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The grand palace of Hell was rarely quiet, but today, it was filled with a different kind of noise—giggles, the sound of tiny feet padding against the polished marble floors, and the exasperated sighs of a very tired ruler of the Underworld.
Lucifer Morningstar, the King of Hell himself, stood in the middle of the vast throne room, his usual air of confidence slightly shaken. His pristine white suit was slightly rumpled, his tie loose, and his piercing red eyes locked onto the small figure currently climbing onto his throne.
Charlotte, barely three years old, had managed to hoist herself up the massive chair, her tiny fingers gripping the golden armrests as if she were claiming the throne for herself.
Lilith stood a few feet away, watching with amusement as her husband stared down their greatest challenge yet: their daughter.
“Charlie, what did I say about climbing on my throne?” Lucifer asked, crossing his arms.
Charlie grinned up at him, her little fangs peeking through her smile. “I’m da king now, Daddy!”
Lucifer sighed dramatically, rubbing his temple. “No, *I’m* the king. You can’t just—”
“I’m da king now,” she repeated, giggling as she swung her legs. “Bow, Daddy!”
Lilith laughed, walking over and placing a hand on Lucifer’s arm. “Well, she’s got your confidence.”
Lucifer muttered under his breath before kneeling in front of the throne, leveling his gaze with his tiny daughter. “Princess, the throne is *mine*. You’ll get your turn when you’re older. Much, much, older.” He tapped the tiny being on the nose causing the toddler to giggle before she frowned.
Charlie pouted. “But I wanna be king now.”
Lilith smirked. “You mean queen, sweetheart.”
Charlie shook her head, her curls bouncing. “No! King!”
Lucifer chuckled despite himself. “Well, you are a Morningstar.” He reached forward, effortlessly lifting her off the throne and onto his arm. “But for now, you’re a little Morningstar, which means no ruling Hell just yet.”
Charlie huffed but quickly wrapped her little arms around her father’s neck. “Okay… but can I have a crown?”
Lucifer arched his brow. “A crown, huh?”
Lilith nudged him playfully. “Oh, come on, Luci. You can’t deny her a crown.”
Lucifer sighed, shaking his head. “You’re both going to be the death of me.”
With a flick of his wrist, a small golden crown—much too big for Charlie’s head—materialized in his hand. He placed it carefully atop her unruly blonde curls, watching as her eyes lit up.
Charlie gasped dramatically. “I’m a king now!”
Lilith kissed the top of her head. “The cutest king Hell has ever seen.”
Lucifer rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. “Fine. But if she starts giving orders, that’s on you.”
Charlie beamed, resting her head on Lucifer’s shoulder. “Love you, Daddy.”
Lucifer froze for a moment, then his expression softened completely. “Love you too, my little star.”
Lilith wrapped her arms around them both, pressing a kiss to Lucifer’s cheek. “Guess you’re stuck with us, King of Hell.”
Lucifer smirked. “Worst fate imaginable.”
But as he looked down at the tiny girl in his arms and his wife next to him, he knew there was nowhere else he’d rather be.