Chapter 10 #3
“You asked me what’s going on? I’m putting things to rights.
Things you all abandoned, remember? You’re all about the Celestial War now, which is great.
Great! I love it. Go win one for the good guys!
” He pivoted back to the two demons who were suddenly staring at him with narrowed gazes.
“They’re going to weaken the big dogs so our mistress can finally get a foothold. That’s what I mean.”
Neither demon said anything.
Vic turned back. “But you left. You did. You threw the Crown away and left. And everything went tits up. A real farcical shit show. It would be funny if there weren’t so many innocents involved.
So, what did I do? I came back with some real heavy hitters and am now setting matters straight.
No more wheedling and begging for the nobles to behave.
Nope! It’s my way or the executioner’s block.
I aim to cripple and knock down the Houses, distribute their wealth, reform the justice system, lower the taxes on the poor, possibly make it a proportional tax thing, you know, scaling with the amount of income and wealth—you’ll be shocked to hear how sharp these demonic ladies are when it comes to writing contracts—and basically setting things to rights. ”
“Vic.” Sam’s tone was measured and practically vibrating with her self-control. “You’re putting demons in charge of the city.”
“Point of order!” Vic raised a finger. “I’m in charge. King Vic. They’re my enforcers, advisors, lovers, and best friends. We get along splendidly. I’d invite you to one of our sleepover parties, but—well. I already know you’re too much of a prude.”
“Vic,” began Nessa, then cut off as Paryxthia appeared behind them carrying a lengthy pew in one hand. She set it behind them, mimed a mocking curtsy, then moved back around to stand behind the throne.
“Sit?” prompted Vic.
Nobody sat.
“Oh, fine. Look. Yes. Yes, I’ll concede there’s a certain…
” He sought the right word. “Demonic angle to all this. On account of these ladies being demons, Handmaidens of Eclavistra, etcetera. But! Lest you forget, I am also a servant of Eclavistra. I carry her Demon Seed. Right? So, in a way, this is all pretty logical. And I’m in control.
I know that sounds like an idiotic boast, but I actually am.
If I told these ladies to give us a moment alone, they would do so out of love and respect for me. ”
“Then do so,” said Harald.
“I would, but I’ve nothing to hide from them.” Vic sighed happily. “We have exemplary communication skills. It’s the secret to a satisfying sex life, and a successful monarchy.”
“Still,” said Harald. “I apologize if it’s rude. But I would appreciate a chance to speak with you alone. For old time’s sake.”
Vic sighed dolorously. “It’s almost as if you’re not listening. I trust them, they trust me. Whatever you can say to me, you can say to them. Right, ladies?”
Sythryxa, who seemed to be their leader, bowed her massively horned head.
“Think of it as for old time’s sake,” insisted Harald. “If not for your sake, then ours. What I have to share with you comes from Vorakhar. He’d not be pleased if I said it before demons of Eclavistra.”
“We could help lower your inhibitions,” said—was that Paryxthia? “Give us the chance, dear Harald, and we could make this a very enjoyable exchange indeed.”
“No, no no no,” said Vic, sitting upright.
“We’re not going to start corrupting my friends right away.
All right, fine. Fine! Ladies? My sincere apologies.
Out of respect for the old times, I’ll…” Vic sighed.
“I’ll have a moment alone with the old gang.
You understand.” He winked at Sythryxa. “I’ll update you all right after. Yes?”
“Of course, my king,” purred Sythryxa, looking pleased and demure and affectionate all at once. “Your wish is our command. Sisters. Let’s give our king a moment of privacy.”
The three demons quit the apse and faded into the darkness.
Vic watched them go, brows raised, then stood as well. “Come on. If we’re to do this privacy thing properly—as you insist—we might as well use the Absolution Chamber.”
“Absolution Chamber?” asked Kársek.
Vic waved a hand. “It has magical wards that grant total privacy. You’d be shocked to learn how squeamish some of the old nobility were about confessing their darkest misdeeds to the priests in the old days. Right this way.”
They filed after Vic into the darkness, crossing the nave into an aisle, then entered through a stout wooden door on which hung a graven image of the Fallen Angel.
Vic stood to one side, waiting, whistling under his breath, then entered last, closed the door behind them, and slid the gigantic iron bolt home.
The moment he did so the air filled with a low hum, and power swirled along the periphery of the room as a ward came to life.
Vic’s demeanor instantly changed to one of desperation. He lunged forward and seized the front of Harald’s armor in both fists. “I’ve fucked up! Guys, please, you’ve got to help me. I’ll do anything, but by the Fallen Angel’s sweet grace, you must get me out of here!”