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
Sleeping wasn't an option. Every time I lay down on the bed my head started spinning with so much information the only way I could quiet it was to rise and pace around the room. At least the pajamas I'd dug out of the closet the size of my bedroom at home were kind of normal. Some kind of black silky stuff that felt like I wasn't wearing anything. A little freaky, but the full-length pants and long-sleeved button up shirt looked so much like normal clothes I couldn't resist them.When someone knocked on my door, I lurched to answer it just to shake myself out of the constant whirl of my thoughts. It wasn't until I had the door half jerked open I realized I should have been more cautious.Saved by the aide. No battle-seeking relative on the other side to worry about, just Pagomaris, dressed in a long black robe of her own, a smile plastered on her face. She was no longer wearing the giant platform boots she'd forced me into all day and I was surprised to note she was actually shorter
"Sydlynhamitra," she said in a voice echoing through the hallway, "I, Phatshepeset, Lady of the Eighth Plane, challenge you for status."Nice name. But I wasn't contemplating what she was called or what her ranking was. For once I did as I was told and acted.Acting I could actually handle. The second she stopped speaking my power was on the move, lashing at her legs in slicing blades of amber fire. It should have worked. I had the jump on her, the shields surrounding her should have been in a nasty puddle at her feet.Damn it.I had so much to learn.Her magic skipped around the edges of mine, forming ripples diffusing the slashing attack until I might as well have come at her with a knitting needle. I barely-barely-had time to dodge aside as her own magic slid forward, a hissing snake, to strike at me with venom I was certain would do more damage than I was willing to take.Any damage was unacceptable, to be honest.My demon roared her fury, splitting our magic in two down the
First order of business made me actually uncomfortable and kind of anxious at the same time. Sassafras led me into my ginormous closet and proceeded to choose an outfit for me, something he deemed suitable for whatever he had in mind. Not that I was normally shy around him, but having my demon cat pick my wardrobe was more than a little weird and kind of creepy."Oh stop it," he snapped as I hid a nervous giggle behind my hand as his magic pulled down a large wrap-like coat and dropped it at my feet. "Grow up, would you, please?"Done with me, he waddled out to badger my sister, leaving me to dress in the floor-length flowing pant things and short, tight top baring my midriff, more of the stupid platform boots and the lightweight wrap he'd chosen. All blue this time. I felt like I'd had a very bad accident with a magic marker.But worse than the clothes? Imagine my shock when Sassafras led Meira and I out of our quarters and to the elevator."Aren't we supposed to be training?" I c
I felt like a bit of an idiot training without Sassafras, doing the same stuff over and over again, but I had to admit, by the time he trotted down the stairs to join us again, I was feeling a lot more confident about what I'd learned.He made Meira and I go through our paces, one at a time, praising my sister while his snarky tone told me he wasn't completely happy with my progress.Maybe he shouldn't have just left us, then, hmmm?The moment we set foot outside the training ground I was accosted by another cousin. At least Calanothalmunon was only a Knight of the Fifteenth Plane. Considering I'd spent the afternoon practicing, his timing was unfortunate.Sassy didn't have a negative thing to say as I swiftly countered the demon's attack and, seeing the weakness in the rigid shielding he held, honed my power into a chisel and hammer, shattering his protections around him.Maybe my easy win and the absorption of Calanothalmunon's power should have made me happy, but instead it mad
I wasn't all that surprised to be called on again in the middle of the night. In fact, I was expecting it, already up after a short nap.Sassafras warned me about the possibility as we dined in private with Dad."She's fishing for something," he said of my grandmother. "Don't underestimate her.""She's a mistress of subtleties," Dad agreed. "You won't know what she's after until she has it from you.""Just be careful what you say," my demon cat said. "And for goodness sakes, control your temper."I fell into a short sleep after leaving the others to talk, feeling much more refreshed for a bit of rest despite the fact I should have been exhausted. A long shower in the amazing bathroom, piping hot water pouring from a huge fountain gushing over my body, did wonders for my state of mind.By the time Pagomaris knocked, I was smiling and ready.No more hesitation. I strode into Grandmother's presence like I was the one ready to ask questions. Her powerful magic didn't intimidate me t