Summary: Diavolos and Andronika talk about their families and grow closer.
Author’s note: This was written for Diavolos Appreciation Day.
Zenobia and Tevan had come from Fydoria to Lykos, and Zenobia had insisted on throwing a party to celebrate their return. As Diavolos finished talking to one of the nobles, he turned away and spotted one of the newest officers in the Abanthus army, Andronika Louvaris. The young dark-haired noblewoman displayed remarkable prowess with weaponry.
Diavolos walked over to her. “Hello, Lady Andronika. I hope you’re enjoying the party.”
Andronika smiled at him. “Hello, Your Majesty. Yes, it’s quite lovely.”
“So far I’ve been quite impressed with your abilities. Did your father train you?” Andronika’s father, Kostas Louvaris, had also served in the Abanthus army. He had been killed in the war against Azura.
Andronika’s expression darkened. “No, he didn’t.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I lost family in the war too.” He was still haunted by the deaths of Balthair and Seoras.
She shook her head. “That’s not it. It’s complicated. I’d rather not get into it here, with all these people around.”
“Would you like to go somewhere quieter, where we can talk?” he asked her. She nodded, and he led her to another part of the castle, away from the crowd.
Andronika took a deep breath, then looked to him. “My father wasn’t an easy person to live with.”
“Neither was mine. But you probably knew that.” Luther’s reputation was well known throughout the Five Kingdoms.
“He expected me to be meek and submissive. Whenever I didn’t live up to his expectations, he let me know. Forcefully.”
Diavolos had an idea of what she might be talking about. “You mean…”
“Yes. He used to hit me. He hit my mother, too. I lived in fear of anything that would set him off. It didn’t stop until he died. He wouldn’t have approved of me learning how to fight, but I had to be able to protect myself. No one is ever going to hurt me like that again.” She paused. “So now you know the ugly truth.”
He looked at her sympathetically. “I’m sorry that you had to go through that.”
She smiled slightly. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t have an easy childhood either. After my mother died, my father focused on the war. He could go months without speaking to me. That’s when I learned how to fight. I joined the army at thirteen.” He hadn’t confided in anyone about his childhood since he had talked to Kenna on the airship when they went to Aurelia to rescue Dom, but Andronika’s openness about her past made him want to reciprocate.
“That’s so young! No wonder you’re so skilled. But that couldn’t have been easy for you.” She moved closer and placed her hand on top of his.
Diavolos turned towards her and leaned in. Their eyes met, and he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. When he pulled back, she drew him closer and kissed him again, deeply this time. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.
When they finally pulled apart, Andronika looked up at him. “We should probably get back to the party. But I’m glad we talked. I hope we can do it again.”
“Talk, you mean?” Or other things?” He smirked.
Andronika blushed. “Both.”
“I’d like that.” He reached for her hand, and they walked back to the party.