Our realm, though notonEarth as such, was represented by a territory on Earth. Any human or supernatural that lived inthat territory would be fed upon. Any negative emotion they felt became the feast of demons, much to their ignorance. Usually, humans suffered nothing more than the occasional abscess, cyst, or boil—those kinds of ailments. It hardly served us to kill off our food source, though their lifespan was shorter for dwelling in our territory, and if they lived too close to the demon gates, then they could die in a matter of weeks. Humans did possess instincts of their own, however, and usually the humans quickly moved on, sensing that the areas by the gates were harming them.
But Carmine wished to expand our territory.
He’d been slowly pushing out our demon gates into the territory of other supernaturals. With a greater food source, the power of all demons in the realm would swell, and we would be a stronger race as a result. And then? Carmine would take control of the other supernaturals—and use them for a food source, too, of course. There would be no obstacles for this kingdom if his plan was successful. We’d be unstoppable in time, and color me surprised that Ididcare whether humans and other supernaturals lived freely or not.
I’d just never really understoodwhyCarmine wanted this so badly. That was where I got hung up. Why couldn’t we all exist? I’d been raised a magus outside of a coven, but many covens existed. Then there were Vissimo—the vampire clans, and Luthers—the werewolf packs. Fairies would fare the best, in that they had their own realm too. I didn’t see the sense in controlling other species. They couldn’t get to us here. Demons were safe, and no threat existed to us except the threat from within. With the right ruler, that wasn’t an issue.
Athira leaned across her son. “You should support your king.”
Should, should, should.
“Careful, Mother. Remember your new place.”Those closest gasped, including the servants, who were my real target. They’d spread news to the greater realm of the change in hierarchy. I’d work hard to win the crimsons over here, and those effects would ripple out to the entire realm.
“You choose a dangerous game,” his mother replied. “Are you certain you would like to play?”
Yep, I was playing Tiers in the royal fortress too. My life had become a game.
I leaned across Carmine to look into her crimson gaze. “What can you do to me?”
Her smile was all teeth. “Any number of things that won’t kill you.”
I believed her.Mother be,why was she so damned scary? Why didn’t I get one of those sweet mothers-in-law who sang lullabies? “Don’t waste my time unless it’s death you intend to deliver. Because if you come at me, I will extinguish you. How much support will your son have then? I have no reason to keep you alive, Athira. So like I said, remember your new place.”
“He’d never forgive you…” She trailed off.
I wasn’t so worried about his forgiveness, and Carmine couldn’t risk killing me without killing or seriously injuring himself.
Athira leaned away, and I remained for a few seconds, then did the same.
Heads were together as people gossiped about the spectacle. Tomorrow, the news would be all over the realm—the king’s mate-intended had bested the king’s mother.
If they expected her to go down without a fight, they were far more hopeful than I. I’d taken a big bite. Let’s hope I could chew it.
Carmine stood without warning. Was the mother and mate sandwich too much for him? I smirked.
His minions fell quiet. Carmine didn’t ever stand other than to announce something important or to leave, and the hour to leave hadn’t arrived. Crimsons dotted with the odd yellow or orange servant awaited his words like seagulls awaited fries. How did the demon king stand such reverence? That he appeared to thrive on their reaction repulsed me, though I’d once been a seagull too.
No matter that the last three years had driven me to insanity more times than I could count, I could at least find pride that I’d clawed back my self-respect.
“Two days hence,” Carmine said, “my mate-intended will return to Tiers, with my permission. She will return to fight each week until she emerges the victor. She will not receive special treatment despite her status. I will not intervene in the game.”
He lowered into his throne again.
My heart pounded.
What the hell just happened?
I pursed my lips as crimsons stared between me and their king. Thewith my permissionpart rubbed me the wrong way, but all-in-all… that was a result, and it only cost me a little moan, a shaky exhale, and a cryptic speech.
Thank you, Gratia.
When the dancing resumed, I glanced at Carmine. “Why?”
“Because you are powerful enough to win.”
He meant the smoke attack on his mother? “I’d believe you cared, if not for the fact my death could mean yours.”
“I never stopped caring for you, enamai.”
