Chapter 10: Dinner Date

There's something to be said for self-fulfilling prophecies. Ten minutes into dinner and I was ready to move on from this

disaster and pretend it never happened.

The small dining room on my apartment level had been lit with what I could only imagine Henemordonin considered romantic

lighting-at least a hundred looming candelabras in the shapes of drach and other monstrous beings wearing wreathes of

magic powered candles. A long row of miniature matching holders ran the length of the long glass table, the underneath

vista a bubbling volcano. The visual was so realistic I could almost feel the heat rising from the surface. While the

candlelight alone may have accomplished my grandfather's aim at setting the mood, when paired with the boiling, reddish

tone of the lava, he merely succeeded in creating lighting masks of horror cast over every face, a macabre scene sending

shivers down my spine.

"How unfortunate," Sequoia murmured at my side, hiding a smile behind her diminutive hand.

At least I wasn't the only one who noticed.

My grandfather already sat at the far end of the table, the glow from the glass making him look like possession was the

least of his problems. I didn't bother to acknowledge him as the royal page announced me, instead striding immediately to

my seat. Four of the gathered demon males attempted to pull out my chair for me, only to be firmly accosted by Jabut and

his guards.

A sigh of frustration clenched tight in my chest as I did my best not to allow it to escape.

Sequoia sat next to me, on my left, though I had little choice as to who had the seat on my right. I was grateful to have

my friend with me at all, her presence offering some small respite from the hungry stares of the gathered demons. I

expected Tanasharia and her friends to crash my little party and she didn't disappoint. Sprinkled among my suitors sat a

variety of stunningly beautiful and powerful young demon females, all flirting outrageously with those who were meant to

be my picks for mate.

Tanasharia didn't meet my eyes, so I could only guess she yet struggled with our earlier meeting. Being in a crowd of her

peers would make her bold again, I had no doubt. For once, I didn't care how she acted or reacted. As far as I was

concerned, this dinner was nothing but a farce to satisfy my grandfather and the court long enough for me to convince Ram

to marry me.

"My Ruler," Elphremantic had somehow managed to claim the right hand seat, glares from his fellow demons telling me, with

no uncertainty, he'd fought hard for the privilege. "Allow me." His slim hands personally poured me a sparkling glass of

vrena, what amounted to wine on Demonicon. I ignored him though, as I sipped my drink, I remembered he was my only other

viable alternative.

Isn't he delightful? There had long been a ban on mental communication on Demonicon, a way for Ruler to control attempts

at coups and contrivances. The law was broken frequently. It had been broken, in fact, by Syd and I the first time we

visited. Unlike my grandmother, I chose to encourage my people to speak with me through their magic. This situation was a

case in point in absolute favor. I didn't have to glance at Sequoia to know she spoke of one of the demon males who

aggressively stuffed dripping meat into his mouth so quickly he barely chewed.

Delicious, I sent, setting aside my own fork, appetite lost at such a sight.

And dear Tanasharia, Sequoia's mild tone layered deeply with sarcasm and wit, always a class act.

My cousin encouraged the demon next to her to eat a bite of bread from her very large chest while laughing so loudly my

ears ached.

I'm surrounded by the epitome of polish, I sent.

Ahbi snorted in my head. Just look at him, she added her own commentary. Sitting at the foot of the table like he's Ruler

himself, ignoring the mess he's making.

She was right about that. Henemordonin ignored the growing noise, the increasing antics of the young demons, quietly

devouring his own meal as though nothing was amiss.

What is he up to? I tapped my fingers against the side of my glass, barely able to hear the tinkle of metal on glass as

my ring-covered hand beat a steady rhythm.

I only wish we knew, my grandmother sent, her amusement gone, irritation and worry replacing it.

"You're not hungry, my Ruler?" I turned my head, concentration broken, fixing my gaze on Elphremantic. While he appeared

open and genuinely curious, I'd learned such an expression on the face of a demon usually meant I was about to suffer an

attack of some kind.

"I am not," I said, sharply, on purpose, voice rising. "It is impossible to enjoy a meal under such conditions."

A few of the demons noticed, seemed to pay attention to my disfavor. But, within seconds, they returned to their

ridiculousness and I could only flare my nostrils in annoyance.

"Perhaps a more private dinner would suit you," Elphremantic said. "Where you would have a better opportunity to get to

know each of your suitors without being subject to," he looked around as though disgusted himself, shrinking back from

the demon next to him when the bigger male slammed backward, catching a loaf of bread in one hand like a human football,

"such distractions."

"On the contrary," I said, allowing my lids to fall half-closed, feeling my lips pull sideways, thinning my mouth. "This

is precisely what I need to observe in order to make my choice. I can see now, very clearly," I gestured with my fork for

emphasis, "none of those gathered here will ever be suitable choices for my mate."

I spoke softly this time. After all, this was a subterfuge and it was better to continue and gain some breathing space

than to declare the fact none of the demons my grandfather presented would be coming anywhere near me anytime soon.

"I would hope," Elphremantic said, leaning slightly forward, "your present immediate company would be excepted from that

statement."

How bold, Sequoia sent. And yet, he appears at least marginally civilized.

I took a sip of wine as I considered what to say to him. He didn't stand a chance, the poor boy. I'd already made up my

mind. But he could be part of the illusion and cultivating a relationship with him might serve me well.

"Of course," I said finally. Elphremantic smiled, saluted me with his glass.

"Then perhaps that private dinner might not be a terrible suggestion?" His eyes glowed over the rim of his goblet.

"Perhaps," I said. "Tell me of your involvement in my father's enrichment program."

Elphremantic leaned forward again, face open and full of delight. "It was wonderful," he said, enthusiasm on the surface.

"Your father was a wonderful Ruler, with a scope of vision few understand or appreciate." I didn't comment. Doing so

would have been inappropriate, considering I still raged against Dad for his choices. "I grew up here, in Ostrogotho,

pampered, to a life of privilege." He glanced sideways at the party going on, disgust clear on his face. "I was like

them, once. But seeing how other demons live, how other cities are run, was an eye-opening experience. I understand how

important good rule is, how vital our connection not just to the royal class but to all demons. Demonicon has been

stagnant for centuries. Your father brought about change unlike anything that's happened to demons before." He could say

that again. "In doing so, he's stirred inconveniences, I admit." My free hand clenched in my lap as I thought of the last

four years and tried to fit them into the word "inconvenient" with no luck. "But I can see the vision of the future your

father held, Ruler. And it is incredible."

I sat back, doing my best to contain my temper, forcing myself to process what he had to say. Could it be I had clung to

the old ways out of habit, born from Ahbi's presence and, because of that, unwilling to see where Dad intended

Demonicon's development to go?

Foolishness, Ahbi snarled.

There are many ways to look at an issue, Sequoia sent carefully. It might be a good idea to speak with Elphremantic

further at this point. Since change is now inevitable, having his insight and enthusiasm to draw on may make your life

easier.

I nodded, more to my friend than to Elphremantic, but he took it as an affirmation of his words.

"Ruler," he said, hand reaching forward to touch mine where my fingers clenched my glass. "I can only imagine how hard it

is for you, despite your great power and brilliance." Only the flattery kept me from losing my temper, though I knew the

reaction came from Ahbi. I could feel our separation now and wondered as he went on how much of my agony in the last four

years came from her. If I had been alone in my head, would I have found things had gone differently?

"Go on," I said as I realized he was waiting for permission to continue.

"You are in an incredible position," he said. "To enact change and guide us into greatness, greatness that has only been

potential since the joining of the planes. Our first Ruler intended far more for us. But the restrictions required to

maintain order ensured our stagnation."

"You seem to be very familiar with our history," I said.

He bowed his head. "Since Teris Haralthazar took power and I joined the enrichment program, I have made it my duty to

educate myself on the policies, laws and past of our people. And the things I've uncovered have astounded and excited me.

But more, they've convinced me we have so much further to go." Elphremantic's hand fell away from mine, a small smile

increasing his handsomeness. "And you, my Ruler, are the perfect one to guide us."

How flattering, Ahbi snapped.

We've been working under the premise these changes were a disadvantage, Sequoia sent softly. But what if Elphremantic is

correct, my Ruler? What if we are intended for more but have never been able to break past our restrictive society to

reach the potential inside us?

Harry was a fool, Ahbi's anger made my skin itch as her power heated up, and you two are bigger fools for listening to

this young idiot. I felt her turn away, cutting me off and let her go. If nothing else, Elphremantic had given me

something to think about.

I drew a breath to comment, but a flicker of motion from the corner of my eye caught my attention first. I glanced at the

exit, my gaze settling on a familiar face, filled with concern and anxiety.

Ram. I reached for him, Elphremantic and Dad and the evolution of demonkind forgotten, my relief at his appearance

shutting out everything else.

Ruler, he sent. I have to talk to you. And it can't wait.

He disappeared back the way he came while my heart clenched in fear. If Ram was worried, we were in serious trouble.

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