Page 21 of Not Today, Satan
And not even Ferus sees them because I keep them buried where no one can find them. Not even myself.
“I don’t need to prove anything to you, Ferus.” I take a step toward him, clenching my fists as the heat from my face courses through the rest of my body. “But I work damn hard. When I’m not checking in shadelings, I’m in classes. I have zero freedom to do what I want. Only whathewants of me.” My veins burn, and I ball my fists so tightly that my fingernails dig into the flesh of my hand, drawing blood.
“Fine, Princess. Whatever you want to believe.” Ferus leans against the desk and crosses one leg over the other. “Just cool the fireworks. I know you’ve always been hot for me, but there’s no reason to set my room on fire.”
I follow his gaze to my closed fists, now shedding smoke.Oh shit.
Closing my eyes, I count to ten like Mr. B. taught me, and the heat in my palms dissipates. I breathe until my head clears and my body temperature returns to normal.
“I didn’t mean to make you angry.” Ferus pushes off the desk and strides toward me so fast he’s nothing but a red-and-orange blur. His hips press me into the door, and I wince as my ass slams into the wood.
Ferus grins and skims my cheek with his cold fingers. “All I meant was that you could use some help on that throne. We’d make a good team. You have the bloodline, and I have the strength and good looks. Besides, I see the way you look at me.”
“You mean with disgust?”
He chuckles. “There’s that wit I admire.” Ferus runs his fingers through my hair, and I gag. Every part of his body that touches mine makes me want to run to the showers and scrub until my skin comes off. “We’d keep each other on our toes, wouldn’t we, Princess?”
I shove his hand away with a growl and grip my sword. “What are you even talking about?”
“I’m saying you should marry me, Devica.” His breath is hot against my cheek. “Marry me and make me your king. We’ll rule this place together.”
“What?” I ram my head back in surprise, and pain shoots through my skull as it connects with the door. Blinking away stars, I study his face, searching for any trace of humor. But Ferus wouldn’t know a joke if it knock-knocked on his disgusting face. “You can’t be serious. First of all, you’re literally thousands of years older than me, which is just gross. And secondly, why would I want to marry someone who constantly insults me?”
His grin widens, exposing more of those sharp teeth, and a shudder courses through me. “Princess, I was teasing. We both know you’re gorgeous, despite your size. You’d be a stunning queen, and I’ll make you feel things you never thought possible.”
I open my mouth to tell him off but slam it shut as he leans in to kiss me.
Oh, absolutely not.
I tilt my head away from him, and instead of my lips, his mouth meets the door. He utters a confused cry, and I take that moment to drive the hilt of my sword into his stomach, then knee him in the crotch for good measure. He releases me and drops to the floor, moaning and grabbing between his legs.
I stare down at him, straightening my spine as he writhes at my feet. “First of all, I’m gorgeous,period. And second, I’d rather swim in the Ignis River than marry you. You have a better chance with that door than with me.” I wipe my hips with sweaty palms, as though I can erase the feel of his hands all over me. Then I spin on my heel. “Goodbye, Ferus.”
Opening the door, I peer into the hall, my heart skidding through my chest. The souldiers from earlier are long gone.
“You’ll pay for this, Princess,” Ferus hisses from the ground behind me. “I’m not letting go of the throne that easily.”
Pulling my cloak over my face so he can’t see how my lip trembles, I deepen my voice and speak without emotion. “Take it up with my father, asshole.”
I slam the door and slip into the darkness.
X.
Dominus connects to Lapis by a long bridge not far from the demon dorms.
I shake my head to purge the images of Ferus leering at me as I trek over the cloudy water, then stop in front of the gate. I should be nervous, but whatever nerves I had when I snuck out of my bedroom have been replaced by determination.
I don’t know what awaits me on Earth, but it’s gotta be better than anything down here.
Tapping my foot, I stare down the two souldiers standing guard and wait for them to part. When they don’t step aside, I lower my hood and purse my lips. “Let me by.”
“Your Highness.” The souldier on the left bows his head, and the other follows suit. “Shouldn’t you be in your chambers?”
I cross my arms over my chest and lift my chin, keeping my tone steady. “I’m here to question a shadeling, Nathan Reynolds. Remember him? Your division allowed him to wander out of his lot, and he broke into my room and attacked me. I’m going to be scarred for life, thanks to your incompetence.”
The first souldier’s eyes widen. “Apologies, Your Highness. That should never have happened. I personally tossed the guards on duty at the time into the Ignis River for putting you at risk. There’s no need for you to see the prisoner again.”
My face falls when he mentions demons dying because of me, but I snap my expression back before they notice and arch my eyebrows. “That’s nice. But I’m going to be in charge soon, and I’d like to speak to Nathan Reynolds. Either you let me in or I can tell Father you refused orders from your future queen. Which would you prefer?”
