by Dove, Raquel
“Lord Sami’s assassin,” Tavi said, his jaw tensing as he waited for a reaction from his father’s father. Ashdad finally looked up from the paper, setting in down on his desk. He intertwined his fingers, placing his hands on the desk before him as he studied the younger demon.
“What of him?” Ashdad asked finally, his voice much too casual for Tavi’s liking. They were, after all, speaking about the person who murdered his son. One would think he would be more interested.
“This was found in the halls of the palace the morning following the assassination,” Tavi said, pulling out the crumpled parchment that had a crudely drawn map of the palace. He handed it over to Ashdad, who took a cursory glance at it before tossing it on to the desk.
“So?” Ashdad said with a shrug. He really did not have time to deal with this. What was done was done. He saw no use in drudging up things they could not change.
“My Lord,” Tavi said, his eyes wide and mouth slacked as he looked back at the Lord Sultan. He could not fathom the callousness Ashdad displayed toward his own son. “This was given to the assassin by one of the palace staff. There is a traitor in our midst and we must find him.”
“And I suppose you have a lead,” Ashdad said, crossing his arms over his chest and clearly showing his irritation at having to entertain the concerns of this lesser demon.
“Well, yes, My Lord,” Tavi said, “I believe I do.”
“So why are you bothering me with such trivial tasks when you should be apprehending and questioning him?”
“I only have circumstantial evidence,” Tavi admitted. He had not thought that he would have to defend his position so vigorously. He just didn’t understand why Lord Ashdad would be so careless about a traitor among his own staff that had helped in the murder of his son.
“Then why are you coming to me?” Ashdad barked, his tone harsh and condescending.
“The suspect is a Council Member,” Tavi said. He was expecting Ashdad to be surprised, to be concerned with the possibility of such a high member of his court betraying the royal family. He was once again greeted with indifference.
“Do you honestly believe someone of such high stature would do such a thing?” Ashdad said cooly. “I suppose you believe it was Lord Baal?”
“No, My Lord,” Tavi said, “I believe it is Lord Jahan.”
Ashdad barked out a short laugh. The thought was simply silly. He would need to replace this whelp much sooner than he thought.
“What would ever give you such a ridiculous idea?” Ashdad said, his eyes burning into Tavi with condemnation.
“My Lord,” Tavi began, shifting uncomfortably in the silk cushion he was sitting on, “the parchment is of a special kind, used only in the kitchens. Lord Jahan was previously the head of the kitchen staff. I spoke with…”
“I do not want a lengthy explanation, boy,” Ashdad cut him off before he even had time to explain his convictions. “There are always rumors floating around the staff, disgruntled workers who want to bring their higher ups down.”
“But My Lord,” Tavi said, his anger beginning to rise at the pig headedness of the old demon, “this is not hearsay or rumor. I believe this is an issue we must take seriously. Given all the evidence…”
“You have already admitted that you do not have any solid evidence,” Ashdad said, interrupting Tavi again. “Now, leave my presence. I do not have time to listen to your prattle any longer.”
It took Tavi a moment to rise from his seat, his shock at his treatment rooting him to his spot. Sure, he didn’t have hardcore proof that Jahan was the traitor, but if Ashdad had only let him explain he certainly would have seen the concern. Balthazar may have made some mistakes, but he would have listened. Tavi wanted to lash out, to shake this demon into some form of sense and compassion for his own son. But there was nothing he could do. Ashdad was the Lord Sultan, not Balthazar, and he would have to simply do as he was told. That did not, however, mean that he would give up. He would find rock solid evidence against Jahan and confront the Lord Sultan again.
Ashdad watched as Tavi left the room, releasing a heavy sigh once he was gone. He knew this was not over. He had effectively humiliated the boy and manipulated the situation to his advantage, but it would only serve to make Tavi more determined. He may have to orchestrate some sort of accident to shut the boy up for good, and Jahan was a liability that would need to be dealt with as well.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Darius saw Tavi coming out of the Lord Sultan office and he followed him into the royal gardens. He had overheard the entire conversation between the Tavi and Lord Ashdad, and it confirmed his suspicions. Now he knew he had an ally amongst the council members.
“Lord Tavi,” Darius said, coming up beside him. “I would like to speak with you.”
“Speak,” Tavi snapped, releasing the pent up anger that had built in speaking with the arrogant Lord Sultan.
“There is no need to direct your anger towards me,” Darius said calmly, adjusting the small bag of edicts that was perpetually at his side as he tried to keep up with Tavi’s brisk pace.
“Forgive me,” Tavi said with a heavy sigh, stopping and turning towards Darius. The short balding demon was old, but very good at his job. His clothes were constantly out of fashion and disheveled. He kept his head down and concerned himself only with his work, never wanting to ruffle anyone’s feathers.
“I understand your irritation,” Darius said, trying to convey a hidden thought to Tavi with his eyes. “I too have been uncomfortable with some of the recent changes.”
Darius was just a child when Lord Ashdad was previously the Lord Sultan, before he disappeared. He often struck fear in the hearts of his servants, and he was widely known for his endless quest for power. There would not be many demons left alive that remembered him. But Darius remembered. He remembered the night that Lord Sami was anointed the new Lord Sultan, two moons after Ashdad’s sudden absence. His father had come into his room, waking him with a smile beaming on his face. He had told Darius how different things would be in the kingdom now, how wonderful Lord Sami’s reign would be. The new Lord Sultan had made a lengthy speech, in which he promoted peace and prosperity, in stark contrast to his warlike, power hungry father. Lord Ashdad may act like the prodigal Lord Sultan, returning to his people with regret that he ever left in the first place, but Darius knew better. He remembered the man Ashdad used to be.
“We must be careful,” Tavi said, “it would not be wise to speak against a Lord Sultan. However disgruntled we may be with his decisions.”
“I could not agree more,” Darius said. “Come to my home this evening. I would discuss such matters in a more private settings.”
#
“You must relinquish your throne,” an old voice crooned at the doorway of Ashdad’s office. The Lord Sultan looked up to see Salaman staring down at him with a disapproving glare in his milky eyes. The withered old demon was the oldest creature in all of Devas. Ashdad had hated him during his previous reign, and he found now that he hated him even more.
“You were a fool during my earlier reign,” Ashdad said, “and you are even more of a fool now if you think I will give up what I have worked so hard to achieve.”
“You are bad for our kingdom,” Salaman said as he leaned heavily on his crooked staff. He did not have long in this life, but what he had left he would use to try and help the kingdom. “Others may not stand up to you, but I will.”
“And you will be severely punished for doing so,” Ashdad said, rising from his seat. He glowered at the wrinkled old demon, trying to intimidate him. Salaman was unfazed by the display of power.
“You can do to me whatever you like,” Salaman said, “but my words will not fall on deaf ears.”
“Your words are soon to be no more,” Ashdad said. He motioned for one of the guards stationed at his door to take the hunched old man into custody.
“Balthazar is the rightful Lord Sultan,” Salaman said, shrugging off the hand of the guard.
“I am Lord Sultan,” Ashdad said, a growl peeking through his words.
“No,” Salaman said, “The power of the Lord Sultan comes from my blessing, and I have given that to Lord Balthazar. I would gladly do so again.”
“Which is why you will soon be forfeiting your life, old man,” Ashdad growled his fangs barred at the demon as the guard took him into custody.
#
“It is an honor to have you in my home,” Darius said, gesturing for Tavi to have a seat at the table. A lavish meal had been laid out for them, and Tavi knew it was all for him. Darius, though a demon of considerable means, was a remarkably studious man, taking little time for pleasures or luxuries. His meals were no exception to that.
“It is an honor to be invited,” Tavi said, taking the seat. A servant began to serve the meal, but Darius signaled him to leave the room. He wanted complete privacy for the treasonous conversation he was about to conduct. He knew he could trust all the members of his personal staff, but he did not want to implicate any more people than necessary.
“I wish we could be meeting under better circumstances,” Darius said.
“You are not a man for useless words,” Tavi said. “There is no need to dance around the subject. Why have you asked me here?”
“I too have my suspicions about Lord Jahan,” Darius said, an eyebrow cocked as he tried to gauge Tavi’s response.
“Suspicions are just that,” Tavi said, “suspicions.”
He was glad to have found an ally, but it truly made little difference if the Lord Sultan was unwilling to listen.
“Perhaps,” Darius said, “but suspicion in numbers can prove to be powerful evidence.”
“There are only two of us,” Tavi said, “and the Lord Sultan has made it very clear how little he thinks of my opinions.”
“There is yet one more member on the council,” Darius said, “and you happen to be his son-in-law.”
“I would not say I am on terribly good terms with the Lord Enchanter,” Tavi said. The marriage to him may have saved his daughters from blatent humiliation, but it certainly did not make either of them very happy. Lord Arastoo was expecting his daughter to wed the Lord Sultan and Tavi was a poor substitute.
“Arastoo is a peculiar demon,” Darius said, “but he has concern for his kingdom. If we voice our concerns, and he has reason for doubt, he will join our cause. Together we can at the very least remove Jahan from his position. The Lord Sultan may be powerful, but if we band together, the council can sway his rule.”
“I will try to speak with him,” Tavi said. “What misgivings do you have of Jahan?”
“Mostly feelings of suspicion,” Darius admitted, “but there was one curious incident that was reported. I thought nothing of it at the time, but taking everything together it does draw my curiosity. It was several weeks ago, when the human girl first came to the palace. Jahan was reported following her in the garden. I chalked it up to simple curiosity, but after the girl’s kidnapping my suspicions were piqued.”
“That is peculiar behavior indeed,” Tavi said.
“Have you seen Prince Balthazar since his return?” Darius asked, changing the subject.
“No,” Tavi said, his jaw tensing in frustration. “He has been secluded since Alexandra awoke.”
“We must get word to him,” Darius said, “I also have suspicions about Lord Ashdad.”
Chapter Twenty Eight
Carolina was becoming increasingly worried about Alexandra. She had returned from speaking with Lord Ashdad the night before utterly down trodden and refusing to speak with anyone. She had crawled into the bed in her own apartments and remained there, alternating between bouts of crying and light sleeping. On top of her concern for Alexandra, her concern for her son was growing. She knew he would face strict punishment for disobeying the Lord Sultans orders so blatantly, but she had heard nothing of his punishment. Rumors travelled fast in the harem, and not hearing any news meant very bad news. She didn’t believe Lord Ashdad would execute him, he was still the first in line for the throne and there was no other in the kingdom that was even close to his equal.
“Alexandra,” Carolina said softly, entering her apartment and finding her in the bed. “You must rise now.”
Alex didn’t respond. She couldn’t. She felt like someone had ripped her heart out and stomped on it, then placed in back in her chest. Her body was awash in pain and numbness at the same time. She didn’t want to talk, couldn’t bear to say out loud what had happened. She didn’t even want to move. She could feel a fresh round of tears begin to sting her already sore eyes. The thought of Balthazar turning so easily on her after everything was just too much.
“That is enough,” Carolina said, smelling the saltiness of her oncoming tears. She had to do something, she just didn’t know whatever was the matter with the inconsolable girl. “You will tell me what is the matter, now.”
Alex rolled over in the bed, looking up at the beautiful demoness. Her icy blue eyes were staring down at her with so much concern. Alex had come to know the Sultana well in the short time she had spent with her. And the one thing she knew was that Carolina got what she wanted, one way or another. Alex knew she would eventually have to tell her what had happened. Even though she really didn’t want to, she figured she might as well get it over with.
“He doesn’t want me,” Alex said, hoping Carolina would understand and she wouldn’t have to explain any further.
“That is absurd,” Carolina said, with a flick of her wrist and her face twisted into a momentary scowl. Alex knew she was only trying to be encouraging, but it still made her heart sink. Her eyes clamped shut and her lips pulled into a frown as the tears ran down her face.
“No,” she choked out between sobs. Carolina sat on the bed beside her and rubbed at her back, trying her best to calm the girl. She despised the smell of tears, and especially so when it came from one of her most favorite people.
“Stop crying,” Carolina said. “I assure you, my son’s affections for you are true and strong.”
“No,” Alex said again, sniffling and wiping at her tears. “He’s decided to break our bond. He doesn’t even want to see me.”
Saying those words felt like someone had ripped open her gut and was slowly pulling out her insides. The pain was unbearable. Carolina’s face hardened into a scowl. She didn’t know what exactly Lord Ashdad had said to Alexandra, but she hated him for it. She had to correct this.
“Do you love him?” Carolina asked. The words sent a shock through Alex, and her tears cut off for an instant. She still couldn’t bring herself to answer. Just the thought brought a fresh pain, knowing that she did but he was now refusing her.
“I thought so,” Carolina said, “and I know my son. He feels the same, of that I assure you.”
“But, he doesn’t want to see me anymore,” Alex said again, throwing her hands up, the tears spilling once again.
“My dear Alexandra,” Carolina said with a chuckle and a wave of her hand at the girl’s innocent naivety. “Love will always find a way. Now, get out of that bed. We must wash you and get dressed.”
“I don’t want to,” Alex said, shaking her head and pulling the covers higher over her. The last thing she wanted to do was make a public appearance.
“Unfortunately, we do not have a choice,” Carolina said, with a sigh. “The Lord Sultan has demanded the presence of the entire royal court. And that includes you, my dear.”
“I don’t care,” Alex said, “I’m not going. He can do whatever he wants to me. I’m staying here.”
“Prince Balthazar will be there,” Carolina said with a devilish smirk.
“Really?” Alex asked, brightening slightly.
“Of course,” Carolina said, “the entire royal court will be there. And you don’t want him to see you so disheveled, now do you?”
Carolina smiled when Alex sat up in the bed wiping at her tear stained cheeks. She had come to look at the girl as her own daughter, and assumed she
would soon become her daughter-in-law. Carolina was determined to make that happen, even if she had to do her most active meddling, and risk her life in the process, she would see these two come together.
Chapter Twenty Nine
Alex peered around the massive Grand Hall of the palace, searching for a glimpse of Balthazar. During the time it had taken to dress in the formal wear of the Devasi, Alexandra’s resolve had hardened. She was hurt, deeply. But she wanted answers. She wanted to know why. And she wanted to hear Balthazar himself tell her he never wanted to see her again.
The size of the hall alone was impressive, about the length and width of a football field. Two lines of thick marble columns ran down the length of the room, holding up the vaulted, heavily carved wooden roof. At one end was a raised dais with a gilded throne. Groups of multi-colored thick cushions dotted the white marble floor, where the Devasi nobles sat waiting.
Alex had only seen a crowd like this one other time, and that was at the Taj Festival. She was looking for one Balthazar, but when she couldn’t find him in the mass of people, her heart began to sink. Everyone was dressed in the finest formal clothes. The men wore long silk robes that were left open to reveal well-formed, muscular torsos and silk pants that ballooned and bunched around the calf. The women wore dazzling silk costumes that were embroidered with gold and silver threads and precious gems. The tops were short, covering just the breasts, and the skirts sat low on the hips with a slit that ran up the thigh on either side. Alex hadn’t enjoyed wearing the outfit last time she was here, and she wasn’t enjoying it now.
“I thought you said Balthazar would be here,” Alex said as she leaned over to Lady Carolina, who sat just to her left. A couple of the demonesses in close proximity heard the comment and gasped at Alexandra’s casual address of the prince.