I sat there in silence as I heard her footsteps make her way to the seat adjacent to me. I didn’t know what to say to her, and there wasn’t a doubt that she didn’t like me.

“Hello Diana, my name is Deirdre. Though I am unhappy with my son’s decision. He is old enough be making his own decisions especially since he is king.”

I look up and into her eyes trying my best to smile and look calm. But, right now I don’t feel calm at all. I still wasn’t comfortable with this myself. How was I supposed to convince her?

“Hello Deirdre, it’s nice to meet you.”

I stretch out my hand to shake her hand, but she just stares at it for a second before turning away. Seliph doesn’t look surprised and leans back in his chair.

“You can at least shake her hand mother. She is going to be your daughter in law.”

“She might be, but she isn’t yet and I still have doubts about this.”

She turns to me staring me down.

“Are you going to bear my son a child girl? Is that even possible Seliph? She might be strong and a good bargaining chip, but if she can’t bear you a child she is a failure of a woman.”

I looked down in shame. She was right, I didn’t even know if I could bear him a child, and quite frankly I didn’t want to.

“She can be useful to me in other ways, and I can have a heir in other ways.”

“Your heir should be with your wife! Any other way is a disgrace to you and your wife.”

I quietly voiced my opinion hoping she wouldn’t get angry.

“I’m perfectly okay with that. It’d be better if the heir was a pureblood wouldn’t it?”

“See! She doesn’t even want to bear you a child!”

Great start me! I’m winning her over wonderfully. Seliph sighed and looked at his mother sternly.

“She doesn’t have to bear me a heir immediately mother. We will have ample time to have one should we wish, and we aren’t even married yet. Besides I have found historical records that indicate it is possible, and from what I could gather there are no adverse birth defects from a hybrid birth.”

Yeah me! It is possible and it sounds like he wants to have one at some point. Both of which I didn’t really want to think about at the moment.

“Surely she will age faster than you. Why would you marry her only for her to grow older as you stay young? A demon wife would be a far better alternative in every way.”

Now I felt like they were just ignoring me now. I think these two had things to sort out before I got involved.

“Due to her being a hero and having a higher mana capacity she should live equally as long as me.”

Seriously! That’s the first time I was hearing this. How old was that even going to be? Actually, with my luck, I’d probably be killed before I had to worry about Alzheimer's or getting old.

“I still don’t agree to this. What would your father have to say? Marrying a human of all things.”

What would my parents think of this I had to wonder.

“She’s a hero, she isn’t some common human off the street.”

“But she’s an abominate you created. How are you even okay with marrying a former man?”

“She is a woman now, and the gods have blessed our union. Why can’t you just accept her?”

“Because she isn’t one of us! Why can’t you just marry a demon lady? Why must it be her? What have I done to turn you to look to her to be your wife?”

“You have done nothing wrong mother. I have made this decision on my own. My upbringing has nothing to do with this decision.”

“Then I only have one more thing to ask then.”

She turned to me and stared at me with wavering eyes. Almost sad for some reason though I could not tell why.

“Will you love my son? Will you remain by his side, never wavering?”

I could tell she was being sincere with her words. She didn’t trust me, but she knew that she couldn’t convince her son otherwise. So she wanted to hear my own words to confirm whether she could trust me to her son.

“Given time, I believe I can grow to love your son. Though rushed I will not deny the possibility that I could love him.”

“I’m not asking if you will love him. I’m asking if you love him. Marriage is not a simple matter for us and I want to be absolutely sure that he isn’t making a rash decision.”

I dug my nails into the palm of my hand as I forced myself to continue looking her in the eyes. I could see the earnest sincerity in her eyes as she tried to make sure she could trust me with her son. I could only lie and hope my bluff could convince her.

“Yes, I believe he is a great man and I plan to love him for the rest of my life.”

She sat there while we held a staring contest. To see if she would accept my word.

“Then our business is concluded. I have some business with the other nobles I must complete before tonight.”

She got up and left the room with steady steps as made her way to the door. I sat there trying to control my breathing. As she opened the door she turned back to us.

“Have a good day you two and Diana. You need to work on your lying. It wasn’t hard to tell you were. Though I know we both do not like these circumstances. I can tell you are giving your earnest throughout all of this. So I am willing to give you time to find out your true feelings. But, if you ever hurt my son. I will make sure to make you suffer for it girl.”

She glared at me with burning eyes reinforcing her point. She then turned and made her way out of the room with the door closing behind her.

Seliph sat back in his chair chuckling.

“She seems to like you Diana.”

“I sure didn’t get that from our conversation. She seemed like she wanted nothing more than to kill me.”

“She’s just trying to make sure you have mettle, and making sure I’m not making a mistake. Though I believe we should have held that conversation when we had furthered our relationship more. As we are now merely just beginning our friendship, and you are coming to terms with your changes. With time I’m sure you can convince her of your sincerity.”

“You will first have to win me over.”

He smiled as he stood up and walked over to me with an outstretched hand.

“I plan on doing just that.”

I take his hand and stand up.

“Well, it’ll take a lot more than flattery and charm to win me over. I do know most of your tricks as a former man myself.”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind then. Now, shall we meet with some of our guests?”

“I will join you this evening. I would like to see my new quarters first, and I believe I need to see Oboro again as my entire wardrobe has either been destroyed or is now too small.”

“Are you sure? I think they’d still fit.”

“They might, but I’d rather have clothes that actually fit me.”

“Then I’ll see you this afternoon. I in the meantime have the very dull and boring job of finalizing a peace treaty with the humans. Though they agreed to a ceasefire it is only the first step towards peace. Have a fun time at lunch with my sister. I believe it will be an eye opening experience for you.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“You make it seem like an ominous event.”

“You’ll just have to see for yourself. Felicia should be waiting for you outside.”

I left his office and she was indeed standing outside the door.

“Where to miss?”

“When did you get here I don’t remember you being here earlier.”

“I was just doing the dishes. I came as soon as I finished. Though Flora yelled at me for a bit after I accidentally broke a plate. She wasn’t happy about that.”

“I can imagine, for now, let’s go back to Oboro. I think she’s going to need my new measurements.”

Felicia led the way through the halls to Oboro. We passed by a couple of people as we walked. They would bow their heads as I passed to my discomfort. I never liked attention sticking more to the shadows. To become the center of attention like this would take more time.

Felicia opened the door to Oboro’s room where she was hard at work with fabric strewn across the room. She had a frenzied look on her face and she moved with superhuman speeds.

“Finally your back. I didn’t have time this morning so I did my best to guess the size changes. Now let’s get your new sizes.”

She then went to work and after we got them all she seemed satisfied and went back to her work.

“Close enough to what I guessed. Though your main problem lies in the fact that your wardrobe was burnt to a crisp. It saddens me to know so many of my works of art failed to be seen on your most magnificent frame.”

I felt sad for her, but I couldn’t do anything about what happened. My life had more precedence than her clothes.

“Well, at least you will have the chance to make better clothes.”

She paused contemplating what I had said.

“Your right. I should try to improve upon what I had originally made. I rushed them when I should have spent more time perfecting their design and appeal. Thanks Diana!”

That wasn’t exactly what I meant but sure that works.

“Your welcome.”

I sit back down where I sat down this morning. I had been putting on my best face and I thought breakfast would help, but I still didn’t feel well.

“I need something for lunch. I was going to wear this, but after I thought about it I decided to consult you before I went.”

Oboro stopped for a second looking me over. Yeah, that won’t cut it. I was in hurry this morning. “It might work for walking around, but for a formal lunch I would wear this.”

She pulled out an indigo dress with white flowers embroidered in parts of the dress. I seriously had to wonder how she worked this fast. Was is stimulates or magic?

“I just finished a minute ago. Give a minute to adjust it.”

After an hour (seriously why does it take so long) I was in the dress and Felicia seemed happy with my hair. They then found me a hat to go with it. Oboro had to patch the holes their horns went through.

I then spun around in front of the mirror. The dress twirling with my movements. I had a hard time looking myself in the mirror though. The fight this morning had resurfaced my memories of all the battles I had fought.

I knew I was falling deep into a dangerous spiral. I had done what they had asked to see if it would give me an opening. But by playing the part I was realizing that I was now growing too comfortable playing the part.

Any shred of masculinity I had left was being slowly torn away with each passing second. Sure it wasn’t bad. Seliph was treating me well. But, what his mother said was right. To what extent do I plan to take this. Was I really comfortable with the idea of being a mother?

The thought brought up some unpleasant thoughts. I quickly shoved away the thoughts and made my way to the door where Felicia was waiting.

She then led to a garden where there were tables scattered about. The flowers were in full bloom and the garden radiated a feeling of life and vitality. Girls of a wide range of ages were all sitting around talking while maids moved about with refreshments.

As I stepped into the garden I felt everyone’s stares center upon me. I didn’t know why but I felt nervous by their stares. They seemed to look at me with a look of appraisal.

Looking for weakness and strength they could exploit. I had felt this stare many times on the battlefield, but these stares didn’t seem openly hostile. They seemed more manipulative and calculating in nature. Sizing me up more than looking for a way to take me out.

Flora really wasn't kidding when she talked about how cut throat women were. Most of them looked away dismissing my very presence. Others I thought I could see them about to make a move, but before they could I saw Julia run up to me and grab my hand.

“You made it! Everyone is just talking right now. We’ll have lunch in about an hour or so. But, for now, I’ll introduce you to my friends.”

I let her pull me along as I looked around. From what I could see most of the people here were pretty young from what I could tell. Looking to be around eight to sixteen. Though since they were demons they were probably around sixteen to thirty-two.

I realized I was probably one of the youngest people here. Hell even Julia who looked to be the same age as my sister was about double my age.

When she finally stopped dragging me we were at a table with two other girls. The first looked surprised at seeing me.

“So this is your future sister in law that you were talking about? I didn’t realize that you were telling the truth about her being human.”

“I told you Maribelle, why didn’t you believe me? I was there at the ceremony yesterday.”

“I know Clarine, but seeing it for myself is something else. Anyways, where are my manners? My name is Maribelle of house Caerleon. It’s a pleasure to meet you, your majesty.”

“My name is Clarine of house Reglay. It’s an honor to meet you, your majesty.”

I guess being the fiance to the king kinda made me the queen to be.That was definitely going to take time to get used to.

They both stood up and curtsied to me before sitting back down offering us a seat.

“Hello, my name is Diana it’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

I try my best to copy their curtsy before taking a seat at the table. Julia just happily takes a seat taking a cookie from the center of the table. I turn to see Maribelle who has a sly look on her face as she looks at me.

“I’m guessing you're new to nobility Diana.”

“I am yes, I was more of a warrior than a politician. Why do you ask?”

“Well, that was the first time I’ve seen a queen ever curtsy to a lady.”

I might have some of the manners down, but I guess I needed more lessons in etiquette outside of eating. Julia swallows before her cookie before entering the conversation.

“It’s not a big deal Maribelle. She’ll learn with time. Besides with her power she has nothing to worry about when it comes to people challenging her authority.”

“Why do you say that Julia. You make it seem like you saw her power firsthand.”

“I did! Diana and I both killed some assassins that went after her this morning. Her quick thinking and adaptability when using her magic was impressive.”

I’m not sure you should be saying that Julia. Clarine looked confused though.

“You killed them? What kind of assassins went after you? They clearly must have been some idiots who misjudged your brother’s judgment. There is no way he would take a weak woman as his wife after all.”

Julia just smiled like it was no big deal.

“Well, no one will be able to deny your strength when they hear what we did.”

She bumps me in the shoulder as she grabs another cookie.

“True I just hope others don’t feel the need to test that for themselves.”

Clarine looks at me inquisitively as I grab a cookie and take a bite myself. They tasted quite good! Though I would cut back a bit on the sugar.

“So you were a man before correct? I’m amazed you're handling this as well as you are if that is the case. When I heard the news I didn’t think you’d be this approachable.”

“Not like I can change the facts. Plus since I have a little sister I know a little bit about how to fill the role I guess. But to be honest I’m still not quite used to it myself.”

Julia swallowed and leaned back in her chair reminiscing in the taste before interjecting.

“Don’t worry about that. It’ll come with time. Maybe I can take you shopping and in exchange, you can spar with me.”

Maribelle chuckled upon hearing this. Though she didn’t look surprised.

“Only you would say that Julia you're always looking for someone to test your skill. But I would first take into account that you're asking the person who was supposed to be able to defeat your brother to a sparring match.”

“Sorry Julia, but I put your odds at 100:1. You are clearly outmatched here.”

“Come on Clarine. I might not be able to win, but I wouldn’t lose that badly. I’d place my odds at about 10:1.”

This was definitely an interesting discussion. If I had to guess those would probably be the right odds but I wouldn’t admit that. No harm in teasing her a little I guess.

“Oh really? I’d put your odds at around 1:1000 you might be strong but you still lack practical experience.”

“No way! I could definitely beat you! I take back what I said I will beat you when we fight!”

I chuckled at this. She definitely had the spirit I had to give her that, but the battlefield is not as easy as a sparring match. She handled those assassins well enough but a fight is different from a battlefield.

I think back to my first battle and how my hands trembled as blood dripped from my blade as his body lay dead in front of me. I hadn’t had much time to reflect on it as I charged forward with a blood raged mind. Cutting down anything in my path.

I had fought back to back with a man I had come across through hordes of demons, but when I turned around all I saw was his head rolling to the ground. The chaos and mania of a battlefield is not something I would wish upon anyone.

Having to push forward as your men die around you. Having them trust your every decision when I had only minimal experience. Standing strong when all I wished to do was weep and mourn for the fallen.

I had lost many comrades when I was initially put in charge as the hero. After their deaths, I steeled myself to my comrades. I didn’t want myself to open up to someone who was probably only going to die in the next fight.

I had tried to protect them, but they always fell trying to protect me. I could never get it to play the other way around. They had put all their hope in me to defeat the demon king and I had failed them and myself. Now the only way I could make it up to them was to end this peacefully and make sure that it never happens again.

“Diana, are you okay?”

Maribelle looks at me with a look of concern as I snap out of my mind.

“Yeah just remembered something. I’m fine.”

Could I really come to ever love Seliph? Would I be doing this out of love or obligation? I’d been putting up an act cause I believed that it would save lives (particularly my own). But the more I thought about it the more time passed and it was slowly becoming my reality.

Would I have to play this act forever or could I truly come to love him and accept him as my ‘cough’ husband? Everyone was pushing this on me. I had pushed this on myself. But I had to make this decision myself. Would I keep playing pretend or own up to this and come to love Seliph?