THIRD PERSON
Cassandra Blake stood perfectly still, spine straight, chin lifted in pride. The red tube dress she had worn to the palace still clung to her. An intentional choice, now rendered useless.
"He did not raise his voice," she said coolly. " King Alexander dismissed me without emotion."
Her mother remained silent, while her father, Duke Blake, studied her carefully.
Cassandra's lips curved, sharp and full of disdain. "One sentence!leave."
As a noble-blooded demoness, born into privilege, Cassandra had never been refused. She had grown alongside the three princes, attended the same school, and dined at their table. Alexander, Draven, Lucien.
Her father broke the silence. "This changes nothing."
"father!!! he rejected me." she replied with a scowl
"He delayed you," the Duke corrected calmly. "And delays can be managed."
"You are a Blake," he continued. "You were raised with the royal heirs. That history will not be erased by a cold dismissal. I will use every ounce of my authority to ensure you stand where you belong."
"Even if he does not want me?" Cassandra asked.
Her father smiled faintly. "Want is irrelevant, Power decides marriages. And power," he said evenly, "is something we possess in abundance."
Cassandra's expression steadied. Confidence returned, sharp and familiar. Her gaze lingered on her father, searching not for comfort, but for certainty.
"You speak as though this is already decided," she said.
Duke Blake rose from his seat, unhurried. "Kings are not immune to pressure. They are surrounded by it."
She scoffed softly. "He is not just any king , he's the demon king, he's the throne."
"And thrones," her father replied evenly, "are supported by pillars, Nobility, and alliance."
"I have stood beside the royal family for decades," the Duke continued. "Your name is familiar, that alone carries weight."
"And if he resists?" she asked.
"Then resistance will be reframed as duty." His voice lowered. "Royal marriages are not based on affection. It is a consolidation of power. Alexander knows this, his mother knows it even better."
Cassandra's lips curved, slow and assured.
"You will be queen," her father said with finality. "Not because he desires you,but because the court will demand you."
Her eyes hardened, confidence fully restored.
_________________________________________
Nyx was by the pool when the call came in. The water was calm and the mansion quiet. She lay back on a chaise lounge, relaxed in a way she never allowed herself to be in public. The red bikini she wore was simple but it rested on a body that could not be overlooked.
she was naturally curvy, her waist narrowed into full hips, her thighs were strong, thick and well-shaped. Her figure was balanced and firm, feminine without being soft. She didn't pose or seek attention. She never needed to. Even at rest, her presence was undeniable.
This version of her never existed in court.There, she's dressed in conservative clothing, nothing that invited gossip. Not because she lacked confidence, but because she understood how quickly people twisted narratives. Nyx refused to let anyone suggest she had gained her position or the king's trust through seduction rather than ability.
Her phone buzzed again beside her sunglasses.
she glanced at the screen and smirked. "Look who finally remembered I exist."
A familiar laugh spilled through the line. "Wow. So you do answer calls now?"
she pushed her sunglasses up, sitting slightly as she answered. "Only for you."
"That better be true. Nyx, it's been forever. it's like you vanished."
Nyx leaned back again, toes grazing the pool's edge. "Life happened. Work happened. You know how it is."
"Still," her friend said, softer now. "We haven't seen each other for a while and we haven't hung out too."
"I know kira ," she said honestly. "I've missed you."
There was a pause. "Then we can fix that, no work, no politics. Just us."
Nyx smiled, relaxed and genuine. "I'm free".
"Good," Kira replied. "Because I refuse to let you forget how to live."
Nyx chuckled softly. "Send me the details."
By evening, the mansion had cooled, and the sun had dipped low, casting a soft golden glow over the gardens. Kira arrived just as Nyx stepped into the foyer.
She was dressed in a sleek bodycon dress that hugged every curve, paired with heels just as daring. Her confidence was loud, effortless everything about her said she was the life of the party before the night had even started.
while Nyx wore a fitted white tank top and high-waisted denim that naturally highlighted her curves, six-inch black strapped heels. A gold Cartier wristwatch rested on her left wrist, paired with a matching gold chain around her neck. On her right wrist, a Van Cleef bracelet completed the look of luxury worn with ease. Her lips were full and glossy, her hair straightened and layered, falling neatly with a soft fringe framing her face.
Kira grinned. "You look expensive."
Nyx glanced her over once. "That's the point."
Three Cadillacs led the way, in between the two of the SUVs was a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Nyx and Kira slid into the back seat together as the engines pulled them onto the road.
They were headed to one of Nyx's exclusive clubs and the night was officially in motion.