Page 8 of April's Fool
“Oh, it was no trouble, your highness. I can portal you to Djalling city. I just need to eat and refresh a little first.” The hellhound looked embarrassed at that admission. “If you could just excuse me while I—“
“Of course! So useful! It’s quite a distance and flying there would take so much time. The least we could do is feed you. Truly, please, it would be our pleasure to aid you after you came all this way with the news.”
Barr blushed prettily again. It was then I noticed I was giving out too much of my attraction pheromones. The poor lad must have been feeling the effects. I refrained from looking at what he was packing, though a good fuck would be welcome. If it wasn’t for Cody waiting for me, I would see if he was unattached and open to being shared with Gregoris. Both of us could do with a boost, and having a buffer would be good for distance.
“All I require is something small, Your Highness. I wouldn’t want you to go to any trouble.”
Gregoris intervened while I got myself under control. “I will see that something is sent up from the kitchens. When you are eating, we will pack lightly for our trip.”
I excused myself from the table, giving Barr my seat and earning myself another blush and a simply stunning smile. His attraction to me gave me more of a boost in energy than my breakfast had. With a gentle caress to his cheek, I entered my room to pack.
Within the hour, I could be seeing my son for the first time since they had made me bind him.
Quite honestly, I believed that the magic owed me a little extra for just how patient I managed to be while the hellhound ate. Gregoris had fetched Barr a large snack that the young thing devoured with gusto. I actually felt bad that he was so hungry. Perhaps where he worked, they didn’t feed their employees properly. I would have to see to that.
“Gregoris?”
“Yes, sir?”
“Could you guarantee our employees earn more than the staff at the competitors’ hotels?”
“Sir?” His questioning look had my hackles raising.
“I will not explain myself,” I said somewhat sulkily. He raised an eyebrow, looking distinctly unimpressed. “Fine,” I relented and then softened my voice, though Barr was still likely to hear me. “I want to make sure myemployees don’t have to go without while they serve the privileged.”
A distinctly familiar look crossed Gregoris’ face. It was a softening, like one would get when looking at a kitten doing something particularly cute. “Of course, sir. I’ll have that done.”
Proving that he had indeed heard everything, Barr gave me a grateful smile that was tinged with embarrassment. I could understand his pride feeling a little bruised, but I needed him to appreciate this small thing. Feeding him and improving the lives of my employees was nothing next to the gift that he had given me.
“Have we replenished your energy some?” I asked him, drifting closer. What a tasty morsel he was. I hoped he would be open to a night with me. After I spoke to my son.
I wished with all of my being that the magic would steer me into a kind and loving relationship with my son. I prayed he had no animosity towards me for what had happened.
“Oh, yes. I feel great. Ready to go? I better not be away for too long or the manager will be furious.” Barr tried to laugh the statement off, but Gregoris exchanged a look with me. If it was one of my hotels, then it was getting another manager. Barr deserved a raise.
“Just a second.” I entered my room and looked into the compartment I kept spelled for privacy. Opening it, I looked through the assorted jewels and gold, picking up some coins for Barr and then a stunning ruby that would suit him if he chose to keep it. Just in case, I found him a diamond so he could hold onto the red gem. Putting them into a pouch, I tucked it into my pants and joined them, ready to portal to my son.
We stepped through all together into the bustling city of Djalling. The portal opened up in front of a familiar hotel, one of my own. Exchanging a glance with Gregoris, I knew it would be under new management as soon as it was possible.
An officious demonkin, an air elemental with silvery blue skin, greeted us. He wore a perfectly pressed suit and concealed his wings. I hated him on the spot. “Ah, Your Highness, welcome to The Djalling Grande.” He cut a look at Barr that promised punishment. Barr slumped in defeat.
I snapped, unable to take the poor treatment. “You’re fired.” Barr looked terrified for a second, and I realized he thought I was speaking to him. “Not you, Barr, lovely. Now, take this token of my gratitude,” I handed over the pouch, “and go get my son for me, please.”
Barr took the proffered gift and bowed low. “Thank you, Your Highness. Right away.” He scurried off, his face red.
“What is the meaning of this?” the air elemental stammered.
“Your Highness,” Gregoris breathed, pressing a hand to the small of my back, an intimate gesture in public like this. He could touch my wings easily. “Let me deal with this. I will get you situated in the conference room.”
The room was opulent, like most of the hotel was. I stood, unable to sit with how restless I felt. My son was just upstairs! He was within these same walls and I could speak to him for the first time in his life!
Gregoris wasn’t gone for long. He returned to my side with a grin on his handsome face. “He will be gone by morning. The assistant manager will take over until you can decide on a proper replacement.” Again he touched me, this time squeezing my shoulder. Too familiar.
Stepping away, I turned for the door when I heard voices outside of it. I couldn’t wait any longer. Throwing open the door, I greeted my son and his mate and hugged my only child close to me.
So precious. My boy was perfect in his demon form. He’d taken my coloring in his wings and horns, but kept his human skin tone. He was a beauty. It wasalmost a shame that someone had already bonded with him. Quezalintoth was a fine demon, though. He would cherish the gift that was my son.
I wasn’t sure of all that I said, so stunned to be in front of him. My tail was swishing around like I was a small child again. I was just too excited to calm it. I listened to Gregoris remind me of my title and flushed a little. This behavior really was not befitting of a prince, but I had only been one for less than thirty years, barely any time at all for a demon.
