My Inner Demons Oneshots

13) Asch x Reader x Pierce (pt. 1)| Royal Court | The Viscountess

Synopsis: a year before the magic crisis, a young scholar (you) finds herself whisked into a romance between the General of the Daemos army and the kingdom's Second Prince

There will be 2 endings: one for Pierce and one for Asch.

Word count: 1142

Part 1 out of 4

———

Your life in the Daemos monarchy was certainly an interesting one. They called you "The White Viscountess of Daemos": the scholar who rose among the ranks for your intelligence and contribution to Daemos Politics. You were born of common blood, to a baker and his wife who cherished you deeply. As the youngest child in the family, your presence was often disregarded which allowed you plenty of time to read and write. You knew your family cherished you, they were just busy with the bakery.

With all of your effort poured into your studies, you graduated the academy as the youngest female scholar and earned a place in the royal court as a judicial leader.

Thus began your life in the Daemos's castle.

You were running late to a meeting about magic and it's future—which didn't look too good, there would probably be a crisis sooner or later—when you took a wrong turn. Upon opening the door, you hear a groan. And that's when you knew you were screwed. Your eyes make contact with the second prince of Daemos—who was undressing for his bath. You take a second to take in his muscles and study his form. Strands of raven hair framed his face, his large horns jutting out of the base of his head.

"I-" you stuttered. Before you could defend yourself, the prince yelled.

"Guards! Throw this peasant in the dungeons! It is a sin to burst into my quarters as a stranger." He fumed, glaring daggers at you. You back up, apologizing, as your back makes contact with something hard. Turning around, you came face-to-face with another handsome stranger. This one was clad in a general's uniform, his swords neatly sheathed by his hips. The daemos's brunette curls were tied in a low-ponytail, emphasizing his blue horns that curved upwards. A heat rushes to your cheeks as you scramble to defend yourself.

"I- I'm a delegate for the Senate meeting! I took a wrong turn and ended up here! Please help me, I have classified information on the beginnings of a magic crisis!" You plead with the tanned General.

"Pierce," a voice cuts in. "I'll leave her to you. Give her whatever punishment you see fit." The prince closes his eyes, intertwining his fingers into his hairs "Now leave..." A woosh is magic comes forth, swinging the doors to the prince's quarters shut.

You stare at the General next to you. "Please General..." your honey-like voice laces his ears. "I'm needed in the senate, this is urgent!" Perhaps it was your puppy-dog eyes, or your sugary sweet voice, the daemos's eyes softens. He extends an arm towards you.

"Come with me, I will escort you to the senate meeting." He offered you a small smile as you take his arm.

"Thank you... for understanding."

"I was on my way to the meeting as well." His voice reaches your ears. Pierce studies your expression as the two of you make your way to the gathering. The general's eyes wander to your cherry-red lips. He had never seen a delegate like you before, you were perhaps youngest member yet.

Not long after, the two of you arrived at the doors of the senate room. They swung open with a heavy 'oomph'. The sound drew some attention, as other senate members began to turn their heads. Suddenly aware that you were still in the General's arms, you quickly removed yourself from him. Your mind clears as you realize the topic of debate: a shortage of magic that could cause a potential crisis.

Quickly, you introduce yourself and present your arguments to the senate. Pierce snuck a glance at your figure. He couldn't help but note the way you suddenly stood up during your passionate debate, or the way you spoke with confidence. He was bewitched.

After what feels like an eternity, the doors to the senate open. The second prince of Daemos enters in all is glory. You couldn't help but stare at him. Asch's eyes lock with yours, his pools flickering in recognition.

"You..." he starts. "You really are a delegate?" He stared in confusion while pointing his finger at you. You scan the room filled with masculine faces. He was doubting your abilities.

"Yes? Is there a problem?" You cast a glare in his direction. He simply shook his head before motioning you to carry on. You gladly do so, pulling out a small stack of documents from your bag and running through your crisis task force proposal.

The prince's eyes widened as he took the copy of your proposal. It was practically perfect! He snuck a glance at you: your eyes glimmered with passion as you continued explaining how your proposal would benefit the future of Daemos and potentially save the realm from a magic shortage. Something sparked inside of him: he became more and more interested in the youngest member of the senate... the future viscountess. Your promotion to viscountess wasn't easy...

———

Two men kneeled in front of the emperor. One general and one prince, in the middle of the empty throne room.

"Your majesty," one spoke. "We humbly request for senate member (Y/n) (L/n) to be given the title of viscountess."

"She is one of the brightest senate members in the committee and will bring honor to the imperial family" the other added.

Both of the daemos saw potential inside of you, but more importantly, they wanted to be close to you, to get to know you. And this? This was the best way to do just that. Your new title not only would grant you an estate close to the imperial castle, but also give you assignments in close proximity to the General and the Second Prince.

The emperor thought for a while. Finally, he agreed. With a heavy hand, the imperial seal was stamped onto parchment, sealing your fate.

———

Days after the meeting, a letter arrived from the imperial palace. In it contained the following:

The imperial family has formally recognized (Y/N) (L/N) as a Viscountess of the court for her contribution to imperial affairs. She has been granted the Emerald Estate and a generous salary along with court duties.

The bottom of the order was adorned with a red wax seal with the imperial family's crest, as a mark of the ordinance's authenticity. And attached was an illustration of a crest, your new family crest, to be exact.

Soon you showed your family the news and they were ecstatic!

Days passed as your family became accustomed to noble life while your duties at the palace doubled, serving on both the Court and the Senate. You found yourself spending more and more time with both the Daemos General and the Second Prince. Time would only tell whom you would grow closer to...