Tai's thoughts flickered like sparks in a storm.
Diablo… he's here? Then why didn't he respond? Did something go wrong?
He exhaled sharply. Right… they're Demon Kings I once subjugated. I can't afford blind trust. Still… it's exhausting, always staying on guard.
"Draculina seems to have gotten to them," Tai muttered under his breath.
Diablo's deep voice rumbled beside him. "Her influence runs deep. Be ready for anything."
"You too," Tai warned. "And watch the food. We arrived together — they might've poisoned it. Stay alert."
The King arrived late for breakfast, earning a gentle scolding from his wife. The moment struck Tai like an echo from a forgotten life — his own wife once chiding him for not knowing how to change their son Sin's diapers. A faint smile ghosted across his lips before fading under the weight in his chest.
He rose quietly. His plate — untouched. His cup — empty. Without a word, he cleared his place and left unseen.
Outside, the cold air clawed at his skin. He reached for a cigarette — the pack was empty.
Diablo appeared beside him, silent as a shadow, and handed him a fresh one. The lighter's flame danced in Tai's eyes as smoke coiled upward into the pale morning sky.
They spoke in hushed tones — strategizing, calculating, as if preparing for war. Yet even their secrecy faltered; Draculina and Sebastian listened through hidden telepathic channels.
Still, the plan was set.
The Princess… she's clearly drawn to me, Tai mused. That only makes her more dangerous.
He slept until noon. When he awoke, the Princess was astride him, her lips pressing against his before he could speak.
"Shall we play again?" she whispered.
"…Very well," he murmured, surrendering to her invitation.
When their breathing slowed, she smiled. "My friend is hosting a party tonight. She wishes to meet you."
"A party?" Tai asked, feigning indifference. "For what reason?"
"You're our honored guest," she said softly.
He agreed at once. Duke Kyora Chisi's daughter… this might be my chance.
Before leaving, he contacted his allies through a hidden link.
"Meet before I head to the Duke's estate. No mistakes," he ordered.
Then he turned to the Princess.
"I'll attend the party, but I need to return to the inn first — to prepare."
Her eyes widened. "No need! My brother's wardrobe has everything you could need. I'll even help you get ready myself."
Tai's voice hardened. "No. You've done enough already. I've shared your bed, eaten at your table, and kept my word. Now it's my turn to act. I'll return shortly — I won't run."
She crossed her arms stubbornly. "On one condition."
"What condition?"
"That one of my guards escorts you — with the carriage."
His gaze sharpened. "If you insist on that, I'll return to my homeland instead."
Her composure shattered instantly. "No! Anything but that… please!"
Tai blinked, genuinely unsure. Does she truly love me… or is she just another pawn in the game?
Later, he regrouped with Diablo.
"There's a carriage waiting outside," Diablo said. "Let's use it."
"Agreed."
That carriage became their silent command post.
"Listen carefully," Tai instructed his team. "Be ready for anything that happens to me. Everyone except Diablo — he stays with the Queen unless I call for him personally. Understood?"
A chorus of "Understood" echoed, and the shadows dispersed.
When Tai returned to the palace, he wore a sharp new suit that transformed him completely. The Princess's face lit up at the sight.
"It's time to leave," she said brightly.
The Duke… I wonder what kind of man he is, Tai thought as they boarded the carriage.
On the way, the Princess leaned close and kissed him again, her face glowing crimson.
"We've already shared a bed," Tai teased with a half-smile, "and you're still blushing like that?"
She hid her face. "I wasn't ready for it… and I still can't believe it happened. Twice."
"Don't worry," he said with a faint smirk. "You're not the only one who was nervous."
She laughed — softly, sweetly — and began describing the Duke: his temperament, manners, and what Tai should say or avoid.
When they arrived, the Duke and his daughter welcomed them with grand ceremony.
But as Tai looked upon their faces, his eyes widened — in disbelief.
(End of Chapter Eight)