Chapter 10 #2
The gigantic rose window set high above the doorways had shone gray and lusterless from outside, but from within it blazed with glorious color in the last rays of sunlight, casting a stream of rich greens, reds, and blues upon the central nave that ran toward the distant altar.
Candelabras were set upon the massive columns that ran the length of the nave, partitioning off the aisles on either side, but failed utterly to dispel the rich shadows that drenched the cathedral’s interior.
It felt like stepping into a hallowed cavern that was steeped in the scents of wax, incense, reverence, and cold stone.
The altar was an island of illumination, and even from the main doorway the throne that had been dragged and set before it was clear: a massive, ornate wooden affair, smothered in cushions and upon which Vic lounged, one leg hiked over a chair arm, his golden hair glinting in the candlelight.
Three demons with lavender horns stood behind the throne, each sultrier and more beautiful than the last, clad in a combination of spiked plate, lavender-hued leather, serrated gauntlets, chains, and flowing cloth.
Their eyes burned like hovering motes of purple, even at this distance, and all were studying the new arrivals.
A handful of people stood before Vic’s throne, clearly in the midst of negotiations that weren’t going well, for they had turned back to the main door with expressions of irritation and impatience.
House Thornvale, from their colors.
Vic shielded his eyes with one hand and leaned forward.
“Who is that?” Harald realized he and his companions stood in darkness before the open doors.
They had to be little more than silhouettes.
Vic’s aside to a demon carried clearly, “Sythryxa, I told you to put some lanterns by the door. This is so annoying. I’m constantly squinting in here. ”
“It’s just us, Vic.” Harald pitched his voice to carry. “I was worried you might be busy but thought I’d check anyway to see if you had time for a drink at the Oak and Acorn.”
“Harald?” Vic’s delight was obvious. “And is that Nessa and Sam and old Karsy with you? Wonderful! Get over here, let me introduce you to the girls!”
“The angels wept, Vic,” muttered Nessa.
They made their way down the nave even as Vic waved off the House Thornvale delegates.
Harald couldn’t make out their protests, but Vic’s response rang out clearly with impatience.
“Yes, yes, I know Silenthros is not to be trifled with, but he’s not here, is he?
I don’t see him, at any rate. But you know who is here?
Me. With a bevy of Eclavistra’s finest. So if I tell you to go stand in that chapel for a couple of minutes and wait, you get in that chapel, and you wait. ”
The four men in forest green cloaks drew themselves up, expressions pinched, and strode away stiffly.
“Harald!” Vic bounded up from his throne, arms outstretched. “My fondest wish come true! I thought you down in the dungeon on angel business! What brings you to my Flutic? Sounds good, doesn’t it? My Flutic! Get over here, give me a hug!”
Harald embraced the other man, who clasped him tightly and pressed his mouth to his ear.
“You gotta help me,” whispered Vic urgently, then pulled away to beam at him.
“By the Fallen Angel’s sizzling nips you’re a sight for sore eyes.
And Nessa! Why the frown? Is it the whole ‘Vic stealing the city while you’re gone’ thing?
I can explain! And Sam! Oh. Not approving either, huh?
At least Karsy’s in good humor. Put it there, Karsy. ”
And Vic extended his hand, which Kársek shook with a decided lack of enthusiasm.
Vic eased back onto the throne and gestured at the three demons. “Introductions are in order! This delightful beauty is Sythryxa, a Harrowbride of Eclavistra. And this here is Glyzzandra, a Thorned Muse, and the delightful Paryxthia, another Thorned Muse. Ladies, meet my old friends.”
Their original escort had remained by the door, Harald realized, but he forced himself to bow politely to the three demons who eyed him with avaricious hunger. “Ladies.”
“Ah, really, I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you all.
Not that the Handmaidens of Eclavistra aren’t fine company.
” Vic swiveled to smile apologetically to the three.
“Wonderful conversationalists, absolutely insatiable in bed, and bound by contract to laugh at my jokes. Honestly, what more could a man desire? If you figure it out, tell me. I’ll append it to the contract. ”
“Vic,” said Sam warningly.
Vic affected an innocent expression. “Yes, Sam? Oh. I haven’t offered you chairs.
We’ve deliberately hidden them all to make the House delegations stand.
It’s a power play thing, you see. I sit above them on a literal throne, they’re forced to stand below me like miserable little schoolboys in the headmaster’s office.
But! That’s not our dynamic, is it. Chairs.
Paryxthia, could we get a pew? Where did they all go? ”
“Of course, my king,” purred one of the demons, and strolled sensually away into the darkness.
“Amazing.” Vic watched her go. “How does she do that with her hips? A mortal woman would dislocate something. Anyway.” He turned back, smiling bemusedly. “Drinks? I’ve got all manner of cordials; apparently fine vintages are most Houses’ go-to as conciliatory gifts—”
“Vic.” Sam’s voice couldn’t have been more forbidding. “What the hell are you doing?”
Vic froze. Blinked. “Is that a trick question?”
Nessa was engaged in a staring match with Sythryxa. “You know it’s not. Stop playing the fool. Order these bitches away so we can talk.”
“First off, they do like being called bitches, but only under very specific circumstances, and I don’t think this counts.
” He swiveled again. “My apologies, ladies, my friends are a little sensitive about the whole ‘demonic conquest’ thing.” He turned back and raised both palms. “Look, fine. Yes, I may have waded into a civil war with a legion of Handmaidens and thrown the church into a schism with some shocking revelations about their leadership, as well setting myself up in a cathedral, which I’ll admit, could be seen in poor taste.
But! But!” He paused, as if daring Sam to interrupt him.
“Do you know how bad things were when we arrived? There’s been no infighting since I issued my proclamation.
I’ve got the Houses all united against me, mostly, though you’ll be absolutely devastated to learn just how quickly they’re all willing to bend knee.
Listen. No—Sam, listen.” He leaned forward, manner intently earnest.