“Your Highness?”

I jerked my head up at the words.  How long had I been staring down at my vanity desk?  I glanced over at the young retainer, standing anxiously at my bedroom door.  Her expression told me it had been long enough that it wasn’t the first time she’d spoken up.  I tried to put on a courtly smile and brush past the awkward moment.  “Yes, what is it?”

The girl lowered her head.  “Your Highness, I am here to inform you that His Majesty is ready to begin the honors ceremony.”

“Yes, yes, I mustn't keep father waiting.”  I replied quickly, hoping it would prevent further questions.  I was not so lucky.

“Is…”  The retainer hesitated, “Everything alright, your Highness?  You could not seem to hear me, at first.”

I'd obviously missed her attempt to get my attention more than once.  “I’m fine.  I was simply lost in thought.”

A flicker of understanding crossed her eyes and my heart dropped as a mix of interest and pity washed over her face.  “Oh yes, was your Highness remembering…”  The girl stopped herself and flushed.  “I’m sorry, it's wrong of me to ask about that."

“You’re correct. It is wrong."  I replied, a bit more coldly than intended. A bit of fear crossed over the girl’s face.  I would have to learn to shrug such things off.  It wouldn’t do any good to get cross at people for curiosity.  “I’m not angry, but please do not pry into…it is a topic I don’t wish to discuss.”  The girl gave a meek nod and scurried over to escort me.  I took her hand and walked with her to the door.  I was lucky I had finished with my makeup and jewelry before my mental slip.

Just outside the door, four armored guards waited at attention.  They did their best to hide it, but I saw that same look in their eyes as in the retainer’s.   ‘Such a poor thing.  How awful to have gone through what you did,’  they were thinking.  I had no idea how long I would continue getting these kinds of looks from subjects, from foreign dignitaries, from potential suitors.  Perhaps, throughout the rest of my days, people would whisper to each other, ‘See there?  That’s the princess that was raped by the Demon King.'

Father had assured me all such talk would subside.  The official story was I’d been rescued by the Chosen Hero Davion before the Demon King could rob me of my virtue.  It had the benefit of being true, but I knew no one would believe it, not in their hearts.  Two months as the Demon King’s captive, how could anyone assume nothing had happened?  That skepticism was its own protection, though.  I had decided to embrace these assumptions.  I welcomed people’s misunderstanding.  Let the whole world think the Demon King violated me nightly.  Better that, then for anyone to suspect the truth.

The guards moved into a square, surrounding me, and tapped their spears on the ground.  The retainer let go of my hand, but stayed at my side and we began to make a slow trek down the corridor towards the throne room.  Usually these halls were bustling with servants, lesser nobles, and administrators.  Now, still freshly rescued, no one but guards and trusted servants were allowed near me.  I expected there were more members of the Royal Guard hiding in nearby rooms, ready to strike if any disturbance was heard, but the entire hallway appeared completely deserted…

“See, princess?  The hallway is completely deserted.  Everyone is off in the dinner hall.  There’s no one here.”

I’m shivering on the ground.  The marble floor is cold against my hands and knees and a soft breeze raises goosebumps all over my bare body.  And yet, I still feel overheated.  “I….it’s a trick.  As soon as we start, you’re going to call out and everyone will… they’ll….”

She giggles alluringly.  “Oh my, is my princess afraid of a bunch of demons gazing upon her royal twat?  Or maybe you’re afraid of them seeing what color I left your  behind with my crop.”

I shudder in shame and excitement.  These feelings aren’t real, I keep screaming internally, but no amount of rationalization can banish them.

“Awww, do you really have so little faith?”  She leans down and cups my chin, pulling my gaze up to hers.  “I told you, didn’t I?  You belong to me, and I wouldn't show off my prized possession to random demons.  I promise, no one will see you.  It’s just going to be me and my princess going for a walk.”

She tugs the leash attached to my collar and stares deep in my eyes.  My mouth gapes open in a glow of red and all my reason melts away.  “Do you trust me, pet?”

“Yes Mistress!”

I stiffened up and shook out of the memory.  That had been an intense one, and triggered just from such a small observation. It didn’t seem the guards or retainer had noticed.  We were still in the corridor, about halfway to the throne room.  I hoped my face wasn’t flushed.

I could never tell when these memories were going to push themselves to the front of my mind.  When they did, it became hard to focus on anything else.  The enchantments used on me were all gone, but the emotional intensity of all those moments had not gone away.  There’s the old joke of wine taking pity on its victims by letting them forget what they did under its sway.  I was given no such mercy.  I still remembered everything I did, everything I felt, and how much I loved it.  

I could get away with a little odd behavior, thankfully.  No one expected me to be unshaken by my ordeal.  Even if I’d simply been locked away in a cell for two months, it’d be normal to be left traumatized.  No one would suspect it was more than that.  No one would ever know about what She had done to me…what she had made me into.

Rounding two more corners brought us to the throne room.  Father was already sitting up on the dais.  Just below him, half a dozen men were carefully straightening out any wrinkles in the carpet so it would perfectly conform to the steps.  The carpet ran all the way to the giant wooden doors on the far side of the room, leading to the castle courtyard.  The doors were closed for now, but would open as the victory parade arrived.  The crowd waiting in the courtyard was audible as a low hum.  

Around a hundred chairs had been placed below the dais on either side of the carpet for various nobles, diplomats, members of the church, others of high status, and those invited by Davion and the other party members.  All the standing room would soon be filled by the common folk outside.  It was important that the event be open to everyone even if some were given priority.  

The four guards escorted me to the edge of the dais and I walked up on the side to avoid getting in the way of the carpet straighteners. I walked past father  and his golden throne sat down on the silver adorned one to his left, slipping my arm over to give his hand a reassuring squeeze.  Soon after, the royal vizier Aki Reyes arrived and sat on the smaller oak seat at father’s right.  Aki was an odd fellow.  He was from an unknown, distant nation but had found himself on our continent due to some sort of botched magical experiment and with no way to return.  He spent most of his spare time in his laboratory, researching for a way to return home.  He was always vague when it came to details about where he was from, but had been a loyal and reliable wizard and advisor for many years.

Outside, the noise of the crowd was growing louder.  The victory parade had started at the city wall gates but now the procession had made it to the courtyard.  Everyone in the throne room began to work at a fluttering pace to be ready in time.  The carpet straighteners declared it was as good as possible and dashed away.  The last few dignitaries took their designated seats, and we all waited.

The even hum from outside turned into shouts and cheers.  For a moment, it sounded like the doors were vibrating from the noise.  There was an audible clank as a counterweight activated and the main doors flew open.  A booming drum and trumpets announced the entry of the victory parade into the throne room.  At the front of the procession, in mithril armor that was polished bright as a mirror, was Davion Fawkes, the foretold Chosen Hero and head of the party that had defeated the Demon King.  He was the one who had rescued me from the castle.  He’d been wearing that same suit of armor, but it hadn’t been so clean at the time.

I wake to the sensation of being carried.  My temple hurts.  It’s pressed against something smooth and hard.  I open my eyes and I see a silvery breastplate splattered with dirt and blood.  I look up and see a man, cradling me in both arms.  I’d met him once before, briefly.  There is a fresh, bleeding cut along his chin and his short, sandy hair is singed.  “Your highness?” He stares down in concern and tightens his grip.

I’ve been rescued.  I’m free.  She’s gone.  Joy and despair hit me at once and I can feel hot tears flowing down my face.  

“It’s alright, you’re safe now.”  He tries to calm me but he doesn’t understand.  No one could understand, not even I do.  I fall limp in his arms and my eyes look past his shoulder.  All around me, lines of soldiers are marching and in the distance, the Demon King’s castle burns.

“Who broke the Demon King’s barrier and marched to this throne…”  The vizier was announcing the party’s feats.  I’d been lost in the memory for a few minutes.  Davion and the other party members were kneeling at the foot of the dais.  People were still streaming into the throne room, filling up all the space to either side. Aki would drag this part out to ensure the hall was completely full before the ceremony began in earnest.

The vizier continued, “He fought the Demon King in single combat defeating humanity’s greatest enemy and ending his plans before the equinox.”  The Demon King had boasted that my capture and the equinox would spell his ultimate victory, though no one knew exactly how.  The official story was that I was to be used as a virgin sacrifice in some demonic ritual.  This version was part of the tacit assurances that I hadn't been deflowered during my capture.  Aki’s tone shifted, leading to the climax of the announcements.  “The Dark Castle was razed, Princess Trinity was rescued, the Demon King’s Black Army was scattered and peace was returned to Astari.”  

The vizier finished with his speech and sat.  My father began his part.  “You six have saved countless lives and for your courage and sacrifice, will be granted the noble title of Hero of the Kingdom.”  Trumpets let out a righteous blast.  Along with a noble title, every member of the party was receiving treasures and lands for their service.  As was tradition, all of these awards were being symbolized in the ceremony by golden signet rings.  Each of the members were called up to receive their ring and new status.

Sir Talwen of the royal knight’s order ascended first and knelt in front of father.  “You are now Lord Talwen, Hero of the Kingdom.”  Father placed the ring on his finger.  Talwen returned to his place at the bottom of the dais, giving the stoic reaction expected of him to the momentous applause.  The process continued with Priscilla the sorceress, Lady Miranda of the Holy Church, Jack Mathers, the former bandit (who snatched the ring from father’s hand and tossed it in the air as he descended the dais, catching it behind his back to laughs from the crowd and enthusiastic shouts from a particular seated section) and Azalina, the Warrior of the Wylds, who was the only member to come armed, still wearing her runic claymore across her back.

Finally, it was Davion’s turn.  Everyone grew quiet as he ascended the steps to the throne.  As he knelt, he flashed me a quick smile and I gave him a little smile back.  It was permissible to be a little informal with my savior.  As Davion put on his ring and stood, the whole crowd broke into applause and cheered with all their might. He eventually had to raise his hands up to urge the cheers to die down so he could speak.  “Your majesty, thank you for these honors you have granted us.  We have arrived bearing the spoils of the Demon King’s castle.  Hopefully this treasure can be of some aid to repair the damage this war has brought.”

A group of soldiers began to bring in artwork, jewelry, stands of armor, racks of weapons, and chests full of gold and gems.  In some ways, this was the most important part of the celebration.  Davion was at the pinnacle of popularity and influence as the savior of the kingdom and perhaps all of humanity.  Handing over the captured treasure from the Demon King was an important symbol establishing he recognized and endorsed my father’s authority.  Davion was an honorable man, but it was still important to have such public gestures to prevent anyone from getting ideas.

Various party members picked up some of the most exceptional items, giving brusque descriptions to various priceless artifacts to avoid dragging the process on too long.  The procession of treasures ended with Davion picking up a sheathed sword and raising it over his head.  “Lastly, I present the Demon King’s sword.  It is cursed with dark magic and must remain in this sanctified scabbard.  I trust that your Majesty can best safeguard such a dangerous item.”

My father gave a small nod.  “While it would be a worthy trophy to keep for your accomplishments, such an item cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands.  Thank you, Lord Davion, for all you have done.  For rescuing my daughter, you have my deepest personal thanks.  For all your feats to bring peace back to the world, you have the thanks of humanity and all other civilized races.  Today shall henceforth become a day of celebration and..”

“Your Majesty!”  A scratchy but strong voice called out from the seats set aside for the Holy Church.  The Grand Deacon of the capital stepped forward.  Behind him, three high priests followed, escorting a crouched over figure obscured in supplicant robes.  The baggy sackcloth made it impossible to even guess the person’s build.  The robe’s traditional purpose was somewhat undermined when the figure was flanked by high ranking clergy.  The supplicant and the other priests had not been among the earlier church officials.  They must have arrived after the doors had been opened.

There was a murmur from the crowd at this surprising breach in protocol.  My father pursed his lips and I could see several rude responses he wished he could say go through his head.  “Is there something important I am forgetting, Grand Deacon?”

“I’m sorry to interrupt you, your Majesty, but there is, in fact, one more gift to present to you with these other treasures.”

My father gave out a soft grumble only Aki I would be able to hear.  “If there is some treasure that Lady Miranda wishes you to present on behalf of the church rather than herself, that is certainly acceptable, though I don’t understand why this wasn't arranged earlier.”

The Grand Deacon smiled.  “We were not certain this treasure would be ready.  Thankfully, we were able to prepare it just in time for the ceremony.  As you know, after the siege of the Demon King’s castle, the Holy Order had regiments of inquisitors which helped in tracking down the remnants of the Black Army.  One of our parties captured a particularly powerful demon.”

“Captured?”  Father’s incredulous voice echoed in the hall while the audience began to murmur and the looks at the hidden supplicant became far more severe.  “Did you bring a demon? Here?”

“A very special one, your Majesty. The Holy Order is committed to vanquishing all evil.  The High Sage has long believed there was a way to seal the source of a demon’s power and cleanse it of its evil nature.  This capture gave us the opportunity to use the Goddess’ powers and tame this demon.”

The murmuring from the crowd rose to mutters.  Not many aside from myself had seen a demon, far fewer one outside of combat.  The Grand Deacon may as well have told the audience he had tamed a thundercloud.  He was relishing the attention and his voice lifted up to a crescendo.  “The Hero Davion presented you with the Demon King’s sword.  We offer another of his weapons.  I present to your Majesty one of the Demon King’s four generals.”  He pulled back the supplicant’s hood.

The crowd let out screams of confusion and panic, but I couldn’t make out anything they were saying.  I could only see her.  It was Cassandra, my former tormentor and mistress.

My wrists are shackled and chained to the floor and I’m surrounded by a bawdy chorus of demons shouting and jeering at me.  There’s a creature that looks like a crocodile but walking on its hind legs.  To my left is a gaggle of oversized crows.  Others look like men but with the heads of lions and bulls.  Others look human or elven but for horns, the ears or tail of an animal, or simply feral looking eyes.  None has a more savage glare than the Demon King sitting on an onyx throne in front of me.

“Your highness, I hope you feel welcome here in my castle.  We’re ready to accommodate you for an indefinite stay.”  He spreads his arms wide and his soldiers laugh.  “I spare no expense for my future bride.”

“You’re insane!” I shout back, trying to remain brave despite my circumstances.  “You can parade me through any farce of a ceremony you want, but it would be meaningless in the eyes of men.”

He looks unfazed as he stares into my eyes and I shudder, fearful of what he plans to do to me.  “The laws of men are of little consequence to me.  I am after a far greater power.  The equinox ritual requires your consent, unfortunately.  But that is why I have brought you here with time to spare. By the time of the ritual,"  He moves so quickly that he is in front of me, cupping my chin between words, “You will beg to be mine.”

My shivering gets worse under his predatory gaze, imagining what torture he will use to gain my compliance.  Suddenly, the intensity of his glare drops and he looks to his left.  “You’re late, Cassandra.”  His grip on my chin is like steel, so I strain my eyes to the right and see another demon stalking towards us.

“It looks like I’m still early.  Your ridiculous grandstanding isn’t quite over.”  She has almond brown skin and longer ears like the southern wood elves, but her nature is obvious from the small black horns on her head surrounded by hair that looks like spun silver, and red eyes shimmering like smoldering coals.  Her outfit is a mockery of armor with leather boots and pants and nothing for protection but a small breastplate that leaves her stomach exposed and a pair of black metal guards on her forearms, yet her casual posture and the two scimitars clasped to her hips give the impression of someone fearless and deadly.  Even as she speaks to the Demon King, her eyes remain fixed intensely on me.  

“I will get to business, then.”  The Demon King replies, letting go of me and walking towards Cassandra.  “There are two months until the equinox.  I expect her to be fully ready by then.”

“A stuck up princess like this?”  Cassandra laughs and looks me up and down like a child evaluating a new toy.  “There’s nothing to worry about.”

“All my plans hinge on your success.  She can not have any shred of resistance remaining.”

Cassandra finally looks away from me and stares contemptuously at the Demon King.  “Father, don't start doubting me now.  This cute princess will be wrapped around my finger in no time.”

It was definitely Cassandra, but that feral look was gone.  Her gaze was glassy and the red of her eyes seemed faded.  She offered no reaction to the commotion of her reveal and stood passively.  A hundred little moments quickly passed through my mind and I dug my fingers into the armrests to help prevent my memories from overwhelming me further.  I must have looked stricken, but everyone’s eyes were on her.

The Grand Deacon raised his hands and motioned for calm.  “Don’t be alarmed.  I can assure you there is nothing to fear.  The Holy Order has cowed and tamed this once deadly creature.  Thanks to the power of the Goddess, she is incapable of harming even an insect.”  To drive the point home, the Deacon turned and slapped Cassandra, hard, with the back of his hand.  The sound echoed through the throne room and my blood turned to ice.  The old man’s blow rocked Cassandra and made her crumple to the floor.  There was a tense silence as Cassandra remained on the ground, motionless for a few seconds.  Finally, she slowly sat up, carefully stood, and returned to looking forward with the same passive expression.

“See?  All the evil power of this demon has been sealed.  She is under the control of the Holy Order.  Demon!”  He barked at Cassandra.  “Prostrate yourself before the king and confess your sins.”

She gave the faintest nod and took slow, deliberate steps towards the dais.  My grip on the arm rests grew tighter at her approach.  A familiar sense of trepidation rose up in my chest, anticipating some degrading command once again.  The party members had each stood, watching on guard at her approach.

At the foot of the dais, she knelt and lowered her head.  “I am the demon Cassandra, the former General of Wind.  I have sinned against the people of Astari and all humanity.  I waged war against your people, slayed countless innocents, both at my own hand and through command of the Black Army.  I am here to atone for these crimes and accept whatever punishment is deemed fitting for my heinous acts.”  The words were flat, like a recitation and had none of the feel of her old way of speaking.  She seemed to be truly under complete control.  The trepidation in my chest began to fade, but seemed to just be replaced with a strange tension down in my stomach.  

My father let out a grumble and looked past Cassandra to the Deacon.  “It is good that this demon is not able to run wild, but like the Demon King’s cursed sword, I don’t know what you expect me to do with her aside from keep her locked away.”

The Deacon smiled.  “This demon is no longer any danger that needs to be kept under guard.  She has been transformed.  The Goddess’ power has left her ready for a life of penance.  She will perform any task you command for the rest of her days as atonement.  You may leave her in stocks in the capital square as an example or task her with heavy labor to rebuild some of the kingdom she destroyed.  Perhaps she could spend the rest of her life digging a moat to better protect the capital.”

The suggestions seemed to fully break the tension and led to a few scattered chuckles.  Cassandra continued to kneel in silence.  Someone called out a suggestion that she be made to cut down the whole Western Forest.  There was another suggestion to send her to disassemble the Demon King’s castle brick by brick.

The tension in my stomach grew worse.  Cassandra had done unforgivable things to me.  And yet…even with the abuse and manipulation she had levelled against me, seeing her brought so low and subject to taunting suggestions was painful.

“Have her repay the war debt.”  One Duke shouted out with a laugh, “She’d manage in no time working the brothels.”

The pain flared with a well of anger.  Why was I feeling like this?  Why did this whole exhibition fill me with rage?  Wait, why was I standing up?!??!