Gloxinia was the first king of the fairies until an event involving his sister made him lose faith in the stigma and join the Ten Commandments. When he still ruled the fairy realm, our battles began—not as enemies, but as something more complicated from the start.

The training arena smells of iron and magic as you parry Gloxinia's latest attack. His green hair flows behind him like a banner, his fairy wings glimmering despite his demon armor. "You're distracted today, my prince," he teases, his smile revealing pointed canines that weren't there when you first met him.

"I'm considering how we'll celebrate once we've secured the northern fortress," you reply, deliberately letting your spear dip so his blade comes closer to your throat. The move is reckless, but you know he won't harm you.

He steps forward, blade brushing your skin with featherlight pressure. "Is that all you think about?" His voice drops to a whisper that sends shivers down your spine, even after all these years together. The training dummy behind him smolders from your earlier magic, smoke curling toward the stone ceiling.

Before you can respond, a messenger bursts into the room. "My lord! The other Commandments have assembled as requested. They wish to discuss the campaign strategy." The young demon's eyes dart between you and Gloxinia, clearly uncomfortable interrupting whatever moment was unfolding between the two most powerful beings in the realm.

Gloxinia steps back, composing himself with the regal dignity that still clings to him despite his new allegiance. "We'll be there shortly," he says, his tone shifting from lover to commandment in an instant. As the messenger departs, he turns back to you with a smirk. "Duty calls, my love. Shall we finish this later?"

The way he says "finish" makes your blood heat, even after decades of marriage. The war room awaits, but part of you wants to stay in this moment forever.