The dress was... ugly. All kinds of butt ugly, in my honest opinion. Like anyone else cared about what I thought. Especially Pagomaris who instead just went into demonic raptures over both Meira and I. Dressed like twins. In what felt and looked like patent leather cut out in really uncomfortable places with some kind of steel mesh. Like, awkward and embarrassing places. I kept jerking down on the bodice in an effort to hide a little more of my chest. It seemed demon fashion was more about what you showed than what you didn't.At least all the really important bits were covered. Especially in Meira's case. No way was I letting the over-enthusiastic aide turn my little sister into some kind of child porn star.Hopefully I wasn't the only one. But from Dad's scowl and constant pacing, he was just pissed off in general. Fair enough.The platform boots felt like the softest silk on the inside and I had to admit were very comfortable. Tottering around six inches above the ground? Not so
Pagomaris strode forward, in the lead for the first time since we stepped off the platform below, and genuflected so deeply to the thrones before her I'm positive her nose touched the stone. She then turned and smiled at me, body vibrating with joy."Bow now before our High and Noble Rulers," she said in a voice throbbing with emotion. "His Royal Highness, Prince Vandelarius, Ruler of the Second Seat, Demon Lord of Milanseme, Carrier of the Sacred Shroud, Lord Master General of the Guard..."She went on so long I felt my brain going numb.I know, Sassy sent. Tiresome, aren't they? Your grandmother's titles could fill a thousand paged book, so get that glaze out of your eyes and listen up.Smartass cat.Pagomaris finally wound down, adding one last title about a Glorious Chalice of something or another before she turned and bowed herself to the demon on the smaller throne.It sat just below my grandmother's, to the left side, not quite as grand. In it slumped a portly demon who ap
"Considering you seem to be misinformed," I said, "allow me to clear up the issue and introduce myself." My demon growled behind my words as every single pair of eyes latched onto me and refused to let go. The pressure was unbelievable, but my temper carried me onward, for good or ill. "I am Sydlynn Thaddea Hayle, leader of the Hayle coven, daughter of Miriam Hayle, Leader of the North American Witches Council. I am also Sydlynn, demon child of Haralthazar, Prince of the Second Plane." I paused a moment, ignoring the open-mouthed shock of the family, the way Pagomaris's hands fluttered ineffectually as though her worst nightmare had come to life, only focused on the steady, steely gaze of my grandmother. "I am Shaylee, Princess of the Sidhe Seelie Court. And I am the essence of all vampires, born of the maji." As I ran through the list of my personas, I felt a shiver of pride. Not because I was powerful-I was, without question-but for the first time in my life I recognized and acknowle
I knew I was in trouble the moment the words left her mouth. The stunned silence meeting most of the afternoon's revelations so far was shattered by a chorus of protests, both from my father's now agitated and angry family, and from Dad and Sassafras.My demon cat leaped free of Grandmother's lap only to spin and glare at her. "Preposterous," he said. "You can't assign her so high a position."Grandmother's eyes tightened just a little bit, but her voice carried the weight of her power. "I can," she said, voice a rumble of thunder, "and I have."That quieted the masses, but Sassy simply sank to the ground with his ears flat back, a soft growl emerging from him. "She is untried," he said even as Dad, his face now showing just how angry he was, put himself between me and Grandmother."What have you done, Mother?" His body shook slightly as his anger rippled from him in waves. "What is the meaning of this?"I slipped around him, refusing to be cut out of the conversation even as Gran
I had Sassy in my head, linked to Meira, the entire time Pagomaris and her squad of beautifier demons ruthlessly tugged and stuffed us into a new set of clothing.You'll both be fine, he sent. There shouldn't be opportunity for a fight at this point, as long as you are in the banquet. Don't accept any offers to wander off and don't agitate anyone. He sighed. I know that's a lot to ask of you, Sydlynn, but I'd like to deliver you to your mother in one piece.I scowled as Meira giggled. So you don't think anyone will step up? That was a big relief.Not during the banquet, he sent. As long as you don't push it, it's kind of frowned on.Good to know. I felt my shoulders unknotting as Pagomaris firmly gripped my head and stogged it into some kind of fur hat. I felt immediately itchy and wished I could get away with swatting her.For all I knew, she'd like it.Now, my demon cat went on as if I weren't being turned into some kind of overly feminized Sasquatch, if you are challenged, acc
And so the Hayle sisters rode into battle, our demon cat between us.Dad met us in the hall outside his own quarters, on the same level as the dressing room we'd been shunted off to. Even he had changed completely this time, into what looked like a very old-fashioned version of a tuxedo-if tuxedos were made of odd fabric eddying with movement as though a living organism flowed around inside and if spikes from every joint were ever de rigueur.He looked about as unhappy as we had earlier so I didn't poke fun at his porcupine outfit even as Pagomaris gushed at how wonderful he looked."Time to go," he growled, cutting her off.She took the hint.I considered taking Dad's arm again, if just for the stability of having him beside me, but at least these platform boots were flats, no real heel, and with a few careful steps I felt more confident. Besides, if I was going to literally stand on my own two feet here, if appearances were, in fact, as important as I was beginning to believe, w
I did exactly what Sassafras warned me not to do.I hesitated.But they sky was darkening and Meira and I had to go. This was terrible timing, the absolute worst. On purpose? Panic heated my insides and stirred my blood as I realized it was likely-not only that, I had to fight or I'd lose status. Why did I care? Not so much for me, not really. But Dad had to live here. And considering they would take part of my demon's power if I lost... in the heartbeat I had to think things through, my demon made it very clear to me losing even one smidge of her magic was unacceptable.She took over. Probably was for the best, really, considering I couldn't get out of my own head long enough to take action. Good thing she did, too, because Mobicandron didn't wait to see if I accepted, but lashed out immediately.My demon was fast, very fast, just fast enough as it turned out, to block the blow he'd sent my way and slash out at him in turn. For a moment, I felt a rush of confidence. I'd done this
Perhaps it was simply my agitation, but the quarters I found myself pacing in seemed conveniently prepared for me. The huge closet room was full of clothing in my size, the massive bath stocked with bubble baths and scented creams. Maybe I was being paranoid, but knowing now the political maneuverings that went on here, I could only assume my sister and I being trapped was part of some grand plan.And yet, it was possible, I supposed, these quarters were simply for guests. Since they knew I was coming, and had a wardrobe for me anyway, didn't they need a place to keep it? I wished I could just talk myself into believing it.If my grandmother had anything to do with our present situation, she'd be hearing from me, Ruler or no Ruler.An ornately carved side door of black wood swung open and Meira bounced through, Dad and Sassafras trailing along behind her. At least we were adjoining so I could be close to her."I love my room!" Meira planted herself on the end of my bed, amber eyes