The following day found everyone in the courtyard. Anaktum had pulled out all the stops. He had a table brought out into the courtyard with a deck of cards waiting. Jefeit looked at Anaktum. “I can’t believe you are allowing something like this, my lord.”  Jefeit sneered at Juda who was waiting near his support group. The demon lord’s eyes strayed to Jek and Silk. “Although you did allow your son to marry one.”
      “Oh, there’s more to that boy then meets the eye. Much more than I think even he knows.” Anaktum had a smile on his striking face.
      “What are you implying, my lord?”
      “Oh you’re far too uptight, Jefeit.” Anaktum clapped him on the back. “I want you to play nice, okay?” He leaned in closer. “If you don’t then don’t expect me to play nice either.” His tone hid nothing, but his expression was as bright as ever. “Okay now off you go!” He shoved Jefeit towards the table. “Juda, it’s time!” He waved to the pirate. “I want to get to the booze soon so make it quick.”
      “I’ll try.” Juda smiled. He hadn’t moved from the spot he was standing at a few minutes ago.
      “You okay?” Silk asked beside him.
      “I don’t know if I can do this, Silk.” Juda sighed. “I know I have the luck of the devil, but it has failed me before. Especially at times when I needed it the most.” He touched the eye patch over his left eye. “I don’t think I can recover from it if it fails me again.”
      “I don’t think your luck has failed you ever.” Silk put a hand on his shoulder. “Think about it Juda. When your eye got cut I had to take you to that doctor, remember? Then we talked and I asked you to come with me on my father’s ship.” Silk smiled. “Then we ran off on our own and became famous. Because of that Jek found me and then we got involved with the demons. If it wasn’t for any of that you wouldn’t have met Handria.” He sighed. “If you ask me I think your luck set this all up so you could stand her at this moment and win Handria.” He looked at Juda. “That’s what I think.”
      Juda looked down at his feet. “You’re right.” He smiled. “You are absolutely right.”
      “Now, go win.” Silk whispered as he shoved Juda towards the table. His best friend sat down across from Jefeit with his poker face in place.
      “Now, let’s begin!” Anaktum announced. “In this corner weighing approximately 168 pounds, Juda “The Luck Master”!” Anaktum pointed to Juda and he signaled for applause. “And in this corner weighing 400 pounds of mostly pent up aggression, Jefeit “The Stuff Shirt”!” no one applauded. “Oh, looks like you aren’t a favorite, Jefeit.” He bit his lip.
      “Can we please get on with this, my lord?” Jefeit said exasperated.
      “Of course, of course.” Anaktum shuffled the cards. “You know this reminds me of a joke. Stop me if you heard it.”
      “My Lord!” Jefeit said louder.
      “Oh fine.” Anaktum placed two cards down in front of the players; one face up and one face down, and then put the rest of the deck on the table. Each of them stared at the face down card then at each other.
      Handria was biting her lip so hard Silk was afraid she would bit it off. “He’ll be fine.” Silk assured her.
      “I believe in him, but I am still so scared.” She sighed.
Juda called for another card. Anaktum dealt him a Five of Hearts to go with the Ace of Hearts already facing upward. Jefeit stared at his Queen of Clubs and called for another card.  Anaktum dealt him a Four of Spades. Juda stared for a long time then called for another card.
      “He’s going to go too high.” Ishatal hissed.
      “Trust him.” Silk smiled. He could tell that Juda had it under control by the look on his face.
      Anaktum placed another card in front of Juda, the Three of Hearts. Juda sat back and called.
      Silk leaned near Handria. “Ya might want to start packing.” He muttered.
      “What.” Handria jumped.
      “He just won.” Silk snickered.
      “Both of you have called. Now flip over your face down card. Jefeit, you first.” Anaktum looked down at the demon lord. He flipped over a Six of Clubs adding up his hand to 20. Jefeit smiled with triumph at Juda, but the pirate gave away nothing. “Now you, Juda.” Anaktum smiled.
      “As you wish.” Juda flipped over his face down card to reveal the Two of Hearts. All together his hand added up to 21. Juda had won.
      “And Juda wins the hand by one.” Anaktum announced. He looked at Jefeit who had gone into shock. “Aww, too bad, Jefeit. Better luck next daughter.”
Juda stood up and turned just in time to catch Handria as she leapt into his arms. He held her tightly and looked up at Silk. His best friend smiled as if he never had a doubt in his mind.
      Anaktum put an arm around the embracing couple. “Now, by tomorrow we shall have a wedding and,” he grinned, “more booze!”
      “You already have everything ready for the wedding?” Juda gasped.
      “Of course!” Anaktum laughed. “I never doubted you for a second.” He looked over his shoulder. “Although, I think Jefeit’s thoughts were quite the opposite." He pointed to Jefeit who was still in shock, staring at the four cards that had stolen his pride.

      Everyone had gathered in the dining hall to celebrate. Juda was positively beaming. Handria had not unlatched herself from his arm since leaving the courtyard. “That was so exhilarating!” Jek squealed. “I was in suspense the whole time!” His smile faded suddenly.       “I mean it wasn’t that I didn’t have utter and complete faith in you Juda, but it was so intense.”
      “It was that indeed.” Ishatal agreed. “The cards were so close that I was afraid you had busted.”
      “How exactly did you do that?” Alisa grinned.
      “It’s all due to his insane luck and will to win what he really wants.” Silk answered for him. “Isn’t that right, Juda?” He lifted a glass.
      “Yeah.” They drank to that. Jefeit entered the room and all celebration stopped in its tracks.
      “Father?” Handria stood up.
      “I wish to speak with you.” He gestured for her to come over. Handria looked down at Juda then proceeded across the room to her father.
      “What is it?” She knew exactly how her father’s mind worked.
      “You can still back out of this and save the family honor.” He pleaded. “A woman of you class should not be forced to marry some human ruffian.”
      “Father, you lost.” Handria sighed. Here it comes.
      “But it’s your decision. He can’t marry you if you refuse.” Jefeit’s eyes were filled with hope.
      Handria shook her head. “It is done, father. I will marry Juda and go with him wherever he goes, and that is with or without your consent.” She glanced over her shoulder at Juda who was blatantly staring in their direction.
      “But Handria!” Jefeit cried. “Think of the family honor!”
      Handria’s eyes blazed. “You have no honor. You lost fairly and yet you still wish to cheat Juda!” The demon girl turned her back on him. “If that is your perception of honor then you are no father of mine.” As the words escaped her lips she left him standing there. Juda smiled at her as they embraced.
      “I think that was a no, Jefeit.” Anaktum said beside him. “Such a pity that it didn’t work out for you.”
      “My Lord, why must you insist on rubbing it in my face?” Jefeit’s helpless sigh was almost pathetic.
      “Because you need to realize that Handria has made this decision for herself and there is nothing you can do about it.” Anaktum glanced at Jek and Silk. “Look at my son, Jefeit.”
Jefeit’s eyes glanced over at the pair. “Do you not see how he glows with happiness?” He smiled. “That boy does that to him. I was very against it at first, but then I realized that my son could not possibly live any kind of life without him. So I made a decision that would affect my life and his, and I have never regretted it.” Anaktum rested a hand of the demon lord’s shoulder. “If you do not wish to lose a daughter then I suggest you get used to the idea of gaining a son.”
       “I suppose you are right. My pride cannot be repaired so I may as well salvage something.” It was a half-hearted reply from Jefeit, but it was all Anaktum needed.
       “That’s the spirit!” He handed him a drink. “Now let us drink our cares away. I promise you that after a few drinks everything will be fantastic!”

      Granted the entire demon kingdom had experienced two weddings prior to this one they were still as excited as ever. One thing about Anaktum’s kingdom was that they always looked for an excuse to party, except during the period where he was really grouchy. Juda was on the edge of his nerves, which was rare for him. He had help from Jek, Silk and Ishatal with his robes. “I feel stupid.” He grumbled.
      “I think you look quite dashing.” Silk grinned.
      Juda sneered at him. “Ow!” He squealed. “Easy with the hair, Jek.”
      “Oh stop acting like a baby.” Jek ran the comb through his hair and placed in the hair ornament. Juda’s hair was half held back in a ponytail so that his face was more visible. Jek and Ishatal had spent the previous evening designing an eye patch that would match the attire for him. Juda looked like he was gonna cry when the two demon’s presented it to him.
      Ishatal tied the sash around Juda’s waist and stepped back. “Done.”
      “Gentlemen I think our work is done.” Jek sighed as he finished Juda’s hair. “Now to get him to the alter. I don’t even need to tell you all what happens when you stand a demon women up at her wedding.” No one dared to ask. Ishatal grinned slightly. After all he was the one that actually did end up marrying her.

      Alisa bustled around Handria. “You realize that you don’t have to do this?” Handria blushed.
      “Of course I do!” Alisa squealed. She fussed around with Handria’s hair. “It’s your wedding day. It’s one of the most important days in a women’s life and I want you to feel gorgeous.” The redhead was taking great pride in doing this. In the past year all of them had become very close and for the first time Alisa felt as though she was safe within the confines of her friends. It was a comfortable place where she was accepted just as she was and then there was Ishatal. That boy had dazzled her when she wasn’t even looking and he continued to do it everyday.
      “Do you think Juda will like how I look?” Handria whispered. She had butterflies filling her stomach.
       “By the way he looks at you I think he’ll like you no matter how much time we spend on you.” Alisa giggled. “Hopefully you can get pregnant soon and we can talk about the pain together.” She laughed. “I know I complain a lot, but I really can’t wait to see their little faces when they come out. I always wanted children.”
      “Really?” Handria found it slightly funny. Alisa always seemed so caught up in herself that it was difficult to see her with children.
      “Is that odd?” Alisa looked in the mirror and Handria saw the worry in her eyes.
      “No.” Handria smiled. “I think that you’ll be a very good mother.” It wasn’t a lie. When she thought about it she realized that Alisa’s strong domineering behavior would be ideal for a strong mother.
      “Well, I’ve done all I can.” Alisa sighed. “Shall we?” She smiled.
      “Yes.” Handria stood up and took one last look at herself. It was time.

      Once again the entire kingdom gathered in the largest courtyard. Juda stood waiting for Handria. Silk touched his back with a reassuring hand. “Get ready for the rest of your life, Juda.” He grinned. “Because it all begins now.”
      “Huh?” Juda was a little confused by this.
      “When she comes down that aisle you’ll know what I mean.” Silk smiled and stepped back as everything began.
      “What did you say?” Jek asked the Arab as he stepped off to the side to join him.
      “I told him the first thing I thought when I saw you the day we got married.” He kissed Jek’s cheek. “My beautiful little demon.”
       “Stop that.” Jek blushed. “I’m not really that,”
       “Yes, you are.” Silk squeezed his hand.
“You, know that you’re very beautiful too.” Jek touched one of the violet tiger stripes on Silk’s cheek. “But I know something that is even more beautiful than that.” He smiled.
“What?” Silk questioned.
Jek brought his mouth up to Silk’s ear. “Your heart.” He whispered. Silk couldn’t respond to that before the wedding began.
Juda stared down the aisle waiting for Handria to appear. When she finally did he felt his heart stop. For a split second the world stopped and he couldn’t breath. He now understood what Silk had meant. Today and for the rest of his life he had her smile to look forward to, and what a smile it was. She was beaming as she approached him. Her smile was the most beautiful thing about her. Granted she looked wonderful, but it was that look of utter happiness on her face that made her glow. Anaktum started the announcement to the court. Juda snuck small glanced at Handria and found that she was doing the same.
Anaktum leaned down to them before he started the exchange of vows. “I’ll hurry it up a bit so that you two can be alone.” He grinned and both of them blushed. “Don’t be embarrassed I was young once too.”
“Liar.” Jek hissed from the side.
Anaktum grinned and stood up straight to begin their vows. Without really realizing it the ceremony flew by and all Handria and Juda seemed to notice was that they had both pledged their love for one another. “Now the exchange of necklaces.” Anaktum glanced at Jefeit who brought forward a small box and held it out to Handria.
“Father?” Handria opened the box and gasped.
“It was your mother’s.” Jefeit said. “She wanted you to have it for your wedding.”
“But father.” Handria was surprised. She wasn’t sure if he realized that she would be giving this to Juda. It was a simple amulet, but the jade stone that glistened in the gold medallion was striking, and Handria realized that it matched Juda’s eye perfectly.
“It will suit him well.” Jefeit added. He was trying for her sake and Handria kissed his forehead as she took the necklace. She placed it around Juda’s neck.
Juda looked down at it and then looked at Jefeit. He bowed his head in thank you and then turned to Silk who had also brought up a box. Juda opened it and pulled out a intricately design amulet with a violet stone. “This,” He said as he put it around Handria’s neck, “was my mother’s. She gave it to me before she died and told me that someday I should give it to my most important person.” The stone gleamed and Juda could see how Handria’s eyes lit up.
“And now that pact has been made so I announce you as man and wife.” Anaktum closed the ceremony and the couple kissed. As their lips touched the stones gleamed in a synchronized fashion signifying the sealing of the pact of marriage. “Now, my fellow demons,” He glanced at Silk and the crew, “And of course the ever honorable pirates, shall we all gather in the dining hall for fun, food and most importantly BOOZE!” Cheers sounded, once for Handria and Juda, once for the feast, and thirdly for the alcohol.

Now Juda was all about partying, but he couldn’t wait to have Handria alone and to himself. They snuck away early. Jek had informed Juda that they had set up the wedding chamber in a larger room, and that all of Handria and his things had been moved there. Juda found the room thanks to guidance from Handria. (Who says men don’t ask for directions?) Juda closed the door and sighed. “I thought we would never get out of there.”
“Did you see Lord Anaktum?” Handria giggled.
Juda smiled at her. “Yeah, Jek will be denying he’s related to him for a long time.”
Handria giggled louder and Juda had a suddenly impulse to touch her face. When he felt her burning cheek under his touch he noticed that her blue eyes were sparkling. “I love you.” She whispered.
Juda brought her close and lifter her chin. “You’re very beautiful.” He said as he pulled the large jeweled comb from her hair causing all the strands to come tumbling down on her shoulders. “I love you too.” He whispered as he kissed her. Her small arms wrapped around him as he picked her up and carried her to the bed. Juda laid her down gently and stroked the back of her head. His fingers were intertwined within the dark hair. His other hand ran down the front of her robes and he grabbed onto a loose end of the sash. Pulling gently he untied the sash. Handria’s hand ran over his face and to the eye patch. Juda suddenly pulled away. “What?” He said nervously.
“Let me see.” She smiled and came close to him. Juda had backed away to the head of the bed and Handria knelt over him, her hands once again went to the eye patch. Juda flinched and Handria touched his cheeks. “It’s okay.” She smiled. “I love every part of you.” She grabbed the cord that wrapped around his head and began pulling it off. Juda closed his other eye. Other than Silk no one had ever seen that terrible scar that lay over his damaged eye that has long ago healed shut. Handria’s finger ran over the scar. “Your beautiful.” She whispered and kissed him. Juda stared with his one good eye in shock. He could see the smile on her face as she kissed him. She wasn’t appaulled or repulsed by it. He wrapped his arms around her.
“Handria.” He whispered and rolled her over. He finished what he began and opened her robes to reveal her lithe and perfect body. Like all the other demons her skin was a dark tanned color, but it was only a small compliment to her shapely figure. She fidgeted slightly under his gaze. “What?” He smiled.
“Nothing.” She was nervous. It wasn’t like it was technically their first night together, but Juda was taking great care to enjoy every moment with her. He kissed her neck and down her chest. Handria made small giggling sounds.
“What?” Juda looked up at her.
“I’m just very happy is all.” She grinned. “ I get to share the rest of my life with you.”
“Yeah.” Juda snaked up to her and kissed her. “I’ll enjoy every second of it.” In the midst of their ecstasy Handria took Juda’s hand as a sign that she would never let go. Juda held her tightly too him as they fell back on the bed. Her small body trembled and he buried his face in her hair. “I love you with all my heart, Handria.”
“Juda.” Handria squeezed him tightly. “My sweet, sweet Juda.”

Jek yawned as he entered the study. Silk came up behind him and wrapped his
arms around him. “Jek, my love!” He squealed.
Jek stumbled forward and they tumbled to the ground. “I suppose I deserved that.” Jek muttered as he lifted his face from the ground.
“It was too good a chance to pass up.” Silk laughed and hauled him up from the ground. “Did I tire you out?” He leaned close to Jek’s face.
“Maybe just a little.” Jek kissed him. “Just a little.” He repeated. The couple sat down on a couch and lay in the sun that streamed in through the large windows. “It’s so nice in here. It’s like a little retreat.” Jek sighed.
“Yeah.” Silk stretched. “I wonder how Juda is doing?” He grinned. “I noticed that they had escaped early.”
“I had a little something to do with that.” Jek snickered. “Juda was so pent up I took pity on him.”
“You’re so generous.” Silk raised a brow. “I bet he’ll feel just like new.”
“Oh, more than you know.” Jek giggled.
“What do you mean?” Silk sat up and leaned closer to the demon who had picked up a book. “Jek?”
“Oh, just something that also comes along with the joining between a demon and human.” Jek said nonchalantly. He hadn’t even looked up from the book.
“What is that?”
“Well, prolonged life isn’t the only thing that you get.” Jek grinned and put the book in his lap. It took Silk a moment, but once he figured it out he couldn’t contain his smile.

Juda could feel the heat from the sun. He rolled over and wrapped his arms around Handria. She leaned into him. He slowly opened his eyes and paused Suddenly sitting up in bed he looked around.
“Juda?” Handria sat up and looked at him. Her smile widened. “Is anything…different?” She asked.
Juda looked at her. His vision was…wider. “Handria, do I…?” He got out of bed and ran to the mirror. All his doubts had ceased when he saw himself. Over his eye was still that large scar, but instead of his eye being scarred shut it was open, and staring back at him was a set of jade green eyes. “I can, I can see again!” He laughed. “Handria!” He looked at her. She laughed and clapped her hands. “But how?”
“The pact between us not only prolongs your life, but it also causes the same regenerative ability that we have hence your eye has regenerated.” She wrapped the sheet around her and went to him. Her hand ran over his new left eye.
“But why is the scar still there?” He asked.
“Well, the skin was already scarred so there is nothing that can be done about that, but at least you can see fully again.” She grinned.
“I’ll have to get used to this.” He kissed her. “I love you.” He suddenly picked her up and threw her on the bed. Handria squealed and Juda flopped on her and attempted to wrestle the sheets from her grasp.

Silk perked up when he saw Juda enter with Handria. His hair was slightly over his face so it was hard to see, but when Juda turned to him he knew it to be true. “How does it feel?” Silk asked.
Juda looked a little surprised. “I told him.” Jek smiled from his next to him. “You look good, Juda.”
“Thank you.” Juda grinned. “I can’t tell you how great I feel.” He couldn’t stop smiling.
“Are you okay with the scar still being there?” Silk asked.
“It’s a little strange, but my self conscious nature won’t cause me to refuse the use of my eye.”
“You should have seen him this morning.” Handria squeezed his hand. “It was like a child on his birthday.”
“I can imagine.” Jek grinned. “I suppose you’ll have to practice your knife throwing with both of those now so that your aim isn’t off.”
Juda gave him a cocky grin. “I was throwing them perfectly before I lost my eye and I can do it again.” It was odd, but Juda felt as if a new chapter had begun in his life. Silk was right, everything had happened for a reason. His luck had returned him the eye he had lost. That eye had given him Silk and his deep friendship with him. It had also lead him to Handria and in compensation he had once again been given his eye. The scar still remained, but to Juda he thought of it as a reminder. A reminder of the experiences he had had and the trials he had faced. Without them he wouldn’t have become who he was today.