by Patti Larsen
“Excuse me?” I found myself smiling in spite of myself as Meira giggled and Sassy growled softly, tail thrashing against her arm.
The strange young demon bent and kissed my hand, hot breath heating my skin. His eyes never left mine, a wicked gleam in his gaze as he gently drew me closer.
“My love,” he breathed. “I’ve been waiting for you my entire life.”
I had to laugh. Just had to. And yet there was a catch to my laughter and I found myself flushing with a mix of embarrassment and attraction. When I tried to pull my hand free, he clung to it, pressing it against his broad chest, my fingers touching his bare skin where his tunic lay open at his throat.
“I beg you,” he said in a voice vibrating with emotion, “don’t leave me ever again.”
Okay, this was getting to be a little much. “Listen,” I said, “it’s all fun and games until someone loses a hand.” I raised one eyebrow and nodded at his grip on my person.
He grinned back and released me, but slowly, the tips of his fingers lingering on mine. “Here,” he said, turning and lifting what looked like a necklace from a table behind him. He draped it around my neck before I could protest. “Perfect for you.” Again with the wide grin.
Cheeky. Very cheeky. But he was delicious and my demon was having a good time. If only he wasn’t trying to sell me something…
Before I could offer a pert reply, he paled, retrieving the necklace in a snatch before bowing his head to me.
“Careful,” he whispered before spinning and vanishing behind his booth and the heavy curtain hiding the back of it from the outside world.
That was… weird. I turned to Meira and Sassafras to ask them what was up when I noticed for the first time we were alone.
Completely and utterly. Alone.
Shoppers, vendors, you name it. All vanished.
That couldn’t be good.
Syd—Sassy’s voice reached me just as I felt a buildup of magic very close to me, with only enough time to wrap my arms around Meira and pull the three of us to the ground.
Something exploded over my head, blowing out the side of a stall and sending those hiding inside it scrambling, screaming. I rolled over, looking in the direction of the attack, my power flooding me as my temper snapped everything into focus.
A dozen masked attackers raced toward us, hands full of fire.
This was no challenge.
They were trying to kill us.
This at least I was familiar with. Roaring in fury, I leapt to my feet and charged, magic flooding around me, a mix of witch, Sidhe and demon followed by the flickering white of the vampire as Meira’s blue family power lashed out in tune with mine. Shaylee reached for the earth and, though it was foreign to her, it still responded, rippling under the feet of the charging demons. Half of them fell, stumbling and crashing into each other even as the combined power of Meira and my witch magic sought the moisture in the air and the pressure of the wind, driving the two together with such force sharp shards of ice tore through their masks and clothing.
Most of them fled. Only two remained, a man and a woman from the way they carried themselves. The male whipped an arm back, amber fire ready to take me out only to fall back with a cry as the white power of the vampire struck like the end of a jagged whip, sucking his magic from him.
With that, they ran after their counterparts, threads of Meira’s blue power nipping at their heels. I almost went after them.
Was about to in fact, when I was suddenly surrounded by guards, flooding the market while the customers and vendors emerged, talking loud and fast and pointing at me.
“Finally,” I growled at one of them. “Weren’t you supposed to stay behind and guide us back to the Seat?”
I had no idea if these were Dad’s guards, but I took a stab at it.
Not his. Or at least, not here to protect me.
“Sydlynhamitra,” one of them said in a deep, wooden voice, giant hand going around my upper arm, “and Hathenemeira, you are both under arrest for the illegal use of foreign magic.”
***
Chapter Twenty Two
I couldn't make out Sassy's words, but the meaning was obvious. I knew swearing when I heard it in any language.
Part of me wanted to join him rather than sit and simmer with my arms crossed over my chest and my face set in a mask of absolute fury. After all, I already knew why he was so angry.
We'd been set up. And not in a subtle way, either. Not even close. The attempt to make Meira and I use our foreign magic, illegal on Demonicon, was so blatant if I did start swearing it would be accompanied by some fireballs and the odd explosion for good measure.
Meira fumed beside me, and I could only imagine the look on her face mirrored mine. I refused to look at the massive guards surrounding us, to acknowledge them in any way. I was not giving them even a moment of my attention after they clearly abandoned us to be ambushed, only to show up at the most convenient time for our arrest.
“I thought demons were good at this sort of politics,” I finally snapped at Sassafras when he ceased swearing to hum his unhappiness, ears flat to the sides where he perched on the arm of my chair. The floating transport moved more slowly than the parade vehicle had, and from the stares and whispers and pointing fingers I could only guess that was the point.
“Most are,” Sassy snarled. “Obviously, whoever is behind this didn't think we were worth the bother of a more elaborate attempt.”
Okay, was he actually pissed the attack wasn't well executed? Seriously? Though I had to admit, the more I thought about it, the more I agreed with him. It wasn't like we were actually in any danger. It was clear both Meira and I were more than a match for those who wanted us dead. I suppose I should have been nervous, afraid. Instead, all I could feel was fury.
How dare they?
“That's the last time they underestimate the Hayle sisters.” Meira actually grinned, eyes tight as she fist-bumped me. I laughed out loud, making one of the guards twitch. Were they afraid of us?
Wicked.
“Regardless of your skills or arrogance,” Sassy said, tone heavy with sarcasm, “the plotting against you has risen to the next level already. Not that I'm really surprised, but honestly.” His snort was so loud I had to giggle, my anger fading to annoyance and humor. “Has my name fallen so out of memory they would try something this pathetic and expect it to reap results?”
“Well, it did in a way,” I said. “They succeeded in making us use our alternative magicks.”
Meira nodded, a little glum, her own rage disappearing.
“True,” she said. “What's the punishment for it, Sassy?”
He paused. “Death,” he said, though casually, as though tossing off a comment with little weight. “I'm not worried about that. I'm more concerned with escalation from here.”
Um, what?
“Death?” I reached out and took Meira's hand, fierce protectiveness surging adrenaline through my body, her magic linking to mine. “They can try.”
“Your grandmother will never allow it,” Sassy said. “You're not some common demons. Besides, I have no doubt she has intentions for the two of you that require you breathing.”
Nice to know. And I believed him.
“Could she have been behind this?” The transport came to a halt at the foot of the mountain, the elevator platform descending to meet us, a very agitated and anxious Pagomaris hovering at its edge.
“Doubtful.” Sassafras stepped up into my arms as I stood and strode forward, pushing my way through the guards, Meira at my side. They parted without a word, almost shrinking back from us. I ignored Pagomaris's distress as I mounted the elevator and spun, demon cat in my arms, chin up and shoulders back as the platform began to rise.
“Grandmother wouldn't do anything like this,” Meira said.
It worried me Meira was so willing to jump to her defense, but Sassafras beat me to speaking up.
“While I'm not as inclined to believe Ahbi's intentions are pure,” Sas
sy said, “I agree with Meira. As I said, she has plans for both of you. This has to be an outside attempt to discredit the pair of you and, most likely, your father.”
“It couldn't be Grandmother,” Meira repeated, somewhat smug. “She's way smarter than this.”
That at least I could agree with.
I could tell Pagomaris wanted to talk as she stood there, hands wringing before her. It wasn't fair to leave her hanging, but I wasn't in the mood to deal with her simpering or the clear anxiety she wore on her face.
Instead, I held myself rigid beside her, treating her like a servant, though it made my stomach churn. I didn't want to be mean to her. She had her orders and her own status to protect. But after the way we'd been treated here, I wasn't in the mood to play nice just to save her feelings.
I spun and marched to the back of the platform, stepping off at the top level before it even came to a halt. It was obvious where the guard were taking us and I'd be damned if I'd let them drag me before the court of my very judging family when I could instead use the opportunity to show them all who was boss.
Of course, it depended on my grandmother's good will whether I'd succeed or not, but I was counting on her being on our side. Sassafras was right about one thing—Grandmother had her own agenda and her plans for us that had nothing to do with bringing us physical harm.
No word on the emotional damage, but that part I could handle.
I felt the guards hurrying, as though they were trying to pass me without making it look like they were running. Instead, from the gaping stares and slightly angry expression on Vandelarius's face, they succeeded in making themselves look like my procession, not my captors.
I came to an abrupt halt at the foot of the dais, glaring up at Grandmother who simply stared back, face completely blank.
“Grandmother,” I said.
“Sydlynhamitra,” she answered in her rumbling voice. “Welcome, as always, my child.”
She might have been a conniving, political animal, but she knew when to have my back.
Vandelarius looked about fit to blow a brain vein. Instead of exploding, he gestured abruptly, a glowing row of amber letters appearing beside him.
“Ruler,” he snapped, “these criminals have been brought before us to answer for breaking our laws.”
She didn't say anything, didn't look at him, just continued to hold my gaze.
Vandelarius cleared his throat, the simmering of his anger reaching me as his power rippled out. How had he advanced to Second Seat when he could barely contain his magic? I broke my grandmother's hold over me and turned to the smaller throne, my disdain as clear as I could make it in both my eyes and my body language.
“My sister and I were attacked,” I said, loud enough the whole court could hear, “and defended ourselves against those attackers.”
Vandelarius's eyes narrowed as the floating writing sparked with his anger. “You used foreign magic inside Ostrogotho,” he said. “That crime is punishable by death.”
Muttering, whispering. It was clear by the level of tension in the family they knew we wouldn't be dying any time soon, but it was also clear a shift in power was coming. I could feel them leaning in one direction or the other, their demon power flowing around me as they aligned with their favorite throne. It didn't take long for Vandelarius's lack of support to make itself known.
Not that he was willing to give up so easily. “It can't be denied they broke our laws.”
“After our guards conveniently abandoned us,” I countered. Power twitched behind me. Did the gathered guards just flinch? Not that I cared, but it would have been nice to witness. I turned my attention back to Grandmother whose expression hadn't changed.
An angry voice grew louder, one I knew well, though I didn't turn to acknowledge Dad as he stormed his way up the procession to stand at my side. He quivered in fury, magic crackling around him.
“What is the meaning of this?” He focused his full attention on his mother. “My daughters were the victims here.”
“Your daughters are law breakers,” Vandelarius hissed, but it sounded more spiteful than powerful.
I didn't need Dad to defend me and when Grandmother's amber eyes met mine again, I knew she understood that. “Laws or no laws, I tell you this—if challenged according to demon tradition, I will fight with demon magic. But if my sister and I are attacked again with intent to do us harm, I will not hesitate to use every form of magic at my disposal to assure our safety.”
“You admit to not only using your foreign power, but to the intention of doing so again?” Vandelarius's false shock revolted me as he swept the court with his gaze. “And we are expected to simply allow these two to wander our city, free and dangerous?”
“I warned you when we arrived,” I said. “I'm not just a demon, but much, much more. And I have the right to defend myself and my family if our lives are in danger.”
Vandelarius opened his big, ugly mouth to speak, but Grandmother's hand lifted and dropped down onto the arm of her throne, the sound of two boulders slamming together. He shrank back, sullen anger bubbling, while Grandmother spoke.
“Enough,” she said, and that was it. The tension in the family faded, magic realigning and retreating. Even Dad settled beside me, though I couldn't bring myself to relax.
Grandmother waved the same hand she'd almost started an earthquake with. “Bring the boy here.”
This time I did turn, out of surprise, to see the merchant boy I'd met slinking forward, two guards escorting him. He fell to his knees, face pressed to the stone floor as he shook so hard I worried he might fly apart.
“Rise, child,” Grandmother said in a voice as kind as I'd ever heard from her, “and tell me what you know.”
He looked up briefly, face a mask of terror. But when he spoke, his voice was at least level enough I could make him out.
“The ladies and their furred companion were attacked,” he said. “I feared for their lives. But they defeated the dozen masked ones who ran away with their cowardly tails tucked between their legs.”
Even obviously scared to death he had a silver tongue.
A tiny smile pulled at Grandmother's lips, but it vanished so fast I wasn't sure anyone else saw it. “I see. And did you witness the two using magic?”
“Yes, great and honorable Ruler,” he said.
“What color was their power?” The intensity of her gaze was so fierce I suddenly wondered what she was really after.
“Amber,” he said as the family gasped and Vandelarius sat forward to protest, “wound through with blue, white and green.”
“But the dominant magic?” She was as still as a statue, a predator waiting to pounce. “What color?”
“Amber, without a doubt, most powerful and benevolent Majesty,” he said.
Grandmother nodded once. “You may go, with the thanks of your Ruler.”
He scrambled backward on his hands and knees, somehow managing to bow as he did. He met my eyes a moment, his glittering in mischief, and I understood then the game my grandmother played. Who was he really? No common merchant. Was she having us watched? I returned my attention to Grandmother, mind churning, but pretty sure I now knew what she'd say.
“While the daughters of Haralthazar indeed engaged foreign magic,” she said, “their demon power contained it.” No one spoke up to argue with her even though I knew myself she was bending the truth. My demon chuffed happily, content to allow her to continue. “And considering this wasn't some simple challenge, but an attempt on their lives, it is my decision to pardon them of all charges.”
I bowed my head to her, Meira doing the same beside me even as Sassafras began to purr.
“It is the order of Ruler you refrain from using your foreign magicks further, however.” Grandmother was pushing her luck.
“As long as no one else tries to kill us,” I said, “I'll do just that.”
Okay, maybe I was the one pushing. But no way was I backing down on the issue. Vandelarius looked like he
'd been forced to swallow something painful, so there was that victory. And as long as Grandmother didn't decide to hit me with a bolt of lightning, this day might not turn out so bad after all.
Her tiny nod was all the answer I received, but it was enough. I found myself breathing again, felt the entire room inhale and knew everyone had held their breath, held time even, waiting to see what she would say.
Grandmother rose to her feet. “Court will dismiss,” she said. The family left without question, moving away in clumps and groups of more whispering. Vandelarius harrumphed his way from his throne and stalked off, a group of what had to be flunkies gathered around him, one female demon staring at us like we were dirt. Had to be Dad's sister, Vandelarius's wife.
So nice getting to know the family.
I was about to turn and leave myself when someone's hand touched my arm. I glance sideways, found Pagomaris smiling at me. All of her anxiety was gone, at least the visible parts.
“Her Royal Majesty would like you to join her.”
I glanced up at Grandmother, found her stepping down from the throne. Since she'd just saved our asses, who was I to say no?
***
Chapter Twenty Three
Meira didn't hesitate, rushing forward to hug our grandmother. Yup, hug her. I found myself gaping as I fell in step beside Dad while the tall and imposing Ruler hugged my sister back.
I kept going to the place of wondering if she wasn't such a monster after all. Either that or she was just really good at manipulation.
I was betting on the latter.
Grandmother smiled at me as I stopped a few feet away, Dad at my side, Sassafras still in my arms. It seemed like a real smile, one setting her eyes alight with sparkling good humor.
“I believe a tour is in order,” she said. “Allow me to show you our world as it was meant to be seen.”
I followed, still a bit hesitant. But Dad didn't seem overly upset, though he frowned to himself, staring at the ground as we walked. And Sassafras was still purring, if softly, almost absently. Meira chattered away about the battle and her part in it as she walked ahead of us, the tall and imposing demon Ruler bending to meet the gaze of her much more diminutive granddaughter. It almost made me jealous.