Chapter 14 - Demon Lord
Demon Lord
I’d told Willow that I had errands to run, but really, I had just needed some time to think.
She’d said that people trusted me like it was obvious, and at first I was going to say that was crazy, that people shouldn’t trust a villain, but I knew she was right deep in my bones. Or maybe I just wanted her to be right.
The way everyone kept thanking me and sharing their stories like I’d been a big part of their lives felt nice.
Too nice. I’d never expected something like that, but it made me understand what Willow had been talking about last night.
I’d always felt like a fake because I didn’t know why I was fighting the hero.
Now I did.
When I’d seen that little girl with her broken horns, something in me snapped.
It had taken every ounce of self-control not to go after the hero and his cursed people right then and there.
How dare they steal my peoples’ magic and put that sad look in a little girl’s eyes?
I wanted to end them all and make them regret ever looking at magic in the first place.
People were what mattered, not what you could use them for. After reading so many books in the library, I knew that was a motivation that could drive heroes and villains alike. It had to be why the author had made me this way. He’d written me to protect the demons, no matter the cost.
For the first time, I felt like maybe I really was the right person to fight the hero.
I was the Demon Lord, not just in name, but in action too.
The more I got to know these people, the more I wanted to protect them and be the man they thought I was.
Which meant it was time to go back and talk to Willow about all this.
The strong scent of coffee wafted out of the Bunny Brews Cafe, drawing me in with faint curiosity.
Willow had suggested that the only way I could figure out who I was and what I enjoyed was to start trying everything.
The mattress shopping had been quite the experience, and I was kind of excited for a softer bed.
What if coffee ended up being just as pleasant?
Mochi had given me many hot cocoas, but never coffee.
I’d seen tired patrons downing the drink like it gave them the will to keep going.
It seemed like an interesting drink, and I wanted to try it.
Before I could open the door, a young woman with bunny ears rushed out carrying an arm full of drinks. She barreled into me with an oof, and the drinks started to tip. I grabbed the carrying case, holding on to the drinks as she stumbled, ears flopping over as she righted herself.
“Phew, that was close.” She straightened her uniform and took the drinks back from me. “Thanks for the save! Tell mom to give you something on the house. She’s the owner. I’ve gotta run.”
Then she was off again, disappearing into the crowd on the street behind me as if she had no idea who she’d just run into.
Walking around town like this had shown me that the demons weren’t the mysterious group I’d made up stories about, but real people just working hard to live their lives to the fullest. A smile tugged at my lips as I went inside.
“Welcome to Bunny Brews, how may I help you?” An older bunny woman with the same brown coloring as the girl outside smiled at me, then tilted her head. “Wait, are you the–”
“Yes, I’m the Demon Lord.” I’d let myself get lost in thought, but I did still have a role to play. I cast my smile aside and took a deep breath. “I’ll have whatever you recommend. Thanks.”
The woman frowned, ears twitching. “I was going to ask if you’re the man Willow’s been waiting for, but looks like I got my answer. Dark and grumpy. Is that how you like your coffee too?”
My eyes widened. “Dark and grumpy? Is that really how she described me?”
A quiet laugh drew me deeper into the coffee shop where Willow was sitting next to a large window.
Sunlight spilled through the glass, shining warmly on her red hair.
She looked so cozy, curled up in an armchair surrounded by scribbled notes, coffee, and snacks.
Her coffee had so much cream and caramel on it that it looked like a snack itself.
It reminded me of all the hot cocoas she’d drank at Mochi’s Snack Shack.
“I think I’d like a sweet coffee like hers.” I turned back to who I assumed was the owner of this cafe. “Maybe something dark as well, just to see what I like.”
“Never had coffee before?” When I shook my head, the woman got an excited glint in her eye. “I’ll bring you both an assortment of drinks then. The writer seems to enjoy the sweeter ones, but we’ve got all kinds.”
I nodded my thanks as I made my way to Willow. She shuffled some papers together, stacking them so they weren’t sprawled across the table. Inkheart hopped back onto its notebook with a flutter, both of them turning toward me expectantly while the bodyguard drew closer, as if he too was interested.
“So, how’d the errands go?” Willow asked sweetly. “Get anything interesting?”
The way she said that felt like a trap of some kind.
I slowly pulled out a chair and sat across from her, debating my answer.
I’d initially left to gather my thoughts before she could start asking questions for the book, but I actually had stopped at a few shops to make it feel like I was running errands. I was a demon of my word after all.
I reached inside the deep pockets of my outer cloak and pulled out two writing boards, sliding one across the table to her. “This is for you. It’ll let us keep in touch over long distances. When you write on one, the words appear on the other.”
She leaned over the table, her hair brushing against the wooden surface as she examined the device with a slight crease in her forehead. Then she picked up the attached pencil and wrote something, her green eyes filling with amusement as she smiled.
The urge to check the other writing board was too strong and I tugged it toward me.
Now I won’t have to miss you so much while you’re gone.
My mouth dropped open as I stumbled for words that wouldn’t come. I glanced up at her to see her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Oh, so she was teasing me then? Well, two could play at that game. I grabbed my own pencil and wrote a message just for her.
I’d stay by your side every day if that’s what you require. I’ll hold you close and comfort you in this terrifying demon world. You’ll never want for a single thing. All you need to do is ask and it’s yours.
There. She was going to be as red as a plump tomato after reading that.
I felt a smug grin grace my lips as I glanced up at her, but instead of shock and embarrassment, she had an even stranger look on her face.
It was almost like...she was happy? She kept staring at the words I’d written as if they were something special.
Oh no, had I messed up the teasing and she thought I was serious?
“I’m sorry, I was just trying to tease you back.” I awkwardly turned to the owner who was bringing over the drinks she’d promised us. What bad timing. “I didn’t mean to imply anything with that.”
The older bunny woman smiled as she handed us drinks that smelled like nutty chocolate and something darker. “What’s he implying, dear? Anything you need help with?”
“Oh, he was just writing me a love letter.” Willow took a big sip of her drink.
Foam lined her upper lip, and she slowly swept her tongue across to lick it all up.
My stomach fluttered and I felt unable to look away.
What kind of magic was in these drinks? She leaned forward, nudging my mug towards me. “Drink up. It’s delicious.”
“Oh, she’s a handful, huh?” The owner laughed warmly. “Go ahead and try them, Demon Lord. One is a mocha latte and the other is a plain dark roast coffee. Thought you might like to compare them to see what level of sweetness you like.”
Thank the gods she’d given me an excuse not to speak because I had no words for Willow. She’d somehow taken my attempt at teasing and upped it far more than I ever could. Did she ever mean it when she flirted like that? It seemed to come so easily to her, but was there any feeling at all behind it?
Did I want there to be feeling behind it?
I took a cautious sip of the plain coffee. A bold almost smokey taste filled my mouth, so bitter that I felt myself making a face that wasn’t exactly polite. I winced. “Sorry.”
Willow burst out laughing and handed me a container of something white. “Try adding sugar, see if that helps.”
The three of us proceeded to test taste different coffees with different amounts of sweetness to them, even trying different flavorings too. Eventually I settled on one I truly enjoyed: a hazelnut latte.
The owner smiled proudly. “I knew we’d find the right one for you.”
Something about her was so comforting, reminding me of Willow’s grandmother with her warm and soothing vibes.
I relaxed into the plush chair as the coffee warmed me.
I could see myself spending a lot of time in a place like this, brainstorming with Willow or chatting about anything really.
As long as she was here, I felt at peace.
The coffee turned acrid in my mouth. I was supposed to be getting Willow out of the book, not enjoying my time with her.
She was stuck because of me, and I should be doing everything I could to get her out, so she could return to that loving grandmother of hers and make healing potions to help her town.
I drained my mug before standing up. “I’m going back to the library to check on Nyssa’s progress. She must have figured something out to get you home.”
“Right now?” Willow fidgeted with the empty mug in front of her, not meeting my gaze. “I mean, sure, that makes sense. Let me know what you find out. I’ll stay here and keep writing for a while.”
Inkheart bobbed a nod, feathers fluttering as if to assure me it would keep Willow company.
A pen wasn’t enough though, not if there really was a time difference like before.
A half hour outside could be hours in here.
I turned to the demon who’d taken on the job of guarding her.
He’d stayed outside the castle all night and remained at Willow’s side here too.
He might be overeager, but I had a feeling I could trust him.
“Keep her safe.” I pinned him with a stare worthy of a Demon Lord, instilling every ounce of seriousness I could into it. “And give her whatever she needs while I’m away. Use my treasury if needed.”
“Yes, My Lord.” He bowed so low he almost tipped over. “I’ll protect her with my life and make sure she wants for nothing.”
“I don’t need all that.” Willow shook her head, waving her hands in the air. “I’m really fine here writing. Just go get the information and come back when you can.”
Inkheart scribbled furiously, floating up so I could see.
I thought the whole consort thing was a ruse, but the way you look after her shows your true colors. You care for her, Demon Lord. She’s safe with us.
What did a pen know? I grunted, brushing it aside.
Of course I cared about her safety. It was my fault she was in this mess, so until she was safely back in her apothecary shop, all my attention would be on her.
It was the least I could do. I closed my eyes, summoning the bright light that would take me back to the library.
Something tugged at my sleeve. Willow.
“Could you check on Gran too?” she asked softly. “I’m worried she’s overwhelmed without me. She should probably hire some help, but there’s no way she’d agree to that, so I’d feel better if you made sure she was okay.”
I nodded. “Of course. I’ll visit her shop myself and ensure her well-being.”
Willow let out a breath and smiled. “Thank you. You can get going now.”
The warm golden light started falling from the ceiling, but Willow tugged on my sleeve again.
“Sorry, but could you grab me some clothes while you’re there too?” She scratched the back of her head, looking embarrassed. “And maybe some other essentials? Gran can put a bag together for you. I just have a feeling I’ll be here for a while, so it would be nice to have my things.”
“Anything else?” I feigned annoyance, trying to get her back for all the teasing.
Her eyes lit up. “Oh! The rest of the books in your series would be great. I left them at the library and could really use them if I’m going to make your last book amazing.”
I sighed. “Am I your errand boy now? You do realize I’m the Demon Lord, right?”
“And that’s why I’m sure you can handle it,” she said sweetly. “My Demon Lord would never let a few errands get in the way of his mission, right?”
Her Demon Lord? A pleasant shiver raced through me.
I’d never been anyone’s anything before and even though I knew she was teasing, it felt really good to hear.
Too good. I closed my eyes, summoning the light that would bring me back to the library again so I could run these errands and get back to working on the final book.