Chapter • 02

♱ •⋅ 1750 A.C. ⋅• ♱

I needed time, and I needed to be sure. Even though it was a vivid dream, I needed to be sure that I wouldn't alter things too much; otherwise, everything would spiral out of control.

I blinked a few times in front of the mirror. It was still surprising how attractive Asra was. I had envied her when I first read the book, but now, seeing her delicate face, her naturally rosy lips, and how she seemed meticulously designed, it only increased my envy.

Asra could have had any man, demon, or angel; she just needed to want it, but she chose death over losing something she never had: Calisto's love.

I sighed, and the maids hurried into the room and dressed me without delay.

It was apparent they were scared. After all, Asra was never known for her kindness, charity, patience, or gentleness.

"S-sorry, milady," one of them stuttered as she tried to fix the hem of my dress after accidentally stepping on it without my notice.

I sighed again. "Don't worry," I simply said. "Just make me as beautiful as possible, but don't overdo it. That's all I can ask for because when Calisto arrives at the cathedral, he will see Elaine, and she will be the epitome of angelic beauty."

Elaine's blond hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her almond-shaped eyes were blue like the clear sky. Her white and clean skin, just like her attire, accentuated her beauty, no matter how simple.

Elaine was the most beautiful, whether in heaven or hell. There was no competition, but I would try to keep Calisto's attention on me.

"The lord is already in the carriage, milady," one murmured as if afraid of being reprimanded. Looking to the side in the mirror, I saw one of the young women attempting to style my hair.

"Leave it loose," I said straightforwardly, standing up from the chair. "I can't keep the king waiting."

I didn't care about the opinions of those people, not when Calisto was waiting for me downstairs, not when I could change something, and not when I looked stunning in my riding attire.

The tight pants accentuated my hips and thighs, the corset defined my waist, and the delicate sleeves of the black shirt emphasized the beauty of my ashen skin.

"She will take hours! Let's go already. You can apologize later," Azrael said at the carriage door. "Sir, this is truly urgent. It can cause riots, and you know how the miss..."

I didn't want to hear the rest because I knew he would say something stupid again. So I hurriedly cleared my throat as loudly as possible, interrupting Azrael's speech.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," I said, preventing Azrael from continuing to try to hinder me.

Calisto, in turn, looked at me with surprise and something that seemed like satisfaction.

"Come," he said, extending his hand. I could swear I briefly saw a smile on his lips. "You truly look beautiful, although I don't remember the last time you dressed like this."

I smiled.

Asra never wore clothes like those, especially in front of the king. She preferred expensive dresses and delicate silks embroidered with silver and gold. She picked daring necklines, giant slits, and seductive designs.

They were not ugly, of course not, but she deceived herself into thinking that exploring her body was the only way to seduce Calisto. He didn't dislike what she often wore, but he was breathless the first time he saw clothes like those on Elaine. At that moment, he thought that nothing had ever made a woman as attractive as such simple and practical attire.

I wouldn't let this opportunity pass.

"I'm trying out new styles," I lied, and Calisto pulled me closer, seating me next to him, close enough for his hand to grip my hip with some force.

"I believe your new style is dangerous," he purred. "Maybe I want to test how to destroy these pieces, one by one, after dealing with this nuisance."

I smiled.

I wanted to believe that's what we would do at the end of that day, but I knew it was far from reality.

When he saw her for the first time, his chest would weigh heavy, and he would remember his deceased wife, the only one he truly loved who won his heart.

"I would never say no to you," I replied, snuggling up to him. Calisto's scent was too good to resist, and his touch was warm.

I had dreamt of this touch many times, so I allowed myself to enjoy it.

Unfortunately, it didn't last long. Soon, the cursed carriage stopped in front of the cathedral, and Calisto's warm lips left my neck.

I bit my lip forcefully. I couldn't just be spoiled and ask him to continue, so I lightly pulled him by the collar of the shirt he was wearing and kissed him.

A long, captivating kiss. A kiss where my tongue invaded his mouth and dictated every movement, a kiss to ensure that he wouldn't dare think of anything else but me, at least until he descended and saw Elaine.

"Ready," I whispered. "Now you can go."

He growled.

"When did you become so unfair?"

I didn't have time to answer. Azrael slammed the door with an impatient face.

We were there.

Calisto glared at him, but still, he forcefully opened the door to leave.

"Let's go, sir," the fallen one said, ignoring my presence. He may have taken my threat too seriously.

I should have waited in the carriage and stayed away, but I risked it again. The worst response I would get was a no.

"If it doesn't bother you," I murmured. "Could I watch?"

It was apparent that Azrael would deny it. It was evident that Calisto would deny it, but still, I hoped they wouldn't, and when the fallen one opened his mouth, I heard Calisto laugh.

"Sure," his response took me by surprise. "But you must stay behind, and I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

I smiled.

Sometimes the demon in front of me forgot that Asra was not only a demoness who dedicated her life and loyalty to him but also a witch from a lineage worthy of instilling fear even in someone like Prince Asmodeus.

⋅• ♱ •⋅