Page 20 of Tricky Princess
“Cheese and rice.” Ellea covered herself with her hands.
Florence stepped back, boldly examining her with the eyes of someone appraising unbruised herbs at the market.
“Stop covering yourself and turn around.”
Ellea stood taller, rolling her eyes and giving in to the demon. She had to be a demon with that attitude.
“I thought you would be softer.” She poked her ass with no restraint. “You’re as fit as some of the men in the army.”
“No, I’m not.” She scowled and looked down at her stomach. She brushed her hand against it, wondering how she could compare her to strong men with abs and muscles poking out in various places.
“You’re soft in places that matter. Gods, I’m jealous.”
She turned and grabbed the skirt, holding it out so Ellea could step into it. Then she handed her the bralette and let her put it on.
“Let me put your hair up,” she said. “It will catch on the top if you wear it down.”
Ellea cocked her head, thinking how weird it was to have someone waltz into your room, dress you, then demand to do your hair. Florence gestured toward the bathroom vanity where Ellea could sit and pulled a brush and a few pins out of the shadows.
“I’ll have your bathroom stocked while you’re at dinner,” she said, brushing Ellea’s hair back.
She worked quickly, braiding the crown of her head in a thick plait and swooping it around. She conjured a simple gold and black crown with a single, small peak at the center. She was about to protest, but Florence’s eyes glared at her before she could get it out.
“Don’t waste your breath on silly things,” she said, fitting the crown behind her braid. “You have a lot to discover, so save your energy for the right questions and actions.”
Florence seemed so much older than she presented. She placed her hands on either shoulder and gazed back at her in the mirror.
“One more thing,” she said and then smothered Ellea’s face in shadows.
Her own magic rumbled to the quick beat of her heart, but the shadows were gone in a second. When she glared at Florences’s reflection, she saw perfect liner and a bit of blush on her face.
“Perfect.” Florence grinned back. “Let’s get you in that top and to dinner. I can hear your stomach growling.”
Ellea glanced at herself one last time. When was the last time she looked put together like this? She liked it, but it had her longing for loose hair and bare feet walking around a cabin in the woods.
Ellea and Florence strolled down the hallway. A book was clutched under her free elbow and her new demon friend had hers looped through her right. Florence slowly led her to their destination, giving curt nods to those who passed by. The windows flared with a dim red light as Hel’s sun set. People walked down the halls, lighting candles in wall sconces. They didn’t speak as they walked; the only sound came from the swish of their skirts or the beading on Ellea’s top. Florence had squealed with delight when she’d finished lacing her into it. They turned sharply and walked through two black doors that opened on their own. The room before them was quaint and warm. Ellea had expected some vast dining hall like the ballroom at her family’s manor. A few lounging chairs took up the walls. A bar cart stood near the fire where Asmodeus stood, alone. He turned, and Florence quickly bowed. She gave Ellea a look when she didn’t follow, but the king only nodded his head with a warm smile spread across his handsome face. He wore a black suit similar to the one that Ellea had seen the day before, but there was no tie, and he seemed more comfortable with a couple of the buttons undone.
“Hello, darling,” he said, walking up to Ellea with both hands stretched out in front of him.
Ellea paused, not sure what to do at his gesture. She glanced at Florence, who looked as lost as she felt.
“Florence, thank you for delivering our princess,” he said, grasping Ellea’s free hand with both of his in a warm squeeze.
“First off—”
“Choose your battles,” Florence mumbled, cutting her off.
Ellea pursed her lips and gave the king a nod. “Thank you for inviting me to dinner.”
“Florence,” he said with a nod as she backed out of the room. “I’ll see you in the morning with a report.”
“Yes, my king.” She bowed again, grasping each door handle. “Enjoy your evening.”
She left with a wink, and Ellea didn’t have time to object.
“She’s not staying?” She suddenly felt abandoned. She’d been enjoying her company, even with its crass nature.
“Florence has some work to do.” He led her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. “I’m sure you will see her tomorrow.”
