Taming His Demon Lover

"You aren't getting any younger so you must wed sometime."

Andras couldn't hide his exasperation at the Queen's single mindedness. 

"I am not in any rush to get married. Like I hinted before, Hell's Island is not a vacation spot; it can get lonely and be very isolated from the rest of the world. Even so, it's my home and I want it to remain in that peaceful state."

"Many have described you in the past as a thieving barbarian. When asked about your personality I mostly got savage, primitive and warlike. You've never backed down from a war or shown any reluctance to spilling blood in your past."

"I leave the past where it belongs and besides it's in my nature to choose my own battles."

Andras looked her directly in the eyes. "I have never been accepted by my demon ancestry, much less the fae half of me. I have no reason to get involved in your fight, your Royal Highness."

"You won't side with me or Elyan," Tiandra snorted. "So what are you willing to sacrifice for?"

"Hell's Island," Andras replied without thinking. "Nothing more, nothing less."

Pleased with his response, it was all she truly wanted.

Someone who even when the odds are against him would never waver in his beliefs and values.

"Then we both agree that should Robin move to Hell's Island it will be the safest place for the child."

"Your Majesty…I feel like we are talking in circles. I will not wed this Robin!"

Queen Tiandra stamped her foot and the sound reverberated in the room.

"You will marry shortly and that's final or since only the spilling of blood moves you," she added threateningly. "Then I will have your crew members brought to the gallows for you to watch them being tortured, hung or dismembered one by one until not even a speck of dust would be left to bury in your beloved Hell's Island."

Silence. 

"My people on Hell's Island have nothing to do with squabbles of the Summer Court. Why draw the innocent into your depravity?"

"Robin is also innocent and can't help the side of the blanket my child was born on. With the growing instability in Summer Court…," she shrugged. "It cannot be helped. I will make provisions for you to leave with Robin immediately and I will have your solemn vow to obey me."

"You expect that a vow that is forced on me will be honored?"

"I know your character, if you make a promise you will keep it. So promise me that you will go now and wed, take my ward away from the Summerlands and never return."

Andras' hands were fisted by his side and he remained stubbornly silent. 

"By all that is holy, do not make me commit mass murder today."

Queen Tiandra started to tire from standing on her feet in six inch platform heels for too long. 

Her impatience began to show as Tiandra's facial features looked more haggard and bleak.

Whatever leniency he prayed the Queen would show him was getting used up.

Until Andras gave her the answer she wanted, Tiandra remained just as resolute in her determination.

"You have my promise."

"A promise is a comfort to a fool, say the binding words of demons so I know that you won't use trickery to con me out of my goodwill."

Everyone knows demons don't like to be bound, not even a half breed like Lord Mulciber.

From where Andras drew a knife the Queen did not know because all prisoners were normally stripped and searched for weapons before residing in the dungeon.

Its silver sharp blade glinted as he pricked the tip of his index finger then drew his unique sigil on the ground.

Then he said painstakingly, "I hereby vow to wed to Robin McDougal and live on Hell's Island."

After a few minutes he destroyed the blood stained sigil with his feet so that it could not be duplicated when he was gone from the prison.

Queen Tiandra couldn't hide the instant relief his words brought to her mind and the delight showed on her face making her look years younger. 

"Wise choice unfortunately since it is late you and your crew will spend the night here and then come the morning you will be released along with your ship and possessions. Since you will have to retrieve Robin from the borders I will provide you and your men with horses and funds to sustain you until you can leave the Summerlands. Robin is currently staying in a small community where all the orphans are raised by the village chief. A lovely couple that gets paid to provide Robin with food, an education and daily necessities. I can imagine the poor child will be reluctant to leave with you but hand over this letter. It contains my seal and is in my handwriting only then Robin will go with you. The village head is a religious man and has promised me that Robin is manageable and not prone to rebellion. So you should have no trouble getting along with Robin. I promise you won't find anyone out there more adorable than Robin so you won't regret your decision."

Even as he accepted the envelope with the Queen's seal on it, in his mind Andras rebelliously thought you have not won yet your Majesty.

Shortly after the Queen waltzed out of the dungeon in high spirits and ignorant of Andras' thoughts.

An hour later the door opened and a tired and drunk Malachi crawled into the room.

There had been drinking and merriment that night, imbibing on white rum since they were no longer bound for the gallows thanks to their master.

"All the men have been celebrating that thanks to your sacrifice you saved our necks. Soon you'll have a lovely bride to warm your bed at night." 

His delight was greeted with a heavy silence.

Malachi paused and observed Andras grim features and the smile on his face turned into a frown. "You don't look happy for a young man that's about to tie the knot tomorrow."