A Hunter's Curse (Closed o/o with Nyx)

Nathaniel looked up as Ember exited the room in her stunning black dress. His eye lit up, glazing over as her stared at. Blinking, he hooked his arm in hers, tilting her head up and kissing her. “My dear..” He took a breath as his had been taken away. “You are gorgeous!” He kissed her multiple times, enjoying her company. “I’m not sure when it was put in there, but I didn’t buy it. One of the kings before me must have.” Nathaniel walk Ember down the hall, emerging and standing at the top of the right stair case. Decorations covered the room, tables were decorated, their were man recognizable demons around. One was Lilith, whom was waving to Ember. He walked Ember down the stairs, joking the others as chatter filled the hall.

Nathaniel gave a reassuring kiss. “Of course! It’s perfect. It suits you.” He descended the stairs with his love, ignoring Lilith. “It’s best to ignore Lilith for now. She knows things we shouldn’t.” There was a table that was set aside from the rest. He pulled out a chair for his love at this table, making sure she sat before he did. “My subjects do well when it’s a party involving their king.”

Nathaniel considered how much he should say. “She can somewhat perceive the future like I can— just with a certain subject. Now, why don’t we see what hey up, yes?” He sat beside his wife, watching his lieutenant stand to share some words. “I can be very gentlemanly if I’d like.” He whispered to her. His lieutenant was a shorter demon with white hair and purple horns. The demon of war and lust. Ender spoke about their reunion and how glorious it was— to a degree. He ordered the party to commence. He sat back down, smirking at Nathaniel. The king clapped, sighing. “Maybe this wasn’t the best idea.” He whispered

Nathaniel laid his hand onto of his wife’s. “There are somethings people shouldn't know until later, alright?” He focused on his lieutenant, clumsily clapping as he finished his speech. “It was a bad idea because that smirk on Ender’s face tells me he knows what Lilith knows..and a lust demon knowing what Lilith knows is not good.” He sighed, watching his subjects talk amongst themselves and indulge in food.

Nathaniel blushed a little. “I might have a general idea, but that is for a later conversation, my dear. Why don’t we focus on the party, but do not drink any alcohol.” And with that, he stood up and went to get something for the both of them, being picky about the current food choices.

Nathaniel smiled softly and went to get some food for the two of them. He brought back the plates, Ember’s having more— animal meat options than Nathaniel’s. He held a glass of demon wine in his hand, giving Ember a darker punch-like drink. “Here you are my dear.”

Nathaniel smiled sweetly, slipping his hand in hers. “It’s the least I can do for my lovely wife, don’t you think.” He leaned his head against hers. “Now, please actually eat this time, I worry about you.”

"I'm not acting like I haven't, I'm just doing what I see fit. It's my job to make sure your needs are taken are of— at least that's what I believe it is." He lifted her hand up and kiss her hand. "Now, I'll be happy if you eat half a plate. A little more at a time usually goes a long way, yes?"

Nathaniel watched his subjects move about, laying his hand in her hand. Personally, he’s had enough of this get together. He’d rather be off— doing more important things. He kept holding Ember’s hand. Moments later, Nathaniel pulled Ember out of her chair, sheltering her on the ground. A dagger flew right past Nathaniel’s shoulder, grazing it. He suddenly became less bored as the room went silent. He kept hold of Ember’s little hand, squeezing it tight.

“Ah, Azazel, what can I do for you tonight? Who let you out of your cage? There would be only ONE subject in this room.” He gaze rested on Salem. Nathaniel let go of Ember’s hand, standing up. He tapped a code with his heal that she mustn’t get up. “Why must you crash my party? Now I have to set up extra security measures.” Azazel threw another knife. It buried itself deep in his shoulder. The king let out a pain laugh. “You’re funny. GUARDS!” Four demonic guards pounced on the criminal in question, holding him by the wrists. As Azazel was dragged out, he was cursing about the Queen being a trader.

Nathaniel tried to pull the dagger out of his shoulder, but struggled to do so. Immense pain spread throughout his shoulder as pulled enough of the dagger out to show it was serrated.

Nathaniel slowly pulled the serrated knifed out of his shoulder, whining as flesh was pulled out with it. He held the knife, dripping with his own blood and flesh, and threw it on the ground. He helped Ember up. “I’m tired of this and I’m going to lay down.” He announced to his subjects, blood soaking though his suit. He climbed up the stairs and dashed into his bedroom. He laid on the bed, curling in on himself as he pulled the covers over himself.

Nathaniel was curled under his covers. Blood had gotten all over his side of the bed, but his shoulder had now healed. A soft cry could be heard from the king, but otherwise, he was silent. He didn’t stir when Ember entered the room, he didn’t poke his head up, he didn’t do anything. He remained still. The only thing that told you there was a living creature was the rise and fall of his sides.

Nathaniel shook his head no. The sobs grew louder. Frustration and stress caught up to him and it took form in tears. Tears he didn’t exactly want, but his body forced him to have. He was always going to be very vulnerable around Ember, no doubt about it. “I need a hug..” He mumbled between his tears. It was rare to see him— breakdown.

Nathaniel let himself be pulled closer to Ember. This unfolded the curl he had configured himself in. "Need to clean what?" He mumbled, tears running down his face. "I'm so sorry." He mumbled, clinging to Ember. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." More tears ran down his face as he became tongue tied.

Nathaniel glanced down the bleeding wound. He didn’t understand why it hadn’t healed yet. “Oh.. I don’t have anything to clean it with.. it’ll heal by itself.. I’m sure of it.” He buried his head in her shoulder, trying to slow his tears. “But it was my own fault for thinking you’d be safe..” He wrapped his arms around her.

Nathaniel whimpered, swiping at his face to get rid of the tears. The bleeding started to cease. "Yes, I did get hurt, but I have to account for your safety. What would have happened if I hadn't knew that knife was coming? You could have been hit and killed. I told you that party was a bad idea." He kissed Ember back, needing some comfort.