Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Having delivered Freya the tools necessary to reign over Iluthath and the Bed of Chaos, I stared at the unblinking eyes of Damaris.

She was a military woman. Everything about her held a strictness I'd only seen in the military. From how she spoke to how she stood, Damaris was definitely a force to be reckoned with. She is a little similar to End.

"There's only a week till the conference," I told her, and she nodded.

"Then I'll take my leave: Her Majesty, the Queen will be prepared by then." She coldly replied, dissipating into a sea of embers.

"She's kinda cute," Mimir remarked, arching his head slightly.

"I don't think I've seen an ugly Abyssal Fiend. That being said, one is enough for me." I told him, imagining the slaughter that would take place with two working side by side. Lilith was already a handful. "But if you want… I could try to set up something for you?"

An awkward smile slipped over his lips as he defiantly shook his head. "Pass… Not to sound ungrateful. But I'd like to have a harem. Powerful women like that tend to do anything to keep you to themselves. I learned that from watching you, your Majesty."

"As they should." Said Tene through narrowed eyes.

"It is there, right; I'll not dispute that. But it's also my right not to engage with such a woman. I like what I like."

I smiled, but Tenebrae's lips curled down with displeasure. Her mouth opened then closed as she merely nodded.

Unlike earth, which holds monogamy as the gospel, The majority of what I've seen and explored tends to be polyamorous. You give a highly successful person the power to pick multiple partners. There's a big chance they'll take it. You can't be highly successful without being an opportunist.

"Got to say I do love redheads. They're the best."

"True-True-True"

"Mimir, leave us." Tenebrae coldly said, her icy gaze narrowing towards me like daggers.

Mimir gave a knowing smile that only seemed to prove his earlier point. He vanished in a puff of black mist, leaving the throne room silent.

"You seem mad." I pointed out, feeling the need to state the obvious.

"Irritated. Not mad." She quickly said. "Greed and Lust are such nasty things."

"I'd say the same for those that like to be possessive."

"Like Lilith and me?" She whispered.

"And me," I added, leaning my cheek over my knuckles. My smile waned. "I'm a hypocrite. I can't refute it. And I don't care to refute it. I want my partners to want only me."

Tenebrae looked up with doe eyes, wet with melancholy, and gave a bitter smile. "I know." She shook her head and continued. "Can we discuss the Black Hand now? Or are you still furious?"

"Few things actually anger me. More these days with the Sin of Wrath ingrained in my bones. But why not." I mused, " Although I'm unsure what's there to discuss. You told me everything. Valiscar is a Shade Varient is he not? One you refuse to kill."

"Do you want me to kill him?"

I looked her over and shrugged. "It's up to you," I said to make her mind spin. Of course, I wanted that bastard dead. He attacked Mother and me. Tried to kill us on multiple occasions. That being said, I also wanted to torture Tene. I want her thoughts to betray her.

Killing Valiscar will only serve to appease me. But it will destroy some of the loyalty she garners throughout eternity. All she worked for would be tarnished. While I would be, happy Valiscar was dead. It was a lose-lose situation. One that didn't matter to me.

How does one pick between all you worked for or someone you might have feelings for? It seems so obvious. And yet…

Tenebrae squirmed where she stood as if uncomfortable in her skin. She lowered her head. "I know what you're doing."

"I would hope so, your Tenebrae. My Tenebrae." I praised, unable to resist the devilish smile rising over my lips.

"... You don't need me anymore, do you. Now that you have the Hells." She added, and my eyes went wide for a second.

That was true. Although, I didn't think of that. Is that what's running through her mind? Is that a major fact in her decision to save or kill Valiscar? Hmmm. Interesting.

"That is true," I told her, noticing droplets of tears stream down her nose. Wimpers of sorrow bled into my chamber, squeezing my heart as I found myself frowning, unsure of what had just happened.

'Not everyone is sick like Lilith and likes abuse, you idiot. Tenebrae isn't chaotic evil. She's pretty normal if you haven't noticed." Lily chimed in, giving me food for thought. "And it's why Lilith is best girl."

I think that just makes her a masochist.' I replied, rising from my throne. I approached her and ran my fingers through the rivers of silk raining down her shoulders.

"I pushed too hard. Look. Valiscar can't be near me. My firstborn son will act as my defense. He can do something—"

"I just wanted to protect you. And he's perfect. He knows you. He knows you well. He knows your weakness. He knows your lustful habits. He knows it all. I didn't select him to hurt you but because he was the best person for the job. Sene, you're a borderline suicide. Your entire family is, and I can't… I can't… I can't."

Awe spilled through my soul as I watched Tenebrae break down into tears. And for the first time in a long time. I didn't know what to do. Do I give her head pats? Hugs? Kisses? What the hell do I do?

I don't do normal relationships. This is weird. Where are the tantrums of her trying to kill me? The rage of a thousand demons? How do normal people deal with this? Lily! Help!

"You're asking me? I spent all my life with your kids. One's a prideful prick. The other is a battle maniac that is as crazy as Lilith and you. I recognize problems; I don't fix 'em."

Uncertainty gripped my heart as I noticed Tene seemingly smaller than before. Almost like a little girl lost. She seemed so defenseless.

Come on, Arsene… I know… What would a devil do? She's in a defenseless state. Hmmm. Break her? Yes! No… that doesn't seem right. She isn't an enemy. Damn it. Why is this so hard?

"Hug me, you big dummy!" Tene spat, glaring with teary eyes, catching me somewhat off guard. I reacted. "Maybe you and Zariel aren't that different." I heard her say as my arms wrapped around her, taking her into the fold.

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