Demon King's Gardener

"In the beginning, Maenscul shaped our bodies of clay," Losse said, voice carrying over the hall and causing the murmuring of the crowd to die down. E continued, "They sought the aid of Carmesso to keep their light from drying out our clay forms, and Nosu so that we might be a people, capable of unique thoughts and feelings.

"Their light continues to shine upon us. It dries the water left by rain, so that we are not washed away. It dries the clay we use, so that we have strong walls and buildings to protect us. It lights our days, so we need not spend them in darkness. Today, we thank Maenscul not only for blessing us with life, but for their continued light and warmth upon us before they rest in many parts of the realm where the weather cooled."

As the Grand Priestis spoke, those who had not already found their seats at the many large round tables in the hall did so – places carefully set by Jurao's valets and Hujur working in concert. The city representatives still sat at the large table used for evening meals, which was set across the dance floor in front of Maenscul's throne.

As Losse paused, Jurao stepped beside em to play his role. He said, "We have prepared a feast from the fruits of our fields and the meat of our animals. Enjoy these, the gifts of the land granted by Maenscul's light, and when your stomachs are full, those who desire should enjoy the gifts of the flesh Maenscul granted us."

Jurao gestured to the doors, and staff carried in large trays of food the kitchens had been preparing all morning. At the Royal Feast, Voga himself oversaw the delivery – though, with Yheor on his arm, the Kitchen Head seemed far less severe than he had in centuries past.

Wuna milk yogurt was the traditional opening dish, as the animal symbolized Maenscul. There were various cheeses made from the same – plain, with fruits and nuts mixed in, and other combinations. Fresh bread and fruit, of course, as well as jams and candied varieties. Honey from the apiaries was always a delicacy for the event, and many expressed interest in the new mead being offered with the meal. Petty Princelin Sculaes had brought mountainhound cheese from Engapoylao as well, which was another point of interest.

Heartier fare included roast copper-throated callers, the large birds kept for their eggs, meat, and feathers. Fish dishes of all kinds were available, including four whole river kings – the forty-foot-long fish being carried to long tables on either side of the tables to be cut for the guests. Mountain hound meat was another gift from Engapoylao, along with cultivated rice from Noskanar.

Petty Princelin Doys had led a hunt in Brandy Lake for a swordarm lakespider – and there were many exclamations of awe as the massive, hundred-foot-long shellfish was carried in and set on a table in the middle of the room – steamed within its own shell with sauces and prepared aquatic plant dishes to accompany it.

As the admiration of the dishes quieted, Grand Priestis Losse stepped forward again to announce, "Before we have our fill of all Maenscul's gifts, we invite all those who wish to dance – expressing their gratitude in the joy of their movement."

Losse offered Jurao and Braelin a gentle smile as e waved to the floor.

Jurao nodded to em, and looked to his betrothed.

Braelin nodded back, accepting the King's hand. Petal waited dutifully beside Snip and Snap where Jurao had commanded the hounds to stay beside the dais – Soth's draught still helping the human remain calm.

Many joined them on the floor, naturally – Jurao's inner circle, of course. Minaz was paired with Hujur, while Vajur usually declined to dance – though this feast, it seemed Soth had convinced him onto the floor, to the amusement of their other partners. Kloy and Feyl were paired, naturally – though the King's best friend had been his usual dancing partner at events that demanded it. It felt almost odd to Jurao that it was not the case, given the many centuries, despite all his practice with Braelin.

Though Gavven would leave before the after-feast, e was dancing with Gnori, which was not surprising given their long friendship. Jouvi would dance with all three of her partners, as the women often did; while Festi had asked one of their friends to join them, being unpartnered at the moment.

As the music began, Jurao set aside his thoughts of others on the floor – keeping his focus on the movements he and Braelin had spent weeks practicing. While the physical aspect was of little consequence to him, he was still concerned with making the right steps at the right time, and-

"Look at me, Jurao," Braelin said, with a breathless chuckle, "Not our feet."

Of course. Forvi had said so many times in practice – but, somehow, as he looked up and saw his partner's amused smile despite all the attention, Jurao found it much easier to do so than ever. His body felt as light as it had the first day he'd gained the Blessing of Ascension, and he almost felt as though he would float away if he did not keep grabbing his partner's hand as part of the dance.

As the dance ended to applause, Jurao flinched – picking up his partner in surprise and looking up at the throne as he felt the familiar tingle of celestial energy.

There were gasps and exclamations as Maenscul appeared – lounging across the throne at their fifteen-foot height as they usually did, their sheer rainbow robe flowing in an invisible wind as freely as the long strands of their light blue hair did. They looked over the hall with an amused grin – five eyes soon finding the King's and offering him a wink with the left two.

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Losse did not appear to know how to react – staring up at the deity e served in shock.

"I accept this offering of joy and gratitude gladly," Maenscul said, reaching out to gently stroke the Grand Priestis's cheek with the back of a large finger, though their gaze was over the hall as they announced, "Feast, and be merry."

Though it took more time than usual, the attendees did as their Deity of Kings bid – the dancers bowing towards them before shuffling back to the tables to begin the meal.

Jurao looked at his partner in his arms and said, "I think I will speak with them."

"I would rather sit," Braelin said, and smiled as he said, "Soth's draught is helpful, but isn't preventing all of my nerves. Thank you for checking, my heart."

"I'll help you get to the table," Feyl said – casting uncertain glances at the deity.

"If you don't mind, my lord, I would like to speak with Maenscul as well," Kloy added – the pair the only others that had yet to leave the floor.

"Of course," Jurao said, setting Braelin on his feet and nodding to Feyl as his best friend ensured the human was steady. He waved to his waste hounds, and Snip and Snap trotted over smartly – Petal, of course, shuffling after Braelin.

"Your honor us with your presence, King Maenscul," Kloy said, as they stepped onto the dais.

Maenscul chuckled, having placed Losse in their lap – the priestis still appearing at a loss. They said, "You do not appear surprised, Kloy."

"I thought the possibility existed," the physician agreed, tail swaying in pleasure, "enough so that I and the other Department Heads will have a good amount of spare funds after the event."

Maenscul laughed, "A bet! Well, I do not mind being the source of more gifts on such a day."

Jurao wondered why the deity had chosen to attend, but even he knew such a question should not be asked when any may hear it – though Maenscul's answer would not be a problem, the Demon King should not question receiving Maenscul's favor.

Maenscul made a gesture, and the area around them felt warmer. Their smile gentled as they said, "No one outside this dais can hear us now."

"Why have you joined us, Maenscul," Jurao asked immediately.

Kloy snorted.

Maenscul chuckled, "I knew you would be curious. I said before that I thought you might be able to realize someone else's dream, did I not? It is a dream I dearly wish to be realized – Lavven's dream of a Demon Realm where all live in peace, without fear of their homes being trampled on due to conflict. Your attempts to make peace with the empire will be difficult enough without your own people opposing you."

"Thank you for your support," Jurao said, bowing to them.

Maenscul chuckled again and patted the Demon King's head, "Thank you for trying to make things better."

Then the additional warmth faded, Maenscul taking their hand back as they said, "Oh, and do let Braelin's older brother know I would be interested in meeting him."

Kloy snorted again, then cleared his throat to cover a laugh. He offered the deity a bow of his own before following after Jurao to the head table, where Ergirri awaited them.

"Maenscul themself at the Golden Sun Feast," the previous King said, a wide grin splitting his face.

"A very auspicious sign," Kloy agreed, arching his brows.

Jurao checked on his partner – Kloy had cleared Braelin to eat demon food for the feast, given the special occasion, and the gardener was wasting no time in trying various fruit and plant dishes. Giving his betrothed a kiss on the cheek for finding his enthusiasm pleasing to see, the King stepped away.

"Malson," he said, finding his partner's older brother nearby. He was sitting between Goyl and Gnori at one of the two tables for the Department Heads and their guests.

"Yeah!?" Malson asked, then amended, "Your Highness!"

"Maenscul expressed an interest in meeting you," Jurao replied, gesturing towards the deity.

Gnori choked on his mead, pounding a fist on the table as he sputtered to recover.

Goyl's fork paused on the way to his mouth, the piece of fish on the end sliding back onto his plate.

"Me!?" Malson asked, looking past Jurao.

Maenscul caught the look, and offered the human man a smile and small wave, waggling their fingers with the motion.

"Oh," Goyl said, chuckling nervously, "Well, I certainly wouldn't pass up the offer."

Malson's face went red as he cleared his throat – then took a quick drink and hopped out of his chair, walking toward the deity with a purpose. If Jurao were to guess, as a front for his evident nerves at being singled out.

Maenscul's grin brightened, and they kissed Losse's cheek before setting their Grand Priestis back on eir hooves on the dais.

Losse still appeared stunned, stumbling a step – but mastered eirself, straightening eir robes and nodding to Malson as the human reached em.

"That will certainly show their support," Goyl remarked. With the distance and sound of the crowd and music, they could not hear Maenscul's side of the conversation – Jurao could hear Malson, but not distinctly enough to make out the words.

"They have expressed an interest in meeting Malson during our past conversations," Jurao replied, "So I do not believe that is their primary goal in speaking with him."

Goyl chuckled and said, "No – their appearance is more than enough on that count. And it would not surprise me that Maenscul would have an interest in Malson."

"Are you flirting with me!?"

Much of the feast chatter and music died down as Malson shouted his question, with many eyes turning back to the throne – though few had left it entirely for long.

Maenscul laughed, hair whipping about them wildly – and when they both calmed, the deity said, "I'm glad it was obvious."

"Yeah, but I thought it might just be how you talk!" Malson replied, voice lowering in volume and not appearing to notice the attention, "Being a sex deity!"

Maenscul chuckled and said, "A fair consideration."

Losse cleared eir throat and gestured to the musicians – the return of music seeming to prompt the return of conversations as well. Largely those speculating about Maenscul's interest in a human.

"Ah," Jurao said, "It had not occurred to me before, but yes, Malson's high sexual activity being attractive to Maenscul makes sense."

"Especially given how adventurous much of that activity has been," Goyl agreed – and leaned over to elbow Gnori and add, "Perhaps you should join them on an adventure of your own, Guard Captain."

Gnori's face darkened, and he pounded a fist on the table as he said, "I wouldn't interrupt Maenscul for sex!"

"It's only an interruption if Maenscul is not also interested," Goyl remarked, and jerked his head toward the throne as he added, "Which I don't believe is the case."

Gnori's head whipped to the side in surprise.

Maenscul was looking their way again and crooked a finger as Gnori looked over.

Gnori flinched – looking at Jurao before pointing to himself.

Maenscul snorted and nodded, crooking a finger again.

Gnori's face darkened in blush further before he complied – walking with his chest puffed out in false confidence, much as Malson had. Though he faltered when Goyl's compatriots called out cheers and encouragement, which made Maenscul chuckle again before the Guard Captain reached the dais.

"Perhaps Maenscul has a type," Goyl mused.