Marked Ones: Advent of the Demon Prince

The market of Arcadios's Capital city had become quite familiar to Rena over the past several years. When she made friends with Lyrah, they spent nearly every day adventuring through the stalls and stores that made up most of the city's center. Now they were doing so alongside her husband and with her child in her arms.

Penelope's tiny hands clung tightly to her shirt while her bright-green eyes took in the sights. Granted at her size and age she had no way of seeing further than a few inches. But the similarity's her expression had to that of a curious toddler made her giggle. Perhaps not every day would be like this. No doubt as she grew, Penelope's child-like innocence would be lost to a world as cruel as this one.

"My love, might something be the matter?" Lucius's tender gaze fell upon her. His voice had the edge of a smile to it. Though it was strange to hear in comparison to how he normally was, it was nice to feel that warmth more easily.

"Nothing, Lucius. Simply pondering the future. Our little one has quite the life ahead of her."

"She does have quite the impressive future ahead of her. With parents and grandparents such as hers."

He was not wrong, however there was another factor at play. The inky-black mark on her daughter's hand glared at her. Like a beast in the dark, it was both threatening and ominous. A promise of future hardships. Lucius's hands gently broke her line of sight. His thumb rubbed gently over the infant's small hand.

"She will struggle. All of us do." He began. After a short pause his expression and tone darkened. "But I will make her a place to belong. Even if I have to burn something else down first and build it from the ashes."

A wisp of mana circled around them. Rena was worried what the momentary pressure of Lucius's oppressive power would do for their daughter. Instead of crying, Penelope began to giggle and laugh. She cooed and reached for her father's fingers. The acts pulled several coos from Jade and Kalliope. It was odd seeing the warrior wolf acting cutesy.

Once Lucius had calmed down, the group continued through the marketplace. Lyrah led the charge looking for clothing stores. Lucius had only simple shirts and a single fine suit. Rena was floored that as the heir to a noble house he had not amassed a collection of appropriate attire. At the same time she had that thought she remembered who Lucius and Kalivas are. With that, everything made sense.

"Brother Dearest, this is the place. Come on! Let's go." She grabbed hold of his hand and dragged him into the building in a rush. Jade and Kalliope laughed, but Rena could only shake her head at her friend's antics.

The inside of the shop was filled with pre-made dresses and suits. However, they had other plans. An elderly woman seemed to materialize from somewhere amongst the frills of the dress on the rack. She moved with a speed and grace that did not mesh with her appearance.

"Welcome to my shop! Lady Lyrah! Welcome to see you once again."

"Yes! I come here for my brother dearest today! His selection of clothes is abysmally small and not fitting a nobleman." Lyrah's eyes glimmered with mischief as she directed the woman's gaze to Lucius. He stood ram-rod straight as she wrapped around him in a flurry of measurements.

"This won't do, honey. Come. Off with the clothes."

"Pardon?" The shock in his voice sent a cacophony of giggles into the air.

"Come, come. I'll lock the door. To the counter and take off your clothes. Shirt and pants please."

"But, I…"

"Don't be shy now. I can tell the small one is yours and I'll wager the expectant one is your doing as well. I don't imagine anyone here hasn't seen you naked before young man." The woman paused. "Well maybe the purple-haired one. If not, then it seems like you're in for a treat dearie."

Rena placed a hand on his arm. "She needs to measure without the fabric in the way. That way your clothes fit properly. Go on."

After several minutes of his own measurements being taken and listening to the design inputs of his wives and his sister, the proprietress moved on to her next target: Penelope. They needed a selection of clothes for the child that she could be placed into and grow into.

"Now, my turn!" Kalliope shouted. She grabbed Lucius by the wrist and dragged him to the next destination.

Rena shook her head and followed along. They had today planned out to refresh Lucius's wardrobe and armor. Kalliope had a place in town she wanted to recommend. It was different than where his weapon was reforged and the trip there took them several minutes.

The building was on the very edge of the market and was devoid of any signage. The only indication it was a forge at all was the steady rise of smoke from behind the place. Undeterred, Kalliope threw the door open. The interior was both dusty and dim. Everything was covered in a thin layer of ash. The counter was black in some places.

A young woman walked into the front room with a cloth tied around her forehead and thick gloves over her hands. "Whaddya want? We're busy here."

Two dog ears flopped over the band around her head. A beastman with a shop in the capital? A rarity.

"Zip it, Kiza. Where's your father we have an order to place."

"When'd you get fat?"

"I'm pregnant you brat." Kalliope growled. Kiza's eyes moved upward to the ear clasp on her head.

"Who married you? Did you finally get over that one boy?"

Lucius cleared his throat, stepping in front of them. His announcement of his presence surprised Kiza. Her mouth hung open. "Bring your father and stop insulting my wife." His words were biting and cold. Kiza shuddered under his gaze.

"L-Lord Kane. O-of course!" she yelped before vanishing into the back.

A few moments later, a much larger man than Kiza entered. He had similar ears to his daughter and had jet-black hair. Soot coated his arms and clothes. "Who is that made my little girl… Lord Kane." His voice started out rough but quickly trailed off.

"New armor." Lucius said. Rena looked at her husband cautiously. He was colder than normal to this man. Was he upset?

"Right away. Shall I bill Eroa?"

"No, that's on us!" Lyrah and Kalliope said simultaneously.

"Alright, let's get you some measurements. It'll be ready for you in a week…"

"Excuse me!" Lyrah's voice cut through the conversation. She walked over with a strange necklace. Set in the center of a simple silver pendant was an orange gem. "What is this, sir? Is it enchanted?"

"Aye, it is. No one knows what it does though."

"How much?"

"If you pay for the armor in advance, I'll just throw it in for free. Take it. Just taking up space."

Lyrah smiled and thanked the man before placing it in a pouch at her side.