Here's the second update! There's not much I can say about it; it is, as the title says, a prelude. We are entering the last battle. I hope you like it!

Title: Preludes to a Disaster
Prompt: Historical 10 - Marriage
Fandom: Soul Cartel
Rating: T
Summary: As the battle neared, Mastema offered Uriel a possible way to save one of his brothers.

Find it on AO3 and FFN.

 

Politics. World guarded by heavy barbed wire that made sure to stop everyone but the most persistent. So many things to take care of, so many choices to consider… A snake nest, crawling full of disgusting reptiles that would gulp mercilessly anyone new, drinking their enthusiasm completely. Elegant wine glasses, full of sparkling champagne and the light aftertaste of Cantarella.

Uriel had agreed to Mephistopheles' offer. He had nothing to lose - as on that day when he entered the Inferno army with the intention to start from the bottom. All those siblings could speak only empty promises - the General sent him to spy on Lord Mastema. Again Uriel found himself in that treacherous world, where one mistake would cost him his life. Not now, of course - many months and years later, when it would befit the powers that be.

“Would your brother agree to marriage?” asked Lord Mastema once, in between of reading his piles of messages. “The one, who tries to rebel against the past.”

Raphael? “There is always a method to your madness, milord. But I do not believe he will ever agree with someone so treacherous as you.” Lord Mastema had struck Uriel's curiosity. What could he speak about now?

Lord Mastema opened an envelope sealed with his seal. “Oh, make no mistake. He must detest me as much as I detest him. But I was thinking a marriage of a high noble with my sister would legitimize her rule once we take over Heaven.” 

“Milord, is this not something the Queen would decide herself? You are her adviser.” Mephistopheles did not want new power - he wished only to remove his treacherous brother and let Astaroth rule and himself fight. Such a warmonger would hurt Uriel's ideals even more, but against Lord Mastema he could not refuse that compromise. The Lord would do anything to take power - and he always left a scapegoat to take the fall.

“I believe my sister will agree once I inform her of my reason.” The Lord had started writing another letter, dripping the quill in heavy black ink. “Her agreement can be considered out of question. If reword things sightly… Let me think -” another pretended pause while Lord Mastema wrote “- should I ask your brother be kept alive?”

Uriel clenched fist. Alive - another pawn for Mastema. A prisoner - that would destroy Raphael's life. But if Uriel got him to say yes - if Raphael and Astaroth wed, the war could end. Raphael would have power over twice as large domain; not unlimited, but he could fight for change. He could save the people. And once Mastema thought he had played his role, he would send a murderer after him. A pawn that no longer can play had no reason to stay.

“He would rather die than be taken a prisoner. And for him, life as a consort in a distant world would be a prison.”

“Then I suppose he deserves no protection in a few days. Not that the protection saved your sister.” Lord Mastema turned to look at Uriel. “Anyone could claim his life in the battle.”

Uriel stopped breathing for a moment. “A battle?”

“Do you not know? My brother, the General has decided so. We will attack them on their way to Justina. Maybe he believed I will inform you but alas, that is not my obligation. They shall depart tonight. If you want to go, I advise you to prepare."