The Raven and the Songbird

"Centuries ago, I climbed the ranks of my tribe by repeatedly proving myself in battle. In the end, I even had to shed the blood of my chief to attain the title of Marquis. Were I to willingly give up my current position, even for a moment, whoever was left in charge would cling to their new title with such fervor I'd be forced to resort to the most brutal means to reclaim it."

Rideriel, frowning, remarked,

"I see your point, but why would it be a bad idea for me? Wouldn’t my subjects be more inclined to listen to my decrees if they knew I had a respected, high-ranking demon providing guidance?”

Andras shook his head and noted,

"The palace staff surely know of our passion for one another. Gossip has doubtless spread across the kingdom by now."

With a look of deep concern, Rideriel asked,

"Are you ashamed of our… connection?”

The Marquis caressed him and said,

"Not at all. If anything, it's a mark of status to be desired by one of your position."

The angel gazed at him searchingly. Andras continued,

"Here is my reasoning: given that everyone would know we're close, were I to openly take the role of your advisor so early in your reign, the demon chiefs of Hell would point to you and say: Our new king, he's nothing more than a lovely puppet; 'tis Andras who really pulls the strings.”

The raven sat up, taking Rideriel with him, and said,

"As one ordained by the Archangels, you can bring stability to the abyss. Nobody will dare start a war if they fear you might summon the celestial armies upon them. However, if the subjects of Hell believe that I, a demon with no favor from above, is the true hand of power, they will plot against you. By the time you've realized what's going on, your kingdom will have erupted into another civil war."

Rideriel nodded and said,

"My mind appreciates your logic, but my heart-"

He stopped himself, remembering something he'd once heard from the other angels during his days in Heaven:

Demons cannot love.

Rideriel didn't know if this was true, but chose to continue speaking more guardedly,

"-my apologies. I know a king should never be ruled by his emotions."

Andras gave him a gentle peck upon the neck, whispering,

"Indeed, sire."

Rideriel sighed and added,

"Before my arrival in Hell, I had no choice but to repress my urges, but you’ve allowed me to taste the freedom I always longed for. My concern is this: without the satisfaction you offer, I might become too overwhelmed by lust to be an effective ruler."

Andras responded with sooty, raspy laughter. Rideriel, realizing he'd just confessed he needed sex to rule effectively, blushed, yet couldn't help but smile. He turned to the demon and said,

"I admit it, thinking of you during a royal engagement would have me so flustered, everyone would think me hopelessly enchanted by your magic wand!"

The Marquis doubled over, clutching his belly in an effort to control himself. Rideriel joined in, filling the bed chamber with laughter that twinkled like silver bells.

They soon quieted down, falling back into each other's arms. With a heavy sigh, Andras remarked,

"Up to this point, my ardor for you has silenced my tongue, but while it pains me to do so, for the good of the kingdom I must bring something to light."

Rideriel stared at him questioningly. The raven lord continued,

"As sovereign, you have the right to maintain a harem. While I dislike the thought of you…”

Andras paused, a pained look filling his dark eyes as he went on,

“-enjoying yourself with others, pragmatically speaking, I can't stand by your throne with any regularity. Therefore, it's of the utmost importance that you familiarize yourself with the palace concubines."