t believe the creature before him processed such strength. He also couldn’t believe that it looked so familiar.

“Of course you remember my brother, don’t you Solomon?”

His gut feeling had been right. This was far from holy.

A chair was dragging across the floor and stopped right in front of him. Azazel sat down and crossed his legs before snapping. Just like that, the former king was slamming his head against the ground. His vision was going fuzzy. He could barely process anything.

“It was a real pain excavating his body, but we got there eventually,” Azazel continued, “I’d like for his sons to join him soon. A little alchemy goes a long way you know. If only mist berries were a little more potent. Belphegor proved to me that ingestion works too slowly, and may provide some feeble form of resistance. I was hoping a straight shot to the heart may work better, but we all saw how that went.”

A growl left Solomon’s throat. It was guttural, a noise he had no idea he was even capable of making. He was sure he looked more animal than man now, bearing his teeth with a feral look in his eye. He was caged, captured.

"They might as well be of some use to me, even if they didn't obtain the Heart's gift, and I could even have two Little Lilith's to help draw in King's just like yourself." Solomon felt fingers gripping his hair and yank him upwards. He was looking up at Azazel now, staring into those cold unfeeling eyes. "Imagine how big I'll make my empire with my new Lilith, I'll go down in history as one of the Great Kings."

"You won't touch him," Solomon snapped, "You won't even talk to him, you won't lay a hand on any of them."

He'd seen the damage Azazel had wrought and now he knew the further extent of it. Then the horror started to sink in.

Lilith hadn’t committed suicide.

The late king’s death had been planned.

And Solomon was lying helplessly at the feet of a killer.

It started as a slow chuckle, and then a burst of manic laughter. For the first time, Solomon saw this unhinged man burst forth in all of his glory. He finally ripped away the mask, revealing the poison that lurked within his veins. That was also when it hit Solomon: Azazel had no intention of ever letting him leave this room.

“It’s a shame really, such wasted potential. If you would just promise me to have a tighter grip on my nephew-”

“Fuck off.”

It was a strain to get the words to leave his mouth, and when they did they fell to the floor in heavy droplets of blood.

“Shame,” Solomon felt the clammy grip on his arm tighten, “You remind me of my niece. Too bad you’ll end up just like her.”

The sickening snap hit his ears before he could register the pain. It was blinding, it lit up his nerves like a flame to a house fire. He wanted to scream, but the air was stolen from his lungs. It hurt to breathe, he couldn’t get enough air, he was sputtering on blood when he inhaled. He couldn’t think, he couldn’t do anything.

“I did like you, you know, you had so much potential. But I suppose that comes with corruption. Such a shame, but I suppose this is where we say goodbye.”

Solomon’s head hit the floor again, and then his world went black.

***

The first thing that went through his mind was the tiny metal bird on his wrist scratching against the floor. He wasn’t even sure if he was alive. He could just barely twist his fingers in his one hand, but his arm wouldn't move. Slowly his eyes opened. He could feel blood caked to his and taste it's metallic tang in his mouth, and the bruises forming on his face made him feel swollen and puffy. Slowly he cracked one eye open, watching as the late king dragged him by his ankle. So this was where the beast from the coronation came from.

He tried to stay still despite his throbbing arm and broken body. He had to come up with something, and quickly. There was no telling if Azazel had more of these creatures lurking about, nor what they planned to do with his assumed corpse.

A stone brushed against his functional hand. Praying to whatever deity may have been listening, he wrapped his fingers around it and tossed it in the opposite direction. There was the briefest of pauses. The creature reared its head and turned to look back at the noise. A gurgle sounded deep within the back of its throat as soon after Solomon's foot was dropped rather unceremoniously to the ground as it turned towards the sound of the rock.

How long did he have now? He had to think fast. He could attempt to escape, and that really seemed like his only option really. He'd drained himself, his arm was most likely broken, he'd be a dead man for sure. His body screamed as he forced himself up onto shaky legs and against the wall.

He didn't have long. He didn't have long at all.

His world was disoriented as he limped along in the dark. Where was he? Somewhere inside the depths of the castle? The only question then became where? How was he supposed to find his way back?

Slow, heavy footsteps started to make their way back to him.

Where could he go? He doubted the creature would allow him to live, but he couldn't risk lying down and playing dead. He picked up his pace, limping towards any chance of salvation.

Just as the steps were closing in, just as he thought he'd never be able to help Diavolo, just as he thought he'd abandoned Asmodeus who would never know what had happened to him-

He fell.

An alcove proved his savior. His working hand flew over his mouth and he begged his heartbeat to slow. He watched as the late king stepped into his narrow view. It stopped, staring at the place where Solomon had been, dead eyes boring into the dried blood on the ground. After what seemed like forever, the creature looked up and continued to trudge forward.

Solomon waited a while longer before shimmying his way out of the cramped space. And as he did, his fingers brushed against the stone.

The wall markings.

Of course. He was still lucky enough to still be inside the castle. He was lucky enough to still be alive. He wouldn't be breaking his promises.

Broken and bruised, he followed to markings. He was alert the entire time, waiting for the slightest sound to give him the indication to hide. He wasn't going to die. Not like this. Not down here. He'd promised Asmo he'd be right back. He promised him he'd return to him, and he was going to use the very last of his strength to crawl back to him. If he was going to take his last breath, it would be in his lover's arms.

It seemed like years until he finally heard the first signs of life from the floors above him, when he finally found a staircase.

"I don't believe you! You're a liar!"

His knees buckled, but he could make it, even if he had to go down to his knees.

"Asmodeus please-"

"You were the last person with him! You asked him to see you!"

Asmodeus' voice struck his ears. He started tripping over his feet, attempting to make his feet go faster than his body would allow him to. He sounded distressed. He needed to be there for him. He needed to get him away from Azazel.

“I do think it’s time for you to calm down Asmodeus, I haven’t seen his majesty.”

“You asked Barbatos to tell him you were looking for him. He went to see you!”

“I did no such thing. You know I heard the servants overtalking about how they’d become close, Diavolo’s butler becoming a mentor that child, perhaps he planned to leave after-”

“Shut up! He would never-! You did something to him, you did something to him!”

His voice was cracking, he was breaking, Azazel was breaking him again. Solomon pressed his good arm against the door and pushed. He had to get to him, he had to keep his promise. The tiny bird glinted around his wrist, Asmodeus had made it just for him and Solomon placed every promise he’d ever made into the stirling silver.

“You’re hysterical nephew.”

“I’m not! I’m not, I’m notI’mnot! Lucifer you believe me don’t you? Solomon would never leave me like that! Uncle did something. You believe me right? Right?”

“Asmo-”

Solomon would never know what the next words out of Lucifer’s mouth would have been. He threw his entire body at the door, it one last attempt to free himself from the castle’s depths. His eyes were almost overwhelmed by the light of the world as his body was sent flying. For a moment his body felt light, for a moment he was soaring. And then he hit the ground. The pain returned as he landed on his broken wing, a mangled bird could never fly for long after all, and then the light of the world was snuffed out once again.

[ruewrites]

Thrones are Built on Lies Chapter 14: The Flow of Power

AO3

Ship: Solomon/Asmo, Diavolo/Lucifer

Warnings: Blood, Daddy Issues

Word Count: 3426

A/N: Hey friends! Sorry about last time. I hope y'all can find it in your hearts to forgive me <3 I'm adjusting pretty wellin my new program. Post grad is fun so far! Would recommend! But that means since things are going well, I can post and update for you guys. Comments are appreciated <3

Prev

Next

"How could everything go so wrong?"

The main hall was dark and a draft was blowing through the broken window. Solomon kept quiet as he sat next to Asmodeus, not wanting to interrupt the remaining brothers. Asmo had been the one to speak, orange eyes raising from where they were fixed on the table. No one answered or acknowledged his question, instead they stayed in their own positions.

Mammon stumbled back

That was until Mammon was shoved.

“How could you be so careless?” Levi snapped, eyes trained on his brother.

“Careless?” Mammon snapped back, “I chased after the guy! How is that careless?”

“That is exactly what I’m talking about! Diavolo is already injured, and you had Solomon and Asmo following you! You all could have gotten hurt.”

“So what? We were just supposed to stand there? Let that creep get away? After what happened?” Mammon’s voice rose with his agitation as he stared Levi down.

“Diavolo didn’t deserve that,” Asmo piped up, “And Mammon didn’t make us follow, I wanted to see my hands wrapped around that throat.”

“Levi is right though, the guards could have handled it,” Satan’s voice was the most even of the group’s at the moment, but his eyes were fixed on the table, “We didn’t need anyone else to be injured. The situation could have been much worse.”

“We don’t need to lose anyone else,” Beel’s voice barely carried over the other’s, his eyes glanced over each of his family members as if he was trying to burn their faces into his memory. “We don’t,” he repeated even softer.

“And you should have known better Mammon, you’re older,” Levi continued, “Lucifer expects you to know better!”

“And Lucifer ain’t here!”

“Because he’s with his dying husband!”

“Oh, now you all care about people dying.” Silence fell over to the room as Belphie spoke up.

Beel turned towards his head and quirked an eyebrow at his twin, “Belphie, what are you talking about?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know Beel,” Belphie snapped. Solomon noted how he placed his energy. He had so little, and he made every bit count, “We’ve been surrounded by death, and you all only seem to care now that it’s Diavolo.” His hand flew upwards, pointing in the direction of the shattered window, “None of you have even mentioned how Lilith’s window was broken. None of you care that Lilith’s window was broken! Just like how none of you cared when she died. You all forgot about her!”

Asmo stood, beating the rest of his brothers to objection, “How could you? Of course we cared about Lilith!”

Belphegor laughed as he stood as well, “Please, you’re the last person who should be saying that. You didn’t give a shit about Lilith’s death Asmo.”

“Wha-? Of course I did! We all did!”

“Really. Is that why you went parading around as her then?”

The room went silent. Solomon looked up at Asmo’s face, and he saw nothing short of shock and hurt.

“I- I didn’t-”

“But you did,” Belphie spat, “You pretended to be her, you went out as her, you wore her clothes, you stole her name. And all for what? Because you wanted what Lucifer had. You were so desperate for the tiniest amount of affection for a man you didn’t know. You defiled our sister’s name Asmodeus. All for the attention of a man you didn’t know.”

Asmo sputtered for words. Solomon felt helpless.

“I didn’t have a choice Belphegor,” Asmo finally said, “I didn’t. You should know that I didn’t!”

“You didn’t even try to fight, all because you thought Daddy might actually love you.”

“Belphegor!”

“He didn’t love any of us. Father didn’t give a shit about any one of us except for Lucifer. Why you wanted his attention so badly is beyond me.” Belphegor stumbled a bit and sank back down into his chair, but he never stopped staring down his brother, “You had a choice, you just chose him.”

Asmodeus was shaking, his knuckles were white, “You don’t know anything.”

“Then enlighten me,” Belphegor’s face remained unchanged, “Because all I saw was my older brother choosing a man who turned his back on us.”

Solomon thought he could pinpoint the moment he saw Asmo’s heart break, but everytime he saw it shatter even more. His hands propelled himself back from the table. Glass crunched under his feet. None of them could stop him. None of them reacted fast enough. No one should have been surprised, the tension in the room had been boiling to this moment. The only question was who would snap first.

Solomon pushed himself back, ready to follow after him, but first-

“He’s your brother,” his eyes narrowed on Belphegor, “Don’t you think that was harsh.”

“Don’t act like you know anything about this family,” his energy was waning, eyes struggling to stay open, “You never had to live our lives.”

***

The streets were dark and cold. Solomon stumbled as he looked for Asmo, relying on moonlight to guide his path. He shouldn’t be out here alone. Who was to say there weren't more of those things wandering around? Asmo wasn’t thinking. Asmo could be putting himself in danger. More importantly, he was in distress.

Solomon caught a glance of fabric disappear into the woodline and moved to close in.

“Don’t touch me,” Asmo snapped, shaking off Solomon’s hand as soon as he reached for his wrist. He wiped his eyes fiercely, and Solomon was having a hard time getting a look at his face. He continued to move away from him, but Solomon wasn’t about to give up his pursuit. He matched Asmo’s stride, following closely behind him.

“Asmodeus, let’s sit down, talk to me.”

“Don’t tell me what to do. Never tell me what to do,” Asmo whipped around faster than he was expecting. He was too close. Asmo’s nails swiped past his hand, angry scratch marks quickly bloomed across Solomon’s milky skin in their wake. It stung, but it wasn’t serious. He didn’t draw blood. Yet the moment Asmo seemed to process what he’d done, his demeanor changed.

The anger drained from his face, and he shrunk inwards on himself. “I- I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I- I-” his voice was wavering. He didn’t make a move to approach Solomon, but he didn’t continue to run away either. Instead he crumpled, hands covering his eyes and sobs starting to wrack his body. Solomon had never seen Asmo look so small when they were alone before. Solomon wasn’t sure what to do. He’d never been put in a situation like this before. He’d never had anyone break down in front of him before.

He didn’t know what he was doing.

Everything was out of control.

His future was so uncertain.

And he found his arms pulling Asmo in close and holding him tight. He buried his nose in those soft strawberry locks as Asmo sobbed into his shirt. Tears soaked through the fabric dampening his skin.

“You’re going to leave me, you’re going to leave and never come back,” his words were barely audible, but his insecurities screamed volumes, “You’ll never love me. No matter how hard I try. You won’t. You just won’t. You- You-” His nails dug into the front of his shirt as if that would keep Solomon there and prevent him from leaving to some far away place past Asmodeus’ sight.

But he didn’t need to try so hard.

“Asmodeus,” Solomon kept his voice soft as his hands moved up and down Asmo’s back, “I’m not going to leave. I promise I won’t leave. I love you.”

“No you don’t.”

“I didn’t when I first came here, that’s true,” Solomon started, removing himself from Asmo’s hair so he could stare down at his fiance, “I was more interested in Arcadia than you when I first came here, the magic and secrets of the land fascinated me. But you proved yourself to be even more interesting.”

Solomon stopped, waiting for those pretty orange eyes to look up at him before he continued. “Do you mean that?” Asmodeus sniffled.

Solomon nodded. One of his hands came up to rub underneath Asmo’s eyes, to wipe away the tears that stained his face. “I do. You have spirit and so much life inside of you. You’re kind and quick and you have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard. You’re an incredibly talented man, and I’m so happy I had the honor of meeting you, much less getting the chance to be your husband.”

He leaned in closer, letting their foreheads rest together, “I love you Asmodeus, I care about you. I’m going to be here for you.”

His other hand came up to join the first so he was holding Asmo’s face in both of his hands, “I don’t know much of your history, and I don’t know everything that you’ve been through, but I promise you that I will be here for you now and for whenever you need me for as long as you need me.”

Asmo let his hands leave Solomon’s chest in favor of putting them on top of Solomon’s. He leaned closer. Or was Solomon pulling him closer. “I love you,” Asmo managed through sniffles, “I love you so much.”

“I know Amodeus,” their lips were inches apart now, “I love you too, and you keep making me fall for you each passing day.”

***

“What Belphegor said was true, you know.”

Asmodeus had finally calmed down and was snuggled comfortably under Solomon’s arm. Solomon’s fingers danced up and down his arms. He was getting Asmo to open up about things he hadn’t really been all that aware of. He had to wonder how long he’d kept them trapped inside. How long had he wanted to share them only to be afraid of Solomon’s reaction?

“Don’t be harsh on yourself. We were all tense, everything just boiled over.”

“I’m not being harsh on myself,” Asmo leaned into him even more, “I knew my father never loved me. I know that if he had the chance to choose whether it had been Lilith that died or me, he would have chosen me because Lilith served more of a purpose in his eyes. He made that evident with his actions.”

Unfortunately Solomon couldn’t counter his point. He wished he could. Asmo’s father had made him erase his own identity in favor of Lilith. There was no need to have that little masquerade, yet it had been done anyway.

“I also have a feeling that if I didn’t do it, he’d make Belphie do it.”

“But you feel like your intentions weren’t as noble as you’d like them to be.”

Asmo nodded, “I was jealous of Lucifer. Not only did he have Father’s attention and our uncle’s attention, but he had a husband. Someone who adored him and loved him without a single condition. Diavolo had no reason to love Lucifer, but he did. They always walked together in the gardens, sat next to each other and laughed at meals, stood next to each other at meetings, and at the end of the day they could still hold each other. Lucifer had so much love, and I wanted it so badly.” Asmo slumped, shame had slipped into his voice, and one of his hands sought out Solomon’s. “I thought that maybe, maybe if I agreed to become Lilith, Father would adore me too, he would finally be happy to be around me. He and uncle also talked about how I could have a spouse too. All I had to do was listen. As long as I listened I could be loved as long-”

Asmo’s voice fell. Solomon held him a little tighter. It didn’t feel appropriate for him to speak, not yet anyways. He couldn’t deny his own anger bubbling in his stomach. How many of Asmo’s actions were driven by manipulation? How many times had Solomon unknowingly played into that very same manipulation? When had Asmo changed himself in ways that he thought would be more appealing to Solomon? How could Solomon catch this? How could Solomon stop this?

“What happened to Diavolo is my fault too.”

What.

“Asmo no.”

“No, it is. If I hadn’t been so jealous, if I hadn’t secretly wished for it-”

“You wished for it?”

“Well, not knowingly,” Asmo said, looking up at Solomon, “Lucifer deserved to be loved, just because I wasn’t doesn’t mean he deserved to have his taken away. If only I hadn’t been so fixated, if only I hadn’t wanted it so badly…”

“Just because you wanted something doesn’t mean you caused a tragedy,” Solomon couldn’t stay silent any longer. He could only hear Azazel’s voice seeping through Asmo. How many years had he been told similar things? A thought process like this didn’t just happen overnight. Lucifer hadn’t been fond of their father, and Solomon didn’t blame him one bit. He hadn't loved his children. Solomon would go out of his way to say he hadn’t even loved Lucifer. Whatever it was had also skewed Asmo’s view of love or at least whatever conditions he believed to come with it.

Solomon didn’t know much about love himself, but he knew enough to know that whatever Asmo had been taught was wrong. The only correct example he had was Diavolo and Lucifer.

“You’re allowed to want things, and you’re allowed to have things. You deserve love Asmodeus, and you deserve my love,” Solomon felt something ignite within him. He was going to give Asmo what he deserved. He was going to love him and care for him and make sure his days were filled with love and compassion. Even if Solomon had to struggle to learn, he would learn for Asmo. “I also promise you that I will do everything in my power to fix this. I’m a scholar, I’ll find a way to fix what happened.”

“You think you can?”

In all honesty? No. Solomon had no idea if he could help or not, but he’d be damned if he didn’t try.

“Yes.”

***

Lucifer’s chambers were a lot higher up than Solomon would have guessed. He knocked on the mahogany doors to alert anyone inside of his presence before entering, only to be greeted by a rather large dog, he hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting before. He backed up just in time before he was knocked over by the creature who was bounding over and ready to pounce.

“Cerberus. Down.”

The dog seemed hesitant to cease, and then Lucifer called to it again, “Cerberus.”

With that it was at Lucifer’s heels, walking around three times before laying down at his feet. The king himself was in a large plush chair facing his bed, his hands intertwined with one of Diavolo’s. He didn’t bother to turn his head to look at him. Diavolo turned his head and perked up the moment he saw Solomon. Solomon tried to ignore the dark circles under his eyes and the bandages wrapped around his chest.

“Solomon! Welcome!” Even his cheeriness was underwhelming compared to the Diavolo he had known a few days before. It was disturbing, but Solomon knew he was here for a reason, and that reason was to help Diavolo. He could fix things, he just needed a little more information.

“Thank you, I wasn’t aware you two had a dog.”

“Lucifer loves dogs,” Diavolo grinned, “I gave him Cerberus as a wedding present. The two of them have been inseparable! One time-” a fit of coughing interrupted his speech, jolting his body forwards in one violent motion. All three of them pretended they didn’t see the specks of red paint Diavolo’s hand and the blankets beneath him. This really wasn’t good.

“Diavolo, please, lay down. Relax,” Lucifer gently pushed the man back onto the bed. He looked just as tired, but it showed a little more. Solomon could only imagine the sleepless nights he’d had.

Diavolo nodded and used his free hand to caress Lucifer’s face.

“How are you?” Solomon asked.

Diavolo took as deep of a breath as he could, “Well, the good news is that it missed my heart.”

“And the bad news?”

“Poison. Mist berry poison.”

Solomon watched Lucifer bristle. He didn’t need to ask why. It was an aggressive poison even if it didn’t move fast. Diavolo was lucky that the arrow hadn’t made contact with his heart or lungs, something like that would have made the progression a lot faster. Now Solomon knew what he should be looking at now, but part of him hated knowing.

“Don’t look so down,” Diavolo’s ability to stay positive would never cease to amaze Solomon, “I’m a strong man. I’ll be okay. We just need to keep our chins up! Isn’t that right Lucifer?”

“I suppose it is Diavolo.”

“Yup! We just need to keep looking on the bright side and.. everything will… everything will,” Diavolo let out a yawn and he was starting to struggle to stay awake.

“I think, it may be time for you to go Solomon, someone needs his rest,” Lucifer smoothed back Diavolo’s hair and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Solomon didn’t have to be told twice. He tried to shut the door as quietly as he could on his way out and started making his way back down the stairs. He was positive he could find books on mist berries somewhere in Satan’s library. Maybe he could even make a connection with some of his other notes. He could save Diavolo. He would save Diavolo. Failure wasn’t an option in this situation.

As he made his trek down he caught sight of more familiar faces. Barbatos, Luke, and Simeon were making their way up the stairs, accompanied by some of the guards, all of them looking more than solemn. Luke managed to catch his eye first. “Solomon!”

“Well, where are you all headed to?”

Barbatos held up a tray with various snacks, cups, and a teapot. “We’re delivering a snack to his majesty and my lord.”

“All together?”

“Haven’t you heard?” Simeon asked, “Everyone is under suspicion. Well, we are anyway. Since we aren’t native Arcadians, we have to have a close eye kept on us at all times. Servants that have been spending time together or who have connections, must be kept in a group and escorted by guard lest we try to off the royal family.”

Barbatos’ lip twitched as Simeon spoke. Diavolo was his charge. The very idea that anyone would think he would purposefully try to hurt him would make him upset. He’d been with him for so long, the idea that he needed escort to see him now must disgust him.

Solomon scoffed. This entire thing was ridiculous. Not only that they were making Barbatos adhere to this, but Luke and Simeon as well? They were his trusted friends! They would never commit such an atrocious act! How dare they be treated like criminals. “And who exactly made this ludicrous order?”

“That would be me.” Azazel’s hands were neatly folded behind his back as he ascended up the stairs, “Solomon I’m sure you must understand that we have to take every precaution necessary. There’s clearly organization involved, and we can’t look past our own help. It could very well be an outside job from the inside.”

“And what about me?” Solomon asked, “I wasn’t born here in Arcadia.”

“True, but you’ve been alone with many of us enough that it is safe to trust you, and treating royalty in a way is simply unheard of.”

Yet treating his friends that way was perfectly fine? Absolutely not. Solomon wouldn’t hear of it. How could they even be placed under suspicion? Lucifer wouldn’t authorize such a thing would he? No. He knew Lucifer could be a hard man, but that seemed a bit out of character.

“Luke is a child Azazel,” Solomon argued.

“That is true, however,” Azazel stepped closer to Luke, close enough that it made both Simeon and Barbatos step in front to put some distance between the two as Luke coward behind them, “I remember hearing that a little chihuahua had made some little threats his first day here. So I think my rule is more than fair.”

“Your rule?” Solomon hated that he couldn’t hide the shock from his voice, “And who said you could make such rules?”

Solomon hated the chuckle that came from the man.

“Oh? Haven’t you heard?” Azazel turned and looked Solomon in the eye,” I’ll be taking charge for the foreseeable future.”

[ruewrites]

Thrones are Built on Lies Chapter 8: Change of Heart

AO3

Ship: Solomon/Asmo, Diavolo/Lucifer

Word Count: 4550

Warnings: None

A/N: As always comments and feedback are appreciated! I hope you all are still enjoying the fic so far!

Prev

Next

Diavolo’s face was a welcoming sight to Solomon that morning as he left his room. He beamed the moment their eyes met and crossed the room in order to meet him. “Good morning! I trust you slept well last night?” his booming voice was almost too loud for Solomon, but it still brought a smile to his face.

“As well as a scholar can, yes.”

Well, books hadn’t been the only thing keeping him up last night. His dreams hadn't been too terribly helpful. If only he could have a little peace of mind while he slept. Maybe he’d crash tonight after his little outing. Asmo was rather high energy and Solomon had no doubt that he’d most likely be worn upon their return. Maybe he’d even sleep for a day. That would be rather nice the more he thought about it.

Diavolo nodded, “I will admit, it took me a while to get used to things here as well. It’s easy to become homesick, but Lucifer and I take visits back home every now and again. I promise it will get easier.”

“Were they all as welcoming to you as they are to me.”

“You’re lucky you weren’t here with the late king,” Diavolo shook his head, “Or maybe he would have liked you a little better than me. You aren’t the one who wanted to marry Lucifer.” That’s right, neither Azazel nor his brother had wanted Diavolo to marry the crown prince. From what he could gather, it sounded like Azazel still wasn’t fond of the union. “The point is, it takes them a while to warm up to people, but they will soon enough.”

Hopefully. Solomon seemed to be making way with the family, so he could only assume they’d start to like him soon even if just a little bit.

“In any case, how have things been with Asmodeus?”

Ah.

Oh.

“I know he was excited by the fact that you took the whole ‘Lilith’ thing well, a little melodramatic, but still happy,” Diavolo continued, “He’s been talking about how his eventual wedding would be the ball of the century ever since Lucifer and I got married.”

Solomon hadn’t even talked to him about the wedding. He’d been so caught up in learning about Arcadia that the wedding seemed more like a concept to him than an actual event that would occur soon. When was the coronation? How much time did he have left? Why had it not been more focused on his radar? Now that he thought about it more, he didn’t have a single clue about what any of his wedding plans were going to be. What food were they preparing? What times was everything occurring at? What was he supposed to wear? Were people going to witness their union? They were only a few of a long list of questions that Solomon should have known the answers to, and yet he didn’t.

It seemed like whenever Solomon solved one problem, another one arose. For whatever reason, it never occurred to him that their union would be a big event. Lucifer's would have been since he was the crown prince, but his? A small ceremony to seal them together would have sufficed. Did it really need to be big?

"He certainly has been dreaming for a while now hasn't he?"

"He certainly has," Diavolo nodded, “He has rather vivid dreams, they’re not always big in the grand scheme of things, but they’re very specific.”

So that probably meant that Asmo was hellbent on what he’d said to him last night. No matter how he tried to change the direction of his thoughts they always came back to the outing he was supposed to have today. Solomon knew love couldn’t be forced and that love was a rare thing to occur within an arranged marriage, but would Asmodeus accept that? Surely he had to know this small fact. Perhaps he was just in denial.

But why?

Why not just accept what life had given to them and be excited for the opportunities that it could provide?

“Has he talked to you about it?” Diavolo’s voice brought him out of his thoughts.

“About what?”

“His ideas. Surely you’ve heard some of them.

Solomon's blank expression must have said all that Diavolo needed to know. His face fell slightly. Solomon couldn't read the expression well. At first he thought that perhaps it was confusion. Disappointment? He couldn't place his finger on it. What he did know was that it made him feel uncomfortably guilty.

"Oh. I see," the pause between them was only a second too long, "You should spend more time with him. He's a kind person. Just a little-”

“High energy?” Solomon finished. Kind? Well if him ensuring Solomon that he’d fall head over heels for him was considered kind, Solomon would agree. This was the first positive thing he’d heard about his fiance the moment he’d stepped onto the grounds. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he really hadn’t heard too many good things about Asmo, only the things that he couldn’t do quite right. What could be the truth?

“Well yes, but I may have a soft spot for him,” Diavolo continued, “He was one of the few who made me feel welcomed here. ‘Anything for my big brother’s husband’ he’d say. We spent a lot of time chatting and sometimes he’d offer to take me to various places in Arcadia. All when Lucifer was busy of course.”

Maybe he had been a bit more well behaved because Diavolo was more than willing to spend time with him. Solomon was a busy man, he had research to do among other things. He couldn’t just drop his research at any time. Nonetheless, he could still contribute to the conversation. “Forgive me for saying so, but I find that a little hard to believe. Only because you seem to have a soft spot for most people you come into contact with.”

There was that booming laugh.

“Am I truly that easy to read?”

“Only a little.”

Diavolo was a genuine man. Solomon had to wonder if he had some sort of magic of his own to cause people to loosen up around him, or was he just that charismatic? Either way it made his marriage to Lucifer feel even stranger to him. How could there possibly be anything there deeper than the arrangement? Then again, according to Azazel, Diavolo seemed to have more of an influence of the crown prince.

What allowed someone to become that close?

Well, Simeon had some influence over his own decisions, but their relationship was different. Solomon would have had to been naive to think the two were equivalent. Diavolo and Lucifer had something beyond a close friendship and Solomon could see it even if he was rather confused by it.

“I think Lucifer might be your favorite person though,” he wanted to see what he said. He wanted to see how Diavolo talked about Lucifer. In a way, it was a roundabout way of him wanting to know more about the elusive eldest.

Diavolo seemed to melt right before him, his eyes turned gooey and warm and his body relaxed. “Perhaps, he’s a wonderful man and stunningly beautiful. The most ethereal being I’ve ever seen, sometimes I doubt that he’s human,” he sighed, “He’s intelligent too and an absolutely capable ruler.”

“You admire him.”

“I love him,” Diavolo corrected, “I’d do anything for him, I’d give my own life for him.”

Solomon didn’t know why those words threw him off. Giving up your life. Would Solomon do that for anyone? He wasn’t sure. He had people that he wanted to protect, yes. But giving up his own life? Thinking about that wasn’t something he wanted to do at the moment or later. It was a morbid concept.

“Asmo is quite smitten with you,” Solomon was vaguely aware that Diavolo was still talking, “He was completely fine when he left, but when he came back he was spellbound. I think it was good for him to have a little joy.”

It was easy to forget that the family was dealing with two deaths: the King and their sister. There had also been supposed assasination attempts. How much tragedy followed the family around?

It didn’t mean that he was going to give in to Asmodeus’ every demand, but he would try to keep those things in mind.

“It feels good to see him lively again, he was so anxious when it came to pretending, I know I was relieved that you took it all well.”

“I’m happy he’s not anxious anymore as well, I was worried I was doing something wrong. I’m glad to know that that wasn’t the case.”

Diavolo’s hand grabbed the handle to the door to the caverns as he turned back to Solomon, “We should talk more, I heard you’re going to have an outing today and I’d love to hear more.”

***

“Will you ever be on time for any meal?” Asmo huffed, crossing his arms.

“Maybe one day,” Solomon hummed, taking a seat, “But I did show up.”

“If you showed up early we could spend a little time together before everyone else got here.”

Solomon noticed that Asmodeus wasn’t looking at him. Following his gaze, Solomon saw that he was staring at Lucifer and Diavolo. Diavolo had his hand on the crown prince’s shoulder. He leaned down close to his ear and said something that made Lucifer smile ever so slightly and chuckle. He mouthed the word sit, and Diavolo took his place next to him. It was incredibly tender. No one else seemed to pay it any mind, but Asmo’s fingers gripped at the table.

“I might be able to come sooner if someone wouldn’t mind teaching me how to navigate the castle.”

He noticed Asmodeus nod slowly, but he didn’t look towards him. What had gotten into him? What about Lucifer and Diavolo had him so fixated? Unfortunately his little novice charm didn’t give him all of those answers. Did he dare reach up to see what he was feeling? It could give him an idea of how to steer the conversations.

His hand wandered towards his chest. But before his fingertips could brush against the pendant, Diavolo’s butler entered the room. “Breakfast will be out shortly, but I do have tea ready.”

Barbatos started at the head of the table, pouring tea for each member and setting out small biscuits. When had been the last time he came to breakfast? He came to other meals sure, but most of the time Simeon brought it back to him as he often slept through it.

“Welcome your majesty,” Barbatos said, pouring the steaming liquid into his cup, “It’s lovely to have you join us this morning.”

“Oh thank you.”

“Your scribe seemed to be getting tired of you missing meals.” Wasn’t he the bold one? “Anything in your tea?”

“No thank you.”

Barbatos nodded and moved on to Asmodeus.

“No cream or anything? Really?” Asmodeus leaned over to look at his cup.

“Really. I stay up rather late, and sugar makes you crash.”

“Then what about sugar rushes?”

“It’s a temporary rush. It won’t last in the long run.”

Lucifer had taken his tea black as well, so why was it so intriguing to Asmo that he might drink his own in a similar fashion? It was almost like it was some sort of secret or big surprise to his fiance.

“You really are a serious guy aren’t you.”

Now what was that supposed to mean?

“Does that mean you no longer want to go out?”

“No!” Asmo jumped in quickly, eyes going wide, “No we’re still going out. You can’t get away from me that easily.”

“I didn’t suspect that I would, You seemed rather determined.”

“Well good! You shouldn’t think that you could get away.”

Solomon snorted. He looked around the table to each of the members. Levi wasn’t fighting with Mammon like they’d been on the first day he got here. While the two of them weren’t talking, they seemed to be getting along better. Satan was focused on a book from his library, one that he’d have to remember to ask him about later. The twins sat silently. Well, Beel sat silently, Belphegor was asleep. Solomon also noticed that unlike the rest of his siblings, he was dressed in black. Had he been dressed in mourning attire when he arrived?

“Husband!” Asmo sang waving his hand in front of his face, “You should be paying attention to meee.”

“He ain’t your husband yet Asmo,” Mammon chuckled, before Solomon could even get a word in, “And he won’t be if you scare him away.”

“I won’t scare him away!”

A few of the other brothers snickered from around the table as Belphie opened one of his eyes. “Are you sure about that?” he asked, “When you met him you weren’t you.”

Solomon heard a bit of an edge to his voice. It wasn’t playful like Mammon’s had been.

“Enough,” Lucifer held up his hand, “It’s too early for this. We’re going to have a nice breakfast as a family or else I’ll banish you from Arcadia.”

“Aw come on Luci, you wouldn’t banish your baby brother would ya?” Mammon asked, leaning a little closer and batting his lashes.

Lucifer only narrowed his eyes, “Don’t test me.”

***

“Mammon runs the treasury, Levi is the head of the navy, Satan holds the records, and the twins split agriculture. Belphie takes care of the animals when it comes to stuff like milk and eggs and Beel takes care of crops and beef,” Asmo had been talking the entire ride down to his sector. He counted off each one of his siblings on his fingers as he named them off. He’d chosen to sit shoulder to shoulder with Solomon instead of across from him. Not that he was surprised. Asmodeus was rather clingy. “Lucifer as the head stays in the center and oversees all of Arcadia. He wasn’t always the welcome committee, but he had to take over. Luckily he has Diavolo for that now.”

Solomon shifted trying to give himself more room only for Asmo to follow him, “And what do you do?”

Asmo grinned, “Oh showing interest? Well, if you must know, my district takes care of little self care items. Lotions, perfumes, flowers, pretty things. Honestly mine is the best. Sure the other things are important I suppose, but what is life without beauty? My district is the most beautiful and therefore it's the best.”

Well, that seemed a bit shallow. Was looks the only thing he really cared about? All of the other things he had listed were equally important. How could he undermine them for the sake of his own? Every element came together to make a community. No one aspect held everything together alone.

“You’re going to love it. I can’t believe I haven’t taken you here sooner! Well I kind of can, after all I wouldn’t have been able to if- Well, you know.”

The carriage stopped and Asmodeus immediately seemed to perk up. The carriage bounced with him as he waited for the chauffeur. As soon as the door opened, he took Solomon’s hand and walked the two of them out. The first thing he noticed was a few timid townsfolk peeking out from behind their doors or windows or even stared from their stands.They seemed fixed on Asmo. Of course Solomon remembered that many of them most likely stayed hidden or on a low profile because of the death of the king along with the threats. It was nice to see some other life around. A royal being around probably put them at a higher risk.

“Hello my adoring darlings!” Asmo sang, “I’ve decided to treat you all with a visit today, and I’ve brought my soon to be husband to see all of you! Make sure you show him just how wonderful you all are!”

Solomon caught the sweet scent he usually associated with Asmo wafting from one of the shops. So, they did come from here. How frequently did Asmo visit? Slowly people emerged from their houses and stands and continued to go about their days. Asmo grinned at him and took his hand.

“Come on, I want to show you around.”

Asmo spent most of the time talking about himself. Asking if Solomon thought he looked pretty, if his town was the best one he'd ever seen. That was the last thing he really remembered as he started to tune Asmo out at that point. There was so much he could take of this man just talking about himself. He figured that he might learn something about his fiance, but it turns out he was wrong. Did Asmo seriously think that this would get Solomon to like him? He knew what Diavolo had said, but still.

Was he really that nice?

Or was he more like what he'd heard Azazel describe?

Whatever the case, he was trying too hard to impress him.

Asmo led him towards the center of the square and turned to face Solomon, “If I can get some musicians together, would you like to dance with me?”

“Oh, well, I’m not the best dancer,” he could at social events if he had to, but it wasn’t something that he would do in his free time. The idea of there being a possible audience also made him nervous. He stepped back and looked around, "Perhaps another time."

Asmo's face fell slightly, but he let Solomon step back. It almost seemed as if he was trying to think about what to say to convince Solomon to change his mind.

"I think I'd like to meet some of your people and to look at the products they create," Solomon continued, taking note of the plant life around him. Each of them seemed to have some sort of pink tint to them. At least the color themes seemed consistent.

"Of course."

The people were seemed rather intimidated by him. Not that he blamed him. He was an outsider king and a rather prominent figure at that. He was going to marry their prince. He took notes as they wandered. After all, he was going to have a say when it came to this place, he should know more about it.

Asmo’s chattering eventually dulled with each increasingly listless response Solomon gave and he scribbled away in his notes. Perhaps he finally understood that Solomon needed to focus, that he needed quiet if he was going to make any progress in his studies. He paused in his strides when he came to a patch of flowers surrounded by tiny metal arches.

They smelled impossibly sweet, almost as sweet as Asmo's perfumes. What were they? They weren't anything that Solomon was familiar with. He was certain they didn’t have them back at home. This was something he could ask his fiance about. It was only when he turned to ask him did he realize that Asmo wasn’t there. He wasn’t anywhere to be seen actually.

His eyes glanced around the area. Surely he couldn’t have gone that far? Was he really that upset by the fact that Solomon wouldn’t dance with him?

He plucked one of the flowers and started to try to retrace his steps to find his fiance. This was supposed to be a date between the two of them. Of course he would lose his fiance here. Of course his fiance would run out without telling him. Of course. Of course it had to be this way. Of course his fiance couldn’t have been reasonable. Of course-

There were children laughing.

Children?

“You’re doing so well!” his fiance was standing among them, engaging in their little games. This was a different side of him. They were all in a little circle with their hands linked. Sometimes the children would break the chain and run around before finding new spots.

He wasn't striving to impress them, perhaps because they were children (and easy to impress).

He's a kind person.

Diavolo had said he was kind. Solomon had been skeptical. The more he watched, the more he realized that perhaps he’d been wrong. He’d judged him too harshly. Perhaps he hadn’t been as level headed as he thought.

Watching him laugh and play with the little ones was certainly an experience all on it’s own. He seemed like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Solomon also had another realization.

Asmo had a different type of worry plaguing his mind. He’d been nervous that Solomon would reject him because he wasn’t Lilith sure, but after he’d been worried that Solomon wouldn’t be impressed with him. His worries transformed and were presenting themselves through a different outlet. Solomon hadn’t been paying attention because Asmo was smitten with him, which was the minimum that he needed.

He could be good to him.

He could be kind to him.

It seemed like Solomon hadn’t been doing the best job at doing those things the more he dwelled on it. To put it frankly, he’d been ignorant. Solomon couldn’t even say that he wasn’t completely unaware of how he’d been acting. He hadn’t been terrible to Asmodeus, but he certainly hadn’t been good or kind either. He could have been better.

One of the kids must have tripped or something, because the next thing Solomon knew he heard sobbing.

“Oh darling, it’s alright, hush now. It’s only a scrape,” Asmo’s voice carried to Solomon’s ears. It was soothing, it felt safe. It lit something inside of him, a feeling that he couldn’t quite place his finger on. Whatever it was, Solomon knew he enjoyed it. His voice alone could convince the tension to leave his body and place his mind at ease. It felt like if Asmo said it was alright then everything had to be alright. Slowly the sobs settled and the child buried their head into Asmo’s shoulder. Slender fingers ran through their hair in an attempt to sooth them.

Solomon realized that this was a third face he had never seen from his fiance before. How many more could he possibly have? What more did Solomon have left to discover?

“I thought you didn’t like kids,” the words came out of his mouth before he could stop them. No thought ran through him, only an action that he chastised himself for.

Asmo jumped ever so slightly and turned to face him. He seemed surprised to see Solomon there, more surprised than Solomon thought he should be. “What brought you to that conclusion?” he asked.

“Your reaction to the rabbits.”

“Ah well,” Asmo laughed slightly, “You still thought I was someone else then, and I’m not exactly capable of giving you children in that sense. I do love the little ones though, they’re the cutest little things.” Asmo poked the child’s nose earning a soft little giggle, “Aren’t you all?”

He stopped for a moment, scrunching up his brow before turning to Solomon, “What brought you here? You seemed… busy in your own little world.”

Oh, so he’d been ignoring him, and unfortunately Solomon knew it wasn’t the first time he’d been aware of this. He was just more aware of it than he’d like to be at the moment.

He cleared his throat before holding up the flower, “I had been curious about some of your plants and wanted to ask you a few questions, but I see that you’re busy right now.”

Solomon glanced at the rest of the children standing behind him and thought. He was curious about the game, and he hadn’t been giving his fiance much mind as of late. “Would you mind if I watched your game?”he asked.

It was fun to watch them play. The way the children interacted with the fifth prince was adorable to say the least. At some point, they’d managed to talk Solomon into playing. There was no better way to learn than to participate. He wasn’t great at it, but the children seemed to enjoy him fumbling about squealing with absolute delight. Asmo had even joined in, and oh Solomon had almost forgotten how much he enjoyed his laugh.

When it came time for the children to return to their families for lunch, Asmo led him into town to meet more of the locals. They showed him their wears and how they went about making their soothing lotions and sweet perfumes. To his surprise a few of them had also been magic users. They didn’t have strong magic, but it did help with relaxation, recreation, and with what plants the little town did have. In other words, it seemed like it could also be utilized for healing in the form of muscle relaxants or even helping in the production of certain medicines.

They all also seemed to enjoy Asmo.

This hadn’t been what he thought it would be at all. In fact, Solomon was enjoying their little date. Watching Asmo interact with the people of his sector was certainly more enjoyable than him trying too hard to impress him. Solomon liked this side of Asmo. He was relaxed and his eyes were soft and tender. There was a beauty about him that was being reflected outward.

For the first time, Solomon truly felt like he was getting a glance at his soul.

“Your majesty?” a young woman approached Asmo, violin in her hand, “Would you like music?”

Solomon wasn’t sure what possessed him to look up in that moment, but he realized how many eyes were on them. No. How many eyes were on him. Then he remembered. Asmo would be giving up his position in marrying him. That meant that Solomon would now have say over anything that happened. For the first time what that really meant hit Solomon. Asmo would no longer have control over his sector, and his people were worried. They didn’t know anything about Solomon, and neither did Asmo.

He wanted him to love him.

He wanted him to respect him.

Asmo was just as scared, and Solomon had been stupid enough to miss it all.

“On any other day that would be lovely my dear, but I’m afraid my-”

“You mentioned wanting to dance earlier,” Solomon cut in, bowing ever so slightly, “Consider this my apology for being so rude and ignoring you.”

Joy radiated from the prince. Solomon could feel his warmth buzzing all around them as they headed back to the center of town.

This didn’t mean Solomon was in love.

But this did mean that he was going to try harder.

He was going to give the prince what he deserved and show him that he didn’t need to worry.

Solomon would take care of things.

The music started up, the woman with the violin leading in a few other instruments as they joined hands. Solomon wasn’t a fantastic dancer, but it didn’t seem to matter to Asmodeus. It was such a simple want.

Ah. Yet how quickly a fairytale-esque picture can shatter.

Solomon didn’t even register hearing the whistle of the arrow as he pulled Asmodeus in close and it scraped his sleeve, barely missing his fiance.

[ruewrites]

Do I realize that I didn't have to write a royalty au because Solomon is technically a king?

Yes.

Do I care?

Absolutely not snd Asmo is still going to marry a king either way soooooo-