Work Text:
When Asch was the proper age, he was expected to find a spouse like his brother. The young prince hadn't considered what he would find in a partner attractive. There were the basics, he supposed; strength, ability, trust, magic. But all of those had to come with being royalty. Was it so unheard of to not find such a partner? With strength and ability and trust and magic?
Asch didn't look. He didn't bother to. He was sure that, one day, he would find the proper spouse. Or, perhaps, spouses. While, traditionally, it wasn't unheard of for Damos royalty to have multiple partners, it did provide risk. The practice died out only a few generations before Asch, although Lady Grandma had a few extra lovers herself.
He wanted to be married. Married and loved and have his own stories, like ones his mother told him and his brother before she...
He'll find one. Or two. Maybe three, four. Five?
Asch was certain he would find love.
❤️❤️❤️Rhys❤️❤️❤️
What good was a prince without an army? A dead prince, useless, lifeless, and pitiful. However, what was a prince without an elite strategist? There will always be bloodshed, always, but unsavory bloodshed can be saved with a good plan.
So, Asch went searching and he didn't have to look far.
In fact, Lady Grandma came in with a recommendation. She even prepared a meeting and accompanied Asch to it.
"He is the son of a good friend who's long since passed," Lady Grandma explained. "A clever boy about your age, with a good head. Studied battle tactics more than fighting but he can hold his own."
Asch nodded along, not expecting much. This was his first meeting, after all. But life had other plans.
The applicant was handsome, with freckled dark brown skin and fluffed hair the color of night. His horns went from a dark blue to a brilliant cosmos. They matched his eyes, which scanned the sacred texts that lined the meeting room. He wasn't the strongest demon Asch has ever seen--although, with Ralh as a brother, it warps one's perception--and yet Asch nearly fainted, as if he ran through an army of thousands.
"Rhys, my boy," Lady Grandma called out.
At once the applicant, Rhys, stepped over with quick obedience. He politely bowed his head. "Lady Grandma, thank you for allowing me to meet your grandson. It is an honor to meet you officially, your highness."
"Yes..." Asch knew his cheeks turned hot when Rhys gently took his head, kissing the knuckles. "Nice to meet you as well."
"Lady Grandma said you were looking for an advisor, here I am," What a confident attitude. Good. "If need be, I will show you my most recent battle strategy. It is composed with little magic use as possible, yet also effective timing, statistics, and capability."
Asch had to have him.
In more ways than one.
But first, came Rhys's position as advisor. The clever demon had spent many years with Asch, even as the prince's temper grew hot and difficult to handle. And, even after those years, Rhys was one of the few people that could calm Asch down.
He was the only one to calm Asch down with a single glance.
"...I want to court you," Asch stupidly said one day.
It was, thankfully, a boring day where he and Rhys were discussing tactics.
Rhys had paused, then gave Asch a very serious look. "Is that what you wish of me, your highness?"
"Don't say it like that," Asch scoffed. "Makes it sound like I'm..."
He did not want to be like the rulers of old.
To Asch's surprise, Rhys took his hand. "You are not. However, your majesty, I must ask if you've thought this through. I, for all my intellect, have no royal blood."
"We both bleed purple, that's enough for me."
"Yes, but the family--"
"If Ralh's allowed to marry Lady Bish, then I'm allowed to marry you."
"Yes, perhaps, but I am..." Rhys hesitated. "I am an advisor. I cannot bare children or fight a great war on my own or--"
"Then I'll find a way," Asch promised. "One way or another, you'll be my husband... only if you say yes."
Rhys laughed. "Of course I say yes."
One down. As many as he'd like to go.
❤️💙❤️Pierce💙❤️💙
"You made a circle of Knights just to marry them?" Rhal burst into laughter when Asch told him. The greater heir snorted and hollered and cried until he wheezed. By the end, Rhal was out of breath and still manages to giggle. "What does Father think of that?!"
"Lady Grandma told him, not me," Asch continued to sharpen his sword. He and Rhal may have gathered in Rhal's bedroom, but that would not stop Asch from preparing his many weaponry. "You know Father. He's weak to his mother."
"Meemaw is the best," Rhal took in a deep breath. "Wanna hear what's happening with me now?"
"You'll tell me even if I say no," Even married, Asch knew his brother was unapologetically himself and nothing less. Good. Then Lady Bish hadn't changed Rhal.
So, thankfully, Asch could hear all about Rhal's past week. Apparently, Rhal's general was causing issues. Not issues in the traditional sense--where the general became too egotistical and fight the royalty--but in the sense that Lady Bish was jealous. The general was pretty and got along greatly with Rhal, who hung on to every word. Too pretty. Too clever. Too friendly.
"So, I gotta get rid of him," Rhal shrugged. "After I make him quit, then he'll be executed on behalf of my wife."
Asch furrowed his brows. "If he's as good of a general as you say, then that's a waste."
"Hey!" Rhal became defensive. "I tried telling my wife! But Bish insisted! So I gotta get rid of him."
Not on Asch's watch. "What if I took him instead?"
"Why? Need a general?"
"Of course I do. If the only problem is how pretty he is, then I see no issue."
Rhal laughed. "Is that big brain of yours so uptight you can't even peek?"
"Hmpt," Asch glared fiercely. "Is your wife so jealous you can't keep an impressive demon as your general?"
"I--... fair..." Rhal shrugged. "You can deal with it then."
"Gladly."
When Asch met Pierce the first time, he understood Lady Bish's jealously. He was the tallest demon Asch has ever seen, although he moved as quiet as the wind. Pierce was all muscles, a proud warrior.
Rhys understood and was equally as enchanted.
And yet, both fell even further, twice as fast, when seeing what Pierce was capable of. What beauty was a warrior who could fight for hours, unwavering.
"May I court you?" Asch had waited months to finally ask.
Pierce tilted his head at the question.
"When... when we marry, you'll become a Knight, be forever tied to me, my name, and not a soul will dare tell me what to do with my husband."
Pierce stared, then he nodded. "Yes."
❤️💙💙Leif❤️💙💙
The assassin was left behind.
How foolish demons are when desperate, even moreso when they know they're about to be killed. Yet, the assassin--with white hair and green eyes like emeralds--held his head high and merely laughed when the King declared execution.
"Wait--" Asch didn't know what he was doing, why he intervened, or, Hell, why he was stepping in front of the assassin. "Father, allow me the floor."
"...proceed." The King was curious but would only give Asch one chance.
"I want him," Asch said simply, allowing the demons witnessing the trial to whisper before continuing; "I want him by my side, Father, as a Knight as capable as the two I have. He can hold his own. He can phase without use of magic."
The King grumbled beneath his breath.
So, Asch turned to the assassin. "You. What is your name?"
"...Leif," The assassin grinned with pointed teeth.
"If you accept my proposal, Leif, then your life shall be spared," Asch held back his sigh. "But you will be bound to me as both Knight and spouse. The choice is yours."
"Not really much of a choice," The assassin complained, but then shrugged. "Sure, what more do I have to lose?"
Asch would not question the impulsive answer, for he, too, had fallen to impulsive action.
In truth, he did think the assassin pretty. However, Asch wouldn't be so horrible to force anything upon him. Yes, they would be courting, but Asch would not make the marriage official without Leif's say.
Between training, and their banter, and failing to reign in the assassin's bloodlust, Asch almost forgot what power he had over Leif. The assassin's life was owed to him.
There is no love in imbalance.
"The choice is yours," Asch said all those months later. It was after another training session, when Leif had bulked up with a proper source of food. Only then, did Asch trust in the idea. "You will no longer be my bride, my courted, and you never have to become a spouse again. Your position as a Knight, or even just as you are, will keep you alive. I'll make sure of it."
"...you don't want me around."
"I didn't say that--"
"So you do want me."
"I enjoy your company," Asch hesitated. "But, I am not stupid. I have done the bare minimum but now you have a proper choice. You may stay, if you'd like, as nothing more than a Knight, or you may go and you will be protected, even at your lowest."
Leif looked as if he was genuinely considering.
However, Asch knew better, knew Leif better. He wasn't thinking at all. The assassin already knew what he wanted.
"You're not bad looking," Leif teased. "But I better be treated like a princess."
"With your attitude? I'll never guarantee such a thing," Asch teased right back. Then, he became serious. "I mean it though, Leif. Your life is yours and I'll never force a choice upon you again."
"Just tell me when to kill something," Leif swung his arms around Asch's neck. "Plus, your highness, I don't know if you've noticed, but I've been flirting with you for the past three months now. I demand reciprocation and justice."
"You'll get your fill and then some."
"Is that a challenge, your majesty~?"
Oh, how Leif taunted his title, mocking him with a toothy smirk.
"Only if you can keep up, assassin."
❤️💙💙Noi💚❤️💙
Asch never went to the market usually, much less with all of his Knights. However, today was special; there was a festival in the kingdom square, honoring Asch's mother.
How could he refuse to go?
At first, Asch followed his Knights. When Rhys wanted to look at the books, he followed. When Pierce was enchanted by a sword dance, he watched. When Leif saw a game all about dagger throwing, he cheered Leif on.
Asch adored his Knights, trained with them frequently, and showered them in love in his unusual way. More often than not, that meant banter and playful jabs and sometimes arguments that, at the end of the day, were nothing more than words. They'd kiss and talk and laugh at how ridiculous it was.
But the festival wasn't for that. It was a fun day and that's all it was suppose to be.
Or... until... a much smaller demon ran into Asch.
"Hey--" Normally, Asch would be pissed. However, as he turned to face the cocky bastard, all he found was a terrified demon covered by rags. They were small with bright orange eyes, and plenty of scars. A fighter, Asch guessed, but not fights with honor. "...are you alright?"
"I'm so sorry, your highness," The demon bowed their head. "I-I wasn't looking where I was going-- please don't execute me--"
"I--"
Then the demon gasped. "Wait--if you execute me, then I'll be free--"
Asch jumped when the demons grasped his shirt, clinging onto the fabric with two weak, shaking hands.
"Please... please, your highness, spare me..."
Asch paused, trying to find fault in the demon's eyes but found nothing. Then, he looked passed the demon and found, what he could only assume, the ones who made this demon so terrified.
"My love!" Asch began, theatrical and dramatic but nonetheless effective. He saw the aggressors' facade of arrogant wrath crumble. Good. "I've been looking for you everywhere."
The crowd whispered. His Knights understood immedietly. Unfortunately, their husband had a habit of saving people who others would deem undeserving.
"What-?" The demon went to argue.
"Ahhh," Asch whispered. "I will free you but you must play along... can you do that?"
The demon nodded.
"What is your name?"
"Noi, your highness."
Asch nodded in turn, wrapping his arms around Noi's waist. "Noi, my dear, where have you gone off?"
"I'm sorry, I ran into some... friends?" Noi was so unsure of himself, Asch almost laughed. His hands still fidgeting as he laid them against Aach's chest.
"Friends?" Asch looked past Noi and stared at the aggressors. "Care to introduce us? I'm sure we will have such a lovely chat."
No, Asch refused to hide his desire to maim.
"N-no, it's okay!" Noi laughed awkwardly. "Can.. can we please just go?"
Asch didn't question him. "As you wish, my love."
For a brief second, Noi relaxed and rested his head against Asch's shoulder. "Thank you, your highness..."
Asch released a breath he didn't know he was holding, pressing his lips into Noi's hair. "You're welcome, my love, I'll not have a soul touch you again..."
And he meant it.
No, he didn't understand how or when or why; all Asch knew is that he couldn't leave this poor demon behind.
Noi was such a kind demon with less magic due to the unfortunate conditions of his past. However, with what magic he had, Noi was a brilliant healer with a core of lightning.
He took the longest to become a Knight, a spouse. Years went by where Noi was given the title of prince's healer and he stayed protected. Asch never rushed him, he knew Noi needed time.
Gods above, was it worth it though.
❤️💙💙Ava💚🧡❤️
"Unhand my wife!"
Lady Bish only laughed at Asch. She was holding Ava hostage, Xex by her side, and each had a fiercesome dagger at important parts. One to Ava's neck, another to their thighs.
Asch knew both spots, should they be cut, would lead to death. "Let her go, Bish, or else--"
"Or else what?" Bish tilted her head in faux curiosity. "You'll tell the Damos that their precious prince is a human lover? That he's fallen in love with their magic source?"
Asch gripped his sword tighter.
"Do you know how hard I worked to be included in this family?" Bish asked, not expecting an answer. "Lady Grandma has despised me for years, that old broad! All I wanted was her approval! This family's approval! But it was never enough! Never! And yet... here you are, little prince, with a human lover."
Xex scoffed. "Disgusting."
"Indeed..." Bish sighed. "But they would've accepted you. All your crimes would be absolved and, for why? Because you're a prince! You're so much more valuable for society than a clever demon girl like me! Of course! You solved the magic crisis and yet... you won't implement an inch... because of her!"
Ava glared at Bish. She was afraid but unwavering.
"A stupid, selfish human. You've lied to each other about so much but now? It's just all okay?!" Bish shook her head. "No, you don't get to absolve consequences just because. You don't get to get off with your freedom. You deserve to be punished! But since no one else will do it... I will!"
Bish raised her dagger and Xex followed.
"You forget," Asch said, lowering his sword. "One crucial detail."
"Oh yeah, prince? And what is that?"
"I married for love."
First, it was Rhys with a powerful arcana blast, knocking both Bish and Xex off balance. Then, it was Pierce, who pinned the wicked spirit down. Then Leif phased in, stealing the daggers and taunting the two with a ridiculous face. Finally, was Noi, who whacked Bish over the head, causing her to fall.
"My lady!" Xex screamed.
"Shut up!" Ava kicked Xex in the head, knocking him out too. "That's for tricking me and my boyfriends!"
She kicked Bish too.
"And that's for being mean!"
"Ava!" Asch pulled her into a tight hug, tucking his head into her shoulder. "My princess... you're okay..."
"Yeah, I'm okay," Ava giggled,.hugging back. "All she did was monologue for days and eventually pulled me out for this."
"Oh, my poor darling..."
Ava shrugged. "We did exchange torture methods, so~"
"We've infected you just as much as you infected us," Asch teased, kissing the tip of her nose.
"Good! Because you owe me a lot, mister! First, lying to me. Second, keeping me waiting. Third, because I deserve a cake for all of that!"
"We'll have the biggest cake, my dear, when we are married, I promise."
"Better not be bigger than ours!" Leif shouted. "I worked hard eating that entire thing!"
"It should be pink and red," Noi said, excited from the thought of cake alone.
"Perhaps just pink," Rhys hummed, thoughtfully. "Or perhaps a lilac color."
Pierce nodded. "Yes."
"Oh come on," Ava stood up, taking Asch with her. "We'll have months to plan a wedding. Right now, we got a Bish to take care of!"
Xex groaned.
"And her evil henchman!"
Asch went to speak but Ava cut him off.
"Yes, Asch, I will marry you. And your other spouses too. I couldn't decide anyways!"
Silently, and all throughout Bish's trial, Asch cheered.
❤️💙💙Asch🧡💚💜
The king of Damos was a gorgeous demon, with hair as dark as shadows and eyes like the void. His red horns pierced the sky dangerously, even more so when he walked with purpose.
The king had brought peace to Damos and spread love of the humans. When demons and humans combined their efforts, and humans given a new plaything, artifical and--most importantly--renewable sources of magic were created. Thus, there was no need to kill the humans anymore.
Instead, they build a portal between worlds. So, now everyone was connected and their times had become universal and shared.
The king mostly stayed in the demon realm, in Damos, only venturing out to the human world to visit his in-laws or go to a boring meeting. Other times, he visited other countries--either as vacation or merely a different boring meeting--and became rather infamous; not just for his cleverness, but also his beauty.
There was no longer a boyish arrogant charm to the king, as he had in his youth, but, instead, a rugged man stood. His scars were infinite across his body, the untold tales of his accomplishments, and he no longer spoke with outward crass. The king grew up, at least in front of an audience.
Much like the one in attendance now.
The king sat on his throne with elegant power, awaiting the cries of the next person in line. Instead of guessing the people's woes, now there was a way to directly complain.
Hey, a king had to fill out his day somehow. And the king had no qualms about any of it. Most of the complaints were minor, easily fixable.
Until...
"Your majesty, King Asch" A young, cocky demon came to front. He planted his foot on the first step up to the throne, grinning as the king raised a brow. "I heard you are a monstrous man, a mighty force to be reckon with. I must have your hand! If you allow me to court you, then I will show you I can replace every bride before me!"
Asch hummed lowly. "You'll have to take it up with my Knights... but I must warn you."
A demon with stars on his shoulders and face approached the throne from behind. He wore a deep blue robe and held a worn book, well-loved and read many times. Rhys sat on the thrones right arm, eyeing the demon behind his glasses.
Another demon joined the right side. He was tall and grew taller still, a massive force with far too much calmness in his demeanor. He stood at rest, arms behind his back, even as his light blue robe fell from his shoulder. Pierce, for all his calmness, squared his body in preparation to fight.
Yet another demon perched on top of the throne like a bird, appearing from no where. His white hair, newly long, was whipping behind him like a snake, while he showed off his teeth in a manic smile. He wore a robe of green, fortunately wearing underclothes to not flash anyone. Leif wouldn't do that. But he was looking to feast.
A fourth demon joined them, smiling widely with a gentleness once unusual to demons. The demon was small, more thoned than muscular, and looked like a twig compared to the others. He took Asch's hand and knelt by the throne, resting his head upon Asch's knee. Noi wore a robe of orange, appearing much more sleepy than threatening, but only fools believed this.
Finally, came the human princess. She was a plump bird, walking to the throne with purpose before sitting on the throne's left arm. Despite her ethereal beauty, and the nature of her being, the human princess was far from a weak link. In fact, those who challenged her in combat always ran crying. Should they be able to handle her newfound combat experience, her wicked tongue lashings sent all adversaries back to their mothers. Ava, dressed in a robe of purple, had merely looked over the demon once, then dismissed him and looked to Asch instead.
"I must warn you," Asch repeated with a chuckle. "They don't like sharing."