Chapter 2

[1750 B.C.]

I needed time, I needed certainty, and as much as it was just an extremely vivid dream, I needed to make sure that I didn't alter things too much or that everything would get out of hand.

I blinked a few times in front of the mirror, it was still amazing how attractive Asra was; I had envied her when I first read the book, but now, seeing her delicate face, her naturally pink lips, and the way she looked like she had been carefully drawn... it all made me envy her even more.

Asra could have had any man, demon, or angel, she just needed to want it and still, she preferred death to losing something she never had. Callisto's love.

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

It was obvious that I was scared, after all, Asra was never known for her kindness and charity, much less for her patience and gentleness.

"P- sorry ma'am" one of them stammered as she tried to tidy the hem of my dress after stepping in without me noticing.

I sighed again.

"Don't worry" I spoke simply "just make me as pretty as possible and don't overdo it" this was all I could ask because when Calisto arrived at the cathedral, he would see Elaine, and she would be the very sight of angelic beauty.

Her blonde hair falling down her shoulders, and her almond eyes, were blue as the clear sky. Her white, immaculate skin, as well as her robes, simple as they were, accentuated her beauty.

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

"You're already in the carriage, ma'am," one of them murmured as if afraid of being reprimanded, and looking to the side in the mirror, I came across one of the young women trying to pin up my hair.

"Leave them loose," I said bluntly and stood up from the chair, "I can't keep the king waiting".

The opinion of those people didn't matter to me, not when Callisto was waiting for me downstairs, not when I could change something, and not when I looked stunning in my walking clothes.

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

"She'll be hours! Let's go at once, you can always apologize later" Azrael was saying at the carriage door "Sir, this is really urgent... It could cause a ruckus, and you know Miss..."

I didn't want to finish listening, because I knew he would say something stupid again, so I hurried to huff as loud as I could, cutting Azrael off from the front of his speech.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting," I said, stopping Azrael from continuing to try to get in my way.

Callisto in turn looked at me with surprise and something that felt like satisfaction.

"Come" he held out his hand to me and I could briefly see a smile on his lips, "you really do look beautiful, although I can't remember the last time you were dressed like this".

I smiled.

Asra never wore clothes like that, especially not in front of the king. She preferred expensive dresses and delicate silks, embroidered with silver and gold, daring necklines, giant slits, and seductive patterns.

They were not ugly, of course not, and since her body was something that attracted Callisto, he didn't dislike what she often wore, but the first time he saw clothes like those on Elaine, he lost his breath and thought that nothing had ever made a woman so attractive when such simple and practical clothing.

I wouldn't let this chance pass me by.

"I'm trying out new styles," I lied, and Callisto pulled me close to sit beside him, close enough for his hand to hold my hip with some force.

"I think your new style is dangerous" he purred "I might want to test how to destroy these pieces, one by one after I'm done dealing with this nuisance".

I smiled.

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

When he saw her for the first time, he would feel his chest heavy and remember his dead wife, the only being he truly loved. The only one who got his heart.

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

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

To my misfortune and displeasure, it didn't last long. Soon the damn carriage stopped in front of the cathedral and Callisto's warm lips parted from my neck.

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

A long, enveloping kiss. A kiss where my tongue invaded his mouth and dictated his every move, a kiss so that he wouldn't dare think about anything but me, at least until he came down and saw Elaine.

"There," I whispered, "now you can go".

He grunted.

"When did you become so unfair?"

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

We were there.

Callisto glared at him, but still opened the door hard enough to get out.

"Let's go, sir," the fallen one said, ignoring my presence. Perhaps he had taken my threat a little too seriously.

I should wait in the carriage and stayed away, but I took another risk. The worst answer I was going to get was no.

"If it won't be in the way" I muttered, "could I watch?"

It was obvious that Azreal would deny it. It was obvious that Callisto would deny it, but still, I hoped they wouldn't, and when the fallen man opened his mouth, I heard Callisto laugh.

"Sure" his reply took me by surprise, "but you should stay back, I wouldn't want you to end up getting hurt".

I smiled.

Sometimes the demon in front of me forgot that Asra, in fact, was not only a hellish woman who dedicated her life and loyalty to him, but a witch from a lineage worthy of imposing fear even on someone like Prince Asmodeus.