Page 32 of Chained to the Devil's Daughter

Do not forget what we talked about,” Filaris urged over morning tea.

Somehow, Ash’ren had fled my chambers without stirring me, leaving only a sweet and spicy poem as a trace. His words and memories of our time together left me ill-equipped for morning tea with Filaris.

“Please, Searra.”

“I won’t. I won’t!” The words tasted sour on my tongue, and I chased them with a sip of lavender tea, one of the many delights Filaris had shown me.

I won’t forget. Of course not! It was vital that I take a fortnight to deliberate my choice of suitor. The rich nobles of my father’s court wouldn’t stand behind my choice otherwise. On the flip side. . . I was getting the flames rid of those muffer-fluffers soon anyway, so why should I heed their opinions of my love life?

Timing. It was all about rings-given timing.

“Searraaaa,” Filaris sing-songed, drawing my attention from the swirling of brown liquid. “It’s vital you do not name him right away.”

“Yes, Filly, I know, I know.” I gulped the last of my tea. “Besides, when have you known me to do anything rash? I’m notorious for my well-thought-out decisions. As you rings-well know.”

“Hmm,” Filaris growled incredulously.

“I won’t forget. Promise. And if there’s another way—”

“There isn’t!”

My eyes wandered anywhere but hers. I nodded a little too enthusiastically.

“Why do I get the sense there’s something about this promise that I’m not seeing?”

“Because you’re a pessimist.” I raised my cup like a salute and chugged the contents.

“Realist.” Filaris put her empty cup on the table and stood. She was one of those people who could wear a pantsuit and immediately appear as a respected authority, but a gown transformed her entirely into an intimidating woman too beautiful to approach. “I’ve never left a place feeling so uncertain about my mission’s accomplishment. Either it has failed, or it has not. But this, this is. . . Well, my guts are all twisted.”

“Perhaps use the restroom before you leave,” I chipped perkily. She shot me a withering look. “Come on, Filly. Have faith.”

“I do.”

Despite the way my intestines knotted, I meant it. I’d do my absolute flaming best not to name Ash as my suitor.

Following Filaris deeper into the suitors’ quarters, grief blossomed. She’d been more than a friend all this time. She’d been a rock, a motivator, even a mentor. It’d only taken a week to discover our goals were aligned, and Filaris had come clean of her purpose to infiltrate Hell’s inner sanctum via the weak-hearted, human princess. Without Filly, I may never have actedon my desire for the throne. Without her, I could’ve easily given in to the darkness blackening my soul.

“You’ve sent word to your contacts?” I asked as I picked up various items around her room.

“I’ll head straight for the meeting house and deliver their answers to you as soon as I reach Kindra.”

“Good.”

Silence ensued as we readied for her departure until a knock summoned us to breakfast.

“We’ll be right there,” I called. Taking Filaris’ shoulders, I hoped my smile conveyed my sincere gratitude. “I’ll miss you.”

“And I shall miss you.” Filaris broke from my grip and pulled me close, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “Next time I see you, you’ll be blessed by all the bones.”

My smile faltered. It was all I could do not to curl my lip in disgust.

∞∞∞

The low roar of the dining hall loomed before us with every step, but for the hushed moment we crossed the threshold. The nobles rose on my approach and awaited my signal to eat. The moment my bottom touched the extravagant gray Bone Throne, I nodded for everyone to proceed. Stupid rule. So many stupid rules. Filaris would say,these stupid rules and traditions are the only reason a realm doesn’t devolve into chaos. Sure. Maybe. But still, very stupid.

The conversation slowly rose once more, followed by the clicking of utensils and pouring of wine. Tor’cha, the gruff chef who was secretly full of cupcakes and goodness under her rough exterior, had recently come into her very own. I’d never knownfood could taste so good, until Filaris had shown up and turned the cuisine in Hell into a magnificent experience.

“Remember how food tasted when you first arrived?” I chuckled.

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