Scotty kissed my cheek. “I’m a witness. I have to go testify in front of the audience. I’ll be back.”
Chairs were brought for us to sit, and then the hearing—for lack of a better word—began.
Michael stood and turned to face us and the crowd. “The first and most important thing is that we want to apologize for the death of Tork. As the Creator was quick to remind us, love is love, and the fact Nakir fell in love with a demon shouldn’t have led to either of their deaths. It could have been negotiated and shouldn’t have been dealt with by the two former Archs, who have admitted they murdered the two to set up the head of the Council, Uriel, in order to take over leadership.”
Michael told everyone how Gabriel and Remiel had conspired to make it appear Uriel had killed the cherub and lesser demon out of jealousy because he was in a secret relationship with the cherub, which was also forbidden.
“Where is the body of the cherub? Do we know for sure that he was murdered, or was it only our demon who paid the price with his life?” Beelz had that walking stick across his lap and looked every bit the imposing threat the man could be...until Thea, the waitress, delivered a large basket of chicken wings and fries. I struggled not to laugh, as did Michael, Jo, and Scotty.
“The body of the cherub was dropped into the Styx, according to Gabriel, who did the actual murders and brought the body of Tork here and placed it outside the Gate of Hell and mounted the head on the spike.” Michael then gave Gabriel a murderous look which would have mademesquirm.
Gabriel and Remiel were forced to speak their crimes out loud and apologize to Beelz, as the representative for Lucifer. Beelz explained to the Council that Nyx had disappeared with her followers and how we were searching for them.
Michael turned to his fellow Archs. “We must aid them in their search because Nyx is a threat to the Human Realm. We are charged to protect humanity. This is part of our responsibility as well.”
“Are you proposing we work with Lucifer’s army? That’s absurd!”
“Who’s that?” I turned to Beelz to see him licking his fingers before he grabbed the napkin Thea had given him.
“That’s Sariel. He’s a wuss, but this might be your chance. Stand up, announce yourself, and propose that you and Scotty would be happy to handle the search on behalf of both realms. They’ll need to elevate Scotty to meet your power level so the two of you can be balanced and your bond can be reinstated.”
“Our bond never went away, Beelz. It’s still strong.” And it was. I felt his heart beating in my chest, and I was sure he could feel mine. The bond had never been severed, but if they’d tried to, they’d failed.
“So, a true soulmate then? Fan-fucking-tastic! I’m happy for you, brother. We’ll fix this with Father. Make no mistake.”
I nodded and stood. “I am Jameson, the newest prince of Hell. I propose that Alba Protectoris Scott Locke and I resume our duties as a balanced pair and lead the search for Nyx. Our record in assisting the Council and the underworld is untarnished. Elevate Alba Protectoris so that we may resume our responsibilities. We are true soulmates, and we will be married soon.”
There was a lot of chit-chat in the crowd and even among the Archs. We watched as Uriel and his fellow angels stood andgathered in a huddle. I watched my angel as he nervously fiddled with his hands. My stomach was in knots, as well.
Would we succeed in getting back to each other? If not, could we run away from all this bullshit and find a place to be together?
There was a lot of shit to try to understand, but one thing was sure... I couldn’t wait to marry him.
And that was a beautiful thing.
Chapter Eighteen
Scotty
I was on pins and needles as we awaited the Council’s decision. There was no way they’d promote me to a level anywhere near Jay’s new position. He was a prince. The closest thing we had to a prince was the Archs, and that was something that couldn’t be promoted. They were created for the job.
Michael laughed at something Uriel said, but they all took their seats again. Uriel motioned for Michael to speak. As he was about to open his mouth, a hot breeze filled Limbo. The remaining princes of Hell landed beside Beelz, and he stood, our side creating a huddle of their own.
Beelz smacked Jay on the back of the head. “Get up here. You’re one of us.” I chuckled at the stunned expression on Jay’s face.
The princes formed a huddle of their own, and it seemed like an eternity before they all turned to the Council.
Beelz stepped forward as a plate of sliders was delivered to the small table Cato had put next to his chair. Beelz glanced at it, and then turned to the Council.
“I am Beelzebub, a prince of Hell. Lucifer has sent word through my brothers that he wants Gabriel. He plans to make him his valet, which is a fate worse than death, I assure you. The Council can take Remiel, but Lucifer wants your assurances that the former Arch will be punished for his part in the murder of a demon.”
Brokorol and Er’on appeared with a golden rope like they’d put on De Vil. The guards walked Gabriel over to Brok and Er’on, and Brok put the rope around the former Arch’s chest and arms, leading him away.
Michael stood. “Okay. Anything else?”
Beelz snapped his fingers before he sat down and dug into his food, which made Verrine and Bereth laugh. Lycus turned toward the Council. “I am Lycus, a prince of Hell, and I come with a message from my father. He is willing to make an exception to allow Prince Jameson to remain on loan to the Council to continue the work of the Celestial Realm and the underworld. He values the job Jameson and Scott Locke did before Jameson was elevated to a prince of Hell. My father asks that you consider changing the rule that the pair must be perfectly balanced. They are soulmates, so they will hold each other as equals and decide punishments with equal weight for good and evil.”
My breath caught in my throat as Jo stepped closer and took my hand. I watched as the Archs whispered among themselves. Uriel was waving his hands around, and then Michael spoke to him and finally, Uriel nodded.
