Page 29 of The Princess and the Demon

“I will leave you to it.” He bows slightly before the air shits, and he’s gone.

I hum appreciatively as the warmth from the water seeps into my muscles and soothes the aches in my body.

Balail had simply waved a hand over the tub, and water had appeared, steaming and welcoming.

I wasn’t a stranger to magic. I had seen plenty of it over the years and had read about it even more. But this was something else entirely.

I heard the tapping of Balial’s claws against the stone floor as she paced back and forth. Every once in a while, I caught the whisper of her murmuring to herself.

The demoness was breathtaking, and, based on her reaction to my presence, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something between her and Amon.

I also didn’t know why the idea that there might be bothered me.

I was a prisoner here. A bird in a gilded cage.

I needed to remember that.

With a heavy sigh, I dip under the water, large amounts sloshing over the sides of the tub.

Balial appears above me a few moments later, glaring down at me through the water.

Resurfacing, I wipe my face, looking up at the demon.

“Aren’t you done yet, human?” She asks, her hands on her hips.

“I am, actually. Will you hand me that towel please?” I ask, reaching over the side and pointing to the wash basin.

Balial reaches over and grabs it, tossing it at me.

“Hurry up, I don’t have all day.”

Flinging back the tapestry, Balail exits the washroom, allowing me a moment to step out and dry off.

I wring the water out of my hair before wrapping the towel around me tightly.

“Listen,” I start, exiting the washroom. “I can’t help but think we got off on the wrong foot somehow.”

I pause on the other side of the tapestry, looking over at the demoness.

Balail frowns at me as I continue.

“I can assure you I’m not here to cause any disturbances.” I walk towards the bed, sitting on the edge, bouncing slightly to test the softness.

The demoness doesn’t say anything at first, she just glares at me.

“I hope we can be friends one day.” I say, placing my hands in my lap.

She scoffs, rolling her eyes as she turns to fling open the doors of one of the wardrobes. “Look princess. I’m not here to be your friend. I’m here to do Amon’s bidding, and for right now you seem to be it.”

She turns towards me, tossing a dark blue gown in my direction. I flinch, catching it and hold it out in front of me.

It was pretty, and I set it down on the bed next to me.

“I’m not your friend, I’m not your maid, and I won’t be waiting on you hand and foot.” Balail snaps, and the fire roars a little inside the fireplace.

“Don’t get too comfortable. I’m sure Amon will find a way to reverse this whole thing.”

I raise my eyebrows at her, watching as she stalks to the window to pull the curtains open.

---