Chapter Text
The grand halls of the Ars Goetia estate were empty, the only sound was the ringing echo of polished marble beneath Andrealphus' icy talons as he made his way through the deserted corridors. His sister Stella was away on one of her frequent grant balls, no doubt scheming and plotting to further her own interests.
As he turned a corner, a faint murmur of welcoming voices caught his attention. He followed the sound to a small door hidden behind a tapestry, adorned with intricate carvings of goetic symbols. The door was slightly ajar, and Andrealphus pushed it open, revealing a cozy room filled with a half-dozen imps.
He had made it his mission to never let Stella find this room. The only place Andrealphus could be himself. Only place he could breath without having Stella scream at him for no apparent reason. His sanctuary. Closing the door silently, he took in the soothing atmosphere.
"Hello darlings." He greeted the half dozen imps in the room. Each imp barely reaching his hip in terms of height. "Stella has now departed. She will be absent from the palace for no less than three days. But please, close the door completely, anyone outside can hear you and I don't want this room to be found."
From the entrance, one could easily see, that the room was a marvelously cozy space, a hidden sanctuary nestled deep within the labyrinthine walls of his estate. The room itself was like an entire apartment. Low-ceiling walls, divided into different sections by red, plush curtains.
A lovely fireplace dominated one wall, where a warm fire crackled and spat, eating up bundles upon bundles of dry logs. Surrounded was two comfortable armchairs, donned with plush velvety fabric, and shiny diamond decor. To one side of the room, a beautifully crafted wooden desk stood, cluttered with papers, quills, and strange, arcane artifacts that seemed to be in various states of disassembly or repair.
This was Andrealphus' workspace with a little project of his. We'll get back to that later. Beyond the desk, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf stretched along one wall, packed tightly with volumes bound in supple leather, adorned with strange symbols that glowed softly in the firelight. Collections ranging from ancient tomes, to signed Hella Novella novels. On the warm summer night, Andrealphus would often find himself lost between their pages for hours.
A small kitchenette occupied a cozy nook near the fireplace, where a kettle steamed merrily over a low flame, filling the air with the scent of brewing tea, strawberry to be specific. A collection of mismatched teacups and saucers sat on a nearby shelf, each one bearing a different, extravagant design evidence of Andrealphus' fondness for eccentric ceramics.
And in the middle of it all, a large, wide bed, draped with silken sheets. At the bottom of the bed, were a just as wide sofa, with plush, comfortable cushions. Coupled together with a large flat-screen TV at the end.
Everywhere you looked, the room was filled with tiny touches that spoke to Andrealphus' love of comfort and warmth, which is quite ironic, if you think about it. A patchwork quilt draped over the back of an armchair, a vase overflowing with fresh flowers on a side table, a music box playing a soft, smooth melody in one corner. All these things combined to create a sense of haven, a sanctuary where Andrealphus could shed his royal persona and simply be himself.
As he settled into the room, surrounded by the gentle hum of activity from the imps, Andrealphus felt a deep sigh of relief escape his lips. This was his true home, a place where he didn't need to don the mask of haughty marquess, but could instead let his guard down and simply be.
Andrealphus slowly walked over to the bed while taking off his top coat, dropping it on his way. "Sorry darlings, I'm simply too tired to place my coat on the hanger. Pay it no mind, I'll pick it up later." And with a thump, he laid on top of the bed. Legs sprawled over the ledge, and his head firmly pressed between two imps, laying each with a book. "My apologies Gimel, Gimer. You two are far too warm for my self reservation to hold back." Wrapping his thin arms around the waist of each imp, and pulling them closer. "I simply do adore these new pajamas you two got. The material is superb. And let's not forget the feel again my feathers."
"Andre, you don't have to apologize every time. We get it. Stella is a fucking nuisance. Bimel is not going to wake up from coma any time soon, even after your billionth apology. After her 'little' antic those years ago, we changed the way we handle her. You also made her very sure to never harm us again. And you have to handle her almost 24/7. I can't ever imagine the pressure you have to uphold." Gimel said, moving his hand into the delicate head feathers. "May I?"
Andrealphus simply nodded, as Gimel started to rather fondly nudge his claws down to the quills. Gently tug them from side to side, and nudge them in between his claws. Preening, as it's called. Doing his best to remove old or broken feathers, as well as pry newly formed feathers out of their shell. With a slight moan, Andrealphus pulled them closer. "You, my dearest, are simply too good at this."
Gently moving out of Andrealphus hold, Gimer placed his book to the side and slid up onto Andrealphus back, sitting up. "You seem to be dire need of kneading. May I?"
With another nod, Gimer began working his magic. Gently placing her palms on both shoulder blades. Like a cat, she began kneading Andrealphus. Careful to not put too much pressure, but hard enough to still be felt. "So, what scandal did Stella want you to clean up this time?"
With an audible drawn out sigh, he closed his eyes. "She 'accidentally' ruined one of Vassago's beautiful blazers." Lazily moving his hands to find his phone, since his face was deeply buried in imp thighs and he couldn't see.
"Oh, such a shame. But tell me, how is Vassago doing?" Gimer said while sending Gimel a smirking wink.
"Yeah, how's he doing? I hear his favorite color is teal." Gimel let out while still gently fumbling with the feathers.
Pushing his face further into the cushiony comfort of the thighs, Gimel could feel two warm spots starting to forms.
"Andre, your cheeks are rather warm." He let out a slight chuckle, watching as steam began to rise from between his thighs and Andrealphus' cheeks. Being an ice elemental, and having a crush at the same time, must not be easy.
Looking up at Gimer, now with a visible neon red blush, contrasting nicely with his teal colored feathers. "How do you know that Gimel?" He needed to know this.
"Now let's not get ahead of our selves here." Wiggling her finger, Gimer continued. "Why do you want to know?" Already knowing the answer, but still decided to question anyway. Teasing Andrealphus was one of her favorite past time hobbies, after all.
Feeling two bumps in the bed closing in on him, he let out a small yelp when two imps hugged him from both sides. Together with a third imp laying down on his calves. Now being surrounded by five imps total. Gimer on his back, Gimel with his thighs under Andrealphus face, Zorvath and Kaelos at his sides, hugging him. And of cause, Tharros laying on his calves.
"Ugh, I was unaware that me talking about Vassago would become a beacon of interest." He let out in a most gentle tone to his friends. But it was a great feeling, being surrounded by friends all warming him up with their body heat alone. Andrealphus had always enjoyed the warmth and comfort of others. He's a very physical type of demon. Even though his reputation in the outside world would have you believe anything but.
Feeling like he wouldn't get out of the questioning imps anytime soon, he might as well try to say something. "Well, I... uh... I rather like how he writes his court documents. They are simply put together most elegantly." He's technically not lying. The parrot got something special with words.
"Oohhhh, so you love his writing, hm?" Zorvath asked in a teasing tone. "But what does that have to do with his favorite color?" Smirking to Kaelos.
"I mean, teal is a nice color. It's a great contrasting color to red." Kaelos replied, almost as if speaking for Andrealphus. The both of them talking as if Andrealphus' feathers wasn't teal colored.
"I wonder how he is to work with." Tharros now chiming in. "I wonder if a private conversation would be as well articulated as his papers, hm? Or would he be using everyday slang?"
Grinning from ear to ear, Andrealphus responded. "I can definitely confirm he is speaking in normal terms." He noticed the imps tail all in unison flap lazily. Huh, that's was weird.
"Does he have a country accent?" Gimel asked, beaming with a smile, which earned him a small, but playful frown from the peacock.
"I wonder, if Vassago blushes, does his cheeks turn teal, just as yours turn red?" Gimer donning an ear to ear grin while putting extra pressure in kneading Andrealphus shoulders.
"Hey, now that I think about it. Don't you generally only accept invitations to gatherings if Vassago is on the guest list?" Zorvath asked, well knowing the answer to be yes. "He's quite the dance partner, huh?" He whispers into Andrealphus ear.
The rest of the imps start giggling as Andrealphus let's out full body shudder, since he wasn't ready for that question. But then again, what was there to be ready for with these guys? They have known him for most of his adult life. And when he least expects it, they never seem to miss throwing him a curve ball.
"Hey hey guys, don't tease him too much. There is simply nooooo way that Andrealphus, an elegant ice elemental peacock, would fall for a loooowly parrot." Kaelos caressed the peacocks upper arm.
"But I must say, coconut and mint does go quite well together." Tharros responded.
"As well as teal and red. You two would be breathtaking at the grant ball, should you arrive together." Zorvath said while massaging Andrealphus hands. Kneading the area between his talons and hand.
The imp continued to tease Andrealphus. Asking about details of Vassago. Poking fun at Andrealphus always looking towards Vassago. Giving him romantic ideas about Vassago.
Looking up from the soft thighs, his whole face was now brightly glowing red. "Darling, please. I simply... uh... I simply just find him fascinating. Yes. Fascinating."
But then Gimer asked the question that made him pause: "Fascinating? That's just a nice way of saying you have a crush on him, isn't it?"
Andrealphus' eyes widened as he tried to think of a response. But before he could say anything, Tharros chimed in with: "I bet Vassago would be surprised to hear that! He seems like the type who wouldn't even notice someone had feelings for him."
The imps all started laughing and teasing Andrealphus again, making it harder for him to deny his true emotions. Finally, he threw up his hands and confessed: "Fine! I like him, okay? Are you happy now?"
"He's.. He's just so dashing, okay?. And his preening oil go so well with mine. I usually go with mint odor, and he uses coconut. How could they NOT go well?!? And his style choices is simply amazing. Excellent can't even fucking describe it. And yes, should we arrive at a ball together, we would attract quite the attention. We're completely opposite colors." He was now speaking a mile a minute. "I want to be together with him and talk with him and listen to him and and all that couple stuff."
"We know Andre." Gimel said with a laugh. "We're just teasing you. We also want to see you together."
"But how would I get him to look my way?" A dizzy Andrealphus asked, after confessing his feelings to the six imps in the room. Xaren was still preparing lunch in the kitchenette. "You know how my public image is. I can't just throw it away like it's trash. Okay, my public image is trash, but that's because if I don't behave like that, everything will be stripped from my name. Including you guys."
The imps exchanged concerned glances, and Tharros spoke up, "Ah, yeah... your public image is a bit of a problem, isn't it? The 'ruthless imp hating narcissistic' persona doesn't exactly scream 'romantic partner material'."
Andrealphus nodded vigorously, his feathers still ruffled from the impromptu confession. "Exactly! I'm seen as a cold, calculating figure, not someone who's capable of love or romance. And on top of that, Vassago is Stolas' lawyer... which means he's also involved in my sister's mess."
Gimer's eyes widened in understanding. "Ah, you mean the Stella and Stolas' mirage? And you're stuck being Stella's defendant?"
Andrealphus let out a defeated sigh. "It's a nightmare. And now I'm worried that if Vassago finds out about my true feelings, he'll think I'm just trying to manipulate him for his connections with Stolas."
Just then, Xaren walked back into the room with a tray of steaming hot food. "Hey guys, lunch is ready! What's all the serious faces about?"
Tharros filled her in on the conversation, and Xaren's expression turned sympathetic. "Aww, Andre... don't worry, we'll figure something out."
Andrealphus took hold of the bun that was handed to him. "Thank you dearest." As he lay there, imps all over him, he couldn't help but wonder. How would Vassago react if he knew this side of Andrealphus?
Maybe, just maybe, if Vassago saw a different, hidden side of Andrealphus. Maybe they could get on good terms?
"Darlings, I have an idea. But I think I need to ponder it a little." He said while wiggling out of the imp pile. "I'll be in the bath if anyone needs me. Thank you for the lovely talk and all of the teasing on my expense. Very lovely thank you."
A small knock could be heard ringing through the bathroom, which pulled out the peacock from a rather pleasant day-dream. "Yes?"
"Andre, there is someone at the entrance wanting to see you." Xaren said with a hint of smugness in her voice. Maybe even a small teasing tone as well.
"Thank you darling. Tell them I'll be there in 30 minutes." Came a flat sounding reply.
"Understood. I'll tell the red parrot he's too boring for your company at the moment."
Feathers fluffing up at the reply. "WAIT WAIT WAIT." Andrealphus almost fell out of the bathtub. "Tell him I'll be there in 10."
A faint giggle could be heard outside of the door. "Of cause, I'll let him know you'll be on the way shortly." But before leaving, she wanted to fan the flames a little more. "Don't let your prince wait too long, he's using coconut preening oil today, it seems."
And if that didn't make Andrealphus blush, nothing would. Hurrying out of the bath, he grabbed the nearest towel and went to town. Completely erasing Gimels preening work from earlier. Nonetheless, he needed to dry, fast.
Now with somewhat dry feathers, he hurried to get at least a little preening oil into his plumage and tail feathers. His pride and joy. So, slipping a little too much minty preening oil into the feathers, he gave up.
With five minutes left, he hurried to grab the closest, somewhat presentable clothes. He was already loosing time, so this had to go fast, but he needed to impress Vassago.
He quickly grabbed a crisp white dress shirt with billowy sleeves and a delicate lace trim along the neckline. The fabric felt luxurious against his skin as he slipped it on. Next, he chose a pair of sleek teal trousers made from the finest velvet, adorned with intricate silver threading that caught the light just so.
For a jacket, Andrealphus opted for a rich turquoise coat with a subtle sheen to it. The coat was tailored to perfection, fitting him like a glove and adding a touch of sophistication to his overall look
As he finished dressing, Andrealphus caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He looked dashing, if he did say so himself. The combination of white, teal and turquoise brought out the deep blue undertones of his eyes, making them sparkle like sapphires in the light.
"Andrealphus, no. You're late, and need to forgo the cufflinks." He looked down at the sprig of silver cufflinks shaped like miniature ice crystals. The finishing touch would have been a delicate addition, but alas, time is of essence.
He took a deep breath, feeling confident and put together. He knew he would make a stunning impression on Vassago. He had to. Going into the shared room, he could hear playful gasps of aspiration from the imps. "Darlings, I will have to excuse myself for the time being. I have a sudden guest and will be back later, so please don't hold out on the movies for later."
Gently opening the hidden door to the grant halls, he stepped out with a sense of giddiness. Vassago has never come to his mansion. So this was a new experience for him. Having someone he actually liked, come visit. But let's not be fooled. Vassago doesn't know the real Andrealphus.
With a steady inhale, he set his mind to work. Donning a simple smile, and doing his best to erase his subtle red blush, he simply began walking towards the entrance. Slow and methodically. One talon at a time. The icy echos of talons meeting stone cold marble ringed out through the mansion.
As he approached Vassago, Andrealphus couldn't help but notice the way the parrots plumage seemed to glow in the soft light of the mansion. The velvet red blazer added a touch of sophistication to Vassago's already stunning appearance, and the golden chains sparkled like miniature suns against his feathers.
"Vassago." Andrealphus said, his voice low and smooth as he drew near. "I must say, I'm intrigued by your sudden visit. You look... rather radiant today." He smiled, trying to convey a sense of casual friendliness while internally freaking out about how stunning Vassago looked.
He slowed his approach, allowing himself to take in the full effect of Vassago's outfit. The silken orange pants were a bold choice, but they suited the parrot perfectly, accentuating his sleek physique and vibrant feathers. Andrealphus' eyes lingered on the opal cufflinks, feeling regret for not wearing something similar himself.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important." Andrealphus continued, trying to sound nonchalant despite the flutter in his chest. "I was under the impression that you were busy with... other matters." He trailed off, hoping Vassago would take the bait and reveal why he had come to visit.
As he waited for Vassago's response, Andrealphus found himself wondering what it would be like to reach out and touch the parrot's feathers. Would they feel as soft as they looked? The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he quickly suppressed it, reminding himself that he needed to maintain some semblance of control around Vassago.
"Well, I was rather busy earlier, but not to worry, nothing of importance has been interrupted." Clearing his throat, he took a glance at Andrealphus elegant frame. Nodding at the bashful put together attire. He might be Stellas defendant, but he did have a knack for style. Continuing, he glanced back up to lock eyes with the beautiful peacock. "I was wondering, is Stella present?"
'Ugh, of cause he's here for Stella.' He though to himself, mentally scuffing at her name. "I'm afraid my dear sister is out for a grant ball at Lady Vanessa's today. She will be back in three days, earliest." Such a shame that Vassago wasn't here for Andrealphus. He could really use his company.
Vassago's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement as he nodded thoughtfully. "Well." He said, his voice smooth as silk. "in that case, I'll have to return at a later date." He paused, and Andrealphus could swear he saw a hint of mischief dancing in those piercing red eyes.
But then Vassago's expression turned serious, and he took a step closer to Andrealphus. "However, I didn't come here solely to see Stella." He said, his voice low and mysterious. "I have... other business to attend to."
Andrealphus' heart skipped a beat as he met Vassago's gaze. What could this parrot possibly want with him? He tried to maintain his composure, but his mind was racing a mile a minute, trying his best to keep his tail feathers down.
"Really?" Andrealphus asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite the growing curiosity inside him. "And what might that be?"
Vassago smiled, a slow, enigmatic smile that sent shivers down Andrealphus' spine. "I think it would be better if we spoke in private." he said, his eyes glinting with intrigue.