Page 33 of King's Obsession

“What do we think about a month?” Dougal asked, smiling at a persistent vine that was wrapping around his trouser leg. “Obviously, the bigger trees can’t come, which could be difficult for many of you younger growths. A month?” That seemed to work, although one or two bushes weren’t sure how long a month might be, so Dougal explained, “It’s a full cycle of the moon—from new moon to new moon,” which they could understand.

“Even if I can get a window put in, it probably won’t open. I imagine Asmodeus is very protective of his space,” Dougal warned. “A window could be seen as a security concern, so there would be very limited chances to take in fresh air.”

That caused another round of chatter, which Dougal understood. It was different for plants that were raised in glass houses—they were used to being protected by walls. Most of the plants in the forest had grown only ever knowing the changing weather patterns and being outdoors. Being in an office would be a new experience for them.

“Yes, I will check in on you most days—not every day, but most days, Asmodeus has to be there.” Dougal nodded. “Yes, I will also make sure that your water and soil nutrition needs get taken care of…” he tilted his head, brow smoothing out. “Companion plants, good idea.” He grinned at the large holly bush that made the suggestion. “Like a buddy system, so you can look out for each other. Very smart. Yes, we can do that.”

After that, it was just a matter of logistics. Smaller plants held still as Dougal carefully exposed their root system so they could go into a pot. There were a lot of leaves shimmering about that. Some of the bigger plants offered to send along new shoots, giving part of themselves that would grow into independent trees and bushes by the time they came back. There was an air of excitement in the forest as Dougal got a dozen plants situated in pots, standing up and dusting the soil off his hands when he was done.

“All right,” he said, “now it’s time to use the magic from the forest and shrink you all down so you can hide in my pockets until we get there. No little fella,” he gently disentangled the vine who was still clinging to his pants, and putting the stem back on his tree. “Not you, not this time. You grow a bit more and we’ll see about it next month, all right? Your tree’s too big, and can’t come with us, but if you keep growing the way you are, then you can provide a shoot for us next month, which can grow on Asmodeus’s throne. Won’t that be fun?”

Apparently, that was the right thing to say. With a grin, Dougal hurried back to his cabin, his pockets full.

“What on earth is all that stuff in your pockets?”

Douglas looked up from where he was setting out the pots he’d collected and quirked his eyebrow. “It’s not like you to use your kingly tone on me,” he said with a deep laugh. “If we’re spending any time here at all, then this room needs plants and a window.”

“There’s nothing wrong with this room.” Asmodeus stomped over to his chair and sat down in a huff. “It’s uncluttered for a reason and before you start throwing around words like making it feel welcoming or other drivel like that, this place is not meant to be welcoming. If those demons got comfortable in here, they’d be hanging around the door every day.”

“It’s not for the demons, or has anything to do with making them feel welcoming.” Dougal started setting the now enlarged pots in clusters around the stage area, and near the two chairs they used. “This room is filled with very negative vibes—understandable after what I’ve seen since we’ve been coming here regularly—but none of that is good for you know who.”

He let his gaze linger on Asmodeus’s belly for a long moment. His mate was still terrified the demons would find out he was pregnant, although that day was going to come soon enough. In the meantime, Asmodeus started getting anxious and cranky, the closer it got to the time they needed to head to his realm, and didn’t truly relax again until they made it back to the forest.

“Plants are very good at improving air quality and have their own energies that are calming and soothing to the people who spend time near them. They are also useful in helping to reduce fatigue, and can even help you concentrate and be more productive because they help absorb sound and minimize the echoes that blank walls and wide spaces can cause. They’re healthy.” Pleased with the placement, Dougal joined his mate, sitting on the chair beside him. “We need a window on that wall.” He pointed to the wall to their left. “That’s an outside wall, and natural light will encourage growth and health to everything living in here.”

“You want a window now?” Asmodeus flung his fist in the direction of the wall and a window appeared. “Bigger? Smaller? What else do you want? Curtains?”

Dougal felt something tap against his leg and reached into one of his many pockets. “Hi there, little one. Thank you for reminding me you were there.” He smiled down at the pot. “Yes, I agree. Asmodeus needs some positive vibes. Here.” He plonked the pot carefully in Asmodeus’s lap. “Sit and hold that plant for a moment. I need to adjust a couple of the other plants to account for the change in light.”

He jumped out of his seat and started moving some of the pots, letting them take advantage of the more natural light. “A window catch would be a good idea,” he sang out, feeling better just having plants of his forest around them. “Fresh air would be a bonus on those days the demons go overboard with their colognes, or if they have garlic for breakfast.”

“Don’t mention garlic.” Asmodeus gagged as another zing of magic flew past Dougal’s ear. “I’ve got people waiting to see me.”

“That’s why opening a window is a good idea.” Reaching over, Dougal opened it. “If you’re worried about people overhearing private business, just ward the outside.”

“I’ve already done it.” Asmodeus heaved a sigh. “This plant is very trusting.”

Ah, that’s what I was looking for. A lower tone, a calmer attitude…Dougal smiled as he turned back to his mate. The plant had long thin leaves, and they pressed against Asmodeus’s chest. “That’s about as close to a plant hug as you’re going to get,” he said as he made his way back to his chair. “Unless you’re Silas or Wanda, of course, in which case their trees get a bit friskier—actually a lot more—we don’t need anything like that in here.”

“Definitely not.” Asmodeus carefully rested the pot and the plant on the arm of his chair, cupping his hand around it so it wouldn’t fall. “Call in the first complainer.”

Dropping a kiss on Asmodeus’s shoulder, Dougal called out, “Baal, let’s get this done. Warn all supplicants, their king is grumpy today.” Then he leaned against Asmodeus for a second and said in a lower tone, “Do you think that will help weed out the nuisances?”

“I wish,” Asmodeus muttered. “I’m already hungry.”

Chapter Twenty

Asmodeus

His stomach heaved and more bile burned the back of his throat as the vomit hit the bucket because yet again he hadn’t made it into the toilet. It was the never-ending vomiting cycle. Months he’d been doing this, and it wasn’t only confined to the morning. Despite all of that, his belly had grown.

He cupped it now, rubbing at the mound, worried he could upset the baby.

A damp cloth pressed to the back of his neck as Dougal lifted his hair out of the way. A cool welcome relief to the sweat coating his skin.

“That’s it. Nearly done,” Dougal mumbled, a hand stroking slow circles over his lower back.

It didn’t feel like it was nearly done! But Asmodeus couldn’t say that, as he remained otherwise occupied. He’d tried switching to his human half for the vomit sessions, only they weren’t having any of it.

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