Chapter Thirty-Five
I hadn’t seen myself in a proper mirror since I’d first fallen to Hell. I’d caught glimpses of myself in Sitri’s eyes, in front-lit glass, and the reflections of liquids, but nothing like the full-length mirror I stood before.
At first, I’d recognized myself from a time when I’d been human, a time before I’d gotten swept up in warfare, demonic politics, and underworld conspiracies.
The longer I looked, the more apparent the differences became.
My brown eyes had lightened and taken on a metallic golden sheen, much like those of my late mentor.
Once perfectly straight, my teeth had sharpened into jagged fangs.
Chestnut-colored hair fell to my shoulders, spiked outwards with drops of cinnamon-scented oil, and months away from sunlight hadn’t dulled my mid-tone olive skin.
I no longer dressed in party attire, but in clothes fit for royalty.
My yellow high-low gown was a thing of beauty, as radiant as the stars, embroidered with golden thread and studded with glittering, iridescent jewels.
A gossamer shawl draped over my shoulders, trailing behind me like a phantom.
I’d donned matching heels for the occasion.
These styles were surprisingly modern; then again, everything in the Kingdom of Scholars and Savants seemed to be.
The demoness staring back at me in the mirror looked older, more mature than I felt. I barely even recognized her anymore.
A door clicked, and I turned my head to see Sitri enter, dressed in finery that matched my own. He wore a frilled black shirt and a tailcoat. His silver rose brooch matched his shining sterling crown.
He carried a package wrapped up in shimmering cloth and tied shut with twine.
I arched an eyebrow. “A gift?”
“Haagenti sends her regards,” Sitri said as he came up to my side, offering me the bundle. “Impeccable timing as always, I might add. For a President without a seer’s talents, her foresight is a thing to be feared.”
With a snort, I took the package, only to be surprised by its heft. As I pulled away the fabric and string, revealing what was inside, the reason for its weight became clear. It was a gleaming golden crown, stunningly beautiful, topped with points as sharp as a dagger’s.
Sitri placed a kiss on my cheek, took the crown from my hands, and nestled it on my head. I found the sudden strain oppressive, but when I looked into the mirror, I realized what a statement it made.
I’d become a Duchess, demonic nobility. The beautiful, shining crown, which matched my gilded irises, helped me look the part.
I reached up, straightening it out and feeling its bulk shift. “Are these things always so heavy?”
“Those that carry power are, but your spine is strong enough to bear that burden. I believe you will manage its weight, darling.” Sitri hooked his arm around my waist, pulling me in close.
“And for what it’s worth,” he whispered in my ear, “I think you look truly stunning. You could only look better if you wore nothing at all.”
Despite myself, I laughed, and Sitri laughed with me. His smile helped to calm my nerves, if only a little.
“Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not going out there naked.”
I caressed his cheek, coaxing his face towards mine until our lips met. Our kiss was brief and tender, filled with the promise of peace.
“Are you quite certain?” Sitri asked when we parted, a glimmer of humor shining in his eyes. “I think it would make an unforgettable entrance for our new Duchess.”
“I’m sure, Sitri,” I said as I brought our lips together once more.
My Prince took my hand in his, as if trying to reassure me.
I squeezed. Sitri squeezed back. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
Was he able to sense my dread, or did I wear it in my pursed lips and unfocused eyes?
It hardly mattered. If he could see it, everyone else would, too, and that knowledge only heightened my anxiety.
“You’ll do fine, darling,” Sitri said. “You know what to say. Speak with confidence. This entire kingdom hangs on your words. You must only give them a touch of reassurance, and they will bow.”
I took a deep breath and let it go slowly. He was right. The kingdom that lay beneath this palace, beneath my palace, had been at war for centuries. An unknown demon had swept in, slaughtered their Duke, and upended their world overnight. There had been no word from any of their leaders since.
An entire nation held its breath, waiting for me to proclaim my allegiance, hoping it lay with them. Only time would tell if the compromise I’d offer would be enough.
I stole one last glance at the mirror, savoring my new reality. Sitri still couldn’t seem to meet the eyes of his reflection. I had no such difficulties. My golden irises weren’t a curse, not to me. They were a trophy—proof I’d slain my monster and come out the other side stronger.
With his arm around my waist, we were silver and gold, sex and science, life itself personified in death. Powerful. Beautiful. Commanding.
“Okay,” I said at last. “I think I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Sitri bowed his head and steered me towards the balcony.
My hands met the handles of the double doors.
I pulled them open and stepped into the darkness of Hell.
Hordes of demons, both mine and Sitri’s, possibly even Zaleos’, had collected on the plateau below.
I couldn’t help my unease at the sight of them.
This place had been my prison, and the wreckage of my jailbreak still littered the courtyard.
Its guard towers had been reduced to rubble, the ground was pitted from explosions, and dried blood stained the stone.
Dust, once settled, had been kicked up by thousands of shuffling feet.
I’d inherited this chaos and disarray. Now, I’d have to find a way to set it right.
As I emerged, Sitri at my side, the masses fell quiet. In the silence, the clacking of our shoes resounded far into the badlands. I placed my hands on the railing. All eyes landed on me.
“Good evening. I stand before you today as the newly crowned Duchess of Scholars and Savants, though I hope you all might call me Lillia.” I gave a smile, and for once, it felt genuine.
“Let this mark an end, and a beginning. In the two weeks following my ascension, I worked to create an arrangement with Sitri, Prince of Lust and Lies—one which I believe will aid us all. It is time that our provisions come to light, and the fates of our kingdoms come into alignment.”
Sitri shot me a knowing grin as he laid his own hands on the railing, leaning out over the crowd, though his eyes never left mine.
“May peace and love prevail, darling—until the heavens cease to burn.”