Chapter 15: Kicking Demon Butt

I disembarked from the transport, still fuming over the thought nectar was the source of my worries yet again. Sequoia

hissed softly at me as I looked up and realized we weren't alone.

Normally, I would have ridden my transport right to my quarters, but I knew I had to find Henemordonin and talk to him

about this. While he may not have been on my side, the health and well-being of our citizens was at stake, and it was

time I filled him in on what I knew.

I shouldn't have been shocked to encounter resistance. Sequoia logged our flight return, so the appearance of Tanasharia

and her gathering of not-so-bright minds waiting for me at the far end of the transport bay was irritating, but not all

that shocking.

How fun to simply crush them all and toss them over the side, I sent to Ahbi. Do you think we could get away with it?

Worth a try, she growled. And sighed. Oh for the days such an act was possible.

I didn't doubt she, at the height of her power, would have been able to get away with mass murder. I was sure if Ahbi

wanted Tanasharia dead, the girl would have met an untimely and likely messy end with not one scrap of evidence

connecting my grandmother to her death.

We'll talk, Ahbi sent.

"Ruler," Sequoia spoke softly. "We can return to the transport and have it deliver you to your rooms after all."

"And back down from them?" I glared as Tanasharia and her friends laughed and made a general spectacle of themselves,

fully blocking the exit from the bay. "Never. Not a chance in hell. Wild drach could not drag me away."

Sequoia snorted a laugh. "Nice to see you in such fine spirits."

"Let's kick some demon butt," I said, grinning at the thought of Syd and how I wished she was there to help. We'd had

some fun together our first visit to Demonicon before things became so complicated, and I found the idea of going to

battle at my sister's side again oddly appealing.

Head up, face fixed in an angry grin, I stormed the distance between the transport I'd just left and the exit,

maintaining my speed even as I drew close to the gathering. They tightened ranks with whispers and laughter, though a few

grew concerned as I continued my charge, especially when I allowed them to see, with a ripple of sparks, the thick

shields I'd built before me. The wedge-shaped prow of my wards super-charged with magic, crackling and flaring while my

grin widened and my speed increased.

Tanasharia's anger visibly flared as her gathered supporters scattered with cries of fear, falling back from my advance

to hover and watch. I allowed my protections to retreat, no longer extending out in front of me, merely coating me with

glittering amber fire. I glared at my cousin without a word, glad now Pagomaris chose my chrome platform boots that

morning as they gave me a solid three inches over my scowling relative.

She leaned in, shoving a silver flask toward me, her knuckles skimming over the surface of my shield. "Nectar?" I drew a

quick breath, the scent of peanut butter and jelly strong as she exhaled all over me.

Under normal circumstances, I would have been all right, quite able to cope with the enticement. But I'd just spent the

last hour or so talking about, remembering, breathing in the scent of nectar and this final assault almost did me in.

A roar of hate leaves my mouth, power sizzling in eagerness to crush the dark-haired human woman staring up at me, magic

howling while my soul screams in torment-

Ahbi's mind snapped across mine just as something hit Tanasharia's hand, knocking the silver flask out of her grip. It

spun in sparkling circles, crashing to the floor before spinning under a transport and grinding to a halt. I looked up

from my cousin's sullen eyes to find Elph-the pet term seemed to suit him now-standing over her, body shaking with what I

could only guess was rage. My dazed state held me hostage as his magic flared and lashed outward once again. The few

demons of my cousin's entourage who remained groaned and collapsed to their knees as my rescuer's magic crushed them

slowly to the ground.

"Show your Ruler respect," he snapped. "Before she orders you stripped and killed for such impertinence."

"She can't," Tanasharia said, eyes narrowing as they fixed on me. "Thanks to Daddy dear. Isn't that right, Meira?" She

drew out the "e" sound in my name with a snarl in her voice.

Do something, Ahbi barked just as Tanasharia howled in pain and collapsed on the stone. Sequoia rushed forward, tiny body

quivering, both hands glowing with amber fire.

"Incorrect," she said. "Nor does she need to act herself, in this instance. One more word from you and I shall kill you

myself."

My cousin crawled away on her belly, fury in her eyes though she didn't fight back. Ahbi prodded me forward, my self-

possession returning as I brushed past the still-groaning demons and out of their presence.

Cool air hit me in the face as I passed through the exit and into the stone hall on the other side. Four guards snapped

to attention, two of whom looked suddenly guilty.

"Jabuticabron will hear of this," Sequoia snapped at them. "Your disloyalty to Ruler shall be noted and dealt with."

All four looked suddenly ill before bowing deeply to me. I ignored them, shoving them back with magic to crash into the

walls where they remained until I rounded the corner and released them.

"My apologies, Ruler," Sequoia said, voice shaking. "The Guards are my responsibility while my brother is gone." I didn't

know that. How was it I remained unaware of the workings of my own people? "I will see to it they are punished."

"Leave it," I said, tired and shaken, more from Tanasharia's open challenge than anything. "At least now we know Zinnia's

warning was accurate."

Sequoia hissed a breath as I turned and realized Elph was still with us. Rather than try to hide what I'd just said, I

offered my hand which he took with great aplomb. "Thank you for your timely interjection," I said. "Though unnecessary,

such support is rare and welcome."

"Ruler," he said, kissing the back of my hand, "such support shouldn't be necessary. But is it my great honor to serve

you in all things." He released his grip on me, lips still tight with anger. "Even in Bilhaeder I heard of how you were

ill used by Sekaniphestat and forced to ingest nectar of her creation." His amber eyes flashed. "Your endurance and

perseverance in the face of such torture is legendary and I can only express my absolute awe at your ability and

strength."

He likes to talk, Ahbi sent, but her tone was thoughtful rather than sarcastic for once.

"Might I say," he leaned closer, "in light of everything you have had to face, as a demon princess, heir, and now as our

beloved Ruler, I think you are the most amazing person I've ever met."

His lips met my cheek for an instant, the heat of his breath stirring across my ear before he pulled away, head ducking.

"Forgive my boldness," he said before saluting and bowing one last time. "Always at your service." I watched him stride

off while Sequoia took my hand and squeezed it.

"How delightful," she said.

Isn't he, though? Ahbi fell silent as I turned and headed for the elevator, frazzled, but grateful I had a new friend to

count on.

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