“Shopkeep keeps referring to you as ‘my girl.’ Isn’t that strange?”

We are walking back to her apartment. People keep looking at us strangely; the previous Demon Lord, King of Darkness, Ruler of Demonrealm - walking alongside a human girl, eyes shielded by sunglasses, a mess of dark hair cascading down her back.

While waiting for the light to cross the street, a boy took a selfie with me in the background, thinking I didn’t see. This is why you don’t leave your flash on.

“That is strange.” She’s almost done with her popsicle. “Considering how in all legal documentation, you belong to me - not the other way around.”

I pause. “You are cruel.”

She grins up at me. “This is a compliment, coming from you.” And she turns, giving me a mock-curtsey. “Oh mighty Demon Lord, sir. Oh wait! Ex. Emphasis on the ex.”

“I was just trying to make smalltalk, girl.” I frown. “Unless you don’t appreciate such gestures.”

“I do, I do.” We are almost at her apartment, it’s just around the corner. “This is how I show my appreciation. If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t respond.” She stops, fishing for her keys. “I’d be nicer if you at least learned how to thank me.”

But I did thank her. Through a mumble. While I was eating ice cream. Doesn’t she know that? But before I can ponder further, she is walking again and the topic has changed.

“Y’know, you keep using ‘King of Darkness’ in your title. But I think the vampires would sue you for copyright.”

I make a gagging motion. “As if the vampires would dare to sue a demon, much less me. Besides, they are all isolated on that island, aren’t they?”

“Which was bombed a few years ago, so they’ve been sighted in the city. You could get assassinated for that claim.” She turns to me with pursed lips. “You could get me assassinated for that claim.”

“And your point is…”

“That I don’t feel like dying just yet. So protect me, like you’re supposed to.”