The squat creature looked up at her in greeting, and she was surprised to see that the little demon’s eyes were like Asmodeus’s. Did the colour of a demon’s eyes signify something important? She was beginning to feel like she had been plunged into a world that she knew nothing about.
Elizabeth’s stomach grumbled loudly, and she flushed in embarrassment. “Excuse me, is there somewhere I might find breakfast? Or make something for myself?” The words left her mouth before she considered the fact that she did not knowhowto cook, but surely, she could figure it out.
The little demon giggled. “No,” he said, quickly sobering. “The Master doesn’t take breakfast in the morning. Most of the household is still abed at this hour, including the servants.”
We are creatures of the night by blood.
Elizabeth frowned, recalling Asmodeus’ words.
“We have kitchens,” the butler continued. He gestured down the hallway with a clawed paw. “Just return to the dining room around breakfast or lunch time, and you will be fed. I’ll inform the other servants when you typically like to rise and eat.”
“That seems like a lot of trouble just for me,” Elizabeth said. “I don't mind helping if they’re cooking solely on my account.”
“No, no!” The demon butler’s eyes widened in horror. “Master will not be happy if we do that. I insist!” He wrung his hands together. “Humans need food and water.”
She wasn’t sure if she was being treated like an honoured guest or a hound that needed feeding and letting out to piddle. “Thank you, I appreciate it. What was your name again?” Elizabeth asked in an effort to be nice.
“Iago. Butler and servant in chief. At your service.” Iago swept a clawed paw in front of him in a ludicrous impression of a bow that made her bite back a smile.
“Would you mind waiting in the great hall, my lady?” Iago asked, already backing away. “I’ll arrange something immediately.”
Morning light was just beginning to stream in through the tall windows, and vaulted ceilings stretched overhead. Too distracted by the company last night, she didn’t realize just how extravagant the space was. Elizabeth had barely settled onto a cushioned seat when Iago returned, balancing a silver tray. The scent of fresh eggs wafted toward her, rich and buttery.
Her stomach rumbled again as he set the plates before her. Golden yolks gleamed beside crusty bread still warm from the oven. She lifted her fork, then paused, remembering her manners. “Thank you, Iago.”
Iago nodded, turning to leave.
“Excuse me,” she blurted. “Would it be possible to get a tour of the castle today?”
“Yes, of course,” the demon butler said with a slight bow.
She tucked in ravenously. When she was done, she grabbed her book and Iago led her through the castle’s main areas.
The castle unfolded before her as they wandered through its halls, a masterpiece of dark stone, with black floors veined in white. Elizabeth had expected the black walls to feel oppressive, but it was not the case. Large windows let in plenty of natural light that reflected off the gilded lines of gold that traced elegant patterns along the walls. Rather than a gloomy look, the effect made the space feel more open, oddly majestic even.
Servants bustled past, most of them strangely shaped creatures—some barely taller than her knee, and others towering over her head with claws and horns and strangely proportioned limbs. The occasional servant appeared human, until theyturned their gaze to her with only black irises to show that they weren’t of this earth.
Iago led them to the kitchens. “The kitchens are through the last door of the hall, thethirddooron your left if you come from that stairway,” Iago pointed to where the stairwell was, and pointed to the door to the kitchens with some emphasis.
Elizabeth wanted to roll her eyes—she wasn’tthatbad with directions.
Smiling politely, she nodded and wondered how silly Caspian’s previous ladies had been if they hadn’t been able to find a simple door to the kitchens.
Pushing a heavy wooden door open, and the smell of freshly baked bread greeted her. The cook stood at a massive hearth, his back to them as they stirred something in a large pot. When he turned, Elizabeth was pleased to see he looked human.
“Ah, you must be our new guest,” the cook said pleasantly, wiping flour-covered hands on his apron. “Feel free to pop by whenever you’re feeling peckish.”
Continuing their tour of the castle, they approached a grand set of double doors that made her stop short. “Is that a ballroom?” she asked excitedly, recognizing the old fashioned style of doors.
The demon servant shifted nervously. “Yes, but it's not been used in many years.”
How odd. “May I see it?”
“I'm afraid the cleaners don't even go in there. Master doesn't care for balls.”
Elizabeth was sure cleanliness wasn't the reason since the rest of the castle was spotless. “I’d still like to see it if you don’t mind,” she asked politely, half expecting that she would be denied.
The butler tilted his head and sighed, gesturing for her to open the door. The heavy doors were hard to push and creaked loudly as they opened.
