Page 78 of Demon's Bane

“We’re here to see the king and queen.”

The guard scowls even more deeply. “By whose permission? We’re not expecting any visitors to court to—”

His words cut off when I glance out from around Rhett and he gets a good look at me.

“Human? Where did you come from? All the queen’s guests are supposed to have come directly here from the Veil.”

“I’m a… special delivery,” I say with a grimace. “But I’m pretty sure Allie—QueenAllison will be happy to see me, if you can take us to her.”

He doesn’t look quite like he trusts me, and apparently doesn’t trust Rhett at all as he turns back to him with narrowed eyes. “And you?”

“I’m with her.” Rhett curls his tail around my waist and lays a heavy arm over my shoulders.

Goddess above. That’s all I need right now—a big, protective demon bodyguard antagonizing a royal soldier.

I try to wiggle out of his grasp, but he keeps me right where I am. All I can do is glare up at him, but he keeps his eyes fixed on the other demon, utterly stone-faced.

“Listen,” I say, making absolutely no progress in dislodging Rhett’s hold on me. “If you can take us to the queen, I promise she’ll recognize me. Otherwise you can… I don’t know, throw us in a dungeon or whatever it is you do with trespassers.”

Rhett lets out a low, dissatisfied growl at the suggestion, but it seems to win over the guard.

“Fine,” he relents. “Come with me.”

We trail after him, approaching a stone gate cut directly into the side of the mountain. I stare up at it with wide eyes that only get wider when the guard lays a hand on the stone beside it and the gate disappears entirely.

Just inside, another guard waits wearing the same armor and carrying his own enormous sword. This guard looks a little older, more seasoned, and the first guard greets him with a curt nod.

“Help me escort these two… guests to the great hall?”

I don’t particularly care for the look that passes between the two of them, or howguestssounds more likeprisonersin the tone he takes.

There’s not a lot of time to think about it, though, because as we step forward through the archway where the gate used to be, a sharp stab of panic climbs up the back of my throat.

I’m sure the demon court is safe.

I’m sure Rhett and I aren’t in any danger here, that there’s no reason to believe this gigantic, ancient court beneath an even more gigantic mountain is going to come crumbling down.

But hell if I can make my body believe that.

My fight-or-flight kicks in immediately, ears ringing with the echoes of yesterday’s cave-in. I want to run right back out into the sunshine, get the hell out of here before anything can—

“You’re safe, little mate.” Rhett’s words are a soft murmur against my ear, the heat of him beside me a balm for my worry. “Nothing is going to happen to you while I’m here.”

It takes another few seconds for my panic to ebb, but I’m able to get it down to somewhere near manageable with the reassurance of Rhett’s strength beside me.

The way ahead is lit with torches set every few feet into the stone walls, and we pass more demons the deeper we go into the mountain. I don’t miss the curious looks thrown our way, or that our two guards keep their hands on the pommels of their swords and stay lock-step beside us as we make our way to wherever they’re taking us.

“I’m Joan, by the way,” I say, trying to cut some of the tension. “And this is Rhett. What are your names?”

The two guards exchange a wary glance before the first answers. “I’m Elric. And this is Sam.”

“Elric, Sam,” I repeat. “Nice to meet you.”

All I get are two faint grunts in reply, and it does nothing to ease the prickling unease roiling in the bottom of my belly.

It’s going to be fine. Allie and Eren will be happy to see us. We’re not going to end up in a damned demon dungeon today.

“Is it much further?” I ask as we’re led down another one of the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the mountain.

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