Chapter 11

"But we just got here, and we haven't even done what we agreed upon earlier."

"You've met your new master, that was all I needed for you to do, now let's go."

"But we haven't even told Lillian yet."

"Told me what? What is it that the both of you are talking about?" Lillian asked them both.

Shit!

Charlie should not have mentioned the whole master thing in front of his mother. It didn't occur to him that Stacy would let out her name like that.

He shook his head. "Nothing, mom."

"Of course, there's something, and you'd better tell me what it is."

"We are in the middle of a party, mom. I don't think this is the best place to discuss it."

Lillian looked around. She could see that the three of them were already having all the guests attention on them because of their yelling. Charlie was right; she hated to leave the matter for now, but she promised him with her eyes that she would get to the bottom of this.

***

"I would like to end this party with a toast," Luther stood in front of the crowd, holding a champagne glass, as about a few hours later, they'd reached the end of a party. Everyone stood in front of their tables, waiting to hear the final speech from the birthday boy. Luther continued.

"First and foremost, to my lovely wife, Lillian. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me since my existence. You have lived with me, you have loved me, and because of me, you grew to love a world that you had never even known before, a world you were alien to, and you chose to rule that world along with me, leaving yours behind. Even though thousands of years have passed since then, I will never forget the sacrifices you made for our love, my dear."

His statement was followed by an applause as Lillian rose from her seat, walked up to the stage to give Luther the most romantic heart-felt kiss. It was an emotional moment for all that watched, but Luther wasn't yet done with his speech.

"Secondly, to my two sons, Charlie and Devine. I want to thank you both so much for your efforts. Devine might not be here, as he is busy carrying out assignments left behind by his older brother. I want you both to know that no matter how many differences I experience with you, you should know that I love you very much, and no matter what path you choose in life, I will always remain your father."

That part of the speech felt cold for Charlie, as everyone who was aware of the disparity between father and son knew where Luther was driving at. Still, the Daivie king didn't seem to be moved by what anyone thought or said.

"Finally, to the rest of my family, and to all the demon royals and leaders that came to celebrate with me tonight, to all invited guests, I thank you all so much, and I pray that the grace of our great Lords, Hades and Lucifer, be with you all as you return to your various homes."

Then the party ended.

Charlie hurriedly got up from his seat, turning to Stacy who was right beside him. "Let's go."

He thought fast, but Lillian thought faster, knowing was he was trying to avoid. She quickly left Luther's side and ran fast in her bogus gown to step in Charlies' path before he reached the exit.

She stopped him. "Not so fast, buddy."

Charlie knew that there was no avoiding this, so why did he even try in the first place?

"The party is over now," Lillian stated.

"I know. I wasn't running away. I just wanted to show Stacy around the clan house."

"Yeah, nice try. I will arrange for one of the servants to take her around. On the other hand, we both need to talk."

"But the guests are leaving now. Shouldn't you be at the door bidding them goodbye like dad is doing?"

"I think Luther can handle his guests now. I have had enough pleasantries for one night and besides the stuff you're hiding, you and I have been overdue for a long discussion."

Charlie sighed, "fine."

"Thank you."

After sending Stacy off with one of the servants for the clan house tour, Lillian now had Charlie to discuss with. A great number of the guests had already left, and the noise in the hall had reduced to a large extent.

They both went to one of the balconies where they sat down in private, and from there, Charlie began revealing everything that had happened to his mother. From the incident on the ritual ground to everything that led to the agreement he made with Stacy.

Lillian stared at him in disbelief, hoping for it all to be just some silly joke, but it wasn't.

"Charlie," she gasped after he'd finished. "What have you done?"

***

"I know it was a wrong choice to make, and it was so sudden, but even I didn't expect it. I'm sorry, mom, but I just couldn't watch her die."

"I am not blaming you for the actions you took on the ritual ground, but rather, for this ridiculous idea of a decision you made. You chose to marry her and then dump her for who?"

"I'm not dumping her here for you, mom. She would have lived in the human world with me, but you know, she'll be too feeble for that. That's why she has to stay here."

Lillian had worry written all over her face. "Why don't you come back home, Charlie? The both of you can live together as a couple. You can marry her and when she's crowned as a royal, she'll get her demon powers and you wouldn't have to worry about her being so feeble."

"You know I can't do that, mom. I have made it very clear that I do not want to rule after my father."

"For Lucifer's sake, why are you being like this, Charlie?"

He took her hands, "mom, please. Don't be like that. Don't be like dad who thinks he can force me to do anything against my wish."

Lillian sighed, reducing her voice, "I'm sorry, my love, but you know… This is too much, and now, you're dragging me into all of this. What do you think your father would say when he hears what you have done?"

"He doesn't have to know about it. It's safer for Stacy that way because Hiva must not find out by mistake. I want a safe and comfortable space for her in this new demon life she's chosen, that's why I chose you to take over my duties as her master. I know that only you will be able to provide that for me."

"This thing you're asking for, Charlie. It's too much. You know how much I hate controlling people."

"I'm sorry, mom, but please, you have to help me. At least, if not me, help Stacy. Her human life is not that good, and she's hoping that life as a demon would be better. I am hoping you can make that possible for her."

"The number one person who would have made that possible for her was you, Charlie. All you had to do was marry her and come home to take your inheritance. She will be your queen and she will bear you children."

"We've discussed this countless times, and you already know my feelings about this. I can't inherit the throne, not even for Stacy."