“Yes.”
“An order as my king?”
“Yes.”
“The mortal means that much to you?”
“No. I care for her not.”
“Might I ask, why the sudden fascination in her?”
“Politics, little brother, touch everything. We will interfere no more in Rhodea for the time being.”
“Understood.” He was thoughtful for a moment before a wide grin split his face again. “Then why not join the festivities, old man? The night is young. Leviathan has nearly finished with that wench over there.”
“I am not interested in anyone’s leftovers.” Lucifer’s words hit him like chips of ice.
“You didn’t want any to begin with! Where is the Lucifer from a few centuries ago, eh? You’ve gotten old, nearly faded to dust.”
“I am simply,” Lucifer flicked his gaze about the room, “not interested.”
Asmodeus shrugged. “You’re missing out.”
“There are none alive who could hold my interest, little brother.” Lucifer’s words were soft.
Asmodeus rolled his eyes and drank deeply from his goblet.
“Suit yourself.”
Chapter 55
Another Price
The next morning, Elizabeth descended to the great hall where the demon princes sat around the table, wearing sleepy, irritable expressions—though it was difficult to tell in their demon forms.
A pitcher of lamb’s blood rested on the table alongside a plate of bread and orange juice set out for her. She took her place at the table, glancing around at the demon princes.
Only Finnigan looked well-rested and clear-headed. Even Lucifer appeared irritable, while Asmodeus looked horrendous with great shadows under his eyes and his forehead pinched in irritation.
“Long night?” Elizabeth called cheerfully, and Asmodeus groaned, placing his head in his hands.
“Too much fun, Asmodeus?” Finnigan drawled.
Asmodeus gave him a withering look.
Abbadon seemed extremely ill with bleary, bloodshot eyes. She waved for attention with a lazy hand. “Let’s keep this short. I do not relish spending the day without the regenerative powers of home.” She snapped her head towards the demon king. “Lucifer. You back the mortal?”
“I do.”
“You expect us to follow suit? To save his wretched ass?”
“I do.”
“Knowing that black-hearted fool would not have done the same for us?”
He nodded firmly.
“Your reasons?”
