by Patti Larsen
“This,” I said, “is perfect.”
Meira was admiring her own, a pale shade of cream. She looked amazing in it, the shimmering covering almost making her body seem blurred.
As our feet were slid into boots with four-inch platforms, hair and faces adorned with more jewels, I remembered Darin Mavore, the arrogant witch whose shields I’d shredded back at the first of term when he’d used his magic to grope me.
I've done that shield attack before, I sent to Sassy, sharing the experience with my sister.
Yes, he sent back. Exactly. Just remember you're not dealing with some stupid young witch. The demons who challenge you are powerful and experienced.
Meira's lips formed a grim line and I reached out in sudden concern to take her hand while activity went on around us.
It'll be okay, Meems, I sent.
I know, she sent back. But I'm ready to fight if I have to.
Hayle witches. Man, we were so stubborn.
I'll be right here, I sent.
Meira's eyes snapped with anger. I can take care of myself. I'm not a baby, Syd.
Whoa. Where did that come from?
I know, I sent. I just... okay.
My little sister was growing up. Damn it.
I leaned in and hugged her when her angry expression didn't fade. I know, I sent with love wrapped around it. But we have to be here for each other, watch each other's backs. That's all I meant. I need you here for me, too.
She softened immediately and hugged me so hard I could feel her heartbeat. I love you, Syd.
You too, Meems. We parted as Pagomaris and her brood backed off. Are we ready?
I turned to the aide and repeated the question out loud. The aide clapped her hands, had a mirror brought forward. It was huge, not the slim piece of glass I expected, but a triple-wide sheet two girls struggled to hold up. It threw back our reflection and, for a moment, I caught my breath.
This was us, my sister and I? These two shimmering demons, light catching on gems, throwing light at every breath? Meira looked so much older than her ten years.
And me? I looked like a princess.
Time to act like one.
***
Chapter Twelve
And so the Hayle sisters rode into battle, our demon cat between us.
Dad met us in the hall outside his own quarters, on the same level as the dressing room we'd been shunted off to. Even he had changed completely this time, into what looked like a very old-fashioned version of a tuxedo—if tuxedos were made of odd fabric eddying with movement as though a living organism flowed around inside and if spikes from every joint were ever de rigueur.
He looked about as unhappy as we had earlier so I didn't poke fun at his porcupine outfit even as Pagomaris gushed at how wonderful he looked.
“Time to go,” he growled, cutting her off.
She took the hint.
I considered taking Dad's arm again, if just for the stability of having him beside me, but at least these platform boots were flats, no real heel, and with a few careful steps I felt more confident. Besides, if I was going to literally stand on my own two feet here, if appearances were, in fact, as important as I was beginning to believe, walking into the banquet with assistance could be seen as a sign of weakness.
This was going to be a very uncomfortable meal if I had to watch every single thing I did and said. Unless I didn't do or say anything. Well, we'd see about that.
The elevator descended a further floor, depositing us into a massive open chamber just past a short, wide hallway entry. The place was massively ceilinged, more windows open to the sky, a horse-shoe shaped table dominating the center of the room. Two more tables, same shape, smaller stature, flanked it while two more, even smaller, flanked those. The smaller tables were already filled, what had to be the head table's forty or so chairs only partially taken.
Pagomaris halted at the entry, gesturing to a slim older demon in a dour black uniform closed over his throat to the tips of his fingers and toes as if he was being eaten alive by his outfit. His gray hair spiked up from his scalp as he turned to us, the amber in his eyes barely glowing. Was he so old his power had faded?
Servants have less status, Sassy sent me as though guessing my curiosity. Either that or he was eavesdropping on my thoughts. My demon chuffed in annoyance at the idea, but I didn't call him on it. There could come a time I'd need him in my head, after all. That means less magic. Consider that.
Right. So when I fight, if I lose...
Don't lose. He cut me off as he sat, tail wrapping around his paws, looking about as if he were the most important person here.
Made me want to pick him up and snuggle him and tell him he was my favowite puddy tat ever.
The stress was clearly making me irrational.
“His Highness, Prince Haralthazar.” The little old demon had pipes like a rock star. I actually started just a little as he trumpeted Dad's name into the room.
Everyone stopped talking and stared. Yippee.
“Her Highness, Princess Sydlynhamitra.” The name thing had to go.
“Her most noble, Lady Hathenemeira.” Meira seemed much more poised than I felt and hadn't stumbled in her stupidly high boots once.
Envy, thy name is Syd.
“And his most noble, Lord Sassafras.” I almost jumped again. Wait, Sass had status? He'd been banned from Demonicon for almost killing a boy he fought. When he died, saving Dad's life, the both of them returned here and I realized I'd never gotten the full story out of my friend. Yes, he was pardoned, I knew that much. But he was a cat. How could he have status?
There were a few whispers at the announcement, but it was obviously old news, at least to the family. I'd be digging into that particular story the moment we had time.
Later, Sassy sent.
You betcha, later.
Two young demon males in similar outfits to the door announcer leaped forward and bowed to us before turning and leading the way. I followed, head high, shoulders back, ignoring the glares and mutters while I focused on walking and not falling on my face. Stay to myself, don't do or say anything offensive and remain upright.
Just. Keep. Moving.
My new mantra. I was guided forward, my clunky shoes soundless on the stone floor, every step heavier than the last. But I made it to my seat without a problem—no tripping, no challenges.
Wicked.
The chair was massive, some kind of carved black wood with huge arm rests making me shudder to touch them. They literally looked like arms, skeletal, ending in grasping claws cupped upward. I refused to turn around and see what was carved into the top of the chair, knowing it would likely give me nightmares later and praying quietly the seat was really wood and I wasn't sitting on what remained of someone.
Ew. Just ew.
At least the table was relatively normal, made of glass over huge stone piers, though I noticed something swam in the middle when I really paid attention. Were they fish? Nasty looking creatures, multi-colored, floating in a pale liquid, swished along as though swimming in a river. I pulled free the cloth napkin placed on my plate and covered as much of the surface as I could, though I found myself grinning a little as Sassy's eyes kept glancing down at the sudden movement, tail thrashing. I gestured to him, to my spread napkin and he bowed his head with great aplomb, perching on it.
Thank you, he sent, mental voice furious. I'd forgotten Ahbi's particular sense of humor.
This was my Grandmother's sick idea of a joke? Yeah, not getting away with that.
I snapped my fingers and a young servant appeared instantly. “A proper seat for his lordship,” I snapped.
The boy's eyes flew very wide before he bowed and vanished.
Sydlynn, Sassy sent, while I appreciate the sentiment, you're supposed to stay under the radar.
Screw that, I snapped back.
It's an insult, he sent, nothing more. I think I'll live.
He was right of course. My damned temper was going to get me in trouble
again. But my demon hummed happily about me speaking up so I tried not to worry too much.
A moment later the boy reappeared with what looked like a hollowed out cushion, covered in fur. His companion cleared a setting and settled the seat in its place at my left. Sassafras stepped up and settled, nodding to the boy who bowed back.
I glanced down the table, only then missing Meira. It wasn't until I turned that I spotted her at the second tier of seats. I was suddenly so angry she'd been taken from me I almost spoke up.
Leave her, Sassy sent. She's in her proper place.
She's all alone. I met her eyes, felt her power on mine.
I'm okay, she sent, amber gaze sparkling. Honest.
Dad's hand settled on mine on my right. I glanced his way, saw the tension around his eyes while the rest of his face remained calm.
Okay then. I fixed Sassafras with a glare. So how come you're allowed up here?
I'm special. He groomed one paw with dedicated attention and would say nothing more.
The table filled around us after we took our seats, only two remaining empty. I tried not to fidget, grateful at least it seemed demons used the same kinds of cutlery and plates as humans so I wasn't totally lost.
“All rise.” The booming voice of the announcer brought us to our feet. I stood without even thinking, the command in his tone triggering an instinctual reaction and I wondered then if he'd been magicked that way.
“His Royal Highness, Prince Vandelarius, Second Seat.”
I didn't glance toward the door, but did bow with everyone else. I was going home very shortly and had to keep reminding myself of the fact. Vandelarius wandered his way down to his chair at the head of the horseshoe and plopped himself down with a bored expression.
“And her Most Royal Majesty,” the announcer's voice throbbed with devotion, “Ahbi Sanghamitra, Ruler of All Demonicon.”
This time I did look up. Grandmother strode toward us like a juggernaut of energy, her very presence dominating every single demon in the room. Her gaze settled on mine for a moment as she passed, me peeking through my bow, and I caught her smile at me as she did.
Hmm. Maybe my grandmother wasn't the monster I thought she was. It would have been nice to spend a moment alone with her, away from the pomp and crap. Could she be a real person under all that title?
Grandmother sat, followed by a mass scraping of chairs as everyone else took their place in response. I was a little slow and squeaked softly as the boy behind my chair shoved before I was ready. I plopped rather unceremoniously into my seat and had to suffer Sassy's glare.
“Begin,” Grandmother said.
Food arrived. Boy, did it. The aromas were so amazing I found my mouth watering. I didn't recognize any of the dishes, and yet my demon seemed to know exactly what we'd like.
Piles of steaming things I could never describe followed deep bowls of some broth making my throat burn. Soft rolls of a wheat-like flour only ten times more flaky and delicious were slathered in a thick sauce tasting faintly of salt and sugar and a million other amazing spices.
I ate everything put in front of me, enjoyed every single bite. It was easy to ignore the chatter around me while I was so absorbed in the succulent food being constantly placed on my plate.
While we ate, jugglers and acrobats entertained us in the center of the horseshoe. But they used magic to augment their performances and I knew any human of their ilk would weep in jealousy. I felt like a bumpkin country cousin finally exposed to city life, but couldn't help gaping and clapping and thoroughly enjoying myself.
Maybe this whole thing wasn't so bad after all. As dinner went on and no one spoke up to challenge or even try to prod me into doing something I shouldn't, I found my guard slipping a little, though Dad was as tense as ever.
Sassafras finally snapped in my mind. Pay attention, he sent. They are lulling us into feeling safe.
I don't know, I sent back. Things seem pretty straight up so far, Sass. Are you sure you're not overreacting?
The performers left, much to my disappointment. I wished I had a video camera so I could take the memory of them home with me. I was even more discouraged with their departure as the second wave of center stage entertainment started up.
Speeches. Were they serious? They followed the most amazing show I'd ever seen in my entire life with speeches? Starting with the lowest of underlings, it seemed, aiming their words at me and my sister. At Dad and Sass. Finally toward Ruler.
Oh. My. Swearword.
While the food remained delicious, I found myself going numb as demon after ranking demon rose and spoke at great length about how delighted they were we were here, how brilliant Grandmother was. Yada. Yada. Yada.
Kill me now and put me out of my misery.
It dragged on so long I finally glanced at one of the open windows and the dying light and felt a little surge of nerves. We were pushing the last of the daylight, maybe a half hour left. This really needed to wrap up so we could go home.
I'm not sure if Dad was reading my mind, but he turned to Grandmother in the middle of a speech, totally cutting off the tall female demon whose smile reminded me of a hunting shark.
“It's time,” he said. “The girls must be going.”
Grandmother met his eyes. “Of course.” She gestured and the unhappy woman returned to her seat, clearly put out she'd been interrupted. Was she one of Dad's sisters?
Yikes.
Grandmother clapped her hands and the hall fell silent. “My granddaughters must return to their own plane.” No one complained. Not surprising. “But before they go, dessert.”
She rose without a word as Sassafras hissed.
This could be it, he sent while everyone else stood and followed her toward one of the windows. I hadn't noticed the balcony before, but it was very clear to me now as I pushed myself up.
Could be what? I was about to hoist him into my arms when he hopped down on his own.
Don't touch me, he sent. Focus. If anyone is going to challenge you, it will be during transition.
I almost gave him a hard time for his paranoia.
Almost
“Sydlynhamitra,” a burly young male demon with shoulders the size of the mountain and a body to match stepped out of the crowd heading to the balcony, his amber eyes on fire, power swirling around his hands, “I, Mobicandron, Knight of the Tenth Plane, challenge you for status.”
***
Chapter Thirteen
I did exactly what Sassafras warned me not to do.
I hesitated.
But they sky was darkening and Meira and I had to go. This was terrible timing, the absolute worst. On purpose? Panic heated my insides and stirred my blood as I realized it was likely—not only that, I had to fight or I'd lose status. Why did I care? Not so much for me, not really. But Dad had to live here. And considering they would take part of my demon's power if I lost... in the heartbeat I had to think things through, my demon made it very clear to me losing even one smidge of her magic was unacceptable.
She took over. Probably was for the best, really, considering I couldn't get out of my own head long enough to take action. Good thing she did, too, because Mobicandron didn't wait to see if I accepted, but lashed out immediately.
My demon was fast, very fast, just fast enough as it turned out, to block the blow he'd sent my way and slash out at him in turn. For a moment, I felt a rush of confidence. I'd done this before, so no problem, right?
Only this was no Darin Mavore, no Jean Marc or Kristophe Dumont I was dealing with. The demon before me parried with precise skill and struck back almost before my demon had time to block.
Again with the almost. He was clearly practiced and had won many battles. I could feel his power, how it pulsed around him, the heat from his shields. All offense, all the time.
Defense on the other hand, wasn't getting me anywhere.
What are you doing? Sassy's voice was almost choked with fury. Attack his sorry ass and take him down!
He m
ade it sound so easy. Meanwhile I was the one with my hands full.
I dodged sideways as a glowing ball of amber fire whizzed toward me, only then noticing as it impacted something surrounding us we'd been shielded from the rest of the family. Great. Trapped in a bubble of magic fighting a demon who was most likely my cousin and doing my best not to get killed.
Forget yourself, Sassy snarled. You have to take him out! Now!
He jabbed my demon with magic claws, making us both cry out. But at least the shout was full of anger. It stung so much my power flared. Mobicandron chose that exact unfortunate moment to smile at me.
Oh no, he did not.
My temper flared as my demon magic rose in a column before me, forming a giant fist I used to battering ram him backward until he impacted the shield. He gasped for air, collapsing beneath the crushing weight I held on him, fury still beating at the inside of my head.
Now, Sassy sent. Finish him!
I jerked some power free, enough to create thin ribbons of magic, using them like a lash to sever his wards into strips of worthless energy. Power oozed from him to hover just above the floor as his eyes rolled back in his head. I stood over him, humming with magic, my rage finally subsiding enough my demon reached out with a large measure of satisfaction and helped herself to his power.
Just a portion of it. I had no idea how she knew the amount to take, but the moment she did, the shields fell and I was free.
Mobicandron groaned as the support behind him collapsed, passing out on the stone. Two demons rushed forward and lifted him with more power, floating him away, though neither of them seemed very happy with their task.
I really didn't give a crap. Not when I was too busy feeling my demon swell like a goddess inside me. She roared her joy, the sound bursting from my own throat and mouth, echoing around the chamber. No one seemed surprised by my outburst so I assumed it was a natural reaction to suddenly having a brand-new flood of fresh magic to fill me up.
Syd. Sassy's mental voice broke through with a hint of panic. Hurry.