The king's eyes
Samael

I just got out of my bath, which I scented with petals from Jenny’s bouquet of lilacs. It lost in freshness but I was able to still get some of its olfactory power.

I’m going to wear a little more formal outfit eventually. Apparently, I arrived like a hair in the soup, so I will try to lay low.

I chose a burgundy red velvet dress with long drooping sleeves. A matching velvet rope belt, and small golden pompoms. Like royalty. I tie my hair in a low bun, not too tight all the same, so as to let a few strands soften my posture.

One of my crystals, rose quartz on a ring, accentuates the softness and harmony of the emotions that surround me, and some discreet jewelry. I lightly make up my eyes, I’m ready.

I’m waiting for someone to pick me up. I’m supposed to present myself to the king in front of the court, before dinner. I’m a little nervous. This bothers me because I learned a long time ago to control my stress... It must be said that I have a lot of pressure. It’s a great moment for me... I have to help our king.

I think of my father who trusts me. To my mother who was so cheerful and funny, she pampered me as much as possible. Her brown curls, her laughing brown eyes, and her smile... How can you punish such a wonderful being...

There’s a knock on my door. “Lady Iris, are you ready?" Berenice asked.

"Yes, please come in." I answered.

She has changed her outfit too, she’s even stricter, I didn’t know that was possible. Why do governesses always have to look inhuman, lifeless, emotionless, and empty? It’s really sad.

“Good evening. The king has been informed of your visit and... As expected, he is quite irritated by this news. MyLord does not like to be surprised. I advise you to keep a low profile and let me introduce you." She said.

"Okay..." I prefer not to add more now. I follow protocol. I follow her to the throne room.

Our footsteps echo down the black-and-white cobbled hallway. The atmosphere is cold and sad.

We finally arrive at the throne room. We must believe that the king prefers to keep his guests as far as possible from his quarters.

The room is huge and dark. The carved wood is painted and dull, which is a shame, the raw wood is self-sufficient and brings a more lively and warm atmosphere.

At the back of the room stands the royal throne, and Samael...

We approach and the members of the court let us walk up to him.

Samael sits like a king, a hostile king. He stands straight but his head is slightly lowered. His short black hair gives him a stern look. He has a scar on his face that crosses his left cheek. The eyebrows are furrowed and his angry eyes reveal his originally dark-colored eyes, covered with a white veil. He is dressed in black, a simple but very elegant outfit, with a high neckline and a closure on the side, with a bias and gold embroidery. I must say he is impressive, magnificently impressive.

The closer I get, the more I perceive his aura.

My God... It is very charged and impenetrable... He is locked up in his bitterness, in his anger, in his contempt for the world.

I continue to study him while hearing Bérénice introduce me.

"My Lord, allow me to introduce to you Lady Iris Du Neflier, witch of the western wooded lands of the kingdom."

"Come closer." Samael told me.

I try to let him recognize me. His part of the demon can direct him to my altruistic nature and my good intentions. He can’t look at me but I know he’s trying to assess me. He frowns a little more for a few seconds.

"Witch. You’ve been summoned for another date. In three days, no less. You arrived here expecting, no doubt, to be received as if you owned the place." He said, annoyed.

Bérénice tries to intervene on my behalf:

“My Lord..."

"I’m not finished! Your arrogance and your manners are already quite unbearable to me. It is out of the question that I let you study what affects me before the scheduled date, until then, you are requested to stay away from the court and remain in the guest quarters. We’ll summon you when your simpleton colleague here has finished torturing my ears with his useless incantations."

I ask him: “My king, may I afford to shed some light on the situation? Please?”

I hope my voice brought some influence... But I doubt it. He still takes a few seconds before answering me.

“It is not necessary. I ask you to leave the premises."

I really want to explain myself, so I continue.

"My Lord, treating you will take time, I simply want to be able to help you as soon as possible and calmly prepare the stages of the process. I implore you to believe in my profound respect for your person and..."

"GET OUT, NOW !" He yelled.

I am assaulted by the tone and the anger he uses. He bumps into me. He pushes me away. He refuses to see or understand... I have no choice but to leave. Berenice nods to me towards the exit to tell me that she is going to escort me.

I bow all the same in front of Samael... And I still try to influence his aura. But it is too strong...

I return to my room with annoyance and shame.

I knew it would be difficult but I didn’t expect such aggressiveness. I’ve never had to deal with so much resentment in one person.

I have the impression that his demonic abilities have formed a defensive rampart, following the bad spell. His aura is impenetrable, Samael is unfathomable... I understand why no wizard can achieve anything.

The demon in him created something like an anti-witchcraft shield... As if he had learned a lesson from the evil spell that damaged his body... And with all these years of trying spells to lift the evil, he became stronger, again and again... It’s absolutely fascinating... And terrifying at the same time.