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Amelie was fuming. Internally, of course, because her position required being very careful with revealing her emotions. One badly-timed frown could send whole clans into panic or worse — give someone a foolish idea that the Demon Queen is losing her composure within only a few hours from her King’s departure. That she’s weak without him by her side.
She of course knew that her position is strong, but there would always be a fool or two eager to take their (nonexistent) chance for attack.
A small part of her actually wanted that to happen. Her skin itched from the restless feelings swirling inside her, a primary demon’s desire to destroy and wreak havoc crawling up her arms, making her fingers itch to just smash something right as she was giving the last instructions to her servants before retreating to the royal chambers.
Iruma was not there.
She threw herself on their bed face down, her irritation instantly changing into an almost visible gloomy aura.
“Iruma's not here…” She mumbled to herself, with a deep sigh. “Iruma, you idiot.”
She knew it wasn’t his fault, really. But it wasn’t like she could fly halfway across the dammed Netherworld to explain to those poor excuses of Lords that their stupid quarrel wasn’t important enough to justify dragging their king away from his wife right before their first wedding anniversary.
She kicked the mattress a few times, briefly imagining herself using her full-strength roundhouse to drive her message home.
Her demon urges bubbled to the surface again, but she pushed them away. She understood her need to stay in control but Devil knows the world constantly tested it.
And that was the second reason for her bad mood.
Iruma was worried about her. Enough to insist she stayed in the castle instead of going with him. And she knew that saying her recent condition was just because of stress was not an argument she could use against her beloved idiot. Not when he was looking at her with that worried expression. He wanted her to “take it easy for a while.”
She let out a frustrated growl, muffling it with a pillow. She was a proud demon from the Azazel family, for Devil’s sake! Besides, he wasn’t one to talk since, he was overworking himself too! Fine, maybe she was tired recently but a bit of fatigue wasn't something she couldn’t conquer with her bloodline magic. She’d been worse.
Except this time, her magic didn’t work.
Her body felt heavy and her emotional control slipped far easier than usual. Iruma's presence, usually able to disperse all her negative feelings, worked only in brief spurts, and even then he was busy that she couldn’t selfishly demand his companionship all the time. Besides, she had her own work.
Work that was now growing exponentially more difficult.
Of course, she still performed her duties perfectly, but it was getting harder to stay focused. She pushed herself to not let it be visible.
Iruma, however, noticed. Because of course he did.
He pressed her gently to let the court physician look at her but she reassured him twice as firmly. She still refused even when using her magic had stopped working , far too busy with her duties as Queen and clandestine preparations for their first wedding anniversary that took months to plan. It was supposed to be their perfect day with a romantic dinner date, some dancing under the stars and all....
And then this whole mess in the far Northern border sprung suddenly and Amelie wanted to scream again as she remembered it was barely yesterday when the situation deteriorated so quickly her husband, the Demon King, needed to personally intervene. Their anniversary was the day after tomorrow! There was no way he could return in time! She knew he would try to resolve the conflict diplomatically and properly, and proper diplomacy takes days, even with his authority as the Demon King.
Damnit. He was so rushed, he didn’t even mention making it up for his untimely absence. It wasn’t like Iruma to forget important anniversaries like this, so he probably assumed she’d understand. And she did understand, she just wanted to go with him, so she at least can be together with her husband on their special day.
‘But, I just had to make him worry.’ she thought bitterly, feeling her emotion twist painfully inside her chest. ‘Am I really that weak?’ Suddenly she was fighting her tears now.
Iruma, being Iruma, didn’t even mention that. “I will be calmer knowing you are here, taking care of things in the castle.” He said, “You the best person to leave everything to, my Queen,” he added as he stood on his toes to kiss her cheek. Sneaky bastard. When did he get so good at making her do what he wanted?
“You should read the next volume before I come back,” he whispered. “And call the doctor if you feel any worse, ok?” he added with a smile. looking her in the eyes.
‘Fine,’ thought Amelie as she was falling asleep. ‘I will talk to the stupid doctor and he will tell me everything's alright. And I will read all the volumes so you have to go to the Human World and buy me more so I can forgive you for leaving me alone...’
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‘I am not calling the court physician’ was the first thing she said to herself when she woke up in the morning. ‘I will eat breakfast, do my job and then take some time to read the whole manga and nobody can stop me because I am the Queen and I’m all alone on my anniversary.’ she added as she was forcing her heavy body to get out of bed with a heavy pout on her lips and her horns droopy.
She hadn’t slept well that night.
‘Alright, maybe just some tea for breakfast,’ she thought. ‘I don’t really have an appetite.’
After sorting through some necessary paperwork, signing the most important documents and leaving the instruction to the staff, she went straight to her private library. No one except for her and Iruma was allowed inside their secure arcanum of forbidden artifacts, which was where all their manga, other books, and trinkets from the Human World were stored.
She learned the Human Language when she was working for Lord Sullivan, between her duties and training with Opera. Nowadays she would read for Iruma as often as he read for her. It still remained their favorite way of spending their precious free moments together. Aside from book shopping trips to the Human World, of course. Not having to hide from the Demon Border Control was one of the many perks of being the King and Queen.
She stood before the massive “First Love Memories” shelf, looking for volume 428, but frowned.
There was something that shouldn’t be here.
The tomes were shifted around so there was some empty space with only the volume she was looking for. Right under the volume, tied to it with a red bow, was a bigger package, wrapped in pretty floral-printed paper. She took the whole thing from the shelf and noticed an envelope resting on top of the manga. She saw her name on it, written with Iruma’s hand. She sat in her favorite comfy chair and carefully pulled the envelope from under the bow, keeping it in place. She opened it and read:
Love,
Since I cannot be with you on the day of our first anniversary, I had to figure a different way to give you my present.
My present for you is teaching you another language that Humans use to express their feelings. This Idea was inspired by this volume so make sure you read it first, before you open the package. It contains the first part of my surprise for you. The second one is waiting for you in a different place. I’m sure you will find it with no problems.
I can’t wait to see you again.
Forever yours,
Iruma
PS: I will be back as soon as possible. Already considering kicking some morons for you.
Amelie let out a squeal that evolved into very unladylike snort at the last sentence. Her cheeks were already red. Her husband knew that him showing his inner Irumean from time to time did things to her. Damn that stupid, sweet, sexy, charming husband of hers!
She hugged the letter to her chest and grinning like an idiot reached for the manga, already in a better mood.
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As she discovered, there truly was some hidden language humans used and it has something to do with giving each other flowers, and that secret system became the volume’s subject. Kakeru choosing flowers for Rin, Rin reacting with wild blushing and her friends freaking out because, apparently the specific kinds meant he loves her passionately.
‘But it was obvious from, like, volume 118.’ thought a mildly-confused Amelie. ‘Why are they so excited about it being said again, except accompanied by a flower bouquet this time?’
Was the flower so important? Was it another human custom she didn’t know about?
She thought about it for a moment.
Gifting flowers wasn’t that unusual for demons. Though fewer flowers were pretty enough to use them in floral arrangements, it definitely was a common enough practice, at least for the higher ranked demons and nobles who can afford it. Such flowers either grew in places that were barely accessible to avoid being eaten, or evolved to literally fighting those who wanted to harvest them for a pretty decoration. That definitely made the prices high so giving someone flowers was more a symbol of wealth than anything.
She mused for a bit about her teenage interest in pursuing a career in a flower shop. It was a job for demon girls both subtle enough to care about beautiful things and strong enough to actually wrestle the Thornwhip Roses for their flowers. And some demons thought it was a job for dainties! Ha! Try to say that when you get a Jumping Lily’s sting in your rear! That poison could force even the biggest, buffest demons to eat while standing for weeks.
‘I’m getting distracted again.’ she noticed something odd, and took a closer look at the manga pages. Human World's flowers were surely different from their demonic equivalents - almost no thorns, no shooting needles, and definitely no eyes. They were more delicate, bright-colored and with wonderful smells. She saw some during the trips with Iruma. The one in the pictures was called ‘Rose.’ She once got the chance to see them up close and Iruma mentioned they were a popular gift due to their pretty blossom and beautiful smell. He didn't mention them being that special, though… And, although Iruma sometimes gifted her flowers, she didn’t recall a single rose among them… Odd, but she had a suspicion she may know where all this is going.
A language to express feelings…
She opened the package. It contained two things: A book titled “A Language of Flowers” and, attached to it’s ribbon bookmark, a single key.
“Knew it.” She murmured with satisfaction and returned the manga to its place. She wouldn’t need it anymore.
She rushed out of the library.
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She actually hesitated a bit in front of the door to the Garden. It was called the King’s Garden for a reason. None except a few trusted people were allowed to enter and only when Iruma was there. Even Amelie never entered it alone. She, of course knew what was inside, and there she spent quite a lot of time together with her husband, but there was a silent agreement among those with permission to enter to never abuse that privilege.
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Iruma, he liked flowers. She asked him once about it, and he told her that flowers were one of the few fond memories he had from the Human World. He worked for an old florist lady once. It was hard work but she paid him well, didn’t ask too many questions and taught him plenty about flowers.
“It was the safest job I ever had.” smiled Iruma. “I could sleep in the greenhouse and nothing tried to kill me.” He laughed like that was funny instead of horrifying and Amelie snapped the pen she was holding in half.
At that time she was still ready to go and murder all those monsters of parents who made her love suffer. She calmed down a bit after some time, though.
Now she would rather use some painful curse on them. That would have to wait for another day, however
When Iruma began his garden, after he became the Demon King and moved to the castle, she stood beside him, with his engagement ring on her finger.
His first flowers was obviously the sakura tree, near the entrance to the garden. Next were flowers she already saw in Lord Sullivan's mansion.
“Those were a present for Grandpa and Opera-san.’ explained Iruma. “I asked Suzy-sensei for some magic saplings and made them bloom for the first anniversary of becoming a part of their family. Those are Japanese Irises and that one is called Nandina.” she saw him blushing slightly for some reason as he talked.
After that, he grew many, many more. She knew the names of a lot of them. She also knew that Iruma tended to each and every one thinking about important people in his life.
“Because each flower reminds me of them.” Iruma said with a sweet smile but offered no more explanation.
And every time he was feeling lonely when they all were busy with being young adults and/or important figures in rapidly changing Demon World, he would come to this garden to catch a breath. And then, every time, Amelie or someone else would come to this garden to sit with him and rest a little before they would take his hand and return to their lives together. They didn’t understand why he didn’t come directly to them, but they already learned that Iruma sometimes needed space. They would surely get the answer in due time. Besides, it was obvious Iruma enjoyed his garden.
It felt like a safe place.
------
Amelie looked at the book in her hands. She read the title again.
“The Language of Flowers”
If, for humans, flowers had a language, then this garden was full of words Iruma wanted her to see and understand. She looked at the preface, reading some parts quietly.
“Communication through the use or arrangement of flowers… allowing the gifter to express their feelings… “
He not only allowed her to enter his private sanctuary but also decided to show her all the emotions hidden in his garden… That was so like Iruma. Honest as he was, he had that quirk of keeping most important feelings to himself only to bare them completely in a sudden and unpredictable outburst that would always greatly impact those around him. She loved that in him, but it sometimes worried her too.
She hesitated again. Part of her wanted to wait for him, to see his face when she deciphered each and every flower. Part of her wanted to wait until tomorrow, for their anniversary and enjoy his present on the day it was meant for, but the most selfish part of her just wanted to know more about her husband. She was a demon and demons are greedy. And Hell knows, she waited long enough to be with him.
She turned the key and entered.
-------
The garden wasn’t as grand as some speculated. It wasn’t particularly small, but it has a cozy feeling to it. Just enough space for a small gazebo, lots of flowers in small patches and a few big trees spread far enough not to be cramped together.
It was, of course, protected with the strongest magic countermeasures. Amelie knew she could only use the key because it was made for her and her alone. Iruma situated the garden itself in an enclosed space that used to be one of the many courtyards. Now, the view from outside was blocked by a magic barrier that allowed light to filter inside, yet looked like a copula from the outside. The King didn’t enjoy being spied on from above.
After closing the door behind her, Amelie stood there for a moment, simply looking and inhaling the scent. It was undoubtedly the most colorful place in the whole Netherworld. Although there were some demon flowers blooming here and there, most were flowers from the Human World.
“They are permanently in bloom thanks to magic. even if most of them should not be in bloom at the same time of year.” Iruma explained once. Amelie liked it this way.
She opened the book and, after taking a moment to familiarize herself with how it worked, looked at the first flower, though she suspected she knew the meaning of this one already. And sure enough... “Sakura” she read. “is associated with beauty, purity but also knowledge and education.” She smiled to herself remembering the famous Babyl’s Tree while standing to its smaller sibling, right next to the garden entrance.
Iruma decreed its flower into a symbol engraved onto a medal awarded to the most accomplished teachers. One of them was decorating the wall in the current Principal of Babyls’ office.
She smiled as she checked the flowers growing from Sullivan's mansion. Japanese Iris for “happy announcement”, “kind heart” and “elegance” and Nandina - “my love is growing,” “good family.”
Amelie smiled again, this time with a warm feeling blooming within her chest. It was so fitting, and so Iruma. She had no shortage of good feelings for the family she was now a part of. She could never express her gratitude for bringing her beloved man to her world and protecting him and caring for him for so long.
With that tender feeling in her chest, she walked a bit further and looked at the next specimen - a Plum tree. If she remembered correctly, this was the earliest blooming tree. Which means it should belong to…
She skipped a few pages, and there it was - noble… faithful… perseverance… dignity… She couldn’t wait to tell this to Azz and see his face! She chuckled to herself. looking at other flowers nearby. “‘Impatiens’ - bright person, strong individuality… here’s our Clara!” She laughed. But then, among lots of brightly colored flowers, she spotted one small plant that had none.
It was tiny, growing right above the ground and looked just… normal.
“Those are called Clovers, but I don’t let them bloom. Their flowers are not that impressive, and besides, humans usually only value their leaves. The four leaved clover is rare and means good luck.” Iruma said when he planted them, but his face seemed distant.
She looked for the right page for a moment and after finding it, immediately forced herself to move away to stop herself from plucking it out and burning it right there.
Think about me, promise, revenge, be mine…
Amiy Kirio.
She felt a burning of tears behind her eyes and blinked a few times to fight them. This was the only thing that she never fully accepted, to the point of actually arguing with Iruma. She came to understand his feelings after a long time, but she never forgave that demon for his role in Baal’s plans. Even after he redeemed himself and backed off from their lives as peacefully as possible, given the situation.
But those were Iruma's feelings and she was not going to trample them, like Kirio did.
She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. It wasn’t like her to react so strongly to be honest, but some scars heal slower than others, she reasoned and moved on.
She felt a bit restless, so after checking a few more flowers (Olive for peace and wisdom, that must be Balam-sensei) and actually laughing a bit as she remembered the pure confusion on Kalego-sensei’s face when he received a bouquet of White Gerberas as congratulations for becoming the next Principal of Babyls (sure they meant “hope”, “upright” and “constant progress", but his face! ), she moved towards the center of the garden where a small gazebo was standing, surrounded by her flowers - Sword Lilies.
She was about to check the book again, because in her honest opinion all resemblance they had to her was that they were tall and had the best name but…
But then she froze, noticing something new.
Her wedding bouquet.
Well not her exact bouquet, she realised, but the flowers Iruma planted matched them perfectly.
He’d built a whole new flower bed full of various shades of pink, orange, yellow and white flowers that looked more like colorful birds or butterflies.
“Peruvian Lilies,” she whispered, remembering their name fondly.
The memories of their wedding day came rushing back to her. It was exactly a year ago, but now she was feeling as it was yesterday. The beautiful bouquet he gave her...
“I put all my love for you into these. Will you accept it?”
Yes, yes she would accept. She did accept. And she may or may not have smooched his face really enthusiastically half a second later, completely missing a cracking sound of her father’s glasses shattering yet again.
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Half an hour later she found herself on the bench with the book on her knees, still ugly sobbing over the description of her most favorite flowers in both worlds:
Peruvian lily - continuation; lasting, longing for the future, friendship, devotion, ‘I’ve got your back,’ mutual support, (red) happiness, (white) gallant, awe inspiring, (pink) care,
With six petals, each representing six pillars of a good relationship:(understanding, humour, patience, empathy, commitment and respect) and their twisted leaves as a symbol of bonding, stability and overcoming difficulties, Peruvian Lilies are a perfect present for a friend or your spouse.
‘I think I may be the first demon to ever dehydrate from sobbing over her stupid, romantic, sweet husband.’ She thought and chuckled as she tried to wipe her eyes again. She needed to calm down if she didn’t want to faint from all the emotions. Deep breaths, girl, deep breaths.
She looked at the book and smiled. ‘I guess checking one more won’t kill me,’ she thought to herself, flipping the pages to find entry for her Sword Lilies.
Yet when she found the page, there was something written on top of it,
Did you like your surprise, my Love? You probably thought the sword lilies were your flowers but they actually tell our love story. I added some missing colors since the last time we were here.
Forever yours,
Iruma
She furrowed her brow. Love story? When he once told her those tall and quite impressive flowers reminded him of her she thought he only meant how they looked. She looked around and sure there was now a new color - purple. Quite a striking hue. She started reading:
“Secret meeting... care... memories... victory... Red - solid and strong... Pink- diligence... earnest... satisfaction...:”
‘On point.’ She smiled as her finger skimmed over the lines of text.
“Purple…”
In the next moment she felt as if her face were going to explode from all the blood that rushed to her cheeks.
Passionate love.
“IRUMAAAAAAA!!!!”
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Amelie spent the their first anniversary in bed - in the end all those feelings were too much for her poor heart. Add this to skipping breakfast and dinner and she earned herself a three hours long lecture from the court physician about needing to care for more than just herself from now on, what she should avoid, things that need to be done etc. etc.
Amelie simply absorbed it all with a dumbfounded expression. The doctor departed after scheduling her next appointments, and she was left to herself.
Alone in her room she smiled the largest smile in the history of the Netherworld. She learned she wasn’t sick at all and what’s more - she had a new plan —even better than the original— for an anniversary surprise for her Iruma.
She grabbed her phone. Time to ask her father and Grandfather-in-law for some favours.
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Three days later, as the King returned after successfully calming down the complicated and dangerous conflict brewing in the far North, his Queen greeted him with a crown of lavender roses.
“I liked that scene from ‘First Love Memories’ you recommended” she said with a happy smile. “Thank you,” she added as she kissed him. “I have a surprise for you too.”
She put two things in his hands: A blooming Iris and a sapling of strawberries.
Great news... message... hope…
Happy family... foresight... you make me happy...
She laughed happily as she saw the moment his brain made the connections, and immediately short-circuited.