“But,” Kloy gently broke into the conversation, “If you don’t mind satisfying my curiosity, are you entirely against someone attempting to court you, Braelin? As a physician, I want to be prepared for all eventualities.”
Braelin hummed again, then shrugged, “I suppose not. I’ve just never had anyone attempt to court me that seemed worth the effort.”
Jurao felt a little relieved at that.
The rest of the meal passed in less awkward conversation, and soon they were all off to their respective jobs. Though, while doing his paperwork, the Demon King felt… distracted - turning what his Gardener had said over in his mind.
“Your highness,” Alae poked his head into the door, “The midday meal has arrived.”
“Already,” Jurao sighed, noting his significant lack of progress. He had no idea where the endless pile of documents seemed to come from.
“Is something on your mind, your highness?” his secretary asked, carrying in the tray from the kitchens as usual.
The Demon King cleared the desk, “I have realized I have a romantic attraction to Braelin, but have been unable to express my feelings,” Jurao took the tray and set it up the way he liked, “And this morning he said he’d never met anyone worth the effort of courting. I suppose I was just trying to figure out how to make myself appealing in that way.”
Alae blinked, then laughed, “Excuse me, your highness, but… I don’t think you have to worry about that.”
“No,” Jurao asked.
Alae smiled and shook his head, “You’ve already given the man everything he could ask for, and you’re not the kind to take that away if he rejected you.”
“Ah, I had not considered that,” the Demon King said.
His secretary nodded, “You also seem to get along well with each other.”
“We do,” Jurao nodded back, “Thank you, Alae.”
“Of course, your highness,” the man said, bowing, “Please, enjoy your meal.”
The Demon King nodded an acknowledgment, turning to the meal on his desk feeling like his shoulders were a little bit lighter.
A little after the midday meal, Jurao decided to take a walk in the gardens - and was surprised to run into Braelin talking to one of the guards on the veranda.
“Is something wrong,” the Demon King asked.
“Your highness,” the guard bowed, then shifted their weight awkwardly.
“I asked the guards not to report this, and Gnori agreed it wasn’t that important,” Braelin said on their behalf, “But sometimes people try to attack me in the gardens. The plants always manage to stop them, so I just tell a guard to take them away.”
“What happens after,” Jurao frowned, looking to the guard.
They saluted smartly, “Sir! Guard Captain Gnori handles things from there! I believe he lectures them soundly and enacts further penalties if necessary!”
“He did ask me about it,” Braelin added, “Since this is a big change, I thought it would be better to let people get their frustrations out without being too severe. Apparently, most of them really don’t realize how much weaker humans are compared to demons.”
Jurao sighed - he didn’t particularly enjoy the idea, but he had to admit the logic was sound. And if Braelin were any of his other Department Heads, he would trust them to handle things how they saw fit - it was their way as demons. So he nodded, “Then I will accompany you this time, as I am here.”
Braelin nodded and turned to the guard.
They inclined their head, then said, “After you, sir.”
His Gardener led the way to the Rose Cage Garden, one of the other more popular gardens. Massive briar thickets formed a barrier around the area, which could close to create a nearly impassable wall. Most would simply be ripped to shreds by the poisonous thorns even if they managed to push into the thicket. It was the base of the Blood Roses - named for their delicate but razor-sharp petals.
A series of arches separating various small seating arrangements had Vicious Climbing Roses - while not as strong and lacking the reach of Stranglehold Vines, the blooms had mouths they used to harass anyone attempting to run through their ranks. Drip Eaters were grown close to the ground - roses whose pollen thinned blood, making it easier for the injuries caused by the other rose varieties.
In the center of the garden were the massive Cradle Roses - able to wrap prey up into their petals and slowly digest them. Despite the danger, the various blooms and privacy still drew in many nobles. So there was a small crowd of lordi chatting around one of the Cradle Roses as they approached.
“Alright, move along, please,” the guard said, waving the crowd back.
The nobles noticed Jurao and bowed away from the three of them.
Braelin patted the side of the bloom and said, “Alright, you can release them now. Thank you.”
The Cradle Rose creaked as it turned, petals unfurling to release a demon onto the ground.
“Vajur,” Jurao frowned.
“My lord,” his Spymaster growled, rolling adeptly to his feet and pointing at Braelin, “Would you care to explain that thing?”
“I’ll handle this,” Jurao told the guard, stepping between Braelin and Vajur.
“Your highness,” they bowed, sighing in relief before heading back to the castle.
“Let us speak in my office,” the Demon King said.
“I refuse,” Vajur replied. He was the same as the Demon King last saw him - a traditional demon with dark blue-gray skin and silver slash-like markings. His eyes were also silver, and his extremely red hair was cut short so he could hide it when necessary.
Jurao considered the best way to resolve the situation, then nodded to himself, “Very well.”
Before Vajur could move, the Demon King jumped forward and hit him at the base of the skull to knock him out. He sighed, throwing the man over his shoulder, “You can return to work, Braelin - I’ll handle Vajur.”
“My lord,” Braelin blinked a few times - then laughed.
Jurao was surprised by how much he liked the sound of it.
“Sorry,” he said, regaining his composure, “I just wasn’t expecting that.”
“Vajur can be very stubborn,” the Demon King replied, “I didn’t think it would be appropriate to argue with him in public.”
“I see,” Braelin nodded, “Thank you for your help, my lord.”
Jurao nodded again and, feeling a little dazed, carried his Spymaster to his office.
By the time he’d put the man in one of the chairs in front of his desk, Minaz burst through the door with a growl. The sound startled Vajur awake, and he looked around the room in confusion.
“Seriously?” she demanded, stomping over and lifting the spymaster out of the chair, “You get back and just fucking attack another Department Head?”
Jurao moved out of her way, sitting behind his desk.
“I will not acknowledge some human as-” Vajur started, struggling in her grasp.
“You will, because you must,” Hujur appeared in the doorway, sighing, “Honestly, I should be saying something about his highness carrying you through the castle, but I cannot conceive of a better way for him to have handled the situation.”
“He what?” Vajur seemed to lose his will to fight free.
“Jurao knocked your ridiculous ass out and carried you here to talk like adults,” Minaz replied, dropping him and pointing to the chair she’d pulled him out of, “Now sit down.”
Vajur looked between the three of them, realized there was no way to leave the room, and sat with a huff.
“Now,” Jurao said, “Braelin is the new Royal Gardener, appointed by myself.”
“Which I told you when I wrote to you,” Minaz added, a vein in her temple throbbing as she sat next to him, “So you had no reason to fly off the handle.”
“I was only going to detain him,” Vajur looked askance.
“You were going to detain a human you knew to be in service to the King while he was wearing a staff badge?” Hujur asked drily, “Whatever for?”
“I-!” Vajur cut himself off with a growl, “I refuse to accept it!”
“Then you’re fired,” Jurao said.
There was a moment of silence.
“What?” Vajur asked.
“If you refuse to accept Braelin’s appointment, then I will find a replacement,” Jurao repeated, again choosing the most expedient option.
“... no,” Vajur sat back, “No, those… you actually like that human?”
“My romantic interest in Braelin aside,” Jurao said, “I expect my Department Heads to give each other an appropriate level of respect regardless of personal feelings. You will accept him as an equal in status, or I will find your replacement.”
“I could give several recommendations,” Hujur added.
Vajur grumbled, then sighed, “I see. Very well, I will… accept the human, but that’s all.”
“That’s all I ask,” Jurao replied, “Since you’re here, do you have anything to report?”
“... you’re not,” Minaz frowned, “You’re not going to tell him off for the attack…?”
Jurao hummed, “I learned earlier that this was not the first attack on Braelin, and that he has decided not to punish his attackers while they adjust to his presence in the castle. If this were any other Department Head, I would not interfere on that account. So while I would prefer Vajur not attack him in the future, I will defer to Braelin’s choice and our traditional way of handling this situation.”
“So you haven’t entirely lost your wits,” Vajur scoffed.
Jurao hit his desk and the stone top split with a loud crack, “However, given my romantic interest, if you choose to attack Braelin in my presence, Vajur, I will be your opponent.”
Vajur stared at the broken desk, then cleared his throat, “I understand, my lord.”
“Brought that on yourself,” Minaz grumbled, though she was also staring at the desk in surprise.
His Spymaster stood, “I have nothing to report at this time. Am I free to leave?”
“You are,” Jurao replied.
Vajur bowed and left without another word.
Hujur sighed, closing the door to the Demon King’s office behind him.
“Fuck, Jurao,” Minaz said, “What was that?”
“I don’t know,” Jurao sighed, looking at his broken desk, “I suppose I… was worried. I know all of you can handle yourselves, but Braelin…”
“Outside of the gardens, he doesn’t have a way to defend himself,” Minaz sighed, “And you’ve never had someone you needed to protect before.”
The Demon King nodded, “Yes, I believe that is the case. I had not realized there was so much discontent with my decision.”
“Well, it wouldn’t have changed your mind if we’d told you,” Minaz rubbed the back of her neck, “And the gardens protect him very well, so I didn’t expect anything to happen. Most nobles wouldn’t be bold enough to attack Braelin in the open, and the more loyal staff members look out for him.”
“But Vajur…” Jurao frowned.
“Vajur is used to covert attacks with very small windows,” Minaz agreed, “But he’ll cool off once he’s had time to get used to things.”
“He usually has to rely on his own instincts and make quick decisions to survive in his work, so I can’t fault him for the skills that make him the excellent spymaster he is,” the Demon King reasoned, “I’ll just stay close to Braelin when he’s in the castle until Vajur realizes he’s really not a threat.”
“Hujur and I will try to talk him around in the meantime,” Minaz said, “But that’s probably the best policy for now,” she scoffed, “Stubborn ass…”
“I don’t believe I ever asked how the three of you got together,” Jurao observed, attempting to distract himself.
“I’ll tell you when I’m not fucking pissed with him,” his Right Hand sighed, then stood, “Seriously, I’m impressed with how well you’re handling this. I mean, you even thought to bring Vajur to your office instead of threatening to fire him in front of all the nobles.”
“He can be difficult to deal with,” Jurao sighed, then stood as well, “I suppose I should find a replacement for this…”
“Yeah,” Minaz sighed, “Good luck with that - your power boost really isn’t anything to scoff at.”
The Demon King nodded his agreement, “I didn’t realize I was fast enough to catch Vajur off guard, either.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely something,” Minaz agreed.
Since it had only been thirty years since his Ascension, Jurao was still adjusting to his increased abilities - he’d mostly mastered his new strength but occasionally miscalculated like earlier. The Demon King sent Alae to request a new desk from the carpenters while he removed the contents of his old one, and by the time that was taken care of, it was time for the evening meal.
When he arrived in the dining hall, it was to more disturbance.
“Why is that sitting next to the King!?” Vajur demanded, pointing accusingly at Braelin.
“I can move,” the human said easily.
“You’re fine, Braelin,” Minaz rolled her eyes, then turned to Vajur, “Because I moved so he could sit there, obviously.”
“And where, exactly,” Vajur growled, “Am I meant to sit?”
“Figure it out yourself,” Minaz scoffed - having taken over Vajur’s seat since Braelin’s arrival.
“I’m really fine with moving,” Braelin mumbled.
“I already had an extra chair brought,” Hujur said icily, pointing to a chair at the end of the table next to Gavven, “You can sit there.”
“Why should I be moved to the end of the table when-” Vajur started.
“Is there a problem,” Jurao asked, making himself known at last.
His spymaster flinched without turning around - then sighed and took the empty seat as he grumbled, “No, my lord.”
Jurao hummed, walking around the table to take his own seat.
Gavven giggled uncertainly, “I would have moved over if you’d asked nicely, Vajur.”
“I don’t need your charity,” the spymaster spat.
“Hey!” Gnori pounded a fist on the table, “Stop being an ass just because you’re not getting your way!”
“Honestly,” Kloy sighed, “Are you a child, throwing a tantrum as usual…”
“How can you all accept this!?” Vajur demanded.
“Because the King said so!” Gnori pounded the table again, “That’s all a loyal retainer needs!”
“You think blind faith is impressive?” Vajur scoffed.
“Enough,” Jurao said, “I don’t demand blind faith, but nor can I allow flagrant disrespect. I appointed Braelin based on merit, and if you can find a fault in his performance as Royal Gardener, I will hear you out. If your only problem is that he’s human, the conversation is over.”
His statement was greeted with silence, and he nodded, “Let the meal begin, then.”
After the uncomfortably silent evening meal, Jurao decided to escort Braelin back to the gardens.
“... was it so important that I didn’t change seats?” his Gardener asked as they walked.
Jurao sighed, “Yes, because if you had, it would have been a concession to Vajur’s demands.”
Braelin considered this for a moment, then nodded, “Ah, because you’re King, and he has to listen to you.”
“Exactly,” the Demon King said, “Though… traditionally, the King does not interfere in fights between his retainers.”
The human hummed, “So you’re walking with me in case Vajur attacks me in the castle?”
“I am,” Jurao agreed, “He will come around, but he’s spent more time in the Human Realm than others. I’m sure he’s been on the receiving end of human hate quite frequently.”
Braelin nodded, “That’s true - a lot of humans really don’t like demons.”
The Demon King nodded, “And a lot of demons don’t like humans…”
His Gardener looked up at him, “It doesn’t bother me - after all, a lot of humans didn’t like me either. As long as people like you and Gaele like me, it’s not so bad.”
Jurao felt a twinge in his chest, feeling his face flush in surprise as he looked away and nodded, “Yes.”
