He studied me. “If I said I wanted you to fuck me? What would you say to that,your royal highness? Would you lie on your back for me in an attempt to give Samael more time for whatever he’s planning?”
My stomach swam at the thought. I took a deep breath, and he cursed, turning away.
“I apologize. I would never demand such a thing.”
I remained silent, and he sighed, running his hand through his hair. “I was Samael’s friend once.”
I blinked. Of all the things I’d expected him to say, that certainly hadn’t been it. “You must have been young.”
He nodded. “I was a small boy. We were both just boys. We… played together.”
His hands fisted, and his voice was hoarse as he turned to face me once more. “I could barely hold my practice sword. Samael’s father gave me tips when I was finally big enough to swing it. His mother… she was so beautiful. And Alette?” he let out a rough laugh, his gaze steady on my face. “She followed us everywhere. She was pure innocence.” He swallowed, and it was grief that creased the muscles next to his eyes. “My parents were part of the rebellion. They allowed Lucifer’s people into the palace. They’d made sure to negotiate for places in his new court. My father was Samael’s grandfather’s second.”
I froze. “Niyax.”
“Of course, Samael would have told you.” He dropped his gaze to the floor. “I was watching, you know. My father had insisted on it. He was convinced that I was soft, that I’d need to understand just how bloody war could be. He ordered me to stand in this room. At this window. So I could see him kill ourenemies.” He shook his head. “And you know what I saw?”
My lips were numb. “Your father killed his parents. His grandfather. Ordered Alette killed. The baby.”
“Yes. And then Samael killed them all.”
“You blame him for that?”
“No. But I find myself glad that he doesn’t have that power anymore. That he can’t wield it in the underworld. It takes centuries before a demon is powerful enough to use demon fire. Samael was the only exception. That power was the sole reason he survived, and if he could kill that many powerful demons as a child, I can’t even imagine what he could do if that power returned.
“You believe Samael would simply kill Lucifer and be done?” Pischiel scoffed at me like I was a stupid child. “No. He’d kill anyone even remotely related to the rebellion that took his family from him. I can’t blame him. I’d do the same thing.”
I shook my head. “Samael’s not like that.”
The look he gave me was pitying. “You obviously don’t know him as well as you think you do.”
“I know every inch of him. And I can tell you he wouldn’t kill someone who was an innocent child that night. I wouldn’t have fallen in love with a man who would do something like that. But Samael would certainly kill someone who threatened my life as an adult.”
He gave me a faint smile. “And there you go. You truly believe you can convince the demon Lucifer named as his heir to turn on him?”
I shrugged, but every muscle in my body was tense as I watched him. “Do you even want the throne, Pischiel?”
One dark eyebrow rose as he angled his head. “Would you like me to tell you I’d give it all up for you, Danica? I’d be lying. You have no idea of the kind of things I’ve done to stay alive. To work my way up to a position of power.”
“To honor your father’s legacy?”
He stiffened. “Careful, witch.”
“And there’s the real Pischiel. About time we cut the shit.”
His expression turned sulky, but I had a pretty good feeling he was playing with me. “And we’re back to negotiations.”
“How about this? Don’t do anything to actively restrict my movements, don’t tell Lucifer I have my memories back, and I’ll convince Samael to spare your life.”
He shook his head as if disappointed in me. “You truly believe it. You believe your lover can take Lucifer’s throne.”
“I know he can.” Because we’d do it together. Pischiel was silent and I shrugged. “Lucifer’s a Machiavellian, overpowered demon with a penchant for turning his enemies to ash and an obsession with revenge. I have a little experience with a man just like that, and I know who I’m betting on. Do we have a deal?”
He studied my face. “Lucifer will find out. You’re underestimating how loyal his people are to him. He has spies everywhere.”
“I know. I just need a little time before he finds out.”
“Fine. If Samael fails, perhaps I’ll even be able to convince Lucifer to spare your life in return.”
