“Listen, Pops, I know you’ve been alive for like a really long time, but us lady folk can take care of ourselves. Honestly, I’m surprised she hasn’t stabbed you in your sleep for insinuating she can’t protect herself.”
“I know she’s strong.”
Mara throws another dagger, and it lands in the same spot as the previous one, clanking against the embedded knife, making the hole gapping at this point.
“So then why are you treating her like she’s made of glass? Also, from what I hear, there are some real bitches in Hell. Of course, she wants to openly claim you as hers.”
My brows furrow because Mara hasn’t left the manor. I’ve made it clear that she shouldn’t until we figure out what she wants to do. I worry about the death toll when we let her loose. It’s why I haven’t told her about Beelzebub being kept in the pits. I plan on telling her, but only when I’m sure she’s here to stay and that demon hasn’t tainted her mind.
“Where have you heard this?”
She tosses a dagger in the air and catches it by the handle, pointing the end at Toth, who looks shocked by her pointing the finger—or dagger, in this case—at him.
“I see.”
“My lord—” Toth starts, and I wave a hand at him.
“It’s important for Mara to know the social aspects of Hell. It’s fine, Toth.”
Mara throws another dagger, landing in the same spot alongside the other knives, and it’s a relief to know how well she’s doing with her training, how powerful she is. I find myself not worrying about her allegiance, she genuinely seems to want a relationship with me and to learn everything there is to learn about Hell.
“So what do I do now?”
Mara rolls her eyes. “A grand gesture, duh.”
“A grand gesture?”
“Yeah, you need to let her know that you’re all in.”
“All in.” It still creates a pit in my stomach, and I realize that I’ll never have peace of mind as long as Lilith is mine. The least I can do is provide her the title and love she deserves.
“And soon, girls don’t like to wait.” I smile at my daughter and nod.
“Your coronation is tomorrow, but it suddenly seems like we need to push it back.”
Mara smiles and nods. “That’s the spirit.”
The ‘coronation’ is set up in the banquet hall of the mansion. It’s separate from my personal quarters, and no one can explore elsewhere unless invited. Lilith slept in her room last night, and the worst part was she didn’t take her cat with her. The little fucker slept nestled between my legs.I didn’t enjoy it—not for a moment.
Mara told me I needed a grand gesture, and I couldn’t think of one better than this. I asked Toth to stay here with Mara, and I didn’t invite Blair or Dax. There are some things your children don’t need to see.
We’ve been careless around the mansion, but that’s about to change.
I’m still not sure how to battle the emotions of everyone knowing about Lilith. I liked her being mine and safe, but she’s been attacked twice, so how safe has she truly been? While immortality may seem long, I’ve spent too much time preoccupied with duty and possession than actually living. I’m ready to finally start my life with my soulmate by my side and watching my daughters live their long and happy lives.
I arrive in the banquet hall first, the room going quiet as I enter. There must be three hundred demons in attendance this evening, but there’s only one I truly care about.
Considering the fact that I’ve killed two of my inner circle lately and asked Toth to stay back with Mara, the only person standing next to my throne is Lilith, and Elvor stands tall next to her.
She doesn’t look at me right away, but she looks stunning. She always does. She’s wearing the black dress that I asked her to wear a few days ago, and I wonder if this is her peace offering or if she will accept mine.
I wore my crown tonight, something I hardly ever do, though it is made of the finest metals from multiple realms. I don’t need the symbol of my powers, just my presence is usually enough, but for this moment, it’s needed.
“Citizens of Hell,” I say, standing in front of the throne. “I know you’re curious as to why I’ve gathered you here, and for a coronation, no less. Lately, my status has been challenged, and I hope you have taken note of what happens when someone disrespects me. I would suggest you ask Beelzebub or Milcom, but seeing as they are dead, that would be impossible.” There is a light chatter in the room filled with gasps and mumblings.
“I want to make myself crystal clear; if you in any way threaten me or my family, there will be no second chances. You will find yourself in the pit for all of eternity, or your soul will simply be destroyed.” I pick at my nails, looking around the room. “Elvor has been feeling very restless lately,” I say, nodding to the fae. He grunts and nods his head in acknowledgment. “So let’s just say that my preference is eternal torture and not mercy, especially when it comes to those I deem important.”
I glare at the crowd that is now bowing on their knees, letting a moment of silence linger throughout the hall. “There has been some commotion with the angels recently, and I want to assure you that it is being dealt with. I expect complete transparency in this realm. If there is even a whisper of coercion with the angels, know that you alone have sealed your fate.”
