Page 21 of Crowned A Traitor
Lucifer’s supporters and council talked amongst themselves. At the end of the table sat the Higher Demons, then some Elder Creatures followed by a select few Lucifer trusted that Klara didn’t recognize until finally, she looked to Frendall at the King’s left hand.
~6~
Ahand went over Klara's and she looked to the offending guest beside her. She recognized the purple-haired girl but couldn't place her name. "How long are you to remain Heiress?" Purple Hair asked, and Klara looked at her empty plate.
"Not long and call me Klara," she said, and the girl about Klara's age looked to the King for permission. Klara studied her Father's reaction as he nodded.Who was she? Another mistress?Klara looked at her bright smile.No too young,and yet Purple Hair held a high enough position to ask Klara such a bold question without so much as an introduction. "What a pity! Hopefully, you will change your mind and stay awhile?"
"I'm afraid my duties in Malum will make this a quick trip," Klara replied, and Lucifer raised his glass, and his guests followed suit. "Still it must be nice to be home," Purple Hair continued, and there is a muttering of agreement amongst the guests.
"Yes, I have longed to return to my Father's side after such a long parting."
"To your daughter's return." A Higher Demon in a silk suit cheered, and agreement echoed around the room.
"Let us enjoy the feast the King has prepared," Klara bowed her head politely as their yellow eyes lingered on her for longer than she would have liked.
With allies and enemies at one table, Klara couldn't tell which was which as they were all disguised in elegant dress, but Klara could sense the sharp claws. She wondered who would be the next to order an assassination attempt. Or, who was reporting this very exchange to the Queens back in Malum.
With Hell's red sun beaming in on them, she knew it would be the Queens feeding time. She looked at the lobsters still in their shells in front of her and figured they are probably gorging themselves on a feast as immense as this one. Klara took a few mouthfuls as Purple Hair drifted into conversation with the Higher Demon beside her.
Klara glanced at Frendall, who seemed deep in private conversation as her Father leaned in closer to hear his Commander.
"Have I missed something?" Klara interrupted, and the discussions throughout the table halted, and the sound of cutlery hitting the plates vibrated around her. Klara hadn't meant for the whole table to hear her interrupt the King's conversation.
The King cleared his throat and stared at his guests. The deafening silence is only broken up by the crackle of the roaring fireplaces and the dull scream of the tortured souls below them. The silence restarted the guests' appetite as all became fascinated by the feast in front of them.
"Well," the King started, pushing his plate away slightly and Frendall refused to meet Klara's eye. There was a glint in his eye that unsettled her.
This can't be good.
"While you were settling in," Lucifer paused to wipe his lips with a napkin. Klara suppressed a smile,what an excellent way to phrase Passed Out.
"I've had time to think about our current situation."
Klara held her breath as he spoke.
"Abadan agrees that maybe it is time for you to return home to the Manor."
Klara dropped her spoon and watched it sink into the slimy green pool of liquid.Abadan, He had talked to Abadan, and she agreed to let me leave.
"I don't know…" Klara froze, searching for the right words.If Abadan doesn't have me in her clutches, how would she garner the King's attention? Maybe Abadan wants me dead sooner rather than later.
"I did not know the High Queen felt this way," Klara said. It was undoubtedly easier for Klara's enemies to reach her in Hell than it was in Malum since Demons, Creatures and Doomed come and go as they please. "We have been discussing it at length since Lilith has signed off on your training. I see no reason why you should remain in Malum until it is your time to take over."
Klara's enemies rarely bothered venturing to the Forest of Malum. Gaining access to the Queen's Castle was near impossible unless they were paid extremely well and had a map. Returning Klara to Hell was a much more effective way for Abadan to rid herself of her ward without self-incrimination. Frendall frowned at Klara, as she went silent.
"Don't you think this decision is a little rash, I mean I still have so much to learn, and there are threats in Malum I want to address." The flames from the fires caused sweat to bead on the back of her neck.
"Abadan is proud of how much you have excelled. Told me how proud she is that you were able to free the Forest of the Ghouls by yourself. I'm sure you can handle any threat that comes your way here…"
"And got my heart ripped out in the process," her raised voice gained the attention of the other guests. Klara smiled faintly and sat back in her chair. The King's glare forced them to return to their supper.
"I will always have a spare heart lying around," Lucifer laughed as meat juice dripped down his pointed chin. "Frendall has agreed to help sharpen your skills. It's been a generation since Lilith last battled so he will teach you the latest tactics."
Klara glared at Frendall as he winked, taking a bite of whatever Creature was on his plate. Distracted by Frendall's arrogance, she only caught the last part of her Father's sentence, "and then it will be your turn to rule."
The King caught the attention of the entire table. However, the guests snapped quickly back to their private conversations. If they were seen to be eavesdropping, her Father's paranoia would send them all to the Torturers below. Klara couldn't blame them for listening. The King wasn't quiet about the matter.
Rule. He can't mean it. He would never give up the throne. This must be a test.Klara clenched her hands under the table. The King spoke as if he wanted to leave his Kingdom for good. She studied his expression, but there was no laughter in his eyes. The King was serious.
