“When that time comes, then I will decide what to do. There’s too much to do now. I could die, and this conversation would be pointless.”
He places his hand around my shoulder, guiding me to lean into him. His warmth puts some of my nerves at ease, but it will never be okay, not for an assassin.
“Tonight is about you. As much as Torque is trying to pull you together, many more demons need to be aware of your existence. We’re going to need allies in this war, Anima. You can’t hide out here while your father campaigns.”
I stand from the log. “I’m not hiding. I know nothing of strategies of war. My skills are with a blade. All of this is suffocating.”
“It is, but you must learn. You’re still young. There will be other wars, and we may not be around to help you lead them.”
“Now who’s talking doom and gloom? Are you the more reasonable father? I figured Nox would be the one to let me get away with everything.”
He laughs and comes to stand with me, pulling me into a hug. “For you, Anima, I will be anything. My heart is finally whole after all these years. I don’t care how you were created or the rest of it. I only know you are the most important being in my life. You’re more precious to me than I could ever say.”
It takes all of me not to start bawling on his shirt. No one has ever said these things to me. Coming from Torque, it feels different. This love, because that’s what I feel, is unconditional. The kind where you are accepted for anything and everything.
I clear my throat, ducking underneath all the feathers to untangle myself. “Let’s go see what awaits the princess of the Darklands.”
Twelve
ANIMA
Uriel and I walk back into the ballroom arm in arm. His proud posture makes me smile. He reminds me of a fluffy peacock, ready to stake his claim.
“Where have you two been?” Nox asks, coming down from his throne.
He kisses Uriel’s cheek, and the mood changes at his slight rejection. Something is going on with them.
“We toured the gardens. Anima needed a moment.”
Nox looks me over, trying to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong.
“I’m fine. There are too many demons here.” I glance behind me to find the room filled with demons—laughing, dancing, and eating. It’s like a normal party, except it’s filled with the one supernatural I’ve hunted for most of my life.
“This is the Demon Realm, and you’re a demon princess,” Nox says plainly.
“Answer me this. How many of these demons would be happy to learn about my day job?”
Sighing, he grabs my hand in his. “You weren’t given a choice. She took you from us, then brainwashed you into thinking all demons are horrible. It will take time to accept, but you will find that not all of us are killers.”
“Let’s not debate tonight. We have certain lords to win over. We need troops, and this isn’t the way to do it,” Uriel says, bringing us back to the present.
“Yes, Anima, please have a seat so we can start.”
I go to object, but Uriel squeezes my arm and shakes his head. “It’s not the time. Do this for your mortals. Without them, everyone will be dead.”
This makes me see the real problem I haven’t thought about. Rahna will have an army of witches. She’ll make them all believe her lies. This isn’t something Hallowed Grounds and I can take on alone. We need these demons.
I take Nox’s offered arm, and we walk together up to the two impressive chairs. Umbra meets us and sits to Nox’s left. If someone were to look at all three of us, they’d see a family. We’re all so similar it’s hard to deny it any longer.
The crowd quiets as Togmerin announces us. Curious eyes stare at me, making me feel like a piece of meat at the market. Judging and assessing to see if I’m worthy.
I sit up straighter in my chair, gazing out into the crowd. Torque and Mammon are in an alcove by the balcony doors. Torque’s ruby eyes bore into me, and I can’t help but feel sorrow.
After Togmerin finishes speaking, a line forms as guests come to greet their absent king and the long-lost princess.
The first family approaches us. Two young boys cling to their mother’s dress. “Your Majesty, Your Highnesses. It humbles us to be in your presence. Such a delight to have a new heiress to the throne. We welcome you to court, my lady,” says the man.
“Lord Toller, thank you for coming. It’s good to see you and with two boys,” Nox says.
Lord Toller stands proud, beaming. “This is Mortis and Turner. Only three years old, but they have the fire of warriors inside. I hope they will serve the crown one day.”
He bows as his wife hands Umbra a small box. She nods, taking the offering with a smile.
The whole interaction is foreign to me. It’s as if this is all normal when it’s anything but.
After an hour of greeting people, accepting gifts, and fending off proposals, I can’t stand to sit here another moment.
“Father, may I be excused?” My smile is saccharine sweet, and Umbra hides a scoff underneath her delicate hands.
“Of course, my darling. Go dance and have something to eat. You look famished.”
Narrowing my eyes at his comeback, I rise off the throne and go in search of anything other than a certain demon who smells like brimstone and whiskey.
The food and drink table overflow with an abundance of delicious things. I take a plate, then fill it up with fruits. If I can’t identify it, I won’t chance eating it. Who knows what it could be.
A servant pours me a glass of what looks like wine, and I make my way over to a high table in the room’s corner. All of this seems surreal—a Tenebris witch playing princess.
