POV: Seliph

After the human delegates left I now had to talk to my mother who held a furious scowl on her face. My sister, on the other hand, was a little agitated at the delegates but for the most part seemed happy. She turned to me showing me her bright smile.

“So how are you doing brother? We haven’t heard from you in a while.”

“I’m doing good sister. Sorry I haven’t sent anything. Business has kept me constantly busy recently. I had hoped to show you Diana but as I said she isn’t doing well.”

My mother scowl deepened I’m going to guess she wasn’t happy about this.

“Why are you marrying the hero! You should have killed her, and I’ve already have arranged for multiple marriage candidates. What do you see in this cur? She is an abominate you created to fit your own sick desires!”

“Peace mother, I -”

“NO! I will not be peaceful in this. You are our king, but I’m your mother first and I can’t support this marriage!”

“I don’t want your support for my marriage. You’ve only sought to increase our assets and control over my movements. I want to have a marriage that doesn’t have any strings like the ones you present.”

“Then why not marry some peasant,. Surely she would be free of these strings you so despise. You didn’t have to marry this human hero who you transformed for your own desires.”

“Because she doesn’t see me as a king. She sees me as another person. She doesn’t treat me differently and openly questions me. Her strength is equally enviable. Together no one will dare to fight us.”

“She is still an abomination. Is she even capable of bearing you an heir. Surely whatever you did has rendered this person infertile.”

“Mara took care of that little detail earlier. That’s why she couldn’t join us.”

My sister’s eyes brightened at this.

“You saw Mara! How and When? What was she like? What did she say?”

“Just now when I made the announcement. Though she is a lot crazier than I had believed.”

My mother scowl turned to one of curiosity.

“So you met with the divines? What did they want?”

“They were discussing about our marriage. They were unsure whether to bless our marriage or not.”

“But what about Mara? She never shows herself to us. She despises demons after all.”

“Like I said, a bit crazy. She seems to take enjoyment in our struggling from this war. Using her heroes only to push the humans to fight harder and die more all in the goal of furthering ‘love’ between them from the danger that surrounds them. Paying almost no care for their lives as much as their love that results from all the danger and fear that surrounds them.”

My sister looked confused at my response.

“Really? But, I thought she was supposed to represent grace and mercy.”

Mother, on the other hand, didn’t look surprised I guess she had her own skepticism about Mara.

“Not like we ever knew. We get all our information from the priests and no demon has ever been able to commune with her. They only keep her statue for the desperate couple who prays for the miracle of a child.”

“That’s not true mother! People also go to her statue to wish for true love and happy marriages.”

“There is no such thing as true love. It’s only a myth for young girls to fantasize. My marriage to your father was born out of a political nature our parents agreed on. Your marriage will be no different. The only reason your brother is able to defy me is that he is our king and has absolute rule. As much as I hate his stupidity he has every right to ignore my demands.”

“Your demands will only weaken my authority mother. The candidates you present to me all did not have the strength to stand beside me. They were weak in both power and mind. Only their looks and connections offered and value and I do not need that.”

Looks are only a nice side benefit in Diane’s case.

“You underestimate the power of connections my son. Many believe you are neglecting the nobles and they resent you for this.”

“Those nobles are all weak. I was only able to get to where I am now through my allies and own strength. Not through the acceptance of those weak nobles, and Talos himself has blessed my rule. They are just becoming too soft and greedy to see otherwise.”

“Enough you two! Every time we all get together you always fight each other. Can’t we all just enjoy each other’s company and get along? Is that too much to ask?””

“Sorry sister, your right. How about we go out and enjoy the festivities together. We could pick up those cinnamon fruit tarts you like.”

“Fine I’ll drop it for now but this discussion isn’t over yet son.”

Exiting the room we made our way to the temple grounds where merchant stalls littered the surrounding roads. We had a light escort guide us around the various stalls. My sister leads the way jumping from stall to stall buying sweets and items that caught her eye. While talking about the latest gossip that she had heard about.

I mostly ignored the gossip but I kept a big smile seeing her smile. It had been a long time since I had seen her and she had grown quite a bit. I felt sad not being able to see her grown but when dad died I had no choice but to become who I am today. Life may not have given me the chance to enjoy peace, but hopefully, that wouldn’t be the case for her.

The people all around us parted as we passed and looked at us with admiration. Everyone seemed to be voicing their happiness at the news. They were taking it better than I expected, but these were the commoners, not the nobles.

For all the grieve I gave my mother she was right that the nobles would certainly be unhappy about the news. They would be happy for me at first but secretly try to sabotage the marriage. They would probably try to kill Diana, but she could take care of herself so there was nothing to worry about for now.

They would surely come around once they realize her true power and worth. Though Diana still had to come around to the idea as well.

After a couple of hours, we made our way back to the citadel in a carriage full of bags my sister had accumulated from her shopping spree. My mother sat next to my sister with a smile on her face. She acted calculating and empathetic but she really did care about us. She was just bad at showing it through her actions.

After we exited the carriage Flora came out to greet us and addressed me.

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“Diana is fairing well and is currently resting. Would you like me to take your luggage?”

Mother exited the carriage behind me and addressed Flora.

“Take our bags to our quarter’s girl.”

She then turned to face me.

“I am quite tired from my journey. I will be retiring to my quarters till tonight's festivities.”

My sister soon exited the carriage and jumped onto my back.

“That means I can go with you brother.”

“Fine, I guess we can go see your future sister in law can’t we.”

My mother went to her guest room while Flora followed behind her with all the bags they had purchased. I gave my sister a piggyback ride to Diana’s quarters. She might be a little moody, but I think my sister could help cheer her up.

We walked through the halls while she hummed away on my back. Her presence seemed to lighten the mood around the halls and I could swear I saw the guards smile as we passed.

As we entered Diana’s room I saw Diana asleep in her bed. She tossed and turned in discomfort from her ‘blessing’. Truth be told I didn’t know what manner of pain she must be experiencing.

I sat my sister down in a nearby chair before approaching Diana.

I brushed her hair away from her face. To think that Dibella had a hand in her beauty made me a bit sad. To me, I had always believed that she had always had a natural beauty to her.

I enjoyed her beauty but I had to wonder how she felt. To be manipulated and taken from everything she knew. Maybe my sister could help cheer her up.

I pull a chair closer to her bed and slowly stroke her hair. My sister walked to the other side of the bed and looked her over with a curious face.

Diana slowly stirred and slowly her eyes. She slowly got up brushing my hand away.

POV: Diana

One thing I now knew was that I didn’t envy my sister. I thought she was just getting to go home early when she was younger. To think she was experiencing this.

“Not now. I’m not feeling well.”

I slowly turned away and face a teenage girl. I blink in surprise and she slowly sat up. The girl’s face beamed a large smile in response. Who the heck was this girl?

“Nice to meet you Diana, my name is Julia!”

I blink a couple of more times trying to make sure I’m not dreaming. This girl looked eerily similar to Seliph. I tune to my other side and see Seliph and looked back at the girl. I could see the resemblance between them. I guess that means she is his sister that he was talking about.

“So I guess this is your sister Seliph was talking about. Julia, was it?”

“Yes! It’s nice to meet you. I hope you treat my brother well!”

I was a bit taken back. She probably did know who I once was. So I am a little surprised how happy she seems, but I’m taken aback looking at her. She reminded me too much of my own sister. How was she doing right now?

“How are you doing Diana? You doing okay?”

I turn to Seliph who looks concerned at me. I must be showing my sadness on my face. I had to get myself together. Plus this period is still quite painful though I should be able to push through for tonight.

“Yeah, it still hurts but I'm doing better. I should be able to go to the festivities tonight.”

I put on a smile as I look at him trying to reassure him. I need to see the human delegates tonight. So I can’t just lay here uselessly.

“Are you sure? You didn’t look good earlier. It’s okay if you rest for tonight. You don’t have to push yourself.”

“I told you I’m getting better.”

I try to smile at him showing him I’m better, but I hear his sister protest against me.

“No, you aren’t! Stop trying to hide it. Like he said you don’t have to go tonight. So just rest for now.”

“Sorry, Julia but I need to see everyone and reassure them I’m okay.”

I try to stand up on Seliph’s side of the bed. I try to stand up but I soon cramp up and fall over. Seliph rushes to catch me before setting me back in the bed.

“She’s right Diana if you can’t even stand it’s better if you recover here tonight.”

“Don’t worry I can keep you company tonight!”

Julia grabs my hand and looks at me with a bright sympathetic smile on her face.

“You can go deal with nobles brother. I’ll keep her company for you.”

He looked conflicted but he probably did need to talk to some people. Before he left he squeezed my hand softly.

“Sorry Diana duty calls. I’ll be back tonight to see how you're doing.”

This was too cliche I’m not a sick puppy. I’m just experiencing the first step of reproductive womanhood.

“You can visit me tomorrow. I’m not dying.”

“Alright, just get better soon.”

Seliph then exited the room. Leaving me at the mercy of Julia.

“So you’re the human hero? Did you see the divines? What was it like? How are you now?”

“To many questions kid. One at a time.”

“I’m not a kid. I’m already thirty years old.”

“Thirty? Wait how old is Seliph?”

“He’s forty-eight why?”

“He’s that old! How are you older than me?”

“Did you not know? We age half as fast as normal humans. Didn’t you know?”

“Demon biology wasn’t high on my priority list. They just threw me to the frontlines and I obliged.”

“So you were treated as a weapon?”

“Yeah, and I went along with it cause I was naive enough to believe I could get back home.”

“So heroes really are from other worlds?”

“Yep, that’s true. Taken away from my home by no choice of my own.”

“So what was your world like? Did you have a family? Where there demons there?”

“I told you one question at a time. Which do you want to know first.”

“I guess your family. Got to know who my new in-laws will be. Did you have any siblings?”

She really was full of questions. She asked more than one question again.

“I do have a family. Both my parents are alive and I have a little sister.”

“How do you think they’ll react to the news of your marriage? How old is your sister? What do your parents do?”

I slowly frown upon hearing her first question.

“They’ll probably disown me. There is no way they’ll accept I was their kid.”

“Surely they will. I mean if I can accept you as my new sister in law why can’t they.”

“You do know I was originally a man before right?”

“Sure I do, but from the way you're acting right now, it isn’t like you don’t have the body of a woman now. So why does it matter?”

“Because In my world that isn’t possible. You can’t change your sex so why would they believe me, and I’m marrying another race they’ve never heard of. Try explaining that to a mom who already detested the idea of dating someone of a different skin type.”

“Well, shouldn’t they be happy your alive and well? I mean the most important thing about family is they look out for each other. When I was little Seliph was always away trying to keep us safe after our dad died. He rose to power with his intelligence and strength.

Rising from a backwater noble to the king of the kingdom. No matter what troubles faced him mother and I always did what we could to help him. Whether it was comforting him or giving him advice.”

Her face saddened thinking back on the memory.

“He would sometimes come back heavily injured or covered in blood from a batter or fight. He’d always try to brush us away and solve things himself. I could never let him do that and always tried to get him to open up so I could help him.

Though he never did I swear that it helped him. Seeing me after a bad day and knowing what he was fighting for. It always seemed to calm his heart and mind.

Mother always tried using every connection t her disposal to help him. It’s a big factor as to why she still pesters him today. Wanting to make sure that he always has the support he needs. She blamed her weakness for dad’s death and devoted herself fully to make sure it never happened again.

Though all those trials and tribulations we all grew very close together. It taught me to cherish what we had. Because no matter what we do we are a family and we’ll always be there for each other.”

“That sounds nice. It sounds like you have been through a lot together.”

“We have, I only wish he wouldn’t keep pushing us away. He always tries to shoulder all the burden himself. Trying to make sure we are never in danger. It’s why we manage our district instead of living in the capital with him.”

“He sounds like a good brother.”

I thought about my own sister and family. We were close but nowhere near to this level of dependence on one another. We did stuff together but we always kept to ourselves for the most part. I never had the same bond that they must share.

“But enough about me. What about you? You haven’t answered my questions yet.”

This was going to be a long interrogation. I could already tell I was going to have an eventful evening. I just hope this period ended. It was bearable right now, but the faster it was for the better.