– Yes, of peace," Lamar replied quietly, dressed in red silk robes.

The two kings now stood face to face and slid inquisitive glances over each other's faces.

– What makes you think I want peace? – Derek said mockingly to Lamar. – I stand here, in front of your palace. Your kingdom has fallen, Lamar, and you wished it yourself when you declared war on me and ordered your messenger to kill me.

– I know… – Lamar couldn't find the right words, but trampling his pride, he continued: – You have triumphed, King Derek! I, Lamar Rossi, and my family beg… Beg you to accept peace and....

– I don't need peace with demons! – Derek grinned contemptuously.

– I realize that, but I'm appealing to your goodness," Lamar said softly. – And I am ready on my knees to beg you to let the remnants of my people and my family live....

– Cry out to my nobility," Derek repeated quietly, and then he laughed loudly. – I may be honorable, but I have no pity for demons! But you said you were ready to beg on your knees. Then kneel, proud Lamar!

The enemy warriors laughed, but it did not embarrass the demon king. He humbly knelt before the enemy.

– I beg you, Derek Merkswerd. Take whatever you want, just give us peace. Spare us," the demon king said quietly.

– Not just you, but all of you, Rossi," Derek threw him coldly.

– Let's go, mom! – Sylvia whispered to her mother, but Varma grinned scornfully.

– 'Nobody's going to make me kneel! Especially not some pathetic little man! – She squinted her eyes and shouted at Derek.

– Mom! He's gonna kill us all! – Sylvia exclaimed in despair.

– He wouldn't dare! – replied the queen.

– Varma! – shouted angrily at his wife Lamar: this stubborn woman could ruin everything! – Come here quickly! I order you not as a husband, but as a king!

Demoness clenched her fists, but dared not disobey the king's word.

– Let's go! – again whispered to her daughter, and, taking hands, the demonesses, dressed in lightweight luxurious dresses and with jewelry woven into their hair, came to the king of men and knelt before him.

– I may kneel before you, wretched man, but I swear you will pay for it! – Varma whispered hatefully, making Derek smile mockingly.

– Well, I'm satisfied. So be it, I will spare your lives, for I am so honorable," Derek said to the demons with contempt in his voice, and his men laughed again. He touched the tip of his sword blade to Sylvia Rossi's chin, making her raise her head and look at him. – And this must be your precious daughter, called Scarlet Flower," he added. – Truth be told, I don't see why she is given such honors: any girl in my kingdom is far more beautiful than your red-eyed daughter, Lamar. Do you agree with me, young maiden? – He asked Sylvia.

She dared not cross him. Her life, the lives of her parents and the entire nation hung in the balance. So she swallowed the insult silently and replied quietly:

– You are right, King. I am not worthy of the little finger of any girl of your great kingdom.

These words made Derek chuckle.

– I'm glad you agree with me," he said coldly and pulled his sword away from her throat. – Do you want peace, Lamar? Well, I'll give it to you! But you will pay a dear price for it.

– I'll give you anything you ask," the demon king told him quietly. – Just tell me what. Any jewelry, any land… Anything you want.

– Fine. – Derek grinned crookedly. – Then I'll take your main jewel from you. – He touched the sword to Sylvia's neck again. – Her.

– No, ask anything you want, but not my daughter! – Lamar exclaimed in horror.