Page 21 of Tricky Princess

Asmodeus took the seat to her left at the head of the table. It could seat at least ten people, and it was covered in different foods, candle sticks, drinks, and elaborate decoration, all black and gold like his wing of the castle. The fire behind him was large, bathing the cozy room in warm light. He looked so at ease tonight, a small smile stuck on his face.

“How was your day?” he asked, pouring her some wine.

“Boring,” she said, bringing the cup to her nose and sniffing it. It smelled like normal red wine. Taking a sip, she was instantly warmed by notes of cinnamon, berries, and a rich chocolate flavor.

He chuckled and sipped his wine. “I heard you got to see the library after your self-driven tour of the castle?”

“I’m surprised I got as far as I did.” She smirked at him and leaned back in her chair.

Ellea surveyed him over the rim of her goblet, waiting for a scolding. He only mimicked her, leaning back in his own chair. He tapped on his cup, seeming thoughtful as he surveyed her.

“I hope you spend more time with Florence.”

“Why, so she can keep an eye on me?”

“Yes, but I think you can learn from her. I think you could learn from each other, and you will find that she is more than she seems.”

“More than a meddling demon with no boundaries?”

“Yes, more than that.”

Ellea liked Florence a lot from their short encounter. The only girls she had ever spent any time with were her grandmother and Billy. Her chest hurt thinking about her familiar. They had never been this far apart. Their recent separation had only been because they were too busy with the men in their lives, and not by something so vast as being in different realms.

“Ellea?” Asmodeus asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.

“Sorry, I was thinking about someone,” she said, leaning forward to survey the food.

What would Billy think of this place? She wondered if she would bound the halls, snapping at little demons and drooling over Duhne and the king. Or would Ellea get to see her human form? They could play dress-up together. Ellea’s heart felt heavy, but she couldn’t help but smile at the thought.

“Rosier?” he guessed. “I’m quite disappointed in my heir. I thought he would have stormed the castle by now.”

“No, my familiar,” she said, poking at what looked like a cooked turkey as she tried to dampen down how worried she was. She was sure Ros was doing everything he could to get to her. But what was taking him so long? “Your son may be mine and all-consuming, but I have room in my thoughts for others.”

Asmodeus chuckled again. He seemed to laugh a lot in her presence.

“Do I entertain you?”

“Yes,” he said, cutting a piece of meat and offering it to her.

“You’re welcome?” She was a little put off by his direct answer.

“It gets lonely as a king.” His eyes were so warm and almost sad as he held her gaze. “Especially when your only heir runs off.”

“It must be hard as a widower as well.” She was curious about why he hadn’t mentioned his wife.

“Yes,” he said, tearing his eyes away. “So when a young woman comes into my realm—”

“You mean is dragged to your realm…by you?”

“—one who is crude and doesn’t hold anything back,” he continued, smiling at her, “I find myself enjoying the company.”

“Maybe you should kidnap young women more often.”

“My subjects may start to talk if I start welcoming others so frequently.”

“Welcoming?” Ellea snorted. “And they aren’t talking already?”

“Oh, they are,” he said, sipping his wine. “Haven’t I been welcoming? The clothes, the quarters?”