The Yokai’s Bride

Leyla sat on a soft cushion in some sort of luxurious lounge, staring at the gold-adorned walls and expansive windows through which she could see the twilight-colored sky, even though just an hour ago it had been morning.

"This makes no sense," she mumbled to herself.

"What doesn't make sense, princess?" came the familiar voice behind her.

Leyla immediately jumped. "Don't call me princess."

"But you are one."

"I'm not."

"You married a prince."

"I was deceived."

"Still, legally, you're mine now."

Leyla stopped abruptly and glared at him. "Am I literally married to a demon?"

Naru theatrically sighed. "Yokai prince, please. There's a difference. Stereotypes hurt, you know?"

Leyla snorted and kept walking.

As they neared the palace, Leyla noticed the surroundings growing more surreal – the architecture was grandiose, with red and black roofs adorned with golden ornaments, and the courtyard was full of beings that looked like they stepped out of myths.

She was too busy trying not to faint from the stress to notice how everyone was staring at her.

No, they weren't just looking – they were glaring.

And not in the way people stare at strangers on the street. More like... like they were assessing if she'd be tasty.

"Why is everyone looking at me like I'm prey?" she whispered.

"Because you're human. And..."

"And?"

"And because you're now their princess."

Leyla spun toward him in shock. "Excuse me?"

But before she could protest, they reached the palace entrance. Huge black wooden doors creaked open, and they were greeted by hundreds of eyes.

The hallway was full of yokai beings, all unnervingly beautiful, with long silky hair, shimmering eyes, and clothing that seemed to have been sewn from moonlight itself.

But their expressions weren't friendly.

Especially not the female yokai's expressions.

Leyla felt a chill run down her spine.

"This is her?" she heard someone whisper.

"Humans smell weird..."

"How is it possible that she's our princess?"

Leyla immediately wanted to turn around and flee. But before she could do anything, Naru cleared his throat loudly and raised his hand.

"I present to you my wife!"

Silence.

Then came the shocked gasps, whispers, and even a few disgusted faces.

Leyla clenched her fists in fury. "You could at least have said 'temporary' wife."

Naru grinned. "I didn't want to break their hearts too soon."

At that moment, one of the female beings, a stunning woman with horns and long silver hair, approached them with an icy smile.

"Your Highness," she said in a sweet but dangerous voice, "I'm sure this is a joke?"

Naru raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't joke about something so serious, Hana."

Hana studied him for a few more moments, then turned her gaze to Leyla.

"This is an insult."

"I agree!" Leyla retorted.

Naru laughed and placed his hand on Leyla's shoulder. "Don't worry, princess, they'll get used to you soon."

Leyla twitched. "Move your hand before I break it."

"Ooh, you're fierce. I like that about you."

"I DO NOT LIKE THAT ABOUT ME."

Hana stared at them in shock and disgust. "I can't believe you're speaking like this in front of everyone!"

"You can't even imagine what we do when we're alone," Naru said conspiratorially.

Leyla turned pale. "WHAT?!"

There was a collective gasp of shock. Some yokai women clutched their chests as if they might faint.

Leyla immediately grabbed the nearest object – a decorative bowl from a nearby table – and threw it at Naru. He caught it with a grin.

"I knew you'd do that."

Leyla groaned. "This is a nightmare."

Naru leaned in closer. "If it's a nightmare, then I'll be your prince charming."