Rather early in the morning, the mixed family sat at the breakfast table. This was the big day. Not only would Samantha and Alexander be crowned Queen and King of Dis. This was also their last day in this universe before they would make the jump to the new universe. Starting tomorrow, they would begin carrying out their ultimate dream in a completely new universe.
Everyone was tense and the adults tried to keep the mood as neutral as possible. The topic of conversation focused on the BBQ that Sam and Alex had planned. The mood of the children at the table was upbeat. The girls were quite busy among themselves about their previous visit to Dis. They couldn't wait for the ceremony that would take place later in the throne room. Samantha and Alex had already noticed that David was sitting there very quietly. The boy also looked a little pale. Alex heard in his head:
"Love, I think David is not quite at ease for the ceremony later."
He replied:
"Yep, and I think I know why. Time for a chat I believe."
Alexander looked at David and said:
"David, can I have a word with you in the office?"
Quite meekly, the boy nodded and followed Alex. Instead of sitting behind the desk, Alex took a seat on the comfortable sofa and signaled for David to come sit next to him.
"What's going on David?"
"I'm a little scared Dad."
" Okay, then why or what are you scared of son?"
"You and Mom will be crowned King and Queen today. That means that from then on I will no longer be the Prince but the Crown Prince. Is that right?"
"Right boy, you are going to take over my title but only if you want it yourself. But you already knew that."
"What does that even mean Dad?"
"Just the same thing I did for Trixie, Grandma Ella, and Dad Daniel. I'm going to ask you if you want to become the Crown Prince of your own free will or rather stay the Prince of Hell."
A thought wrinkle appeared on David's forehead and Alex asked:
"Shall I tell you a little secret?"
The boy's face brightened immediately. He knew that his father's secrets always made him feel better. So he nodded decisively. Alex said:
"When I arrived in Heaven, they knew I was Grandpa Lu's son. Unfortunately, I couldn't choose whether I wanted to be a Prince or the Crown Prince. I was automatically the Crown Prince just like your mom was automatically the Crown Princess when she was born. When I went to Dis with your Mom the first time I didn't like it at all. I would have preferred not to have been a Prince and certainly not the Crown Prince. I thought Dis was terrible. That's why your mom and I tried to change the city as soon as possible, improve it. That first time we stayed in Dis for only a short time. When we came back in front of Grandma Salome's and Grandpa Robert's palace, the first thing I did was throw up."
Alex would exaggerate a bit of the story, making it funnier for the kid. And definitely leave out a very large part of his first experience from this conversation.
"I threw up on Uncle Micky's boots and he wasn't very happy about it. Then I ran quickly to my room and in the bathroom I threw up again and then fell on my butt in the bathroom. I needed your mom's help to calm down otherwise I might have thrown up again. You my boy have done so much better than your old man so far. At least you didn't get nauseous after your first outing in Dis."
Alexander's story made David smile and indeed feel a whole lot better. He said:
"Dad, I do want to be the Crown Prince I was just a little scared."
"As I said David, it's not bad if you are scared sometimes. Your mom and I are always there for you, for all of you."
"Is Sarah going to be the Crown Princess?"
Alex nodded:
"Yep, Jasmine and Maila want to do something with art. Trixie wants to go into space as an astronaut and Elise is still too young. Your mom just had a long talk with Sarah last night. Your sister is determined to become a warrior just like your Aunt Celine and has accepted the title."
And again a thought wrinkle appeared on David's face and he asked:
"Are you and Mom going to transfer your titles soon?"
Alex laughed softly and replied:
"No boy, don't worry. Your mom and I have a lot of work ahead of us. After that, we want to enjoy what we have accomplished for an eternity. So you and Sarah can spend an eternity pursuing your own goals. Your task in Dis will be limited to ceremonial duties."
The boy nodded:
"Thanks, Dad."
Alexander pulled David to him and pressed a kiss on his head. After which they left the office. Once back at the table, Samantha saw that the boy had regained his full healthy color and said quietly:
"Thank you, love, he is doing much better I see."
He got his familiar smirk on his face and replied:
"As long as you, your mom and dad, Celine and Micky don't tell the full story of my first visit to Dis in the next few years and why I threw up."
"What do you mean Alex?"
"It could be that I told a very watered-down version with some extras..."
He heard her laugh in his head and truthfully it did something to his stomach that he found absolutely pleasant.
A short time later everyone was gathered in the square in front of the palace. Honeybee as usual still on the arm of Alex who spoke:
"Good morning, soon we are going to take another step forward in our plan to clean up this whole clusterfuck. I assume everyone is aware of the protocol in Dis?"
He saw silent nodding. Each was aware of the importance of the ceremony that was to follow.
"Excellent, then I suggest we leave. The sooner this is over the sooner we can enjoy a delicious cookout in the garden."
With that, a smile appeared on the faces of those present and the group disappeared from Heaven and appeared in the courtyard of the Palace in Dis. There they were met by general and confidant Argo who was in the company of a woman and a boy. Argo knelt for a moment before Alex and Samantha followed by the woman and boy. After Argo stood up he said with a broad smile:
"MyLady, MyLord everything is in readiness and the ceremony can start in ten minutes if you are ready."
Argo received a warm hug from Sam and a more masculine firm bear hug from Alex. Full of pride, the general said:
"Alex if I may introduce you. This is my wife Sacha and my son Rob."
The wife had gotten big eyes that her husband addressed their Prince and future King by his name. Alex said with a smile:
"Pleasure to meet you Sacha, I can see why this flatfoot fell like a log for your beauty. I hope you keep him in check a bit because he does need that."
The woman began to blush and he received a gentle pat on the shoulder from Sam. He looked at the boy and held out his hand. The boy grasped that hand without fear or surprise. He had talked with his dad often enough about Alexander and knew how deep the friendship between the two was. Alex said:
"Rob, a perfect name for a boy like you."
He looked at Argo with his familiar smirk and continued speaking:
"I assume your dad chose that name, that you were named after Lord Robert."
The boy did not know how quickly to nod.
"Your pap is the general of Lady Samantha and me and you are named after Lord Robert. I think a great future awaits you kiddo."
Argo asked with a sneaky smile:
"I take it we had to be ready with our luggage because you have another one of your off-the-cuff plans?"
"Me, but Argo surely, you know I wouldn't dare such a thing."
The general burst out laughing and said:
"I can't wait, this will be just as much fun as in the days when I was a captain. You two together with Celine and Lord Robert it can not be but spectacular."
He looked at Samantha with amused eyes:
"MyLady, it will be our honor."
Alexander and Samantha took each other in a firm embrace and kissed lovingly after which he said:
"It is time. The honor guard is coming. Argo is going to take you and point out your places. David, Sarah you stay close to us."
The group disappeared towards the throne room. Samantha asked Sarah:
"Honey, are you sure? After this, there is no turning back. At least not until Elise is older and wants to take over your title. However, we will not and do not want to force her. She must accept the title of her own free will."
The girl took a deep breath and replied with a newfound confidence and words that made her seem, for a moment, much older than she was:
"MyLady, MyLord, yes I am sure I want to become the Crown Princess. We all know that even if Elise were old enough she may never hold this title. She is our honeybee. Instead of going from flower to flower, she should be able to go from specialty to specialty. This is nothing for her, we should not lock her up, she should be free. And me, I want to cooperate, to help. Not only during the trip we are going to take but also afterward."
Samantha had gotten tears in her eyes from Sarah's words and Alex also struggled for a moment. He turned to David:
"What about you son?"
The boy answered firmly and took a cue from his sister:
"Yes MyLady, MyLord I am sure and I am ready."
Silently Alexander nodded and snapped his fingers. Suddenly he was wearing his black battle gear again with the red fire-breathing dragon on his chest but Sarah and David were also wearing similar outfits. Sarah with a blue dragon and David with a green dragon. Both looked their eyes out. Samantha winked at the two and said:
"You want to be warriors and warriors need battle gear. That dragon shows everyone that you are the son and daughter of the King and Queen and are the grandson and granddaughter of two former Kings of Hell."
Not much later, Alex, Sam, and the children surrounded by an honor guard stepped into the throne room. Everyone present got down on one knee. Linda who had been made familiar with the protocol by Lucifer did just the same. In the center almost against the back wall was King Robert's throne. Samantha stood in front of the throne after which her eyes lit up gold and a second throne appeared in front of Alex. Next to hers a smaller one for Sarah and next to his a smaller one for David. The four sat down and Sam spoke:
"Please sit down. Hell will be ruled like Heaven. So again, we do not want our Demons, our friends, our brothers and sisters to kneel before us. Ceremonies are another matter but that goes without saying."
Alex took over. He looked around at the assembled guests some more and got his famous smirk on his face. Those who already knew him got a wide smile and sat eagerly waiting for what was to come. He took a deep breath and then exhaled:
"Damm, it's good to be the King!"
With this, most of those present laughed. He let go for a moment before speaking further:
"Ladies and Gentlemen my journey has been long and I am so happy to be back, back with you. It warms my heart. Long ago when I first came to Dis with Lady Samantha, King Robert said the following to us. According to him, Lady Samantha was love, gentleness, and the heart. According to him, I was the strategy, the strength, and the sword. I say here now to all that the sword is subordinate to the heart at all times. In a moment, King Robert's reign comes to an end. Lady Samantha and I will take over the torch so that he can begin to enjoy his well-deserved rest. But as everyone will have heard by now, as of today there are also a Prince and Princess who will in turn take over our titles of Crown Princess and Crown Prince. I can assure everyone that what we have done as Princess and Prince in and for Dis will continue now that we will be crowned Queen and King."
Thunderous applause broke out in the hall and in Dis which could be heard absolutely clearly in the throne room. And again his smirk appeared:
"Of course, I can't promise that from now on there won't be a slightly little bit of fun now that we've gotten reinforcements."
This provoked laughter again and he saw Argo, Celine, and King Robert standing with wide smiles and a twinkle in their eyes. This was promising Alex thought. He nodded to Argo as a sign that the big moment had come. The general stepped up to the thrones accompanied by his son. Argo in his uniform with the regalia that belonged to a general and Rob in a purely ceremonial uniform. Both held a red pillow in their hands. On Argo's were two modest gold crowns for Alex and Sam made by Eloch. Both of them had just asked for very modest gold crowns. Something Eloch had not quite adhered to. The difference was that Samantha's crown included six green and six blue diamonds and a ruby. The goldsmith clearly had in mind the ring Alex had made on his first visit. On Rob's pillow were two smaller crowns for Sarah and David. Both came to stand in front of the thrones and got down on one knee. Argo held his cushion high first and Alex and Sam stood straight. As Samantha prepared to kneel before Alex, she heard his voice in her head:
"No, the heart never kneels before the sword, never!"
This was a break in protocol but she continued to stand as he had said. Alex took her crown in his hand and said:
"Crown Princess Samantha is no more..."
He placed the crown on her head and finished his sentence:
"As of today, there is Queen Samantha!"
She took his crown from the pillow and again she heard his voice:
"The sword always kneels before the heart, always!"
And knelt before Samantha. Those present immediately understood the symbolism of what Alex was doing. Hell was thereby assured that they would be ruled first and foremost from the heart. Sam said:
"Crown Prince Alexander is no more..."
She placed his crown on his head:
"As of today, there is King Alexander!"
When they had returned to their thrones, those present and everyone in Dis went down on one knee. The only voice to be heard was that of former King Robert:
"LONG LIVE THE QUEEN, LONG LIVE THE KING!"
A cry that was echoed by everyone in the room and echoed deafeningly through the city. Those present quickly took their seats again for they knew this was only the first part of the ceremony. Samantha looked at Sarah and said:
"Sarah Morningstar, do you accept the title of Crown Princess of Hell of your own free will?"
The girl straightened up and stood in front of her mother. Loud and clear she said:
"Yes MyLady, I accept the title!"
After which she knelt on the cushion in front of the Queen's throne. Sam took her crown from the cushion Rob offered and crowned the girl after which she said:
"Arise Crown Princess of Hell Sarah and take your rightful place."
She stood up and sat back down next to her mother on her own smaller throne. Alexander looked at David.
"David Morningstar, do you accept the title of Crown Prince of Hell of your own free will?"
The boy stood straight and said clearly with some pride audible in his voice:
"Yes MyLord, I accept the title."
After which he knelt before his father. Alex took the crown meant for David from the pillow and placed it on his son's head after which he said:
"Arise Crown Prince of Hell David and take your rightful place."
David stood up and took his seat next to his father. Again deafening applause could be heard in the hall and Dis.
If those present thought that that was the end of the ceremony they were thinking wrong. Sam and Alex leaned toward each other for a moment and gave each other a gentle kiss. Apparently, Dis could appreciate this as much as the Angels in Paradise City because again applause erupted. After they sat forehead to forehead for a few seconds, Alex nodded. He looked around the room and began to speak:
"I have undertaken a journey of fifty years to become your King. To serve you even better. One more short journey remains to be undertaken. Fortunately, it is a journey of only thirty days. When we return in a month our children, our young friend Rob, and your Crown Princess and Crown Prince will be grown up. Lady Samantha will tell you why this trip is necessary."
Sam took a deep breath and spoke:
"It is time for this Hell, this half of Dis, and all the Demons to rule themselves for a very large part."
Several demons gasped at this announcement. Samantha spoke further:
"A council will be established with representatives from all nine circles and Dis. At the head of this council will stand General Argo. Your King and I will only attend a weekly general meeting of the council. We will assist the council and continue to help you where needed. But it will be up to you under the leadership of General Argo to determine and implement a policy that benefits everyone and harms no one. Your King and I will veto only if new rules, laws or new policy should arise that would go against the general interest of Dis and all Demons."
Alexander spoke further:
"That which we started fifty years ago ensured that there were no more rebellions, no more wars, and that people could live in peace. When we are back in thirty days we want to take this to the next level. Complete equality for all Demons, Angels, Celestials, and the human souls entrusted to us. All working together and living together in everlasting peace. Ladies and gentlemen a bright future awaits us all!"
A second or two remained silent and then a huge round of applause and howls erupted. Alex heard Samantha's voice in his head:
"So it seems they are excited about their future my love."
He smiled and she heard:
"Yep, another task accomplished. Shall we dance darling?"
"With you always love."
They stood up, he took her in his arms and kissed her softly, and again everyone watched them dance for a moment to music that only they heard in their heads.
After the ceremony, a reception was planned. The Angels, Gods, and former Gods and Demons were mixed talking to each other. Lucifer did get a lot of attention from the Demons present and began to feel uncomfortable. He had never been treated this way by Demons before. They approached him with genuine friendship and were genuinely interested in his Hell. He absolutely needed Ella's presence in order not to be completely overwhelmed. Suddenly Lucifer heard his son's voice in his head:
"Relax Dad, I told you everything is going to be different. Enjoy it. Get used to the future there's no going back and no one wants to go back!"
Lucifer looked toward Sam and Alex who remained near the thrones and looked at him with a warm smile. Now he too got a smile on his face and bowed his head in their direction for a moment. Argo, who was never far from his Queen and King saw that Alex beckoned him closer and stepped toward him. Alexander whispered in his ear:
"Will you bring Kasha, Eloch, Arbus, and Samar to our study and of course your wife and son."
The general nodded and made his way. Sam said:
"David, Sarah come with us for a moment."
A moment later the four stepped into the study that Robert had given them years ago. Alex hadn't seen this room in six thousand years either. He got a smile on his face at the memories that surfaced and shook his head softly as he thought of all they had thought of in this room. The first to enter was Robert. He said:
"You are now seated on the throne children. My office, my quarters are yours now."
Alexander looked at him and for the first time he said to Robert:
"Dad..."
Robert's eyes became watery.
"No Dad, that will never be our office, our quarters. We know someone who belongs there a whole lot more."
Robert immediately understood what they meant. But from the smirk on the new King's face, he also knew that only on rare occasions would he be addressed as dad. Something he had no problem with. It held the promise of many pranks in the future. He nodded silently and left the room. Sam and Alex plopped down on a couch after which the children also lowered themselves onto a couch with a big sigh. Sam and Alex very quickly took the crown from their heads, followed swiftly by Sarah and David. Had their previous visit been particularly strenuous, this was overwhelming for them. Alex manifested a few bottles of liquor and glasses. For the children there was soda. He said:
"I think he'll need a glass."
Sam laughed loudly:
"A glass, you mean a couple..."
Argo came in with the others who had been asked by Alex. Sam and he sat looking at him with a sneering smile. The general raised a hand and said gruffly:
"Sam, Alex shut the fuck up! I need a glass or two first!"
The five adults he had brought along audibly gasped as the General addressed their Queen and King so gruffly and saw him plop down on a sofa without waiting for an invitation. His son did not wait for an invitation either and he joined Sarah and David. Argo grabbed the bottle of vodka from the table, filled a large glass to the brim, and downed it in one gulp. Filled the glass up again and took two more big gulps. Samantha said:
"Come friends sit down, don't stand there. Sit down and have a drink."
Hesitantly the five took their seats, Sacha next to her husband. Eloch, Kasha, and Eloch were on the remaining bench and Samar sat down next to the three children. When Alex asked them what they wanted to drink and then filled a glass for them they looked bewildered. Their God, their King serving them, unheard of. Samantha looked at Sacha who had sat down close to her husband she asked her with pleasure audible in her voice:
"I take it your husband hasn't told you much about his relationship with Alex?"
The woman slowly shook her head. Sam said:
"The first time we met your husband we were thirteen. It clicked immediately between the three of us. Alex and Argo together? Then the antics were never far away. Argo is like a brother to us Sacha. When we are private there is no protocol for us, we are family."
That was the moment Argo came back to his senses and asked quite bluntly:
"What the fuck Alex!"
Alex replied with obvious schadenfreude in his voice:
"What makes you think it's me?"
"Because this bears your fingerprints all over it, that's why!"
Alexander laughed out loud and let Argo stew for a moment as he turned to the others.
"Samar thank you for coming. Do you have anything important to do for the next three days?"
Samantha shot into a loud laugh as she immediately saw what Alex was up to. The Demon shook his head after which Alex said with a rather thick smirk:
"Good, then you're coming with us. Go pack your luggage but only personal items. Imagine you are going on a very long trip, what personal items would you take with you? I will send someone to pick you up in a few hours. Believe me Samar you are going to love it."
Alex looked at Sam, who turned to the other three Demons sitting tensely on their couch:
"You three, our friends, Eloch, Arbus, and Kasha. First, you Eloch, thank you for what you did with my crown. It definitely reminds me of that wonderful ring you made all those years ago. Alex and I would like you three to represent Dis on the council that is going to be established."
The three sat looking at them open-mouthed. It was Arbus who finally got something out:
"MyLady, MyLord, we council members?"
Alex said:
"Yep, Sam and I can't think of any better council members in Dis than you three. What do you say, fancy joining us to take Dis to the next level?"
The three looked at each other for a moment and Kasha finally said:
"It will be our honor MyLady, MyLord."
Alexander stood up after which the three and Samar jumped up as well. Sacha also wanted to jump up but was stopped by Argo who shook his head softly. Alex first gave Arbus, Eloch, and Kasha a hand and finally Samar with the words:
"Don't forget to pack Samar someone is coming to pick you up."
When the four had left the room Argo asked somewhat wearily:
"A little advance information was not possible?"
Alex replied:
"What would be the fun in that brother?"
"For fuck's sake, you guys did this on purpose in your speech so I couldn't refuse now that it's known. Jeez, president of the council, pfff..."
Samantha threw some oil on the fire:
"Well... not quite Argo dear. As chairman of the council, you have the highest in rank in the entire Hell, you are above everyone else."
Argo just about choked on the sip of vodka he had just taken and was staring at them open-mouthed. Alex couldn't resist stoking the fire some more after Argo asked:
"Of course and that includes?"
"Oh not so much friend. In fact, you're already there. Lord Robert's quarters and his office are yours from now on. You can do whatever you want with the palace only this room remains ours."
Now both Argo and Sacha sat there looking a little pale. Alex finished it perfectly:
"Congratulations on your promotion little brother."
Sam and he burst into laughter as Argo chugged a new full glass in one go.