Born to Rule

Kiev's POV

Growing up Kiev had many lessons on how to become a great ruler courtesy of his father. How to walk amongst his people, how to appear calm and collected, how the inner workings of their world truly operated, who the men and women of the council were. Every moment his father had alone with him he would give him a new lesson because he was to become the king one day. It was known to all when he was born. The only child of love between Dimitri and Catherine, the last full bred demon. Despite being the youngest of all his siblings Kiev was heir to the throne because his mother -unlike the other women his father slept with- was his true soulmate and a succubus.

  What no one had expected was that Kiev had no intention of ruling. He hadn't always denied his birth right, not too long ago Kiev had every intention of becoming the ruler of his people, to fall in his father's footsteps. That image was shattered nearly a decade ago when he witnessed his father's ultimate demise. When he saw what would come with becoming king, the law the required he search for a queen as his father did before him. The vulnerability that came with that love. Bitter memories reminded him of why he chose to hand the throne over to his brother Cade. He did not want to become his father. He wouldn't become the shell of a man that he turned into in his final months. Into the shell his brother was turning into.

With that thought Kiev turned toward his brother Cade, the king as he stared aimlessly at the guard at his side as he gave a briefing of the events around the castle. "She didn't like all the guards." He murmured softly. "She said they made her feel wary ." Kiev knew the she he was talking about was his wife.

The guard paused in his briefing about the attempted attack on his brother earlier and sent Kiev a concerned look. It was his fourth reference about her and a sign that this meeting should be concluded before Cade said anything else. Having heard every word the guard had spoken Kiev motioned for him to return to his post as he dealt with his brother. Later he would assign more guards around the castle to keep Cade from harm, both from others as well as himself.

When the heavily armed man left the room only then did Kiev sigh his frustration and approach the large gold throne. Cade didn't acknowledge his presence as he slowly made his way up the short stairs to where he sat, his body slumped in the overly large chair.

Tilting his head upwards Cade released a ragged breath as his eyes fluttered shut. "I should have made her take more guards or at least you to protect her. I should have followed my gut feeling then maybe..." His words were muffled by the sob that tore from his lips. Twin sets of tears shimmered in the light as they glided down his hollow cheeks.

"Don't beat yourself with what ifs, brother." As Kiev spoke the words he knelt down and swiped the tears away before anyone were to see them. Tears meant sadness, sadness meant weakness and one should never be weak amongst his people. A lesson his father had first taught him. At the first sign of blood and the sharks would come. Today's attack on the castle proved that.

When Kiev arrived at the castle to check up on his brother Kiev was shocked to find a heated battle between the castle guards and a handful of his elder siblings at the gates. The attacks were becoming more frequent and involving more of his estranged siblings all searching for the throne they were denied. Snapping out of his shock Kiev quickly ended the brawl with his original demon form before he raced into the throne room where his brother was encased in a row of guards. Without the king's consent Kiev personally executed the traitors and sent word to the remainder of his siblings that if any of them attempted another attack he would kill them, no trail, no pleading for mercy. This couldn't go on forever, he couldn't stop every attack. Hopefully his threat would keep his siblings at bay until he could complete the plan.

That was the only way he could save his people and his brother.

He sense of dread filled him as he thought of Harper's role in the plan. Completely unaware of her immediate part in the salvation of the demon world Harper would also be the key to ending the war between Hunters and Demons, to her people's end. He didn't feel any remorse for the Hunters, not in the least. Those knife wielding pricks deserved everything coming to them but Harper...

  Shaking the guilt away he cleared his mind of all emotions. He couldn't afford to be blinded by any tender feelings, not when he had a mission to complete. A kingdom to salvage.

"I can feel her pain Kiev. I feel every whip, every unwanted touch, every tear as it slides down her face. I can feel her fear, brother." Cade spoke in a broken whisper barely audible.

  Pressing his lips together Kiev had no words of comfort to that. There were no words that could be spoken to soothe his brother's heartache. All the more reason he had to keep his head clear of distractions. Placing a hand over Cade's frail one he gave the limp hand a gentle squeeze when the twin gold doors swung open.

  In a blink of an eye Kiev rose back onto his feet, his hand remaining over the King's. Steeling his stance he watched as the council made their way into the middle of the throne room, their burgundy robes gliding after them as they stood in a line before the two brothers. Narrowing his eyes Kiev watched as the five pairs of hands lowered the velvet hoods from their heads and revealing the faces of the Demon council.

"We were told you wished to speak with us, my King." A woman with short blonde hair spoke up, her gaze trained on Kiev as she spoke. The only female in the council.

Nodding he tentatively released his brother's hand as he stepped in front of Cade, his body shielding the King from the scrutinizing gaze of the five before him.

"I've called you all here to discuss the recent attacks." Kiev spoke to the group of five but his gaze traveled to the man in the middle. "It's come to my attention that the last two attacks have been immediate members of our family coming to take the throne."

"What are you implying, prince Kiev?" The dark skinned man said, his brow lifting in mock puzzlement.

  Kiev's jaw clenched at his use of the word prince, knowing how he hated being reminded of his royal status. "What I'm saying Yuri, is that our brothers have gotten it in their heads that they have a right to overthrow Cade. A thought that only recently has entered their heads. I wonder why they have chosen to act now?"

  Shrugging Yuri had the nerve to grin in response. "Our siblings have never been the smartest of demons, perhaps they heard of the King's declining health and decided to take advantage of the situation."

"Perhaps." Kiev took a few steps forward, his dark glower on his brother never wavering. "Or maybe a certain council member warned them ahead of time about Cade's condition in the hopes of ridding the competition."

"Your accusations wound me." Yuri said, feigning offense.

  Stopping directly in front of his brother, Kiev pushed the dreadlocks blocking his right eye to reveal a pink scar over his closed eye lid confirming his theory about Yuri.

  Dropping his hand back to his side Kiev noticed the discomfort in the four other members of the council. Did they know what Yuri was up to? Were they all conspiring against Cade? Looking over the other members Kiev wondered why they would be assisting Yuri in trying to overthrow their King? What did they benefit from all of this? Surely they didn't want his under predicable and self centered brother to be King?

"I know of your plans." Kiev turned his attention back to his brother, the dangerous glint in his eyes a warning for him to remain quiet. "I know how you attacked her and what you hoped to gain by her death."

  With Kiev's scent all over Harper the witch's council would blame him and demand justice leaving Cade unprotected from any future attacks. When Harper described her attacker to him he knew without a shadow of a doubt Yuri had some sort of hand in the attack but after seeing the healing scar he knew for sure that her attacker was none other than Yuri himself. A faint smile had his lips curving upwards into a smile upon seeing Harper's handy work up close. For someone who didn't want to kill she sure left a memorable scar on his brother's face.

"Unfortunately I can't kill you without raising suspicion with the witches over my true agenda so you won't be punished, yet." As he spoke the words out loud he saw Yuri's shoulders slump in relief. "But if I hear of you meddling in my affairs again I'll rip you apart piece by piece."

"Of course, your highness." Yuri spat in disgust as he offered him a mock bow.

  Ignoring the murderous look in Yuri's eyes Kiev turned his attention toward the other members. "As for the rest of you, your King is Cade and will remain so till his last breath. If these secret dealings continue I will not hesitate in punishing you like the others. All of you." He spoke the last part to his seething older brother.

Helena took a step forward, her chin jolted up in a proud manner. "I will obey your request but may I speak freely."

Nodding his approval Kiev angled himself so his line of vision was spilt between the five council members and the obviously dazed King Cade. Cringing inwardly Kiev watched as his brother mumbled nonsense to the vacant space before him. He had to conclude this meeting and fast.

"I have dutifully served your father for decades and your family for nearly a century now. I believe no one but Dimitri's son should rule our people, his rightful heir." Her voice was strong with her beliefs, as were the many other loyal subjects.

Two other members of the council nodded their agreement with the blonde's words. Without meaning to Kiev tensed, his features twisting into a cold mask to skillfully hide his inner thoughts about taking the throne.

"During this chaotic time we have seen you step up as a leader and guide our people through hardship. Just as your father did before you you represent a beacon of hope, the child of love between our former leaders. No one but you deserves to rule."

The same conversation occurred after his father's execution, the same three members of the council urged Kiev to do as his father would have wanted and guide their people through that dark time in Demon history. Kiev had almost caved under the pressure, wanting nothing more than to make his father proud and honor his memory. But as he lifted the crown he realized his people would demand he follow tradition and take a queen, a soulmate that would have the power to destroy him as his mother's death did to his father. As a full bred demon he had the cursed fate of only one true love and he had no intention of finding it. Ever.

"I will hear no more talk of this nonsense." Kiev spoke in a dismissive tone, watching as Cade's glossy gaze fixed on him. If his brother were still well he would know Kiev spoke the truth but with his sickness came paranoia and confusion.

"No matter who wears the crown you will always be our true King, whether you like it or not." The blonde added before she boldly placed a closed fist over her heart and bowed her head.

  The other two men who agreed with her mimicked her wordless pledge as did the guards standing by the double doors at the front of the room. Clenching his fists at his sides Kiev gave a reluctant nod. There seemed to be no way of convincing them to obey their current King even when Cade was healthy nevertheless when he was fading beneath this sickness.

"Traitors!" Cade bellowed as he rose onto his feet. His body tilted from side to side as he pointed an accusing finger at the council members who defiantly kept their fists over their hearts. "I'll kill you all for treason. I'll have your heads you bastards!"

  With a silent curse Kiev made his way to his brother's side and pushed him back into his seat. Anchoring him down with a single hand he turned to the council.

"Tell the group in Europe to pull north but not to move forward and attack until sundown."

All five members nodded in unison.

"Destroy the commuter systems but don't kill a single soul, understood?"

  Again they nodded their understanding. This mission was particularly important. If the main system in Europe was attacked the Hunters would  amp up the security around the other systems around the world, including the one located in the heart of Chicago. If no one died the witches wouldn't bother investigating, leaving the Hunters to stew in their humiliation and anger.

"You're dismissed." Kiev said sternly as Cade fought beneath him.

  Bowing their heads once more the council members lifted the velvet hoods over their heads and swiftly filed out of the throne room as the King threatened to behead them all. One member lingered by the door and turned to glance back at the scene behind him. Kiev immediately recognized Yuri's face beneath the shadows the hood provided.

"Long live the King." He sneered before following the other members out.

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Harper's POV

  Pushing the tripod to the side of the room Harper was revealed that the day was over. The last client had been a bit of a hassle. A middle aged woman who had this idea that she could start her modeling career so late and had this twisted idea that she had a right to yell profanities at her when she showed her the photos. As if her horrible posing was Harper's fault. At first Harper ignored the rudeness, dismissing it as nerves but when the woman had called her a useless bïtch that was the last straw. She kicked the woman out with a full refund and a lifetime ban from her business.

It was a known fact that Harper needed all the clients she could get since she was barely making ends meet but she refused to be a punching bag for anyone.

A soft chiming sound pulled her from her thoughts. Pulling her phone out from her back pocket she frowned at the message Olivia received from a blocked number. Stay indoors.

Earlier today there was a message similar to this one, telling Olivia to remain close to home. Both messages coming from an unknown number. Placing her phone down Harper felt a sense of dread fill her as a thought crossed her mind. Could Olivia be the mole? She was acting pretty sketchy and her strange mood swings of late were definitely concerning but why? What reason would she have to betray the Hunters, to betray her family? Why would she side with Kiev who had tricked her into a contract?

Releasing a frustrated sigh she started towards her bedroom thinking back to earlier this morning when Harper had asked Liam about Olivia. Her brother's hesitation only added to her growing concern over her sister and didn't lessen when he finally replied with a non convincing 'good'. Something was up with Olivia and whatever it was it wasn't good. A large part of her wished she had never answered Olivia the night she took her place in the contract with Kiev, then maybe she wouldn't be stressing over Hunter and Demon drama.

What she needed was a hot shower, a tub of ice cream and some binge watching to relax her. Pulling the dress over her head Harper cringed upon seeing the lace bra she had put on this morning for Kiev. Kiev, another person who confused the hell out of her.

Pushing all stressful thoughts away Harper stripped out of the sexy underwear and grabbed a towel as she headed to take a relaxing shower. Pulling the plastic curtain closed she switched on the water and released a content sigh as the water pounded down on her skin, the slight chill a welcomed distraction.

"Is that sigh for me?"

Startled by the unexpected voice she whipped around to find none other than Kiev himself behind her, stark naked and grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Her mind went blank as she took in his naked form and faired no better as her gaze greedily trailed across his smooth, bronze skin.

"After the day I had a shower would be great." He chuckled, taking a step forward so he was beneath the spraying water.

Blinking away the haze of lust that clouded her brain Harper felt a cool, feather like touch across her jaw as her face was tilted upwards to meet his shimmering gaze. "You haven't greeted me yet?" He murmured as his face lowered slowly towards hers.

Harper's brows pulled together as her brain finally kicked in, reminding her just what was happening. Balling her fists she took a step back and away from his seeking mouth catching Kiev by surprise. Shaking his head he opened his mouth to speak when Harper swung her closed fist directly at his slacked jaw.

Not expecting the blow Kiev stood stunned, his hand rising to touch the area she struck with saucer like eyes. Throwing the shower curtain open she stomped out, leaving Kiev under the streaming water.

Grabbing the towel hanging behind the door she wrapped it around her body and stormed back into the bedroom. Turning to put on proper clothing she wasn't surprised to find Kiev already waiting beside the bed, a look of confusion on his face.

"What just happened?" He asked, genuinely puzzled by her rash reaction.

  All day Harper had rehearsed in her head just how she planned on confronting Kiev about their parents' deaths and how he nearly killed her brother. Every spare second she had free was spent thinking of a proper way to ask the many questions swarming in her head, to approach the delicate subject without scaring him off. By sundown she had a fool proof plan. Whenever Kiev showed up she would ask him to be very honest with her about the few questions she had. The questions were carefully worded so as to not offend him but were clear. Harper had chanted over and over again to herself through out the day to stick with the plan, to keep a level head. At the time it seemed reasonable and she mentally prepared herself for any and every possible reaction from Kiev's part. What she failed to plan for was herself.

  Thinking about confronting Kiev and actually having him before her were two completely different situations. All her carefully thought out questions and calm demeanor flew out the window. Her curiosity was pushed to the back burner as her anger took center stage.

"You're a fücking prick!" She seethed. Grabbing the television remote off of the nightstand Harper tossed it at him.

  Ducking the flying object he sent her a bewildered expression, still very much in the dark. Rather than inform him of the source of her anger Harper yanked the alarm clock from the wall and aimed for his chest. Anger coiled within her like a metal spring, curling tighter and tighter in her chest and throwing things seemed both therapeutic and appropriate.

"Asshole!" The curse flew from her lips as he caught the clock and flung it aside in the same fluid movement.

  With a growl of frustration Harper pulled the drawer and grabbed the first item in sight, a nail filer when she felt warm fingers curl around her wrists. "Be still." Kiev hissed against the shell of her ear.

Like a board she stood erect and unmoving while her mind continued to run through the long list if reasons why she should be angry with him . Her chest heaved with her labored breaths as Kiev released her wrists and pushed her hair off her shoulder. Despite her body's sudden calmness she felt anything but calm as she was forced to remain in place.

This is reality, a voice chided darkly. You're his pet. The realization brought tears to her eyes as a hallow ache began to throb in her chest. It was true. Kiev could commander to dance on one leg and she'd have no choice but to oblige.

  How had she been blind to the obvious fact? To become distracted with a few tender looks and empty promises? She wasn't deluded enough to claim she hadn't started to develop feelings for Kiev despite her better judgement. Although she knew this would go no where she had allowed herself to see him not as a demon who had control over her body but as a man who she liked.

"Now, tell me what has you riled up?"

   Still simmering beneath the surface Harper tightened her hold on the slender nail filer as she fought against his command. The heated bands hissed to life across her skin as they began to slowly tighten around her, a silent request for her to obey.

  Gritting her teeth against the burning sensation Harper mustered all the strength she could and jerked the nail filer backwards until she felt it pierce through flesh.

**********

A cliffhanger........ O_O 

  Alrighty now I would love to here what you guys think about Kiev after getting a glimpse into his mind. Is he still a bad guy? Or perhaps a good bad guy? Has this chapter changed your mind about Kiev or is he still a bit fishy?

Predictions for the next chapter? How will their conversation go? Will there be a conversation at all? XD lol