Demon Lord's Point of View

  I was a Demon Lord who had never run from a battle in my life. At least, none that I could remember. But when Willow had asked me for coffee, I'd fled like a coward. I dragged my hand over my face. It was just coffee in a cute little bunny cafe, so why did it have my stomach in knots? It had to be all the people and their stares digging into me like blades. Everywhere I looked, somebody was watching me, averting their gaze to hide their gossip. I wanted to scream.

  Yes! I'm the Demon Lord! Fear me!

  My shoulders tightened as I made my way back to the coffee shop, determined to go inside this time. It had to be better than being out on the street with all these people around. Not that anyone got close enough to crowd me, but I could feel their presence. I much preferred when I was the one watching them from the safety of my castle. This felt...stifling.

  The strong scent of coffee wafted out of the cafe, drawing me in with faint curiosity. Willow had suggested that the only way I could figure out who I was and what I enjoyed was to start trying everything. The mattress shopping had been quite the experience, and I was actually kind of excited for a softer bed. What if coffee ended up being just as pleasant? Mochi had given me many hot cocoas, but never coffee. I'd seen tired patrons downing the drink like it was giving the will to keep going.

  It seemed like an interesting drink and I wanted to try it.

  Before I could open the door, a young woman with bunny ears rushed out carrying an arm full of drinks. She barreled into me with an oof and the drinks started to tip. I grabbed the carrying case, holding on to the drinks as she stumbled, ears flopping over as she righted herself.

  "Phew, that was close." She straightened her uniform and took the drinks back from me. "Thanks for the save! Tell mom to give you something on the house. She's the owner. I've gotta run."

  Then she was off again, disappearing into the crowd on the street behind me as if she had no idea who she'd just run into. A smile tugged at my lips as I went inside. It was nice not being recognized. Maybe this Bunny Brews Cafe wouldn't be so bad after all.

  "Welcome to Bunny Brews, how may I help you?" An older bunny woman with the same brown coloring as the girl outside smiled at me, then tilted her head. "Wait, are you the–"

  "Yes, I'm the Demon Lord." The moment of being unrecognized was already gone, and with it, my excitement. "I'll have whatever you recommend. Thanks."

  The woman frowned, ears twitching. "I was going to ask if you're the man Willow's been waiting for, but looks like I got my answer. Dark and grumpy. Is that how you like your coffee too?"

  My eyes widened. "Dark and grumpy? Is that really how she described me?"

  A quiet laugh drew me deeper into the coffee shop where Willow was sitting next to a large window. Sunlight spilled through the glass, shining warmly on her red hair. She looked so cozy, curled up in an armchair surrounded by scribbled notes, coffee, and snacks. Actually, her coffee had so much cream and caramel on it that it looked like a snack itself. It reminded me of all the hot cocoas she'd drank at Mochi's Snack Shack.

  "I think I'd like a sweet coffee like hers," I said, turning back to who I assumed was the owner of this cafe. "Maybe something dark as well, just to see what I like."

  "Never had coffee before?" When I shook my head, the woman got an excited glint in her eye. "I'll bring you both an assortment of drinks then. The writer seems to enjoy the sweeter ones, but we've got all kinds."

  I nodded my thanks as I made my way over to Willow. She shuffled some papers together, stacking them so they weren't sprawled across the table. Inkheart hopped back onto its notebook with a flutter, both of them turning toward me expectantly while the bodyguard drew closer, as if he too was interested.

  "So, how'd the errands go?" Willow asked sweetly. "Get anything interesting?"

  The way she said that felt like a trap of some kind. I slowly pulled out a chair and sat across from her, debating my answer. I'd initially left so she wouldn't have so many people whispering about her, but I actually had stopped at a few shops to make it feel like I was running errands. I was a demon of my word after all.

  I reached inside the deep pockets of my outer cloak and pulled out two writing boards, sliding one across the table to her. "This is for you. It'll let us keep in touch over long distances. When you write on one, the words appear on the other."

  She leaned over the table, her hair brushing against the wooden surface as she examined the device with a slight crease in her forehead. Then she picked up the attached pencil and wrote something, her green eyes filling with amusement as she smiled.

  The urge to check the other writing board was too strong and I tugged it toward me.

  Now I won't have to miss you so much while you're gone.

  My mouth dropped open as I stumbled for words that wouldn't come. I glanced up at her to see her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Oh, so she was teasing me then? Well, two could play at that game. I grabbed my own pencil and wrote a message just for her.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  I'd stay by your side every day if that's what you require. I'll hold you close and comfort you in this terrifying demon world. You'll never want for a single thing. All you need to do is ask and it's yours.

  There. She was going to be as red as a plump tomato after reading that. I felt a smug grin grace my lips as I glanced up at her, but instead of shock and embarrassment, she had an even stranger look on her face. It was almost like...she was happy? She kept staring at the words I'd written as if they were something special. Oh no, had I messed up the teasing and she thought I was serious?

  "I'm sorry, I was just trying to tease you back," I said, awkwardly turning to the owner who was bringing over the drinks she'd promised us. What bad timing. "I didn't mean to imply anything with that."

  The older bunny woman smiled as she handed us drinks that smelled like nutty chocolate and something darker. "What's he implying, dear? Anything you need help with?"

  "Oh, he was just writing me a love letter," Willow said, taking a big sip of her drink. Foam lined her upper lip and she slowly swept her tongue across to lick it all up. My stomach fluttered and I felt unable to look away. What kind of magic was in these drinks? She leaned forward, nudging my mug towards me. "Drink up. It's delicious."

  "Oh, she's a handful, huh?" The owner laughed warmly. "Go ahead and try them, Demon Lord. One is a mocha latte and the other is a plain dark roast coffee. Thought you might like to compare them to see what level of sweetness you like."

  Thank the gods she'd given me an excuse not to speak because I had no words for Willow. She'd somehow taken my attempt at teasing and upped it far more than I ever could. Did she ever mean it when she flirted like that? It seemed to come so easily to her, but was there any feeling at all behind it?

  Did I want there to be feeling behind it?

  I took a cautious sip of the plain coffee. A bold almost smokey taste filled my mouth, so bitter that I felt myself making a face that wasn't exactly polite. I winced. "Sorry."

  Willow burst out laughing and handed me a container of something white. "Try adding sugar, see if that helps."

  The three of us proceeded to test taste different coffees with different amounts of sweetness to them, even trying different flavorings too. Eventually I settled on one I truly enjoyed: a hazelnut latte.

  The owner smiled proudly. "I knew we'd find the right one for you."

  Something about her was so comforting, reminding me of Willow's grandmother with her warm and soothing vibes. I felt myself relaxing, easing into the plush chair as the coffee warmed me. This was a place I could see myself spending a lot of time in, brainstorming with Willow or chatting about anything really. As long as she was here, I felt at peace.

  The coffee turned acrid in my mouth. I was supposed to be getting Willow out of here, not enjoying my time with her. She was stuck because of me and I should be doing everything I could to get her out, so she could return to that loving grandmother of hers and make healing potions to help her town. I didn't have anyone to miss me, but she had an entire community.

  I drained my mug before standing up. "I'm going back to the library to check on Nyssa's progress. She must have figured something out to get you home."

  "Right now?" Willow fidgeted with the empty mug in front of her, not meeting my gaze. "I mean, sure, that makes sense. Let me know what you find out. I'll stay here and keep writing for a while."

  Inkheart bobbed a nod, feathers fluttering as if the pen would keep Willow company. A pen wasn't enough though, not if there really was a time difference like before. A half hour outside could be hours in here. I turned to the demon who'd taken on the job of guarding her. He'd stayed outside the castle all night and remained at Willow's side here too. He might be overeager, but I had a feeling I could trust him. Even if he was just afraid of what I'd do to him if he failed.

  "Keep her safe." I pinned him with a stare worthy of a Demon Lord, instilling every ounce of seriousness I could into it. "And give her whatever she needs while I'm away. Use my treasury if needed."

  "Yes, My Lord." He bowed so low he almost tipped over. "I'll protect her with my life and make sure she wants for nothing."

  "I don't need all that." Willow shook her head, waving her hands in the air. "I'm really fine here writing. Just go get the information and come back when you can."

  Inkheart scribbled furiously, floating up so I could see.

  I thought the whole consort thing was a ruse, but the way you look after her shows your true colors. You care for her, Demon Lord. She's safe with us.

  What did a pen know? I grunted, brushing it aside. Of course I cared about her safety. It was my fault she was in this mess, so until she was safely back in her apothecary shop, all my attention would be on her. It was the least I could do. I closed my eyes, summoning the bright light that would take me back to the library.

  Something tugged at my sleeve. Willow.

  "Could you check on Gran too?" she asked softly. "I'm worried she's overwhelmed without me. She said she was going to hire somebody, but I'd feel better knowing she really did."

  I nodded. "Of course. I'll visit her shop myself and ensure her well-being."

  Willow let out a breath and smiled. "Thank you. You can get going now."

  The warm golden light started falling from the ceiling, but Willow tugged on my sleeve again.

  "Sorry, but could you grab me some clothes while you're there too?" She scratched the back of her head, looking embarrassed. "And maybe some other essentials? Gran can put a bag together for you. I just have a feeling I'll be here for a while, so it would be nice to have my things."

  "Anything else?" I feigned annoyance, trying to get her back for all the teasing.

  Her eyes lit up. "Oh! The rest of the books in your series would be great. I left them at the library and could really use them if I'm going to make your last book amazing."

  I sighed. "Am I your errand boy now? You do realize I'm the Demon Lord, right?"

  "And that's why I'm sure you can handle it," she said sweetly. "My Demon Lord would never let a few errands get in the way of his mission, right?"

  Her Demon Lord? A pleasant shiver raced through me at those words. I'd never been anyone's anything before and even though I knew she was teasing, it felt really good to hear. Too good. I closed my eyes, summoning the light that would bring me back to the library again.

  I'd get her out of here as soon as possible so I could go back to my normal life. I was the villain of this story and no matter how much I enjoyed our banter, villains didn't get happy endings. Thinking otherwise was setting myself up for a pain I did not wish to endure. So she needed to leave. Now.