I gaped at him. I'd never had anyone relate to me in the way that I saw the world. Or understand it even. But Braxis saw it and understood it.
“I'm willing to negotiate,” Lucifer said suddenly.
I turned back to him. “You are?”
“Yes. I will grant the Reaksarians trade on useful technology and increase the items offered yearly. If that goes well, I will offer to trade them weapons and even open commerce between them and visitors to our planet.”
Braxis made a shocked sound. “That is... acceptable, Your Majesty.”
Lucifer lifted a brow at the title. “But there is still the matter of your possession of my son's ship and my daughter's person.”
“I will return Amara to Earth and then send my people back to Hell with the ship if you will grant them a pardon and assure me that they will not be punished in any way.”
Lucifer nodded. “I will grant them a pardon but not you.”
“Lucifer, please, I—” I started.
Lucifer held up a hand and continued to speak to Braxis, “I wantyouto hunt down the Triari bastard who killed my daughter's parents and tried to kill the truce between our people. I want you to kill him and bring me his head.”
Braxis began to smile. “I have already vowed to hunt Gregory down.”
Lucifer grunted in approval. “Bring me the man's head and I will pardon you for your crimes and name you a Duke of Hell.”
Braxis gaped at Lucifer for a second before snapping his jaw up. “You'd make me a duke?”
“Your people admire and love you,” Lucifer said shrewdly. “They followed you into exile and that says a lot. With you as my duke, I am assured of their cooperation.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, I—”
“Before you accept, there is more,” Lucifer cut him off. “You will kneel to me when you present your tribute and you will declare your fealty to me before your warriors. Then I will make you a duke. As a duke of Hell, your fealty includes absolute obedience and you will lead your men into battle on my behalf, should the need arise.”
Braxis' jaw tightened.
“This is a compromise,” I said gently. “He's offering you a lot, Braxis. You can rule but you have to acknowledge him as king. I think that's more than fair.”
“It is. We've done as much before. It's just the kneeling part that chafes. And theabsolute obedience.”
“Every duke on Hell has knelt to me to accept their title,” Lucifer said sternly. “You will not be crowned if you will not kneel. And as far as obedience, I am your king, you owe me that if you wish to be a true subject.”
“How much are your people worth to you?” I asked Braxis simply.
“Nearly as much as you are,” he whispered.
Lucifer's eyes flashed red and he lurched to his feet with a roar.
“Nothing is going on between us!” I held up my hands placatingly. “I have not betrayed my mvarro!”
“Has he seduced you?” Lucifer demanded as he pointed a suddenly clawed finger at Braxis. “Is that why you argue on his behalf?”
“No, I swear it.”
“She has refused me,” Braxis said solemnly. “And do not ever doubt her honor again, King Lucifer.”
Lucifer stared at Braxis and Braxis stared back.
“You tried to seduce her,” Lucifer said.
“I have tried and will continue to try,” Braxis vowed. “She will be my mate someday or I will die alone.”
