A new anger welled in Kelsey's heart, but it melted quickly in the warmth of his embrace.
"What are you thinking? Why do you look as if you're ready to fight me?"
"I realized I was very stupid… and naive."
"Oh? And why do you think that?"
"I'm just a human, while you're the Demon King. You rule the northern region, deciding the life and death of lower-level demons. You could approach me with hidden motives, and I wouldn't know. You could poison me, and I would accept it. Just… hear me out." Kelsey felt the tension in his arms tighten around her, knowing he was about to defend himself.
"I only know what you show me. I've never heard a single rumor—good or bad—about the mixed-blood Northern prince Luca. Even so, I trust you with my life. That's how much you matter to me."
She wondered if her life would have been different had she lived in Human Land instead of this world thick with demonic energy. If she had met more humans—or perhaps a handsome, kind man—would she have fallen for the Demon King so easily?
But returning to Human Land was no longer an option. She didn't know who was friend or foe. At least in Demon Land, she had lived in peace for three years, and she had felt the genuine affection of the boar couple.
It was this unconditional love, along with Luca's constant devotion, that touched her heart. She could no longer look at any other man.
Even though she was timid and preferred to avoid conflict, she always honored her promises and decisions. Once she gave her heart, she gave it wholly.
"Kelsey, you…" Luca's voice faltered. He should have been overjoyed, yet he still felt the weight of the chasm between them—knowing she might one day despise him once her memories as an Eternal returned.
"So I'll make two conditions if you wish me to be your queen." Her voice remained steady, though her heart was racing. "First, you are never to look at another demoness or human lady. Don't even think about helping them with all your strength."
"Consider it done. What is the second condition?"
"I know demon kings keep many concubines. I know they need noble alliances to strengthen their claim to the throne. I know you might have to marry for power, since I have none to offer… but I am not willing. I will not share what is mine. If you still want to marry me, knowing I bring no advantage, then you must not take concubines—no matter the reason, even if it were only for political gain."
"Even if you told me to take one, I would not," Luca replied without hesitation. His voice softened. "And don't ever say you are unworthy. It is I who am not worthy of you." He kissed her forehead gently. "Anything else?"
Kelsey hadn't expected him to accept so readily. She was only a human, with nothing to be proud of—yet the Demon King gave her even more than she asked. "Nothing," she whispered, hiding her face in his chest. "Luca… you once told me it took you only three seconds to fall in love with me. When was that exactly?"
Luca's mind drifted back to the tiny human girl who had entered the palace on trembling feet. Nothing about her had been concealed—her actions, her reactions, even the fear in her eyes when she saw the pale candidates and the corpse of a demoness. He had watched her from behind his chamber door.
At first, he wondered what a human was doing in Demon Land. Then pity struck him, along with a sudden urge to protect her. He even regretted that she had witnessed him kill one of the candidates. But then, to his astonishment, her fear melted away. That fragile girl walked forward with cautious boldness, her eyes settling on him only briefly before deciding her legs were more beautiful.
It was then he saw them—those purple eyes, like a sea of stars, filled with conviction.
Luca admitted it was those eyes that first captured him. But later, when he looked again, that same girl's eyes seemed lifeless, emptied of spirit.
I must have been going mad that afternoon. That was what she said. Yet that unusual answer had drawn him in once more. Her movements, her responses to his words—again and again, they held his heart.
By day, she had charmed him with her strong will; by night, she had captured him with her innocence. He had fallen in love with her eyes at first sight, but he fell deeper with every glimpse of her true self.
"I can't explain it in words. I think it was when you said you must be crazy… that's when I realized."
"Eh? Why those words?" Kelsey blinked. "Was there something special about them?"
"Isn't that what makes love so strange? We don't always understand how, or when, or who. How about you? When did you start liking me?"
The question stunned her. She searched her memories until one moment surfaced—the night he removed his goblin mask. "I think… I liked you the moment you took off your mask. You were too good-looking to resist."
Luca smirked and pulled her close until no space remained between them. "Then I have my parents to thank for this face."
Her bell-like laughter filled the room. All her earlier anxiety was gone. If he could, he would erase her worries forever. But there was still one truth she needed to hear. "Kelsey, did your parents ever tell you of the Demon King's wedding ritual?"
"They did. They said… it was…" Her cheeks flushed crimson. "…mating under the red moon."
His smile widened at the sight of her blush. "That's true for others. But a Demon King's marriage is… rather different."
"Different how?"
"Well, you see…" After debating for a while, Luca decided to let her know the truth.