decision on the former king’s part, knowing how impulsive his son then was.”
I shook my head. “There
“We haven’t,” Kieran said bluntly.
“Sure we have,” said the cockroach.
All eyes turned to Beasley.
He shrugged his buglike black shoulders. “I mean, there’s all that paperwork that needs to be filled out and submitted to King Desmond, and he takes forever to approve anyone for a trip beyond the dark worlds. He’s fastidious, I’ll give him that. But don’t deny it, Your Majesty. Scouts and servants are
This got Kieran’s full attention. “It’s not?”
“Beasley,” the queen hissed. “This is not the time to discuss this.”
“But doesn’t Prince Kieran know this already?” Beasley asked. “There are other gateways scattered throughout the Underworld and Hell. Hidden ones. It stands to reason, at one time or another, they may have been discovered by a wandering demon who could have been swept away, never to return again.”
“Tell me, Beasley, where are these hidden gateways?” Kieran asked curiously, leaning toward the bug at the end of the table.
“Let us change the subject, please,” the queen said.
“They’re
I thought of Rhys and his ability to hide his pointed ears and wings enough to fit in. “Can’t you do a glamour to look human?”
The cockroach looked at me. “Afraid that’s not one of my talents. Besides, when you’re as gorgeous as I am, why would you ever want to look any different?”
I blinked.
Beasley laughed. “I’m kidding of course. I’m fully aware I’m hideous. I’d be there three minutes before finding myself on the wrong side of a demon-slayer’s sword.”
Good point.
I suddenly got a mental image of Melinda facing off against Beasley. She hated bugs. She was afraid of spiders. But could she kick demon butt?
It wouldn’t be a pretty sight.
Would she kill a demon who looked scary but wasn’t a threat? How did that work? I’d only just met Beasley, but so far he seemed fairly personable and helpful, despite his appearance.
I couldn’t deal with the demon council right now
Groden slapped his hand against the table. “I propose a rule that all secret gateways be revealed to any demon wishing to do a little interworld sightseeing. A penalty of death to all who conceal their locations!”
“Beasley,” the queen said sharply, apparently disturbed by the direction of this discussion. “You’re saying you believe there may be demons living in the human world even as we speak?”
“I’m saying it’s possible,” Beasley replied, his antennae twitching. “We know there are dragons living there already, so why not demons as well? The possibility is enough for me to lean toward Princess Nikki’s argument that the prophecy may not be about her at all.”
“It was related to me the day the Darkling would have turned sixteen and come into her powers,” Kieran said.
“Possibly a coincidence,” Beasley replied. “Besides, just look at her. She’s way too adorable to be as destructive as the prophecy says she is. Those horns could not be cuter.”
Cockroaches were now my absolute favorite insect.
Okay, I lied. They weren’t. But I’d make an exception for Beasley.
I returned my attention to the queen. I waited, holding my breath, for what she’d say next. She studied me for a full minute, her gaze moving over my Darkling form, taking in all my extra demonic accessories as if appraising me for auction value.
“Very well, you may leave us now.” She flicked her hand and I felt magic sweep over me, changing me back to human form. I staggered backward as momentary but severe pain lanced through me. Luckily, Michael caught my arm and steadied me before I fell.
The queen stood up from behind the table and approached me. I willed myself not to back away from her. She grasped my hands and kissed me on either cheek.
“Please give my regards to your father,” she said.
“Sure,” I said breathlessly.
His expression was guarded.::I think so.::
Queen Sephina continued to hold my hands in hers. She peered at me as if expecting me to show suddenly that my true face was even uglier than Beasley’s. Her gaze slowly moved down to my wrist.
“You have a dragon’s tear,” she said with shock.
A chair scraped against the floor as Kieran rose to his feet. “A dragon’s tear? A real one?”
I was surprised Elizabeth hadn’t told him already. She’d been well aware of the gift I received from my father.
“It’s very beautiful,” Queen Sephina said, holding my wrist tighter.
I tried not to pull away from her. “Thank you.”
“Did your father give you this?”
“He did.”
She nodded. “I’d heard he slayed a dragon when he was no more than your age. It was an accomplishment that branded him as a future king, despite his stubbornness in many things. It makes sense that he would give it to you.”
My father had been the one to kill the dragon who shed the tear I now wore on the chain around my wrist?
“Well, some fathers hunt deer,” I said, repressing a shudder. “My father hunted dragons. Same difference.”
“Hardly. Dragons are very dangerous and magical creatures. Only three dragons have been slain in recorded history, and your father is responsible for the most recent. This tear is very precious. I hope you realize and appreciate that.”
“More and more every minute.”
“You have given me much to consider here today.” She finally released me. “My daughter will see you back to the Shadowlands gateway. Good-bye.”
Without another word, she turned dismissively away from me and went back to her chair. Now that she wasn’t sitting in it, I noticed it had a gold sheen and was speckled with the same jewels she wore in her hair. Was it her throne?
::Let’s go, Princess. Wouldn’t want to outstay our welcome.::
It was an excellent idea. I turned, and Michael and I walked away from the council and toward the elevator, where Kassandra waited for us. I still felt on edge.
