Page 32 of D'Vaire or Nothing
“Rascal. Tell me about the carpet.”
“The carpet?” Paszra asked, dumbfounded, as he and Sashati wandered away from the giddy goblins. They had no destination, so their feet did not move with purpose; Paszra was enjoying the rare opportunity to go with the flow. Within a few minutes, his normal drive to tackle everything with purpose and determination would reassert itself, but Paszra was trying for the occasional foray into relaxing. It rarely worked, thanks to his high energy level. All imps were spirited. However, Paszra was not one to lose determination.
“Yes, Paz. The carpet.”
“It is a textile. If you are referring to the carpet in this casino, it is being used to walk upon. I suspect it helps to muffle the noise of the many machines in here and perhaps the cheers of those lucky enough to win money.”
“Allow me to be more specific. Tell me about the design on this carpet.”
Paszra was already tired of wandering aimlessly, so he stopped, and Sashati stilled at his side.
Pretending he didn’t know who had used his colored pencils to draw the original pattern of the unique carpet, he said, “Ah, yes. It is primarily in the colors of black and red with accents of gold. I believe if you look carefully, you will find some silver woven in as well. Like the entire resort, its theme is based on playing cards, which is why they named itDeck of Cards. But the imagery on the carpet is subtle. The design is mostly intricate swirls, often referred to as scrollwork on this planet.”
“Are you familiar with the artist?”
“Of the carpet? I suspect carpet needed in such a vast quantity had to be created in a factory.”
“Paz, did you think I wouldn’t recognize something drawn by your own hand?”
Turning to embrace Sashati, Paszra leaned his head on the demon’s chest. “I knew that you would, and I wanted it to be a surprise. It was so flattering to be asked by Elf to create something original for the resort, I told no one, not even my imps. Of course, they immediately knew I had a secret thanks to the way our emotions are linked, but I swore them to secrecy. They congratulated me thoroughly, then rushed off to sing karaoke. What do you think?”
“I think you are the most talented person on this planet.”
“Your goblin creations paired with it perfectly. It is a shame they are temporary.”
“Do you have any other fun surprises for me?”
“The imps made me some casino-themed underwear, but I didn’t pack it.”
Sashati’s brows flew up in surprise. “Why not?”
“Because, as you know, imps don’t wear underwear. They have seen pictures, of course, but they were so focused on including cards they did not think of the size they were producing. Honestly, Sasha, they hang past my knees.”
“How many damn cards did they put on there?”
“An entire deck.”
With a chuckle, Sashati brushed their lips together. “Good thing you left them at home. Maybe we can include them as part of a costume for All Hallows’ Eve or something.”
“Unless I want to go as a casino-themed jester, they are probably better off sold as a pair of capri pants.”
“I really need to see them now.”
“I am not modeling them.”
“Not even for me?”
Paszra grinned as he stared into the blue eyes of the man who completed him. “Once, I believed there was nothing I would not do for you, but it turns out I have found my limits. Not even for you.”
“Fine, but you’re no fun. Now, do you want to go learn how to play some casino games on the machines? I’ve read the rules for Blackjack, but I’m too scared to test my skills with an actual dealer.”
“As long as it is your money we are losing.”
“That’s the spirit,” Sashati enthused as he led them to the area with the gaming machines. It would prove an interesting challenge for Paszra, since he had no clue how to play blackjack or anything else in the casino, and he looked forward to learning. As long as he did so alongside the demon he adored.
Chapter 3
As the leader of the Order of Necromancia, Chander was required to dress in a suit, cloak, and crown daily, but he was a man who enjoyed comfort. So, he’d wiggled into a pair of old jeans, a winged skull T-shirt, and sneakers for a casual dinner out with Alaric. The two Daemon Lords who’d guarded Chander since he was a teenager had volunteered to keep Alaric’s goblins out of trouble while they ate, which was sweet of them.
