What do I mean to you?

My heart pounds in my chest.

Consort? Absolute rule?

Looking at the devil, I swallow hard. I thought he would ask me to bargain up my soul, to kill my first love, or sacrifice a limb, or some evil bargain like that, and because of the deal, I would be forced to do it. But becoming his consort… I thought I might have escaped being tied down to somebody, but I guess all he has done is tied me to himself instead. I can't decide whether to be angry or honoured. Perhaps both.

But the position of consort- consort to the devil no less- is one of significant advantages, even I can't deny that. In layman's terms, it would be like the king offering up a spot of personal adviser, or a monarch suddenly declaring the position of suitor up for grabs. The opportunities for power are endless, as are the opportunities for greatness.

I have been given a first hand offer to make a name for myself, to drag myself out of this hell hole of misery and suffering, and whatever else my mother might have in store for me. There is no greater position I could have asked for, no better spot to once and for all have the freedom I so greatly desire.

Sure the Devil would have absolute ruling over me- an ancient binding that makes his words on me the law, however fantastical they are. He could ask me to do anything: stab myself, execute an innocent civilian, even ask me to set this whole palace on fire if he wanted (though in honesty, for that one he wouldn't even have to ask). But against the devil, this could possibly be the best outcome I could have hoped for.

After all there are people who have made a deal for much, much worse.

Finally, finally, I will have something to work towards. Down in the Downside, I could make a name for myself- no longer would I be a mere princess, destined to forever tread in her shitty mothers shadow. I will be a legend.

"Alright, it is done. Though why you would want me in such a position, I daren't say," I grin, smugly, wiggling my eyebrows in a manner that I probably shouldn't at the king of hell. The devil's expression softens.

"You are very precious to me, even from birth I knew you were destined to be something more, something special," he coo's, a soft curiosity lacing the edges of his voice. "A beautiful girl like you is wasted under the rule of these ancient decrepit's. I should have killed them for how they treated you," he whispers roughly, but his actions do not match his words as he brings a hand around to stroke my hair, his fingers feather light. His touch elicits sensations unknown to my body rocketing through me, each one greater than the last. Anxiously, I push it aside. I don't have time to be dawdling on feelings, not yet.

"What do you mean by that?" I insist, pulling myself away from him slightly, watching as his fingers curl inwards in defeat. The Devil frowns momentarily.

"What?" he asks, peering at me cautiously, his eyes glowering against the gloom in an eerie cat like manner. I don't suppose he has ever had someone question him before- I doubt many people have the balls to stick themselves up against the devil so brazenly. But if I am going to the Downside, I might as well go down there a hero- though from what he has told me, maybe I am already one.

"That I am precious to you? What purpose do I serve to you?" At this, the devil smiles.

"Oh, chérie," he says, prowling around me, circling me in the darkness, his form flickering with wispy shadows that stretch out into the gloom. All at once he is behind me, his hands on my waist, his breath in my ear. Perhaps if I had more sense, I would have pulled away quicker, but another part of me wonders if there is any point at all. The deal has already been made, the bargain already decided. If he wants me as his consort, his companion, that I must be. The questions are merely out of frivolity, and nothing else.

"My people herald you as their saviour, but to me, you are of much greater importance. You just haven't realised it yet."

Crossing my arms over myself, I give him a long look.

"Cut the fucking riddles, when will I know what this oh-so-great importance is?" I sniff, pursing my lips with an arrogant snarl. To this, the devil only grins like the Cheshire cat, slinking around to place a hand on my shoulder, his breath brushing up against the back of my neck. Hairs rise over my skin.

"Cara mea, I am older than time itself, and if there is one thing I have learnt it is you cannot rush the hands of time. You shall realise your importance soon, but it is not yet time. Nevertheless, what I can say is that you have fire in your soul, a spark, a drive, that is honestly rather…" he ponders for a moment. "Enticing. Your potential is wasted up here, they suffocate you. But with me you shall shine: my spark, my flame, my companion, my spy, and together you and I shall set the fires of hell blazing. I shall teach you the ways of hell and you, chérie, shall become the Queen you were always meant to be. Whether or not you believe in fate, Princess, I can assure you that you are of the greatest importance to me."

As he says this, his hand slides to cup my cheek and my face reddens to an impossible hue. His eyes twinkle with that same fiery blazon that I have seen in myself so many times before.

"Now, why don't we tell those insufferable nobles of our deal, hmm?"

I grin widely.

"Let's set this place burning."