She hadn’t wandered too far when Fiza frantically ran up to her, her feet nearly skidding on the flagstones in her haste.
“My Lady, I’m sorry, I didn't mean to lie in bed while you were up!” Fiza said, dropping into a curtsey, and nearly losing her balance in her enthusiasm. “My apologies, Lady. It won’t happen again.”
“Fiza,” Elizabeth said, raising a hand in a gentle ‘slow down’ motion. “I woke up early. It’s okay. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I’m perfectly able to get ready for the morning on my own.” She smiled at the older girl in what she hoped was a reassuring way.
Fiza still looked distressed. “Please don’t tell the Master,” she said desperately. “I can stay in your chamber tonight. I’ll bring a small cot so I can wake up whenever you do.”
Elizabeth offered her a smile with a tilt of her chin. “I won’t tell anyone, but there’s really nothing to tell. You don’t need to be in my chamber all the time. Please, keep whatever sleeping arrangements you have.” Fiza’s shoulders sagged in relief. Elizabeth found herself wondering what kind of master Caspian was ifhe had instilled this level of fear in his household for such a minor thing. She wouldn’t have even noticed Fiza’s absence.
Leaving Fiza to her own devices, Elizabeth wandered about the castle, wanting to explore it before the others were up.
She came across a hallway lined with windows. The sky was just beginning to lighten outside, with soft pink drifting across the horizon. As she continued her exploration of the castle, she felt a creeping sense of foreboding, like she was doing something she wasn’t supposed to.
Beginning her exploration of the second floor, Elizabeth happened across Asmodeus lounging on a sofa, his enormous bat-like wings dominating the space.
“Hey, Sugar, looking for me?” Asmodeus drawled. Elizabeth’s eyes widened in surprise at his casual pet name for her. “I was just about to toddle off to bed.”
“Hello, Asmodeus,” she said with a curtsey. “I wasn’t looking for you, I was just looking around for a place to read.” She hefted her book by way of explanation. “And isn’t it morning already?”
“Itismorning, and what an astute observation that was, my flower, but this is a house of demons, and we are creatures of the night by blood.” He paused dramatically and touched his fingers to his chin. “As for a place to read … My lap makes for a pretty nice seat, I hear.”
She stared at him incredulously, disapproval and disdain colouring her features. They locked eyes for a moment, then he suddenly burst out laughing.
Asmodeus closed the distance between them in two long strides, suddenly feeling far too close. Elizabeth tipped her head back, meeting his gaze. His eyes were deep pools of inky black. Where there should’ve been white, not a speck existed. They were absolutely terrifying to behold, but she stood her ground. A glint caught the corner of her eye. She hadn’t noticed it the other day, but he had a gold earring.
“Come to tempt me with your mortal blood?” Asmodeus said suggestively. He wiggled his broad shoulders, making his wings flare out behind him, looking smug as a cat.
“That’s not very nice,” she ground out. “Cornering someone much smaller and weaker than you.” She glared at the big demon.
“I’m not very nice. I’m also good-looking and great in bed,” he said grinning.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Any man who has to brag about being good in bed usually isn’t.”
He chortled and stepped back, giving her a few more inches of breathing room.
“So, the kitten has claws,” Asmodeus said, his eyes gleaming with wicked amusement. “You were as quiet as a mouse at dinner. I thought our boy wouldchew you up and spit you out. Finnigan bet me a gold noble you wouldn’t last a week before begging to leave or sneaking off in the middle of the night.”
She held her hand up, trying to make sense of the situation. “You’re taking bets on if I’ll run awayandpropositioning me?”
“Yeah,” Asmodeus replied, looking unbothered.
“I’m a little unsure of the hierarchy here, so please confirm for me. Am I, or am I not, under Caspian’s protection while I’m here?”
“You are.” Asmodeus lowered his chin and flashed his teeth in a cheeky smile. “Doesn’t mean a demon can’t flirt, though.”
She took a deep breath and counted to five. “Then, I politely ask you to leave me alone,” she said with what she hoped was a firm voice. “I don’t need your flirtations.”
He hummed, looking unfazed and undeterred. Asmodeus leaned in closer, the candlelight reflecting off his onyx stare capturing her attention. Its light swayed and flickered across his pupils. He said, “But you looked oh so serious at dinner; I couldn’t resist tea—"
“Why do your eyes look like that, and Caspian’s do not?” Elizabeth cut him off, curiosity getting the better of her.
The easy grin dropped off his face.
“I was … cursed,” Asmodeus said, his words clipped.
Straightening, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room, his wings flaring out behind him as he walked.
Though curious about his answer and abrupt departure, she descended to the main level of the castle in search of breakfast. If this castle was designed like her manor, the kitchen should be connected to where they had dinner. Heading off in the direction she believed the dining hall was, she came across the demon butler.
