Page 53 of Claimed By her Alien Prince

As long as his brothers don't kill him, a merciless voice reminded me.Yeah, there is that, I conceded.

The door chime announced a servant, a woman, who bowed deeply. "Forgive me my prince, but the King of Darkness requests yours and Lady Lilith's presence in the throne chamber."

"Probably to announce what he is going to do about Abaddon," Seth mused. "Very well, thank you."

He snagged a Danish. "Well, we'll better get ready. Did you have enough to eat?"

I blinked, still mulling over the eternal life revelation. "Yes, thank you."

His usual cocky grin returned. "Don't look so glum, karamia. This shall be entertaining, let's get ready."

I shook my head, trying hard to figure out how his brother's punishment could possibly be amusing.

"Trust me, Lilith. Whatever punishment Behlial decides to dole out on Abaddon is deserved. Next to Nergal, he was always the most ruthless of us."

I forced myself to look at it as a way of getting rid of one of Seth's competitors, and rose. "Fine, let's go."

"Hold on." There was laughter in Seth's voice. "As much as I admire your sheet wardrobe, I don't think Behlial would be amused."

"Oh." He was right, I was draped in only a sheet. I guess it was understandable that, given our situation, I wasn't putting much thought into my wardrobe; but I had already gathered that Behlial took ceremony and wardrobe seriously and I saw no reason to raise his ire just because of something so insignificant. Plus, it gave me time to gather my wits and ready myself for another confrontation with the devilish alien leader.

This time we weren't the last ones to enter. Azubah and Marduk already stood in the middle of the room, with Grigori and Andrea on their right. We made our way over, and Seth positioned us so that I stood next to Azubah, who gave me an inscrutable look.

Her hand held Marduk's tightly, and I hated the idea that we were measuring each other like gladiators ready to fight. But the truth was, one of us would get hurt, one of us would lose their lover, and I was determined as hell to make sure it wouldn't be me.

Her glare promised the same.

But there was something else, which I was sure reflected in mine too, sadness for what could have been, for what we were when we entered this room for the first time. We had been strangers, and yet, sisters.

I wished with all my might we could return to that. I remembered holding Azubah's hand, remembered the feel of it, and despite everything, I reached my hand out toward hers and she took it, squeezed it, and gave me a resigned, wry nod.

Andrea noticed it and a weak smile spread her lips in commiseration.

My pondering was interrupted as Azazel strutted in, followed by Phoebe, Dina, Sara, and Judith. The last two's faces were swollen and tears filled their eyes. My heart went out to them, even though Judith had, brought this on herself by helping Abaddon kill Balaam.

Azazel stopped next to us with the girls—his harem really—and my throat went dry. I swallowed, hating the idea that if something happened to Seth, I would have to stand with one of his brothers, the one who had killed Seth.And do other thingsif you're not knocked up already, my relentless mind reminded me.

Everything inside me rebelled at the thought, and it was then that I remembered Homer urging us to kill the Princes of Darkness. With sudden surety I knew I would, or I would die trying, should something happen to Seth. I wouldn't stop to kill his brothers though, no, I would go straight for the source of all evil, Behlial. And he would never see it coming.

This needed to end.

Next to enter were the nobles, coming through a different archway, to take their seats at the left side of the still empty thrones.

Suddenly a fanfare blared out, sounded off by ten trumpeters standing by another archway. The sudden sound made me jump, and Seth put a soothing hand around my waist, pulling me closer.

When the sound faded, the king entered, flanked by his queen, and followed by six guards with Abaddon in the middle. His hands and feet were shackled, changing is usually arrogant gait into something more subdued.

"Lords, Ladies, nobles, and crewmembers. I called you in this morning to discuss punishment for my son Abaddon, who in a cowardly way, used his bride to kill one of his rivals."

A mumble moved through the rank of the nobles, the brothers, however, remained quiet and looked stoically toward the King of Darkness.

"Although we don't have a written set of rules on the matter, it is clear that the princes are to eliminate each other using their own brawn, not somebody else's. The attack on Balaam was a cowardly act and will be punished.

"In my infinite mercy, I have, however, decided not to punish the girl who was driven by the understandable desire to help her mate, as misjudged as that move may have been. It's understandable, and I have given her to Azazel."

"But let me give you a word of warning. A warning toward all you Nayphyllym." He looked around, ensuring he had our attention. "Even though you are vital to this quest, you are neither irreplaceable nor above the rules. If something like this happens again, or if any of you makes one false step, I will have you beheaded."

A cold shiver ran through my body, knowing that he would immensely enjoy making good on that promise.

---