The Prince of Demons

Nox

I was enjoying a nice croissant with Nez when I could feel the sensation of Senna’s desperately trying to summon me. This can’t be good. I let out a heavy sigh, unfortunately interrupting Nez’s story.

“I am sorry to interrupt, but I am being summoned for something probably urgent. Can we meet again tomorrow here at the same time?” I asked.

“No problem. I’m getting the rest of your croissant though as payment.” Nez replied. I left my croissant and used to where Senna was.

The tension in the air was intense. What the hell? All the in the vicinity seemed to be revolting against the very space we were in. I saw my brother and Senna panicking, trying to get near Nil, but Lux was standing in their way growling and baring her teeth. That’s when I noticed the surging off of Nil. An absolute maelstrom of was going rampant in his body. What did he do?

“What is happening?” I checked, trying to gauge the situation.

“We don’t know and Lux is in the way.” Azzeck snapped quickly. I mean, Lux is not exactly a threat to us, we could force her out of our way.

“Need me to move her?” I probed. I mean, yes this wasn’t good, but I didn’t see why they needed me.

“We need you to go fetch Grand Archmagus Solomon as fast as you can.” Azzeck explained. Ah. I am definitely faster than my brother.

I chained to the Institution of Mages. I burst into the place, which put a lot of the Magus inside on edge. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to be polite. Solomon is supposed to take Nil as an apprentice, so he should be vested in keeping that punk alive until then from what I understand. It was a thought at least.

“I need Grand Archmagus Solomon immediately! It is an emergency!” I roared to the Magus.

“He isn’t here.” one shot back.

“I need to get a hold of him now. Where is he?” I retorted. The Magus simply huffed at me, and shot me a wouldn’t you like to know look. One kick later his smugness was unconscious on the ground.

“I do not want to repeat myself a third time! Where is Grand Archmagus Solomon? I come with an urgent message from the Emperor of Speranza!” I yelled, looking for someone competent.

The next Magus was a lot more cooperative and produced a special and began using it to contact Grand Archmagus Solomon. I was getting a lot of dirty looks from knocking out the first idiot. Not my problem.

“This better be important.” Grand Archmagus Solomon snarled.

“Hello Solomon. Nil is in trouble and your help is needed.” I snapped at him. Solomon glared through the crystal, then realized who I was and what I said.

Grand Archmagus Solomon materialized next to me. I grabbed him and chained back to Nil’s room. Solomon’s eyes went wide the instant we appeared in the room. He looked around confused then settled his eyes on Nil.

“Why is there a baby in the room? What happened right before his started doing this?” Solomon inquired, seeming to grasp what happened.

“That is his . He used his and caused a bit of eye strain. He then started to and out of nowhere this happened.” my brother explained.

Senna at this point was all but losing her mind. It clearly was taking all the control my brother had to remain calm and keep her from acting too rashly. I hardly blame her though. Solomon casually walked up to Lux and made her fall asleep with the snap of his fingers. He began examining Nil.

“My my. What powerful fluctuations. I knew he was talented, but this is unexpected.” Solomon replied calmly.

“What is happening to him?” Senna cried out.

“First of all, relax. Nil is not in much danger, even though he probably does not know it. Interrupting him will likely cause a lot of damage which is why his was trying to defend him.” Solomon explained.

“What is happening?” Senna asked again. A little calmer, but clearly still distraught.

“From what I can tell, he simultaneously hit two . One with his and one with his . His was probably close and when he started it was pushed over the edge. Once his went over the edge, the influx of pushed his over the edge. This is his body rapidly learning to adjust to the he unknowingly absorbed as the two are reaching the next level. It is undoubtedly going to be excruciating for him, but as long as he succeeds there will be no lasting damage. We can’t interrupt him, and the period to be able to help is long passed. It is good to see he has been practicing and using them pretty steadily over the last fews months.” Solomon lectured with a not much to do tone.

Solomon woke up Lux, and calmly walked over by us. Lux was shooting daggers at Solomon. Good luck little girl, any of the four adults still in the room are way out of your league. She pouted as usual and checked on Nil, who looked like he was most certainly not enjoying his at the moment. His eyes shot open, and it felt like the in the air attacked all of us. He immediately shut them and began clutching his head. Senna rushed over and picked him up, petting his head and calling his name, but Nil was out cold. Solomon walked over, did a quick check, and gave the all clear.

“Thank you for getting me. I definitely don’t want my apprentice-to-be dying. By the way, as you requested Emperor Azzeck, I think I found a suitable teacher for Crown Prince Nil. Who is his combat teacher so the two can start planning lessons and how to help develop his talent if you approve of my recommendation?” Solomon announced.

“I am the one teaching him to fight once he is old enough.” I chimed in. Solomon shook his head approvingly.

“Who did you have in mind?” Azzeck checked.

“An incredibly skilled Archmagus. His is and I would say he is arguably the best at it. His natural is .” Solomon began stating.

This description was reminding me of someone. No way. Not possible. Tenebrae is not that small. I thought. Azzeck and Senna were nodding approvingly. How could they not? An Archmagus with a and could teach their son if he desired?

“I know you two care more for competency than race, but he is a demon which you might prefer, and he is currently in the capital. Originally he was traveling around but said he found something interesting he might be investigating for a while, so I did discuss if he was open to being a teacher for the Crown Prince and would gladly accept if you desired.” Solomon continued. No. No way.

“We would like to review his file and meet them before agreeing, but they sound incredibly promising.” Senna replied.

“I agree with my wife. What is his name?” Azzeck asked.

“Nez Beelze Phoenen.” Solomon replied. Oh this might get awkward.

“If possible I would like you to meet him as well Nox, see if you two can work well together.” my brother said. Oh we do, just probably not in the way you’re intending.

“I can summon him here if you are all free now.” Solomon offered. Hey Nez, this is my family! Surprise! Please say no, please say no, please say no.

“I think our schedules are free. Cesar! Do we have time in our schedules to interview a potential teacher for Nil?!” Senna roared. Cesar, I know I call you a wimp. I know I say Cleo keeps your sac in her satchel, but for the love of the Lords of Tenebrae say they are too busy.

“Your Imperial Highnesses, today was supposed to be a rather light day so I can easily rearrange to fit in meeting a potential teacher for the Crown Prince.” Cesar responded from the hallway. I am going to slice your throat in your sleep.

“What about you Prince Nox?” Solomon asked. They know I work at night. I am clearly healthy. WHAT LIE CAN I SAY?!

“I, um, would like some time to prepare and get some notes together before meeting them.” I answered. Stall for time.

“It is just a preliminary interview and meeting. I think you’ll be fine.” Solomon replied. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Before I could utter a protest, Solomon placed a on his finger and snapped them. Nez materialized a second later, and unlike earlier, was in his more formal attire. I was still in my casual clothes. I at least look presentable. Nez saw me and lit up.

“Nox!” he exclaimed happily dashing over and hugging me, completely oblivious to what was around us.

“Um Nez-” I started.

“Summoning me so suddenly after you left breakfast. You are such a needy guy sometimes!” Nez teased, still unaware of who was around us.

“I am not the one who summoned you.” I informed him. His normally pearl colored skin turned crimson as he shot around in a bow as he quickly remembered which called for him.

“I am sorry I did not notice. Grand Archmagus Solomon, how may I help you?” Nez spurted out, crimson all the way to his ears.

“So you’re the one Nox has been seeing.” Senna said calmly, a devious smile across her face. Oh Lords, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Don’t tell her a thing. She will remember it all for life.

Nez looked around confused. His eyes were darting between Solomon, Senna, Azzeck, Nil, Lux, and then back to me. I could see the gears in his head turning as the realization of where he was smacked him. Yea, can circumvent certain with the right permissions. You are where you think you are.

“My most sincere apologies! I am Nez Beelze Phoenen your Imperial Highnesses.” Nez quickly snapped with another deep bow. I wanted to take him and out of this situation.

“So you are already acquainted with my brother. That should make things easier.” my brother teased. Lords of Tenebrae, strike me down now please.

“Brother?” Nez checked. The gears were clicking as he realized what that would make me.

“You’re a prince?!” Nez asked, whipping his head around to look at me. I sheepishly shrugged my shoulders back.

“Surprise.” I replied weakly. Oh Senna and Azzeck were going to enjoy this. Their hyena like smiles told me everything I needed to know. They can smell the blood in the water.

Solomon was standing there awkwardly. Please salvage this. Come on Solomon. You are my last life line. He was clearly processing what he just saw, right before he burst into laughter. And any chance to avoid this just left.

“So, as you two can tell, Archmagus Nez is already acquainted with Prince Nox. I think this might make it easier for them to be on the same page with teaching the Crown Prince.” Solomon said calmly.

“Oh we can tell. So, how long have you two been seeing each other?” Senna asked with an innocent smile on her face. It is a trap Nez! Abort!

“We started about a month ago. Is the Crown Prince Nil in your arms? He is adorable!” Nez replied, ogling over the baby Nil. On second thought, CHARM THE HELL OUT OF THEM! YOU GOT THIS! IT IS THE ONLY WAY!

“What are your qualifications as a teacher? Grand Archmagus Solomon definitely discussed your abilities as an Archmagus but did not go over as a teacher.” My brother inquired, temporarily remaining professional.

“I regularly lecture at the Institution of Mages on a variety of topics. I also have written several books for developing , , purifying your , and for helping parents with their child and the starting steps towards learning . I can provide them if you would like.” Nez answered while trying to get a good peak at Nil.

My brother nodded approvingly. Senna was boring holes into Nez, clearly conflicted on asking him about our dating life and his qualifications. She shook her head, obviously deciding her son was definitely more important than getting embarrassing info on me.

“How would you try to cultivate Nil’s talent and help him grow as a ?” Senna asked. Nez paused for a second, then looked deeply at Nil, clearly evaluating him for a solid minute.

“From what I can tell, his innate talent and sense for are prodigious. His is already at the . I think he also has an but am not sure. His channels seemed to be slightly wider than normal, and for his age, his reserve is quite large. I have not seen him use personally, but from the fact it was necessary to apply Grand Archmagus Solomon’s method for a baby, I would assume he is adept in at least a few . Am I correct before I continue?” Nex explained.

The other three eyes shot to me. I shook my head, signaling I did not tell him a thing about Nil. I didn’t tell him I was a Prince, do you think I talked about my ridiculously talented nephew? We talked about things, but definitely not our families.

“That is correct so far.” Azzeck answered.

“That is tricky to answer. Seeing as he is the Crown Prince, I would do a split focus. First, a solid foundation in as I believe his use is based more off of instinct and feel. Knowing would help someone understand how and why his works as it does, and might give him ideas or at least the path for developing his own unique . Additionally, I would focus on the practical use of for fighting and defending himself. Probably alternating between a section of and then how it can be used practically.” Nez finished. That’s a solid answer. You are killing this Nez!

The other three nodded. It was a solid plan, and would probably be a good one for my problematic nephew. Azzeck and Senna were looking at each other, with a devious glint in their eyes. No, remain professional you two! I know what you two are dying to ask!

“What if he wants to learn a different other than ?” Senna asked. Nez looked like he had been hit by a dragon.

“Why would he not want to learn ? His incredible talent is suited for a more difficult and accents his natural quite well! But if he absolutely insisted on learning a different one, I have an understanding of numerous and am confident in my ability to teach them even if I myself do not practice them. If I became too lacking for his talent, I would assist in finding someone suited to teaching him whichever he desired.” Nez replied, sounding a little hurt. He does love to talk about his theories and developing new for it a lot. They are quite fun to listen to even if I struggle to follow sometimes, and he is so passionate about them as he speaks.

Azzeck and Senna locked eyes again, nodding in agreement. They asked him several other questions, gauging his ability and how well he could teach. Nez absolutely crushed it. He clearly knew what he was talking about and had a wealth of experience teaching and lecturing. Azzeck and Senna had another mental conversation with each other real quick, and looked back at the rest of us.

“Grand Archmagus Solomon, thank you for showing us this delightful man. We will be in contact if we decide to hire him. We have some more questions, but I do not want you to feel obligated to stay if you are busy.” Senna declared.

“Thank you Empress Senna. I will be taking my leave then.” Solomon stated with a nod, before vanishing into nothing. Azzeck and Senna’s heads snapped over to Nez, like two lions eyeing their prey.

“So, Nez, let’s go have some tea, or do you prefer coffee? We would like to ask you so many questions about you and my brother. He hasn’t told us a thing! And frankly, my wife and I are hurt.” my brother offered.

Nez thankfully finally realized these two were going to hound him for information mercilessly. We can escape as long as you don’t take up that offer! I thought internally. He looked at me, and I was trying to keep my face normal, while silently pleading for him to run while he could.

“I do not believe it is professional to discuss my personal life with people looking to hire me, even if it is the Emperor and Empress of Speranza. I do think I should be going now.” Nez stated with a respectful bow before walking over to me. I gave him a goodbye kiss and he smiled before vanishing.

Azzeck and Senna looked like they were about to start pouting. Plans thwarted! You are not getting any information today you two! The two let out a small sigh of disappointment before getting more serious looks on their faces.

“Nox, what do you think of working with him? Do you see you two together for a long time? We honestly think he would be an excellent teacher for Nil, but if you are uncomfortable with it, or do not think it will last, we will find someone else.” Azzeck checked, keeping himself from pouting as Nez didn't take the bait.

“I am not sure. I think I need some time to think about it.” I confessed. I honestly didn’t know. I would like to work with him, and I was beginning to think it would be nice to have him around forever, but I did not want to pressure him or rush anything. I definitely needed time to think.

“Just let us know when you can.” Senna replied before she and Azzeck left with Nil.