“You’re still learning.”
“Am I? You won’t let me leave the manor, yet I’m supposed to be understanding the inner workings of Hell. I’m strong and smart; I don’t need my hand held like a toddler. I’m stronger and more powerful than any other demon you’ve made corporeal. It’s time you start treating me like it.”
The left corner of his mouth tilts, and he nods his head. “Very well. You have full access to Hell. I won’t treat you like a child.”
I sit up straighter, lifting my chin slightly. “Thank you.”
“So, I’m guessing I’ll see Elvor around the manor more often?” he asks.
“Yes, along with others, more than likely,” I say, and he rubs the back of his neck and clears his throat.
“I just wish you to be happy. It is not uncommon in Hell. I’ll trust your judgment in whom you decide to spend your time with,” he says, swallowing and looking away like he wants to change the subject. “There is also the matter of your coronation and what your duties will be as the Princess of Hell.”
“How am I supposed to one-up Lilith’s coronation?” I ask with a smirk, and it’s the first time I see Lucifer’s face heat. I’m grateful I wasn’t there to see what he and Lilith did when he crowned her his queen.
“Right, well,” he clears his throat. My ability to make powerful demons uncomfortable is a serious skill set. “Why don’t you think about what you want for the event. I know Lilith is more than happy to let you plan it.”
He flips through some papers on his desk, and I’m not sure if I’m being dismissed or if he feels uncomfortable, so I stand and leave.
“I’d like to have a family dinner on Sunday,” he says gently, and I smile.
I gasp and clutch at my chest. “On the Lord’s day of all days?”
“Depends on which lord, darling. Can I count you in?”
“Can Elvor come?”
“Of course,” he says. I give him a curt nod and leave his library.
I guess Hell is my oyster… now that I think about it, I have no clue what that phrase means. All I know is that I’m finally ready to spread my hypothetical wings. I don’t even feel like I have any nefarious intentions, either. I’m liking Hell, Lucifer—my father. Now, I’m ready to get to know the rest of its inhabitants.
I’m close to portalling out of the manor when Lilith approaches me.
“Elvor is here to see you,” she informs me with a smile on her face.
“Oh, he is?” I ask, feeling giddy over the fact that he’s following up on the promises that he made me.
“He’s special. You have to promise me that this isn’t just a fling,” Lilith says.
“I’ll be honest, I don’t really know him. I like him. He’s courting me.”
Lilith nods her head and looks around the hallway. “I kind of had a feeling you two would hit it off. I was planning on introducing you after Lucifer, and I got back, but it seems you did that yourself.”
“He told you what happened?” I ask, wondering if Elvor shares more candor with Lilith than he does with me because that just won’t do.
“No, I just assumed, based on the fact that he’s here to see you.”
“Right,” I say, eyeing up the pretty blonde demon. “How close are you with Elvor, exactly?” The question is both for myself and Lucifer. If she’s dating my man, we’re going to have problems. If she’s stepping out on my father, the king of Hell, she’ll have even bigger problems.
“Oh, heavens no, it’s not like that. He has always been a good friend to me… I just want to return the favor.”
I take the risk in believing her because, so far, Lilith has been the most welcoming to me in Hell. I won’t deny that I’ll continue monitoring the pretty blonde, though.
Lilith and I walk together to the foyer, where Elvor stands. Now that we’re not in the dim light of the pit, I can see how truly striking he is. His white-blond hair is pinned back in a bun, like before, and I can now confirm just how pointed his ears are. They’re adorable. His eyes are even bluer than mine, almost crystalline. His face has a few scars, but nothing that distracts from how truly handsome he is.
I thought I made him out to be larger in my memories than he truly is, but now that he stands before me, I realize he’s just as big as I thought he was.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Lilith offers before leaving.
