Betrayal

“Shall we share a bed tonight?”

Avilasa hits William on the head with an empty bowl. “It’s good see your energy return this past month. I’m starting to believe this a ploy.”

“If I admit that it is will you move in? My bed has plenty of room.”

Avilasa laughs. “Sorry my dear king but we must marry before you receive that kind of fortune.”

“I’m sorry, I promise it will happen soon.”

“Don’t apologize. I understand why you haven’t proposed. I fear the quickness of it once you do succeed, I must prepare to satisfy my husband.”

“Just being at my side is enough.”

“You say that now but you are a man full of desire. William, have you ever thought of the world after you succeed?”

“My first action will be to marry you. After that I hope for nothing but peace. A world without the fear of war.”

“Marrying a demon woman will cause you strife.”

“Whatever strife it may bring I am more than willing to endure if it means being at your side.”

“As am I. But I ask that you not rush.”

A soldier rushes inside the room. “Your majesty! Demons gather at the border!”

“How many?”

“We believe over 5000.”

“That many.” William attempts to stand but is unable.

“I will take care of this, brother.” Charles said.

“Charles… very well. Be safe. Remember, living to see another day is the greatest fight you must win.”

“Of course.”

“I will take my leave now as well.” Avilasa said. “I want you to get plenty of rest.”

“Very well, be safe returning home.”

Outside of Willaim’s room, Avilasa approaches Charles. “May I come along?”

“What do you have planned?”

“The major conflicts stem from the belief that human and demon can never coexist. But they are wrong, I am living prove of this. I love William and he loves me. I will show them with my blood.”

“That may work. Bringing you may anger William however.”

“I will handle that if he does get angry.”

“William is weak to your allure. Very well, we leave now.”

Avilasa accompanies the army of 5000 gathered by Charles within the hour. They arrive at the border of the kingdom where the demon force awaits them.

Even from afar their rallying cries can be heard, much of their grievances centered around the oppression at the hand of humans.

Charles approaches the demon commander, a tall orc like man, with his hands raised. “We have no desire to cross blades with you all. We wish to negotiate, but you must reciprocate.”

The commander grunts. “We’ve had enough of your unfair demands.” His voice like a booming speaker, the demons behind him rally to it. “Humans must forego their own greed before asking of us. We’ve had enough!” Another rallying cry. “The world is made for one of us, our blades will decide for who.”

Their rallying cries bury any attempt Charles makes to speak, adrenaline ad fury fill their minds.

“You’re wrong!” Avilasa removes her robe as she steps forward.

The demons become silent, surprised by the existence of a halfling. The humans share the surprise as well; confusion filling their minds about the king’s woman.

“I have fallen in love with a human man. My mother before me also fell for a human man, their love gave birth to me. Although scarce, there is proof that we can coexist. Look to me as an example that we can live together in peace, that we can love each other.”

“And how do you plan to prove this love for a human?”

“With blood. When the blood of a demon that loves a human paints the earth so shall it breath life, so shall flowers of remarkable beauty grow.”

“Idealistic rumors. Young halfling, look behind you.” The demon leader said. “They look at you with suspicious eyes, they believe you an enchantress sent to deceive their king. Come with us, we do no care that you are of mixed blood, you will be safe with us.”

“They’re not rumors. My gardens were made by my mother’s blood.” Avilasa reveals a blade. Cutting the palm of her hand, she allows her blood to drip onto the earth next to her.

Both sides watch with great anticipation, but nothing happens. The blood sinks into the soil, leaving behind the stain but not bringing forth colorful life.

“What? No, this can’t be. I love William.”

“They sent her to kill William!”

“We have done no such thing!” The demons retort.

“Everyone please calm down!” Charles yells.

“You damn demons! We’ll slaughter every one of you!”

“So be it! Humans could never trust a demon and demons will never kneel to you monsters!”

Avilasa runs away as the battle begins. Demon and human blood paints the land crimson red, war cries and groans fill the air as Avilasa covers her ears and flees for her cottage. Amongst all the noise of war, her cries are distinct. Disbelief and horror fill her after the failure to present her love.

Avilasa holds herself against the stone wall of her cottage, her tears make it difficult to see. “I love William. I do. But why? Why?” Avilasa slams her hands against the stone walls. “What have I done? I’m so sorry William. I have restarted the conflict. I’ve ruined all your efforts. I’m so sorry. I… I… why didn’t it work?! I haven’t lied!”

Avilasa cuts her other hand, splashing her blood around her to no avail. “It can’t be!”

She rushes inside, heading for a flower bed but stopping before she stomps on the flowers. “Mother, was it a lie? Or is this the truth?”

Distraught, Avilasa heads inside. Her failure has caused the largest battle since the end of the war. Even at her cottage, the sounds of war reach her, each clashing blade a reminder of her error.

Hours later, the sound of marching reaches her cottage.

“We’ve found her!”

“We will not let king William be fooled any longer!”

“Hm?” Avilasa rushes outside.

Humans kick her gardens as they approach her door. A small group, but one filled with vengeful eyes as they look her way.

“Stop!” Avilasa rushes forward, the strength of her demon cells enough to knock two men out. The third raises his blade, she brandishes her own and aims for his heart. Her speed greater, she will slay the man before he can defend himself.

“Wait!” Charles stops Avilasa’s strike with his sword sheathe. “All of you out now!”

The men do as Charles says. The ever-calm prince’s angry tone rings through their ears, a fate worse than death awaiting them should they disobey.

“Avilasa. I’m sorry, I will have them punished for their actions.”

“No.” Avilasa drops her blade. “I will leave.”

“Wait, please. What happened was unfortunate, but we can still make this right.”

“I have betrayed your brother! I can never face him again.”

Charles remains quiet as Avilasa leaves. Exhausted from battle, but it is his failures that leave him hopeless to stop Avilasa.