Vivia liked being the centre of attention. That was the entire point of being a dancer in her past life. Her performance garnered her countless claps and cheers and gazes filled with adoration.
But at present, the gazes drilling holes into her were of shock and ridicule and accusations. She could practically read everyone's eyes like an open book.
Did a lowly coachman turn their handsome and mighty Crown Prince, the strong and reliable future King…gay?
Aliyah stumbled back, hand covering her mouth and eyes going wide. "My lord…my lord likes Ril?"
"Why not?" Zerath coolly raised a brow. "I've always been impressed by his loyalty and dedication. He is such a pure and honest man. I'm definitely interested in him."
The crowd backed off with a wave of gasps. Even their mighty strength lacked to help them tackle this explosive news.
Vivia stared at him, her jaw dropping wider and wider by every passing second. She wanted to exclaim her grievances at the top of her voice. But she could only resort to showing desperate eye signals.
What do you think you're doing!
Zerath looked down at her. "Do not worry, Ril. I understand the anguish of your heart. Meeting your ex must be difficult. But I'm here by your side. I won't let you waver."
Waver, my foot! Right now, your people's confidence is wavering from you!
"N-No, this cannot be true…" tears plopped from her eyes. "How can I ever compete with my lord?"
No, you really don't have to compete with Zerath. He is lying!
The crowd was tackling a plethora of questions all at once.
"Oh my, is my lord going to marry a man?"
"Who would've ever thought that he was…bent that way?"
"Does that mean we wouldn't ever get to see his cute son or daughter with golden eyes?"
While some were lamenting over the absence of their future King's future child, a considerable population was staring right at Vivia through squinted eyes.
Idiot, Zerath! Do you even understand your position? How can you let such a misunderstanding fan the flames that you like men! Don't you care about your reputation at all!?
Her eyes urgently reflected her resentment and questions. She clamped her teeth shut while speaking with a minimal movement from her lips.
"You can end this humor now. Tell everyone quickly that you were joking."
Zerath lifted her hand in his, his gaze as pure as the first pristine snow.
"My love for you is sincere, Ril. I know we might face many challenges and opposition. But I'll never give up on you. I know many might feel betrayed by my decision. Not everyone will accept us, but I'll stand by my love. I'll give you a happy life, unlike your ex who left you so heartlessly."
"My lord…" the demons in the crowd held tears in their eyes.
Aliyah collapsed on her knees, burying her face in her palms. "I lost. I lost so miserably. If only I had realized your value sooner…"
She stood back on her feet and looked at Ril. "I-I wish you all the best, Ril. You deserve a man like my lord who'll never leave your side."
"..."
"I…I'll never come in your way again!" Aliyah turned and ran away, hiding her tears of broken heart.
Wait, where are you going? Come back! This is all a big understanding!
Suddenly, a heavy palm struck her shoulder and she looked up, seeing a teary-eyed Razaas.
"This is such a beautiful story. Man or woman, I don't care! Who dares say that they won't accept my lord and you? Tell me! I'll fight them to death!"
"..."
An elderly demoness from the crowd wiped her eyes. "It'll be a pity to never see a golden-eyed heir again, but I support my lord. If you like the coachman, then we'll all stand by your side."
"You actually don't look so bad together."
"Actually…" one demoness sheepishly grinned. "Doesn't it feel kind of exciting to love a man?"
"It feels like a thrilling forbidden love."
Vivia was flabbergasted at the turn of events.
For people who take a human and demon's love practically a sin, you sure are way too accepting of a same-sex relationship!
Vivia took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "There is nothing going on between my lord and me. It's just-"
"Are you rejecting my lord's sincere feelings? Where else would you get such a fine demon like him!"
"Yes, yes, we'll revolt if you break my lord's heart!"
Zerath raised his palm, his gaze stern and complicated. "No. Please don't retaliate against Ril. He truly loved Aliyah. It'll take a while to forget her. But I won't give up on my efforts in winning his heart."
"My lord is so pure…"
"My lord, Bellor is always open for you if you ever want to escape!"
"We'll help you hide you from the kingdom!"
The amount of tears spilling from everyone's eyes unnerved Vivia that they would soon collapse from dehydration.
She urged Zerath with desperation. "This is going way out of hand. What if this reaches His Majesty's ears!"
"I'll face Father. I won't let you bear even a single grievance," he nodded.
"Why are you doing this?" She lacked the tears to shed. "You don't understand the gravity of the situation."
Zerath tilted his head with a smile, pinching the tip of her nose. "Two can play the game, you know?"
"..."
The sound of thuds in rapid succession brought Vivia's attention to the side. Demonesses were falling like toppled dominoes with their hands on their chests.
"It might be a prank, but my lord and the coachman don't look so bad together at all!"
Vivia's eyes widened akin to an ant's pace, slowly but surely. The words that fell on her ears were too ridiculous to believe. Her focus slowly found Zerath again, this time, a merry and cheerful smile on his lips.
"Well, you brought Ril, Lucian and Azarael to your side for this disguise, so I needed some people to play the part for me too. So I thought…hmm. Why not Bellor?"
"..."
"I'm the Crown Prince. I play tit for tat on a grander scale."
"..."
"So coachman Ril," Zerath let out a carefree smile. "Will you escort me back to the palace? Hopefully, you take the right route this time."