Chapter 1: A sordid proposition
Chapter Text
Charlie lay motionless in her bed, staring at the ceiling for hours without being able to utter a single sound. In her mind, she replayed what had been said during that meeting where she had taken her father's place. Trying to calm down by being alone had been of no use. No matter how much she continued to think of a different solution, if she wanted to save her people, she had very little choice. She rolled onto her side, placing the pillow over her head as she mentally searched for a way to tell her father.
That morning…
- Good morning, Charlie! -
Her father's cheerful voice greeted her with a singsong tone and the smell of his famous pancakes immediately reached her nose. She groggily opened her eyes to see Lucifer’s smiling face in front of her, holding a tray piled with food and steaming coffee, along with orange juice. She sat up, rubbing her eyes with one hand and yawning, stretching her arms upwards to loosen up.
- Good morning, Dad -.
The Seraphim sat down opposite her, setting everything near her. It was strange for her to see him so active so early in the morning. He was oddly cheerful, as if he had some good news to give her, and she found herself trembling with excitement. Ever since her mother had gone off, he had become terribly sad, and those flashes of joy he reserved for her had become even more precious. She grabbed a plate and began to eat with delight, knowing how good he was at making them and almost stuffing herself under the satisfied gaze of the king.
- How are you feeling today? - he asked.
She widened her smile, wiping the remnants of food from the corners of her mouth with the back of her hand. - Great! Especially with a wakeup call like this -.
Her father smiled even more, rubbing his hands together. - I'm so glad! Because I have to ask you for a favor… -.
Charlie gave him a knowing look. - So this breakfast was your way of buttering me up, Dad? -.
The demon's crimson cheeks grew even brighter as he looked left and right in agitation. - What are you talking about! Can't I spoil my little girl? - he asked, squeezing her cheek.
- Come on, Dad, tell me what you need - she asked, biting into another piece of the delicious pancake and taking a sip of coffee.
The Seraphim began to fidget with his hands. - Well, you see, I've been thinking for a while that maybe you should be more involved in our kingdom's political affairs…-.
Charlie let out a little squeal of excitement upon hearing that sentence. It was true, she couldn't wait for Lucifer to finally let her do something for Hell. Her biggest dream was to redeem the souls who lived there; she thought that since her father had fallen, the reverse could happen too. For months, she had been pestering him day and night with her ideas. She had even thought of opening a hotel specifically for that plan, but unfortunately, one of the internal battles between Overlords had demolished it, and she had been forced to put that project aside. She had then started to beg him to let her talk to someone from Heaven to propose the idea, hoping that maybe they would appreciate the gesture and would stop coming down annually to exterminate the souls who lived there.
Her father immediately noticed her emotion and put his hands up to calm her down. - Charlie, don't get ahead of yourself - he said seriously. - It's just a formal meeting with a member of the Exorcist Angels. I don't even know what they want, to be honest. But I thought that since you seem so interested…-.
- THANK YOU! - she shrieked, not even letting him finish, and threw her arms around his neck, causing the entire tray to tip over onto the blankets and her father's immaculate white pants.
Lucifer didn't seem to mind; he knew his daughter well enough by now to know there was no way to dampen her enthusiasm. By giving her that news, he had lit the fuse of her emotions, causing her to literally explode. He returned the hug, stroking her long, blonde hair that was matted from the night.
He moved her away to look at her sternly. - Remember, don't be too disappointed if they don't listen to you. I know them well enough to know they can be… cruel -.
The princess's heart broke for a second when she saw her father's sad gaze as he said that. He never spoke willingly about the fall, but the few times he did, she could read the pain that event had caused in his eyes. She had grown up mostly with the stories he told her about Heaven, his ideas, and all the beautiful things about that place, and for that reason too, she found it hard to understand why they insisted on descending to commit those atrocious acts. She smiled sweetly at him, squeezing his clawed hand. - I promise, Dad, but I'll still do my best.-
The demon smiled back, gently stroking her cheek. - I'm sure you will.-
After her father had salvaged what was left of the partially spilled breakfast, she jumped out of bed and started running like a madwoman to get herself ready. She dashed into the shower, combed her hair into her usual soft braid, and then opened the closet, going through every single outfit she had, but nothing seemed right.
There's only one solution, she thought with a smile, before putting on a dressing gown and running down the corridors of Lucifer's villa to Vaggie's room.
As expected, she was still asleep. The curtains were drawn, and the room was shrouded in total darkness, except for the faint light that passed through when the princess stealthily opened the door to enter. She loved playing these pranks on her first thing in the morning, especially knowing how much Vaggie loved to sleep in.
- I heard you - the former angel mumbled in a low voice, with a pillow pressed over her head and silver hair falling from the side of the bed.
Charlie sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. - I can never surprise you -.
Vaggie had been living with them for three years now. Charlie had found her shortly after one of the annual Exterminations, with golden blood gushing from the eye that had been torn out by one of her comrades, all because she had refused to kill a soul. Upon learning this, Charlie had felt a duty to help her and decided to take her home. Her father, of course, was happy to do so, perhaps because he understood very well the suffering such treatment could cause, having experienced it himself. Over time, Charlie had developed a deep affection for Vaggie to the point of thinking she had fallen in love with her, and they had tried more than once, but each time the former angel ran away as if she was afraid. In the end, the princess had stopped trying and was content to have her close at least as a friend, although she deeply suffered from that unrequited feeling.
- Because you're noisy - Vaggie commented, pulling herself up to sit on the bed.
Charlie ran to open the curtains, and her friend put a hand in front of her remaining eye. - What's wrong with you this morning? You look like a jack-in-the-box -.
Charlie put her hands to the sides of her face as she tried to hold back a scream. - Today I have a meeting with Heaven! My dad is sending me in his place! -.
The former angel's good eye widened, and she started coughing as if she were choking on her own saliva. - Are you kidding me?! - she rasped between coughs.
The princess launched herself onto the bed, landing on her back next to her friend and looking at her, perplexed. - Aren't you happy for me? -.
Vaggie turned to face her with a stern look. - No, I'm worried about you -.
Charlie rolled her eyes. - You'll see, everything will be fine! In fact, I'm sure it will be great! -.
Her friend ran her hands over her face, breathing deeply, pushing hair back in the motion and massaging her neck. - Charlie, I've explained this to you many times. For them, there are no shades of gray. You won't change their minds with a nice speech -.
She waved her hands in the air, pretending not to hear, then jumped up and grabbed her by the arm to drag Vaggie toward her room, completely ignoring the other's complaints.
She began to list, randomly and excitedly, the outfits she was undecided about, the speech she had prepared for a month now, the idea of rebuilding the hotel, but she suddenly stopped when she looked up at Vaggie. She had been so caught up in her own thoughts that she hadn't noticed that Vaggie was wearing a simple white babydoll that barely covered her, and she found herself swallowing with difficulty. She involuntarily scanned all those exposed patches of skin, but her eyes were immediately caught by a fallen strap that left her shoulder and part of her chest uncovered. They had been living together for years now, but she just couldn't get used to seeing her half-naked, especially not after they had hooked up a few months before. It had happened after a party in the city; both had overdone it with alcohol, and, aided by the drunkenness, they had found themselves making out in an alley before running home and doing it on that very same bed that seemed to remind her every time of what they had shared. She only noticed at that moment that even the crimson sheets with heart patterns were the same ones they had used that time, washed and no longer holding Vaggie's sweet scent that made them special.
She had obsessed over that event for weeks, but in the end, it had all amounted to nothing again, and for her, it was another stab to the heart. She had cried for days, hidden from everyone, going through box after box of tissues, but in the end, she had decided never to try that path again. In front of her, in that outfit, all her good intentions wavered for a moment, and she found herself gripping the red pantsuit she was holding tightly in her hands.
Vaggie seemed to notice the gaze, and her pale cheeks immediately began to flush as she looked down. - I'll change and be right there, okay? - she asked.
Charlie could only nod and watched her quickly disappear from the room and threw herself onto the bed, covering her face with the jacket, hoping that that thin piece of fabric would muffle the cry that escaped her dark lips. This was not the time to think about her; she absolutely had to stay focused and think about the meeting she was about to have with Heaven.
She got up and started changing, deciding to wear that blessed pantsuit that had now become like a uniform, accessorizing it with a black bowtie to look more elegant. Vaggie returned when she was finished, and she tried to greet her with a calm smile. - So? What do you think? - she asked, trying to sound relaxed.
Vaggie looked at her carefully. - You're gorgeous -.
Why do you have to be like this? the princess thought, disheartened. She hated that Vaggie looked at her that way, as if she desired her just as much. She couldn't stand that kind of look after everything that had happened.
She shot out the door like a bullet after grabbing the index cards she had prepared since she'd had that idea, in case of a possible meeting, stuffing them into her jacket pocket and heading quickly toward the exit. She was so tense that she barely greeted her father and walked at a brisk pace through the chaotic streets of her beloved city.
A swarm of souls and demons engaged in their daily activities hit her head-on, so much so that she struggled to move through the crowded streets. She watched her subjects, who barely seemed to notice her at the moment, and she wondered how they lived their hellish existence, and she wondered if they, themselves, would appreciate her idea of redemption.
As she was busy looking around, she bumped into one of the passersby, and in her haste to step away to apologize, she tripped over someone's arm, risking falling backward. She closed her eyes, preparing for the impact with the ground, but a hand firmly grabbed her by the waist, holding her back. She opened her eyes abruptly and found herself in front of two intense, bright red eyes, along with a wide, sharp-toothed smile.
- Are you all right, chérie? - the demon asked, and only then did she realize who it was.
It was Alastor, the famous and powerful Radio Demon. She had only heard of him and had seen him from a distance, since he was always holed up in the club/radio station he managed, the Scarlet Wave. Terrifying stories circulated about him, and she had always kept her distance precisely because of what she had been told, but at that moment, she couldn't break away. She felt as if chained by that serene and cheerful gaze. She found herself staring at the soft, red ears on top of his head, while an unhealthy desire to touch them made its way into her soul. In that moment, he seemed completely harmless.
She snapped out of it, blinking several times, as she got back on her feet. - I'm sorry, I didn't see you -.
The demon brought his walking stick in front of his body, resting both hands on it. - Don't worry, nothing irreparable has happened -.
He spoke in a strange, distorted tone and never for a second lost that wide smile that seemed to cut his face in half. It was a kind of laugh that could be friendly, but at the same time, terribly unsettling, and she found herself feeling strange shivers run down her spine. A part of her told her to immediately put as much distance as possible between them, but the other was curious about this strange individual she had only heard stories about.
She looked at her watch and realized she was terribly late. - Oh, damn it! - she exclaimed in a fluster. - I have to run, sorry again! -
She watched him stand still, raising his hand to wave at her. - Until we meet again, chérie -
That phrase made her blood run cold, especially because he seemed so convinced of that statement, as if he was sure they would meet again. She called herself stupid for that thought; his was one of the most famous and prestigious clubs in Pentagram City, of course he thought he would see her one day attending one of his evenings. She would have gladly gone, if it wasn’t for the fact that Vaggie never wanted to accompany her, and she was too embarrassed to go alone.
She arrived out of breath in front of the entrance to the clock tower where the meetings with Heaven were held, and she rushed inside, wiping the sweat from her forehead caused by the run.
She moved nervously through the completely empty corridors, the pure white walls that seemed almost suffocating and the high ceilings that made her feel like an ant. She kept twisting her sweaty hands, as she mentally tried to go over the speech she had prepared.
- Is anyone here? - she asked in a weak voice, but all she could hear was the echo of her voice bouncing off the walls.
She touched the papers in her pocket as if to brace herself, while she forced herself to take deep breaths to avoid completely collapsing into the anxiety that was making her stomach churn. Everything had happened so quickly that she only now realized what she was about to face, and all the confidence and optimism that had permeated her that morning seemed to have dissolved like a puff of smoke.
Some noises from one of the golden doors caught her attention, and she approached it cautiously, opening it slowly. Inside, she saw a powerful-looking angel, a tunic covering his body and a mask on his face.
- May I come in? - she asked hesitantly.
He pointed his gaze at her, widening his smile. - Well, look who they sent! - he exclaimed, remaining seated at the end of the long table. - The fucking princess herself! -
A bead of sweat ran down her forehead, and she stood still, only her head poking through the doorway. Whoever that angel was, he had a decidedly ambiguous attitude. He pointed to a chair not far from him. - Come on in, what are you waiting for, a formal invitation? - he continued in a gloating tone. - We have a lot to discuss, goldy eyes -.
I have red eyes she thought, annoyed, as she came in and closed the door behind her. She would have liked to sit at the other end of the table and stay as far away from him as possible, but he kept excitedly pointing to the chair next to him, and this was a clear sign that she couldn't refuse the invitation. She settled into the chair, trying to keep her smile alive so as not to seem rude, even though her interlocutor seemed completely devoid of even the slightest social graces.
- Remind me of your name? Fuck, I'm terrible at these things - he laughed out loud, holding out his hand.
She swallowed the lump in her throat with difficulty and shook the other's hand, which began to almost shake her because of the overly frantic movements - Charlotte, or Charlie if you prefer -.
- Adam, or Head of the Dicks if you prefer - he blurted out while he wouldn't stop shaking her hand.
The smile on her face was replaced by a stunned expression, as the angel finally let go of her hand, which fell limply into her lap, her eyes widening. It wasn't just the way he had introduced himself that had left her completely dumbfounded, but also that name. Adam, her mother's first husband. Now she understood why her father had decided not to take part in that meeting. He probably refused to see that individual more than he believed in her and her idea, and she could partly understand it; he was a real asshole. She tried to regain her composure and forced her smile as much as she could. - Oh, the first man -.
He looked at her with a gloating air. - The original dick, beautiful! -
Charlie would have wanted to disappear at that very moment, but she did her best to remain seated composedly and not let on the obvious embarrassment that was shaking her because of his manners, as she nervously and mechanically smoothed her pants. – So, - she began, clasping her hands together. - I know you called the meeting, but I also have something to talk about -
Adam sprawled out in the chair, suddenly taking off his mask and almost throwing it onto the table in front of him. He had two shining golden eyes, an arrogant smile, and a goatee on his square chin. His cedar-colored hair was deliberately messy, while one ear had several piercings. He reminded her more of a member of a rock band than an actual angel, and that sight left her even more perplexed.
- I've made myself comfortable, if you don't mind - he blurted out, as he propped his feet on the table and put his arms behind his head. -Go ahead, sweetie, I'm all ears -
She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm and not get irritated by his rude and boorish ways. - As I think you know, every year you come down here to exterminate my people... -.
He stopped her with a hand, while smiling arrogantly. - I'm happy we want to touch on the same point, we're already on the same wavelength -.
Charlie's eyes widened with joy. - Really? - she chirped excitedly, placing both hands on the table. - Because I have an idea that could solve this problem in a way that stops it -.
Adam pointed to himself with his thumb. - We're one step ahead of you, goldy eyes, we've already found the solution to end the Extermination here -.
The princess's heart was beating frantically in her chest, while a wide smile spread across her face, as her legs trembled under the table. - So you want to stop it too? -
The angel nodded, while he huffed. - It's a pain to come down here every time. Don't get me wrong, I love a little bloodshed, but what a drag to have to come all the way down here! And besides, the Seraphim are starting not to like it, they want a peaceful solution - he spat out that last two words with irritation.
- That's the same thing I want! - she exclaimed, pointing to herself. - What did you have in mind? -
Adam widened his smile and took his feet off the table, leaning his face toward her. - A marriage - he said seriously.
A strange buzzing sound went through Charlie's ears, as the smile faded from her lips. Adam's golden eyes were scrutinizing her carefully and were clearly fixated on her chest despite it being covered by her buttoned-up shirt, and she found herself clutching the jacket as if to hide, while she pressed her back against the chair. He didn't pick up on her gesture and moved even closer to the point where she could feel his breath on her face. She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat, as she tried not to stutter.
- What do you mean? - she whispered.
The angel then moved back, leaning his back against the chair. - The Seraphim have come up with a solution where everyone wins, a kind of alliance. Besides, both Heaven and Hell welcome souls, and if the Princess is married to someone who is a part of it, we will avoid any revolts without having to bust all the damned's asses -.
She had already guessed that she would have to be the sacrificial victim for that marriage, but hearing it said so directly made her breath die in her throat and her stomach turn, the bile rising and completely burning her throat. She had never even remotely considered a commitment of that kind, let alone with someone she had never even met. However, she was aware that this could be the solution she was looking for to forever end the conflicts that had seen her people tormented for centuries. She clenched her fists and lowered her gaze. - And who would I have to marry? - she asked in a whisper.
Adam lifted her chin with his index finger to force her to look at him. - Me, nice tits -.
Chapter Text
Alastor returned to his club after that strange yet fortuitous encounter. He had been thinking for months about how to attract the princess's attention, and that chance clash was exactly what he needed. He had hoped that sooner or later she would appear of her own free will, but she seemed to be delaying bringing her elegant presence to the place he had made one of the most renowned in all of Pentagram City. Of course, he had been helped by his fame, but these were irrelevant details as far as he was concerned.
Every single step he took served to attract as many souls as possible and subjugate them to his will. He had now become one of the most powerful Overlords of all, but it was still not enough.
He had craved only one thing since he arrived in Hell: power over everything, and Princess Charlotte Morningstar was part of that plan of conquest he had studied in minute detail.
In those years, everything had gone so smoothly that he was surprised by the ease with which his projects had taken shape. He had started by subjugating simple damned souls and had slowly raised the bar, then holding almost the entire city in his grasp, if one did not count the areas governed by his friend Rosie and Vox. He was his constant thorn in the side, but he had managed to get the better of him more than once during that time. With his four-bit shows, he had tried to sink his credibility with false news and slander, but he was too experienced and calculating to be caught off guard, and his radio program had given him a run for his money. In the end, that talking screen had grown tired of making war on him and limited himself to avoiding him as much as possible.
The Crimson Wave was one of his best creations. He had inherited it from one of the Overlords whose screams were broadcast when he was not on air, and he had completely renovated it, transforming it from a dive bar into a classy establishment. The environment was in the style he appreciated most, namely that of the years of his beloved earthly existence; red velvet armchairs and dark cherry wood furnishings and soft lighting. Of course, there was a stage where he loved to entertain his guests with various performances, only occasionally leaving room for sporadic artists who showed up looking for an engagement.
He entered, breathing the smell of food that came from the club's kitchen, where Niffty was probably already at work to prepare the various foods they would present that evening; first among them, jambalaya. It had taken him months to teach her how to make it the right way, and she had proven to be a perfect student unlike Husk, who, however, had a great talent as a bartender.
He watched the demon behind the counter, intent on polishing glasses with his usual nervous demeanour, and gave him a cheerful smile.
- Good morning, my dear Husker! - he exclaimed, taking a seat on one of the stools. - Do you have any news for me? -.
The bartender sighed, as he put one of the crystal flutes back in its place. - We have a reservation from the usual group from Cannibal Town and the suppliers forgot to deliver the aged whiskey -.
He felt his eyelid twitch nervously at that news, while a screech was born in his throat. He couldn't stand those absurd mishaps, he certainly couldn't serve any junk to his customers, and besides, that was one of the drinks he himself appreciated the most.
He adjusted his monocle, trying to regain his composure. - Kindly remind them that it's not a good idea to be late with me. They should know what happened to our last supplier -.
Husk trembled for a second; he remembered very well the amount of guts that had been scattered around that room, it had been he and Niffty who had to clean up that mess.
- I'll remind him - he replied, as he began to arrange the various ingredients he would need for the evening. - You still seem strangely cheerful, boss, any interesting news? -.
He crossed his legs, as he leaned his hands on the counter. - We may soon have some high-level visitors, mon ami - he replied, thinking of the business card he had left in the princess's jacket pocket as he saved her from that ruinous fall.
The bartender let out a confused grumble. - In a nutshell, more work for me and Niffty -.
Alastor ignored that rude comment to retreat to the upper floor, which housed not only the rooms of his two colleagues and subordinates, but also his radio tower and private room. He smiled at the thought that, sooner or later, he would be able to hold the princess's soul in his hands as well.
Charlie had finally decided to get out of that bed, also because her father had come at least five times to talk to her, but she had locked herself in the room like a teenager in crisis and he had finally given up.
She didn't know what to think about the proposal Adam had made to her, but she was certain of one thing: her father would kill him rather than give her to him in marriage. When she had heard those words, she had tried to reply by telling him that he was already married to Eve, but he had only said that Paradise could grant an annulment for an important situation like that.
She had wondered several times why they had chosen Adam as her future husband and not some other Seraphim or Archangel, but on the way home the answer had come to her brain piercing it like a blade: it was a punishment for Lilith's flight and Lucifer's fall. Seeing one's offspring given in marriage to the very one who had been humiliated by that betrayal was the perfect counterpoint. The first man had given her three days to think about it, then he would return with the high Seraphim to seal the agreement.
What did she think about it? She couldn't really say.
She cared so much about the idea of saving Hell that it had begun to seem like a viable option. Paradise would hardly accept a counter-proposal, and hers, in any case, was simply a hypothesis and she had no one willing to walk the path of redemption. Arriving in front of her father's office, she sighed before knocking, as she felt terror run through her limbs at the thought of how he might react to that news.
- Honey, is that you? -.
She swallowed the lump of saliva that had formed in her throat. - Yes, Dad - she replied with a trembling voice.
A noise of objects falling to the ground left her perplexed. - Come in! -.
Her father's study had never changed since she was a child. Hanging on the walls there were still dozens of photos of their family and her mother, along with a number of rubber ducks that had only increased since Lilith had left. At first, she found them cute and funny, but over time that obsession had really started to worry her. After years, she had simply gotten used to it. She found Lucifer bent over his desk, as he created yet another yellow duck with her features. He had even given it a red suit just like the one she still wore.
He turned to her with a strained smile. - So... how did it go? -.
Charlie froze on the spot, beginning to torment a lock of hair that had escaped from her braid. - Well... let's just say it didn't go exactly as I hoped... Adam showed up... -.
From her father's expression, she immediately understood that he didn't know anything either, unlike what she had thought at first. A crimson flash passed through his eyes and his teeth seemed to lengthen.
- That asshole came to a meeting? - he snorted with a voice made deeper than usual by anger.
If he reacts like this, we're in trouble, she thought agitatedly, as a couple of hairs came off her head due to the tug she gave to the lock she still held between her fingers.
- Yeah... he had a proposal to stop the Extermination too - she murmured.
Her father's eyes narrowed. - From the way you're talking about it, it doesn't sound like that amoeba came up with anything sensible from that shitty mouth of his -.
She buried her face in her hands in despair, as she felt tears sting her eyes. Her fear was not only due to the reaction her father might have, but also to the fact that she was already mentally ready to sacrifice for her people. All she wanted was peace between them and Paradise, and maybe that way Hell would turn into a better place to live. However, she was aware that Lucifer would never consent to a pact like that.
- He proposed a marriage... to seal a definitive peace agreement between Paradise and Hell - she whispered with a voice broken by tears.
A deathly silence suddenly fell over the room, broken only by the panting of the sovereign who seemed on the verge of exploding. Charlie moved her hands from her face to look at him and saw him immobile like a salt statue. His eyes were so wide they looked like two billiard balls, his mouth was so clenched that she thought it had been locked forever in that position. He was squeezing the duck so hard between his fingers that the orbits of the plastic piece popped out.
- And who is supposed to get married? - he asked with a vacant, lost look in his eyes.
The princess began to nervously bite a nail. - Me -.
The seraphim shuddered and the duck's eyes definitively shot out of the puppet, getting lost who knows where. - And... with whom? -.
- Adam -.
If it hadn't been for the fact that they shared the same blood, that sudden explosion would have risked killing her. The king had literally detonated in a ball of fire, revealing himself in his complete demonic form. The three pairs of wings spread out, the horns lengthened on his head with the flaming crown in the centre. His eyes were two crimson pits filled with such anger that they could have incinerated Hell. Charlie found herself with her butt on the ground in the middle of one of the huge piles of ducks that stared at her almost as if to mock her.
- WHAT DOES THAT BASTARD DOG WANT?! -.
The princess got up with difficulty, going to meet him. - Dad, listen to me -.
- I'LL KILL HIM AND ALL HIS PROGENY -.
At that point, Charlie had no choice but to also take on the form of a demon, to grab him by the shoulders and try to make him look her in the eyes. - Dad, stop! I haven't accepted yet! -.
The king’s eyes suddenly returned to normal, even though the rest of his body continued to emit flames. - In what sense... yet? -.
She let her arms fall along her body as if defeated, while she tucked a lock of hair that had ended up on her face behind her ear. - In the sense that I'm thinking about it -.
At that point, the sovereign's anger subsided as quickly as it had arrived, while his wings folded to disappear behind his back. He was incredulous to hear those words, and she could understand him perfectly, she herself still couldn't believe she had said them. She knew, however, that if that was the best option for her people, she would follow it without a fuss, even at the cost of being unhappy for all eternity. She deeply loved her kingdom; it was everything to her.
Her father took her face in his hands, trying to look at her. - You can't be serious - he whispered. - I won't let you do something so stupid, you won't condemn yourself to unhappiness alongside that bastard -.
She tried to hold back her tears in turn, while she sniffled. - If it's the only option we have, I don't see what else to do. Every year the Extermination claims more and more souls, I'll end up being the Princess of Ashes -.
Lucifer pulled her close, forcing her to lower herself, while she gave in to a desperate cry on her father's chest, who held her tight and crouched on the ground with her. She hadn't thought she would get to that point, she was convinced that the day she made a choice like that she would do it only for love and not for a stupid political alliance. But it was the only way out of that terrible situation that had been suffered by all souls for centuries. All those lives were not worth hers, and she was completely convinced of this.
- Charlie, I can't lose you too - her father murmured, his voice broken by tears that were probably trying to escape.
She hugged him more tightly, trying to be strong for both of them. - You won't lose me, Dad, I won't go away -.
Lucifer moved her to look her in the eyes with a severe look. - Do you really think they'll let you stay here? You'll be forced to follow them to Paradise and I'll never see you again -.
Charlie's throat was in a grip so tight that she thought she would suffocate, torn by the pain she was feeling in an attempt to hold back the sobs that risked shaking her until she fell to the ground in a fetal position. She hadn't thought about that at all, she was convinced that somehow, she would convince them to at least let her stay close to her father, she hadn't considered the option of being completely uprooted from her home.
She bit her dark lips in an attempt to quell her anxiety and return to reality. - Those are probably negotiable details -.
- You're not going to do it, and that's that! - he yelled at that point, pulling himself to his feet. - The conversation is over! -.
The princess got up to confront him. - You can't decide for me, I'm an adult now -.
The seraphim was vibrating with fury, his eyes were taking on reddish hues again. - I'm still the fucking King in this Hell, at the next meeting we'll go together and you'll refuse the offer! -.
- No! I'll do it, I've already decided! -.
The echo of her voice reverberated through the walls when silence fell. She herself didn't expect to be so firm in that decision, until a few seconds before she almost hoped her father had some ace up his sleeve to give a different idea. But when she saw the firmness with which he wanted to prevent her from doing something truly useful for their kingdom, she found herself filled with a firmness that she had rarely experienced in her existence. She would not let her people suffer any more just because she was not brave enough to face that path, she would never forgive herself for all eternity.
Her father seemed to stop breathing when he heard her so firm in her position, to the point that he seemed to become even smaller, while his crimson eyes seemed to moisten. With a blink of an eye, any tears that had appeared disappeared as quickly as they had arrived and his gaze hardened again.
- Charlie, you're making a mistake, and you know it - he hissed. - And when you realize it, it will be too late -.
She held those accusing eyes as best she could, as she wiped her tears with the sleeve of her jacket. - At least I'm doing something, I'm not hiding here feeling sorry for myself! -.
She regretted those words immediately after she had spoken them and found herself biting her tongue for the stupidity that had guided her to blurt them out.
She saw in her father's eyes how much she had unintentionally hurt him with those poisonous words and wanted to bury herself alive.
Lucifer turned his back on her, while he placed the palms of his hands on the desk behind him. - Do what you think is necessary, but you won't have my support in this decision -.
She would have liked to try to talk to him again, but when she moved her hand towards his shoulder, he flinched and she found herself with those annoying tears stinging her eyes again.
She left without looking at him, while she tried to dry the ones that escaped her control with her fingers and closed the door to the study behind her. She walked like a ghost through the corridors to return to her room, while she convulsively hugged her arms around her chest in search of comfort. Her father couldn't understand how much she cared about that kingdom and how much she wanted to see it reborn from that mess, just as her mother would have wanted. They shared the same dreams, she probably would have been able to understand her more and maybe find a solution that didn't involve Adam's murder.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't even realize that Vaggie was walking past her and trying to get her attention, she only noticed when she found herself face to face with her.
She looked at her with concern and tilted her head to the side as if to observe her better.
- Charlie, what happened? - she asked her with agitation.
She threw herself on her shoulder, unable to hold back her sobs any longer and they both knelt on the cold floor, while the ex-angel hugged her shoulders and stroked her back in an attempt to calm her down.
- A mess, Vaggie... a real mess - she murmured.
Her friend took her back to her room, letting her cry until she had no tears left and holding her in her arms. How she wished that those gestures were not only dictated by the friendship that united them, but also by something else. At that point, however, it really didn't matter anymore. Even if Vaggie loved her, they would no longer be able to be together once she signed that damned agreement, so perhaps it was better that she didn't love her back. She couldn't bear to make her suffer like that.
Vaggie handed her the packet of tissues she had left on the bedside table and invited her to blow her nose. - Do you feel like talking about it now? - she asked, stroking her hair.
Charlie nodded as she blew her nose, red from crying. - It's about the interview I had today... -.
The ex-angel's eye narrowed into an expression of pure rage. - I knew those assholes wouldn't listen to you -.
The princess drew her lips into a straight line, while she tried to swallow her saliva with difficulty. - The problem is another, Vaggie... they want to stop the Extermination -.
The other one looked at her, widening her only remaining eye, while it was clear that she was barely holding back her jaw from trembling. - Seriously? Then why are you like this? - she asked again, while she lovingly stroked her forehead to move the locks of golden hair that had escaped the control of her hairstyle.
She lowered her eyes so she wouldn't have to look at her while she spoke those words. - They want me to marry Adam in exchange -.
The friend's hand trembled on her nape to the point that it risked pulling out some of her hair, and then suddenly fell back on the mattress. She saw her legs covered by her stockings tremble, while her fingers clawed at the heart-patterned sheets that had seen what she thought was the birth of their love. Even if she had reciprocated, however, she would not have given up on that intent, there were too many things at stake to be able to back out and that awareness caused a new pang in her stomach. She would have liked to spend those last few days in Hell only with her, locked in that room loving each other in silence for as long as possible. She forced herself to look up at her, but she seemed distant. She had a vacant look, while her lips were slightly open and she was breathing slowly as if she were about to stop.
- It's a joke, right? - she asked her, continuing to keep her eyes fixed on the wall.
She didn't need to answer, her defeated look was enough for her to understand what had happened and also to communicate without the need to speak that she had actually already made her choice.
At that point, Vaggie sprang to her feet like a spring, startling her too, as she began to almost shout. - You can't do something so stupid! Adam is the most slimy and disgusting being in this fucking world, he won't give you a moment's peace for all eternity! -.
Charlie tried to take her hand to calm her down, but she pulled it back. - Vaggie, I have to do it for my people, I can't back out -.
The ex-angel ran her hands through her hair in exasperation. - Your people?! That bunch of degenerates out there?! - she yelled, pointing her finger at the window. - They don't deserve you or your sacrifice. And for what? For souls that would slaughter you if they only could! They don't deserve anything! -.
The princess felt terribly hurt by those words and got to her feet to confront her. - You wouldn't be alive if it weren't for my people -.
- I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for you, I only owe them the fact that they made me end up down here! -.
Her heart broke when she heard her talk about her kingdom that way. She couldn't understand how important it was to her and she felt terribly alone at that moment. There was no one to understand her, what she wanted to do and how fundamental that mission was to her. She would give herself to accomplish it and she didn't care what she or her father thought, at that point her ideas were even clearer. Whether she stayed or not, she was still alone.
- Get out of here - she hissed, enraged.
Vaggie seemed to suddenly calm down when she heard her speak that way. - Charlie, I'm sorry, listen to me, I...
- Out! - she thundered again, pointing to the door.
Her friend remained motionless for a few seconds, while she let her arms fall along her sides as if defeated. She lowered her forehead towards the floor, it was evident that she wanted to tell her more and in her heart, she kept hoping she would tell her that she didn't want to lose her because she loved her, even though at that point it mattered little. All she got, however, was a sigh and to see her turn her back to leave through the door.
She put her hands to her face, letting herself fall along the edge of the bed, while she took off her jacket and threw it away, letting all the cards she had inside her pocket scatter around the room. She ran her fingers through her hair and then tried to massage her temples, while she tried to resume breathing regularly and calm the accelerated beats of her heart.
She felt like a lone wolf, the only one who was really trying to do something to improve the terrible situation they were living in, alone and abandoned even by the people who were closest to her. She passed her fingers over her eyes, while she still held back her tears. She thought she had exhausted them at least for that day, but apparently she was an inexhaustible and unquenchable source and she hated herself for being like that. She did nothing but cry every time things went wrong, whether it was out of anger, frustration, or genuine sadness.
She looked up at the cards scattered everywhere and one in particular caught her attention, also because it was a bright red with black embossed letters. She was certain she hadn't made it, considering she usually used colored markers on white cards and would certainly never have used a black marker to take notes; the colours helped her remember the notes she usually took better.
Crimson Wave, open every night said the writing on the front and she turned it over to see if there was anything else written. A neat and clean handwriting stood out on that small piece of card, precise and straight despite having been done without the aid of a ruler.
We will reserve a table for you every night, Princess
She jumped, risking it slipping from her hands when she read the message. The radio demon must have slipped it into her pocket when they clashed that same morning and she hadn't even noticed. He must have been really fast, because she didn't remember seeing him approach her jacket pocket.
A shiver ran down her spine at the idea of him doing that gesture as if it were the most natural thing in the world, while in her mind she began to understand why he seemed so sure of seeing her again. It wasn't just because of the fame of his club, he had practically given her a formal invitation. She sat on the floor with her legs crossed, as she wondered if, after all that had happened, it might be good for her to go out for one night.
Perhaps, it would be one of her last chances to be free.
Alastor came out of his room, while he adjusted his red bow tie and straightened the collar of his jacket. Even from the corridor he was walking down, he could already hear the jazz music that was playing inside the club and found himself moving a few steps alone, away from prying eyes and humming some of the notes that were being played, his cane twirling between his fingers and then resting back on the wooden floor.
He was sure the princess would visit him that evening, he felt it in his gut. Leaving her that card had been a daring move, but at the same time a brilliant one. Surely something like that would attract her curiosity and that was the important thing, and even if she didn't come that evening, he knew how to be patient for certain things.
He thought back to the strange way she had looked at him, a look different from the ones he almost always attracted to himself, which were usually filled with a delicious terror and fear. She had seemed agitated, tense, expressions that he couldn't quite understand.
He pushed the folding door that led to the back with his hand and then the wooden one that led directly to the kitchen, being enveloped by the sweet aroma of food.
A sudden flame near his face forced him to turn around and he saw Niffty intent on stirring, a splash of oil that had suddenly raised the flame. She, however, had simply widened her only eye in the centre of her face and laughed at that event, not at all touched by the risk of setting something on fire.
He crouched down towards her, and she gave him a satisfied smile. - Almost all ready, do you want to taste? - she asked him, passing a spoon near his mouth.
Alastor let himself be fed and then straightened up as he evaluated what he had just tasted. - Delicious - he commented, returning the smile. - Just be careful not to set the kitchen on fire, we don't want to repeat last month's unpleasant incident, do we? - he asked rhetorically, as he ran a hand through her short, thick pink hair.
Niffty let out a high-pitched giggle. - Fire - she hissed, her eye widening at the memory.
He looked through the porthole of the kitchen that led to the back of the counter where Husk had begun to prepare some cocktails. The dimly lit room was full of people and from that perspective he had a clear view of it. The regulars from Cannibal Town were at their usual table near the stage where one of the artists he had hired for that evening was performing, a fairly good pianist. Not as good as him, of course, but at least he was able to entertain his guests. He needed to be free that evening in case the princess showed up; so, he could leave the spotlight to someone else.
His shadow servants elegantly dressed were walking around the tables. He would not entrust a task like that to anyone else, all the waiters he had hired had proven to be terribly rude and so he had decided to use a small part of his power to create perfect employees for the job. They didn't talk too much, they weren't rude and, another thing of a certain relevance, they didn't have to be paid.
He decided to leave the kitchen, arriving behind Husk who greeted him with the grunt he usually used as a greeting and went to sit on one of the stools, the perfect spot to keep an eye on the entrance door.
The bartender observed him, while with the shaker he mixed some alcoholic beverages. - Are we waiting for someone tonight? - he asked, as he placed the ready drinks on a silver tray that was almost immediately taken away by one of the waiters.
He leaned his cane next to him, adjusting his monocle. - There's high chance that Princess Charlotte Morningstar will take part in this soirée -.
Husk remained with a glass in mid-air, while he blinked several times in his direction. - She's never come, what makes you think she will tonight? -.
- A feeling, mon ami - he replied serenely, as he made a glass full of his favorite whiskey appear between his clawed fingers.
The bartender probably would have liked to say something to him, but the door opened at that very moment and a head of blonde, shining hair entered the club. The princess looked around bewildered and amazed at the same time, her large crimson eyes observing every single corner of that club and Alastor smiled as he noticed that luck had decreed that she had come without any companions.
- I hate it when you're right - Husk commented, as he sighed in defeat.
He gave him a satisfied look, before getting off the stool and heading towards his prey.
Charlie had thought for hours about whether it was appropriate to accept that strange invitation or not, but in the end she had decided to go out. She wouldn't have felt like facing a dinner with her father and Vaggie and putting some distance between them seemed like a great idea, at least until she found herself looking disconsolately at the clothes in her closet. Nothing seemed suitable for the type of club she was going to and she had remained seated staring at the closet for at least half an hour desperately looking for something that not only she liked, but that didn't make her look horrible.
In the end, she had opted for a smoke grey dress with long sleeves that came to mid-thigh. It had a white collar and a women's tie that she had tied in a bow to match the one she had on her black shoes with a heel of a few centimetres. At first, she would have wanted to wear a pair of loafers with white socks at her ankles, but she looked more like a high school student than an adult and so in the end she had chosen to change them, giving up a little comfort in favor of something that would elongate her legs.
As soon as she entered, she was hit by a fragrance of inviting food and the smell of something ancient. A comfortable mix that had prompted her to venture a few steps beyond the door, before finding herself in a crowded environment. The huge room was surrounded by round tables and red velvet armchairs that surrounded the environment. The material that stood out the most was the dark wood, probably cherry, and in the centre of the ceiling there was a crystal drop chandelier, the only source of light that could be seen inside the dimly lit club. On the stage not far away, a pianist was passionately playing what sounded like jazz music, while well-dressed waiters who almost reminded her of shadows moved quickly around the tables carrying alcoholic beverages and food on silver trays.
She remained motionless at the door staring at that celebration of demons. She was quite agitated, especially because she had come alone and found herself hugging her arms around her waist, a deep desire in her to turn and go back. She felt completely out of place.
- Princess, what a pleasure to see you -.
A familiar voice reached her ears and in front of her she found the famous radio demon. He was standing straight in front of her, the sharp smile that stood out on his face along with his bright, crimson eyes. He held his arms behind his back where he held his cane and she felt almost overwhelmed by his confident and slender figure.
He leaned toward her and took the hand she was still hugging to her chest, then brought it to his lips to kiss the back of it. His warm, moist lips on that patch of skin immediately gave her an electric shock, but the contact lasted only a second and he was quick to let go so as not to go too far, and she was terribly grateful for that consideration.
- Charlie is fine - she found herself muttering, as her mouth went dry. - I found the card and I thought I would accept the invitation -.
He put an arm behind her back, inviting her to follow him without touching her. - I apologize if it seemed like a rude gesture, but it's so rare to see you around the city and I thought I'd take advantage of it –
She moved stiff as a board, terrified at the thought of walking through all that crowd. The people present, however, immediately moved out of the demon's way; they seemed terrified at the idea of getting in his path, and she began to realize that perhaps the stories she had heard about him were not just slander.
He escorted her to a table a little more secluded from the crowd and moved the chair for her to sit at the small table on which there was a candle, which he promptly lit with a snap of his fingers. He took a seat in front of her on the red velvet sofa, and she felt partly reassured not to be all alone, even though she certainly didn't expect him to take all that liberty.
- So, what would you like? - he asked her, as with a second snap of his fingers he made a menu appear in front of her, bound in burgundy leather with a black inscription in the centre bearing the name of the club.
Everything was meticulously taken care of down to the smallest detail, but given the demon in front of her, she should have expected it.
She smoothed her dress on her legs, as she began to flip through it distractedly so as not to look him directly in the eyes. - I don't really know, what do you recommend Alastor? - she asked, immediately calling herself stupid for addressing him informally when he was stubbornly using the formal form. - I'm sorry, I meant, what do you recommend to me? -.
The demon's eyes vibrated for a second. - Oh, chérie, if you'll allow me, I'll be happy to address you informally as well –
Charlie felt studied by that demon, who seemed polite and at the same time terribly unsettling. - Um... of course, you can address me informally. Can I too? -.
- Certainement! - he replied in perfect French.
She nodded, trying to smile as relaxed as possible. - As you may have noticed, I already know your name - she replied.
Alastor's eyes widened, as he tilted his head to the side. - I imagine my reputation precedes me. I hope you haven't given credence to the slander about me - he said, pointing to his chest and putting on a scowl.
Charlie swallowed with difficulty, as she felt the palms of her hands begin to sweat profusely. - Oh, but I never believe what's said around, I always think people need to be known - she replied hastily, also because that's what she really thought.
Alastor widened his smile even more, as he settled better into the back of the armchair. - I'm happy you think this way, I would have been sorry to lose the opportunity to get to know you because of malicious tongues -.
She returned to looking at the menu, then turned back to the demon in front of her. - So, what does my host recommend? - she tried to joke, suddenly feeling more at ease after that brief exchange of words.
The demon seemed happy that she asked him again and pointed to a particular dish on the menu without, however, stopping looking at her, he probably knew it so well by now that he didn't even need to look to know what he was pointing at.
- I don't know how hungry you are, but the jambalaya is a family recipe, it's delicious - he commented with satisfaction. - As for alcoholic beverages, how strong would you like it, chérie?-.
She quickly raised her hands toward him. - Light, I'm not used to drinking -.
Alastor nodded as if he was satisfied. - Tres bien, I'd say the Eternal Echo might be for you - he replied, then pointing to the next page to show her the ingredients. It was a cocktail made with sparkling wine, Saint Germain liqueur, and a few drops of lemon and strawberry juice. It seemed suitable and she nodded, intrigued by the selection.
The demon raised an arm attracting the attention of one of the waiters, who took the order and then almost dissolved. Charlie remained staring at the small dark little man with curiosity, not understanding what kind of demon he could be.
- Intrigued by my employees? - he asked her, a glass of whiskey that had suddenly appeared between his fingers.
She sat up straight in her chair for having been caught spying. - No, it's just that I had never seen demons like those -.
He laughed, as he placed his lips on the crystal glass. - Let's say they are very... familiar to me - he replied, then snapped his fingers and made another one appear next to them, who immediately moved away to go to work.
Charlie held back her jaw from dropping, she had never seen a thing like that. - Wow! - she found herself exclaiming, then putting a hand over her mouth for that sudden exclamation.
- Mercì - he replied. - Happy to have surprised you -.
Her drink arrived in the blink of an eye and she observed the crystal flute rimmed with black coloured sugar, the liquid a faded red probably due to the strawberry that had been added.
She turned to the bartender a little distance away who was watching them with interest, but who averted his gaze as soon as he noticed that she was looking at him. She took the glass between her fingers bringing it to her lips under the demon's curious gaze. The bubbles tickled her nose and throat and she had to hold herself back from sneezing in front of him, but she loved the taste so much that what was supposed to be a small sip turned into drinking almost half of it.
- Very good - she commented with embarrassment, when she saw that the glass was already almost half empty.
Alastor looked at her with a closed smile. - We are very careful about the quality of what we serve, skill is seen in the small details - he said, pointing with his index finger to the strawberry that was floating on the bottom cut in the shape of a small star.
She wondered if it was a reference to her last name, but she didn't have the courage to ask him. - I can see that, everything here is... perfect - she blurted out as her eyes wandered over the minimal and dark furnishings.
Her dish arrived in a short time and the intense aroma of spices made her mouth water. She couldn't wait any longer and began to eat after carefully arranging the napkin on her legs. For the umpteenth time that evening, she was amazed at how good what she was tasting was, to the point that she even forgot she had someone sitting with her and that she should at least try to have a minimal conversation given his kindness.
She looked up in his direction with her cheeks still full and hated herself for her constant clumsiness in situations like that. Meeting new people excited and at the same time terribly agitated her, so much so that she always ended up only going out with the few people she knew, no matter how strong the desire to make friends was.
She tried to regain her composure, while she resumed drinking to disguise her embarrassment. - So... was it just to show me the club that you invited me? - she asked, then mentally slapping herself on the forehead. Were those the right questions to ask?
Alastor's eyes widened for a second, his scarlet ears vibrating as if he were embarrassed by that question. - Is the honor of having the princess of Hell in my club not a sufficient reason? - he asked her in turn, while with a finger he adjusted the monocle that had slipped down his nose.
Charlie let out an embarrassed giggle. - Yes, stupid question - she blurted out, drinking again. - It's just that I don't go out much - she found herself saying, perhaps due to the little alcohol she had drunk.
- I find that hard to believe - Alastor replied. - Someone like you must have a busy schedule of social events to attend –
She scratched the back of her neck, trying to hide the obvious blush that was colouring her cheeks. She would have liked to tell him that she was a busy person, but the truth was that in the last few months all she had managed to do was think about that project that now hung over her head like a Sword of Damocles and so she had practically stopped having a social life.
- In truth, no -she murmured. - I'm quite... solitary - she lied shamelessly.
The demon laughed with amusement. - I understand you, chérie, I also appreciate the company of a few people and I very much enjoy moments of solitude -.
Charlie forced her lips into a smile. - Then I don't want to keep you any longer, I imagine you have other guests you might want to see. You're not obligated to stay here -.
For a crazy moment, Alastor's smile seemed to soften, as he half-closed his eyelids and leaned toward her. - I am exactly where I want to be -.
Her body was covered in shivers, while her mouth suddenly became dry again. He had spoken that sentence with a tone so warm that she thought she could have caught fire at that very instant, and she felt terribly embarrassed by his words. She drew her head into her shoulders, while a strange giggle came out of her lips involuntarily.
- Anyway - he resumed speaking. - When you want to, you are welcome, this table is yours whenever you want -.
- There's no need, I don't want to be a bother - she said hastily, thinking that in a few days she would have to disappear anyway.
He moved his hand indifferently. - Your company is definitely pleasant, chérie, I would appreciate having you here more often -.
Charlie blinked, stunned. She couldn't understand why she felt so bewildered by those words that he spoke with total serenity, after all, she was used to the flattery of the demons of Hell. Yet, whatever came out of his thin lips seemed terribly true, as if at that moment she was the most important person in that room and he really believed it. She thought it was impossible to have made an impression on someone like him, also because not only were there stories about his wickedness, but also about his total indifference to any carnal contact. For this reason, the fact that he was giving her all that attention left her even more bewildered.
A figure appeared at the side of the table and Charlie recognized the bartender who had been stationed behind the bar until a few minutes before. He was nervously scratching the back of his neck, while his ears were held back. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that Alastor's gaze had narrowed, as if he wanted to subtly threaten him to disappear.
- I'm sorry to interrupt, boss - he began in a hoarse voice. - but the table from Cannibal Town is requesting your presence -.
The demon sighed, lowering his eyelids, then stood up. - I'll be right there, mon ami - he replied annoyed, but his expression immediately changed when he turned to her. - It pains me to have to leave you alone, chérie, but if you return tomorrow, I will be happy to delve further into our friendly acquaintance - he said, then took her hand and kissed the back of it again, while he bowed slightly.
She smiled at him, but before she could tell him that unfortunately she couldn't come back, he vanished in a cloud of smoke to reappear at a table in the centre of the room, where he was greeted with an ovation.
She turned to the bartender who was still standing in front of her. - The drink is really good, congratulations -.
His fur bristled as he almost seemed to blush at that comment. - Thanks, give a shout if you want another one - he said, before turning his back on her and disappearing.
Charlie finished her dish, then began to twist the stem of the glass between her fingers while listening to the music. It was the first time that being alone wasn't causing her terrible annoyance and she wondered if it was because of the kindness with which she had been welcomed. She observed for a second the demon behind her back who was entertaining the guests at the other table and who seemed to be having a lot of fun in his company and smiled softly.
Maybe I could come back tomorrow too she found herself thinking, as she took her purse to go to the counter to pay.
She found one of the shadow waiters, who however stopped her with a wave of his hand when she tried to pay. - It's all taken care of, the house is offering -.
She remained with the money in mid-air, turning to the radio demon still sitting at the table, who upon seeing her raised his glass in her direction and then gave her a friendly wink.
She returned his smile without embarrassment this time, raising her hand in turn to greet him as she headed for the door.
She could grant herself another evening in that place where for a moment the painful thoughts had been calmed. It would be a pleasant interlude between her old life and what awaited her.
Notes:
Here I am again!
I must admit that I am enjoying translating this story; it allows me to relive it in a way. Once again, I hope I haven't made too many mistakes >.<
Alastor and Charlie finally meet officially! Our dear Bambi seems to have evil plans for the Princess, but he still doesn't know that she will soon have to disappear for the wedding. Charlie seems convinced of her choice... who knows how events will unfold.
As always, I thank those who read and those who review this story <3
See you soon!
Chapter Text
Alastor couldn't have been more satisfied with how things had gone the previous evening. The princess had shown up at the venue exactly as he'd predicted and seemed very impressed with what he had put together. Not that he expected anything less; he was well aware that he was good at grabbing people's attention, even a royal like her.
Moreover, against all odds, she had seemed quite taken with his presence, although he couldn't say the same for himself. She seemed like a simple woman, nothing special. It certainly wasn't her charms that attracted him, but rather her crown.
The plan he had in mind for her was very simple, to the point that it would be difficult for anyone to see malice or wickedness in it. He would befriend her as much as possible and patiently wait for the day she needed something important, which he would then provide on a silver platter—of course, in exchange for her soul. She, most likely, wouldn't refuse him, since he would have already earned her unconditional trust by that point. If she absolutely wouldn't give him her soul, he would settle for asking for a small, tiny favour in return.
He stood up briskly, his own shadow watching him with a bright smile that he promptly returned, as he started the record player in his room to get dressed to some relaxing music. The only sour note had been that group from Cannibal Town that had insisted on having him at their table, but he was once again certain she would return; he had seen it in the look she had given him before she left.
He grabbed his staff and headed back to the venue, where Husk and Niffty were already busy cleaning up for the evening ahead. They would move some tables to set up the dance floor; he deeply loved those nights so he could show off his skill, and if the princess actually showed up, he would be able to impress her once again.
A tuft of white fur at the counter caught his attention, and he found himself gritting his teeth.
- You're here again - he commented nervously.
The spider demon turned toward him, winking with a glass in his hand first thing in the morning. - Good morning to you too, Smiles. It's a pleasure to see you again too -.
Angel Dust, a pale imitation of a cheap actor who starred in those disgusting porn films. He found him at the venue even when it was closed almost every single morning, but he was also useful to him at the moment, so, even though he was reluctant, he had found himself having to accept his cumbersome presence. He was, in fact, an excellent infiltrator in the Vee's headquarters, and as long as they didn't discover that he was tipping Alastor off about every plan they had, he had to keep him sweet.
He rubbed his eyes wearily. - Do you have any news? - he asked him, his good mood already wavering.
He shrugged. - Not for the moment, it seems that after your last friendly meeting, Vox took a break from his plans to conquer territory - he replied, as he resumed drinking.
Alastor narrowed his eyes. - Then why are you here? -.
In response, he showed him the glass. - Because it's the only place I can drink without paying; the price of crack went up -.
Husk leaned the broom against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. - Speaking of news, can you let us in on what you have in mind for the princess? -.
Angel's eyes widened. - Charlie was here?! I haven't seen her in ages! -.
The radio demon looked at them, annoyed. - And you won't see her for a while yet; you ruin the image of the place -.
The spider demon pulled back his tuft of hair with an arrogant air. - At most, I lower the average age and spice up this morgue a little -.
He exhaled from his lungs to avoid tearing his arms off, then turned back to Husk. - Anyway, nothing that involves her death, if that can console your soft little heart. I just wanted to get to know her better -.
The bartender replied with a middle finger as he went to take his place behind the counter to restock the bar that had emptied after the previous evening.
Angel spun on the stool to face him completely. - Are you trying to get in her pants? Because it pains me to inform you that she's probably a lesbian -.
Hearing those terms, Alastor's ears vibrated and his smile cracked into a disgusted expression - I'm not interested in such frivolities -.
- Call them frivolities, it's what feeds me - he replied with a tired laugh. - By the way, do you have a spare place to sleep? Rent went up and Val won't give me a raise -.
An involuntary radio hiss escaped his lips as he felt his shadow stir agitatedly. - Ask your boss; I'm sure he'll be very happy to give you a place to stay-.
Angel huffed. - If I hole up and live in there, it'll be hard to get out to give you information, so it's to your advantage, too, Smiles -.
He gripped his staff so tightly he thought he would snap it in half. That unbearable character grated on his sensitive nerves with his mere presence, and he had to repeat to himself for the thousandth time that he couldn't rip his limbs off—not as long as he worked for those three.
- I'll see what I can do - he replied in a whisper, as he made to leave, before turning to Husk with a sneer. - Husker, until we can get his room sorted out, he can stay with you -.
- No fucking way! - he blurted out, jumping to his feet, but bumping his head on the box of liquor just above him. - I'm not sharing a room with him! -.
Angel leaned over the counter to scratch him under the chin with a finger. - It could be fun, whiskers -.
Husk irritably shoved his hand away. - Fuck you! -.
- You could -.
- Alastor, damn it, get him out of here! -.
The radio demon left them to argue alone as he prepared to begin his morning stroll.
That afternoon, Charlie was still turning the note Alastor had left her over in her fingers while she lay on her bed. She was trying to avoid both Vaggie and her father in every way possible; she didn't feel ready to talk to them yet after the previous day's arguments, and they seemed to have accepted her forced silence all too well.
She turned on her side as she placed the card on the nightstand and snuggled into her soft pillow. The previous night had been very pleasant, especially thanks to the presence of that strange, smiling demon. She hated to admit it, but he had managed to impress her.
Maybe it was his demeanour, so confident and calm, that had made her terribly curious to learn more about him. She truly couldn't believe he was the same Overlord who was famous for broadcasting his victims' screams live; she couldn't put those two images together in her mind. She found him nice, pleasant, and with that brief conversation, he had been able to get her to shut her brain off from all the anxiety that was gripping her at the moment. There were only two days left until the meeting with Adam, and the mere idea made her sick to her stomach. She was supposed to put together a coherent speech, clarify some points about that forced union, but just thinking about it made her throat close up.
She really needed words of comfort from the two people she held dearest, but she had never felt them more distant than she did right then. Their advice might have helped her, but both of them categorically rejected the idea of her going down that path.
I wonder what someone as confident as Alastor would think, she found herself thinking. He would certainly have a solution to that problem. She was sure he wouldn't let anyone walk all over him, and he would know the best things to say that day.
Her cell phone suddenly vibrated, and she reached out to see who was texting her.
Her eyes widened when she saw Angel Dust's name on the screen. It had been years since they had spoken, ever since he had sold his soul to Valentino. When she had started considering the possibility of redeeming souls, he had immediately come to mind. She couldn't stand knowing he was under the thumb of that slimy being; before that event, he was one of her very best friends.
“A little bird told me you were at the Crimson Wave yesterday! Finally coming out of your cave again?”
How had he found out? Had Alastor talked about her to Angel? She flushed at the mere thought, as the cell phone almost slipped from her trembling fingers. It was impossible; he would never do something like that. The radio demon seemed very private and certainly wouldn't go broadcasting that information to the world.
She quickly replied to the message.
“Hi! I haven't heard from you in forever... who told you?”
She couldn't resist; she needed to know. She didn't even know why, but in some strange way, she hoped it had been Alastor himself who had mentioned her, maybe saying she was nice and that he found her to be a lovely person as a friend.
When her cell phone vibrated again, she rushed to read the message as if it were from a potential lover.
“The bartender is a friend of mine. He told me he saw you. Hey, do you want to hang out late this afternoon? Maybe we can go back to the club afterward”
She found herself feeling quite disappointed by that response. Predictably, Alastor hadn't spoken about her to anyone, and she didn't understand why she felt so discontented about it. Maybe she had embroidered too much on his kindness; after all, he was the manager of a club, and his job was to make people feel at ease, and he had probably behaved with her just as he did with anyone else. Besides, even if she had wanted to form a lasting friendship, she couldn't, given the insignificant detail of her impending arranged marriage.
She refocused on Angel's message, thinking about what to do. She knew she should stay with her father and Vaggie, as they would probably want to talk things out with her, but she still wasn't ready for that titanic confrontation. Rationally, she also knew she was just making up all those excuses to avoid them and that she would have accepted anyone's invitation just to get out of that house, which had suddenly turned into a prison.
“Okay, I'll meet you at your studio? I'll wait for you there when you get off work, maybe”
She quickly composed the message but didn't even wait for a reply before getting out of bed to start figuring out what to wear. Razzle and Dazzle were sleeping peacefully on the rug and only woke up when they noticed she was doing nothing but sighing. For the umpteenth time, she had no idea what to put on, considering she would have to attend two different occasions. The first, going out with Angel, would surely require something casual and not too demanding, but if they really were to go back to Alastor's club, it was necessary for her to wear something suitable for the environment.
Putting on the same dress was out of the question, and she found herself sitting on the floor again, staring at the open closet doors, scanning every single item of clothing she owned. The predominant colour was obviously red, but she didn't want the radio demon to think she was wearing it to imitate him. So, she was forced to eliminate most of her go-to outfits.
The two little flying rams began to sniff around inside, inadvertently causing many of the hangers to fall to the floor along with the clothes they were holding.
- Watch out! - she scolded them good-naturedly. - This is a complicated decision without you making a mess -.
She got to her feet to pick up the fallen clothes, but thanks to that small accident, she managed to get her hands on something perfect. It was a simple black three-button jacket, slightly tight at the waist. For her outing with Angel, it would be enough to pair it with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, but if she took those off and buttoned it up, it would transform into an elegant and unique dress. The difficult part was still choosing the shoes since she didn't want to carry an overly large bag.
She looked at the loafers she had discarded the previous night, whose golden details seemed to perfectly match the buttons on the jacket, and decided they would go well with what she had in mind.
She also had time to take a nice refreshing shower and let the hot water wash away at least some of the built-up tension. She should have at least tried to focus on the upcoming meeting instead of continuing to postpone the problem, but she continued to hold out the vain hope that a different solution than that marriage would come from above. Maybe by relaxing, she would find some other kind of path that didn't necessarily require it. Maybe she just needed to think about something else to get a different perspective on the problem... or maybe she was just telling herself that to avoid facing the harsh reality.
Once she finished washing up, she retrieved her phone. Angel had confirmed the time and place and seemed intent on seeing her as soon as possible. She was happy to see him again; it had terribly hurt her that he no longer had much time for her, but he seemed to have been completely sucked in by Valentino. She didn't know the terms of their pact; he hadn't wanted to tell her, but their relationship had become even more strained when she had told him she found the demon slimy and terrifying. Angel had flown into a rage and started making excuses to postpone all their outings until she simply stopped trying.
She grabbed her shoulder bag and left her room after saying goodbye to Razzle and Dazzle, walking quickly through the villa's corridors until she reached the living room. The reddish light from the hellish sky filtered in through the enormous windows, tinging the light marble floor with a soft, brilliant pink.
- Char-Char, where are you going? -.
Her father's voice made her freeze with her foot in mid-air, as her blood ran cold in her veins. She slowly turned in the direction the voice had come from and saw her father's top hat peeking out from the red velvet armchair, facing the lit fireplace. From the armrest, she also saw one of his clawed hands resting along the edge, holding a glass of brandy that he was swirling slowly.
I should have expected this sooner or later, she thought dejectedly, as she walked with an uncertain step toward the small sitting area past the arch from which he had called her.
She leaned over the armchair, finding him with his legs stretched out on the footrest that matched the other armchairs. His eyes were fixed on the fire, and one hand rested on his cheek. His gaze was lost, tired. It was clear he hadn't slept the night before, especially because the tuft of blond hair sticking out from his hat was pointing in every direction as if he had tormented it for hours.
She tried to clear her throat. - I wanted to go out with a friend - she whispered in a hoarse voice.
The seraph nodded. - Would you mind sitting down for a moment first? Vaggie and I would like to talk to you -.
She looked up and noticed that in a corner, sitting in a chair near the wooden side table that lined Lucifer's liquor reserve, was her friend. She had her back against the wood and her gaze lowered, wringing her hands. This was certainly an unexpected turn of events. She hadn't thought she would be lectured by both of them at once.
- I don't want to be late - she ventured, as her hands tormented the strap of the bag she was carrying on her shoulder.
Lucifer turned to her with a serious look. – Sit -.
As if she were still a scolded child, she found herself practically throwing herself into the armchair next to her father's, almost sinking into it with the force of the gesture she had just made. The blood seemed to flow terribly slowly through her veins, and the only thing to break that silence was the crackle of the fire popping like the beats of her agitated heart.
The king brought the glass to his lips and took a long sip before speaking. - I'm sorry for this ambush, but it's clear you're doing your worst to avoid thinking about the matter -.
Charlie pulled her head into her shoulders, feeling terribly cornered. It wasn't entirely true, also because she thought it was clear she had already made her choice, but she was certainly trying not to think about it too much, however stupid that was.
- Dad, I... -.
He interrupted her with a wave of his hand. - Let me finish - he said in a peremptory tone. - Your friend and I talked at length about this matter this morning. We think you're not lucid enough to face the meeting the day after tomorrow, and you'd make a decision that's far too stupid. For that reason, you're going to stay here, and I'll go and talk to that asshole and settle the matter once and for all -.
She was frozen. She had no idea what to say. She felt disheartened by that stance. He was treating her like a poor crazy person, incapable of making decisions for herself in a clear and rational manner, not wanting to see, for the umpteenth time, how hard she was trying to save their kingdom. She felt her throat tight in a vise and cast an icy glance toward Vaggie, who flinched in response. Even she, the person who had been closest to her all these years, had somehow thought she wasn't smart enough to make a choice like that. They were just overriding her as they would with a baby.
- And what do you have in mind? - she hissed at her father, as her grip on her bag strap became so tight she could have cut it with her nails.
Lucifer took off his hat to rest it on his lap while he tried to smooth his hair with his fingers. - I'll simply tell him it's not going to happen, now or ever. As far as I'm concerned, they can continue to do whatever they want with sinners' souls as they always have, but they won't lay a finger on you -.
Charlie sat up abruptly. - No! - she yelled with all the air in her lungs, her voice echoing off the walls of the room. - You won't do something like that! The choice is only mine -.
- Charlie, listen to us, we're doing this for you - Vaggie tried to intervene, moving closer to them. - You can't accept a proposal like this; it's a way to subjugate you -.
She turned to the ex-angel, looking at her coldly, tears of frustration beginning to sting her eyes and blur her vision. - Do you really think I'm so stupid I don't know that? But unlike you, I really care about the souls that end up here -.
Lucifer ran a hand over his eyes. - They are people who received the gift of free will and only knew how to use it to do a bunch of bullshit in life. They don't deserve a second chance -.
- Are you talking about them or about you? - she hissed, full of too much anger to weigh her words.
Her father's gaze blazed at her. - I am still your father, Charlie, and you owe me respect -.
She met his fiery eyes, even stepping closer to him. She had never dared to do so much with her father, and not because she was afraid of him, but simply because she loved him too much. Those words, however, were making her furious, and at that point, she didn't care about etiquette or so-called respect. Where was the respect toward her? Where were the kind words for what she was trying to do?
- Mom would have understood me; she really cared about others! She cared about this kingdom! - she yelled, some tears having escaped her control, streaking down her face.
Lucifer then stood up. Despite his small stature, he seemed to grow bigger in the face of those words. - And look what a great job she did! She abandoned both her beloved kingdom and us! Is that really the example you want to follow? -.
- It's better than yours! You've never lifted a finger for your people - she yelled again.
By now, she was a raging river whose banks had broken, with no rationality to hold her back. She felt trampled, deprived of the opportunity to have an opinion or to do what she felt was right. She wouldn't lose this argument either, even at the cost of hurting him. She loved her father, but in that moment, she truly couldn't see things his way. She needed to take that step to prove to both herself and all of Hell that there was another way. She needed it like oxygen in her lungs.
It was evident that Lucifer was suffering from what she had said, but she truly couldn't stop herself. She didn't think she would ever reach that point; she couldn't even understand where all that hatred was coming from, her, who had always been so submissive toward the people she loved. However, she had felt so alone in the most difficult moment she was facing that it was like discovering a fierce part of herself, one that was trying to at least partially protect her from suffering even more.
Her father sighed before speaking again. - If you do it, forget about me -.
The anger then extinguished as quickly as it had come, replaced by a sharp pain in her chest that momentarily took her breath away. He had spoken those words so seriously that it was impossible to think of it as a bluff; it was really what he meant.
Vaggie's eye widened when she heard him speak like that. - Sir...- she whispered, shocked.
Before she could say anything else, the king turned his back on both and left the room, leaving the two of them alone.
Charlie was motionless, her fists still clenched and her breath short from what she had heard. He had put her in front of an absurd choice, making it even clearer how little he was able to understand her.
Her friend approached, trying to touch her shoulder, but she backed away. - Don't touch me - she whispered, her gaze still fixed on the armchair where her father had been sitting just moments before.
- Charlie, please sit down. Let's talk about it, the two of us, calmly. I'm sure if you think about it with a cool head, you'll understand it's better this way. You can't save them - Vaggie tried once more.
She blinked, pushing back the lump that was pressing on her throat and seemed to be strangling her. - Better to exterminate them like you used to, right? - she said venomously, before turning her back on her and leaving as well.
She slammed the door and strode toward the city, the air whipping her face and drying what remained of the tears she had just shed. She felt her heart ache as if it were being crushed at that very moment, her stomach churning to the point that she had to stop for a second to avoid vomiting up the bile that was rising in her throat like poison.
She leaned against one of the buildings' walls, resting one hand on it and the other on her chest. She tried to catch her breath, but it was terribly difficult in that moment. Everything was so wrong, so absurd, so lacking in any logic. She was the one who needed support, and she was being denied it by the people she loved most in all of Hell, and she truly couldn't understand that. She had always done everything for both. She had gone out of her way when they were feeling bad. She had cared for them and helped them in times of need, and they, instead of giving her their support and maybe thinking of a solution that didn't involve trampling on her dreams, had made her feel like a crazy visionary.
She gritted her teeth and sniffled, wiping away the last tear with her fingertips. At that point, it was useless to try with them anymore. She would do what she had to, and she was more certain of it than she had been before. She would enjoy these last moments; no one could take them away from her.
With that new conviction, she resumed walking toward the V Tower where she was to meet Angel, once again showing off her best smile. She wouldn't let them ruin the memory of her home for her. Maybe her old friend would understand... maybe new friends would understand.
She'd been waiting for Angel to come out of the studios for almost half an hour. Arriving early hadn't been a great idea, considering her old friend was also a chronic latecomer, and she found herself staring at the sky above her, her back against the studio wall, waiting for him to finally show up.
She had managed to recover a serene appearance, at least on the surface, and at that moment, she couldn't wait to see him again. He would surely find a way to make her forget that absurd situation once and for all. She had long wondered about the possibility of telling him about it, but she would see how things went; she didn't want to burden him with her troubles on their first outing, however much it risked being their last.
The glass sliding door opened, and she finally saw him come out. He looked quite destroyed, but after taking a deep breath and putting on his sunglasses, he seemed to regain the swagger she had always seen him with. He turned toward her and gave her a wide smile, his gold tooth sparkling in the sun.
- There you are! - he began cheerfully. - I'll admit, I thought you were going to bail on me at the last minute -.
Charlie widened her smile in return, walking toward him with her arm raised. - Angel! I'm so happy to see you - she couldn't help herself and hugged him tightly, blocking a couple of his arms while the others remained up in the air.
- Wow, I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome - he commented with a slight embarrassment in his voice as he gently pushed her away with his free arms.
The princess blushed, realizing that, as always, she had let herself go too much. - Sorry, I'm just excited - she stammered, scratching the back of her head.
Angel gave her a genuine smile before taking her arm to guide her down the street. - So, where do you want to go? -.
She thought about it for a bit, since she hadn't actually planned anything, as he had been the one to ask her out, and she thought he probably already had some place in mind to take her. - Hmm... to the ice cream parlor we always used to go to? The one near Cannibal Town -.
He shook his head. - Negative, the owner died during the last Extermination. Now it's a liquor store - he replied, lighting a cigarette.
She felt her stomach churn at the news. As much as she tried to avoid them, problems seemed to want to hound her at all costs that day. There was no way to evade them, and she found herself sighing as she looked at the asphalt, idly kicking some stones.
Her friend immediately noticed her behaviour and lowered himself toward her. - It's not the end of the world; there must be twenty other ice cream parlors in this neighbourhood -.
She tried to shake it off and smile at him. - Yes, you're right. I'll let you be my guide -.
Angel lowered his glasses to look her over. - I know that look. Problems? -
You have no idea how many, she thought, forcing the best smile she could. - Let's not talk about it now; let's try to have fun! -.
He didn't seem convinced by her answer, and she knew him well enough to know that look would mean a definite interrogation once they sat down at a table.
- Whatever you want. I'll lead the way then - he replied, then had her turn around to take another street.
The streets were quite empty at that hour, as was the ice cream parlor he took her to. She found herself staring at the sign that was emblazoned with the name -Phil's Frozen Balls- and widened her eyes, thinking it wasn't a particularly attractive name for an ice cream parlor.
Angel sat down in front of one of the metal tables outside and invited her to do the same. At that point, she had no choice but to follow him and wait for the waiter to arrive to take their order, while idly scanning the flavours on the laminated menu left outside. She had always had the same ice cream since she was a child: vanilla with strawberry syrup and coloured sprinkles.
- So - Angel began, taking off his glasses and adjusting his tuft of hair. - Any news from high society? -.
Charlie trembled for a second, then gave him yet another fake smile. - Nothing new - she squeaked out. - The same boring life as always -.
The demon looked her up and down. - You're no good at lying, you know? - he replied with an ironic air, then leaned toward her. - And you answered my invitation way too quickly, which means you're obviously trying to get out of the house by any means necessary; I know you -.
Her cheeks were starting to hurt from the effort of keeping her lips pulled up, but with that answer, she felt them definitely waver until they returned to a completely neutral position as she felt her eyelids droop as if exhausted. - Is it that obvious? - she asked in a whisper.
Before he could answer, the supposed Phil showed up at their table to take their order. He was a demon who looked like a rather squat polar bear and arrived in front of them with a notebook to write down what they would have. His white fur was stained with the various ice cream flavours he served, and Charlie found herself wondering how that was possible despite the dark apron he wore around his obvious furry belly.
- What'll you have? - he asked in a deep, hoarse voice as he licked the remnants of chocolate or coffee ice cream from his muzzle.
Charlie tried to say her order but was immediately interrupted by Angel. - Two rum affogatos, very affogato - he replied for her.
The princess tried to get Phil's attention to stop the order, but he had already taken his way back to the entrance, leaving her in the lurch. - Angel! You know I'm not used to alcohol -.
In response, he rolled his eyes. - Relax, it's not that strong, and it's the best thing you'll find, trust me - he replied with a huff.
She slid down in her chair, as she tortured the hem of her jacket with a sigh. – Fine - she mumbled, too tired to try and fight with him too.
- Now tell me what's going on in your life - her friend resumed prodding her, sliding his chair on the asphalt to get closer.
Charlie looked away, trying to look natural. - Oh, it's nothing serious! You know, the usual political stuff: meetings with the Angels, social events, the usual boring things you've always hated -.
- And Vaggie? Did you manage to win her over? -.
Another stab hit her in the chest, and she found herself biting her lip to keep a gasp from escaping her throat. Not only had she not won her over, but what had happened had driven them apart, and now she didn't even feel like she was her friend anymore.
Angel's hand caressed her shoulder as he smiled at her warmly. - Got it, sore spot - he mumbled. - Relationships are always complicated -.
She didn't miss the sad way he blurted out those words and his sudden change in expression. She was aware that Valentino had managed to get close to him also because Angel was initially attracted to that slimy being. She had never been able to explain why, but it no longer mattered. The moth demon had used that influence to con his soul out of him, and from that moment on, whatever there had been before had been wiped away, and her friend had found himself in a decidedly difficult situation to handle. He had slowly changed; he had always been an exuberant and ironic guy, but in the last few times they had seen each other, it was evident that he was trying to hide his pain behind his attitude and that he categorically refused to open up so he wouldn't have to suffer more.
She placed her hand on the one he had on the table to squeeze it. - Do you want to talk about it? - she asked, trying not to force him.
Angel seemed to shake himself off and pulled his hand away, a smile back on his face. - And about what, Charlie? I'm great, can't you tell? - he said, pointing to himself.
Failed attempt, Charlie thought with a sigh, realizing it was useless to try again. She had tried for months, and she didn't want that to be a reason for argument again. She needed him at that moment, and she was also pretending, so she couldn't be a hypocrite.
That conversation was interrupted by Phil's return, who placed the glass cups filled with more rum than ice cream on the table, then remained motionless with his hand outstretched toward them.
Charlie went to get her wallet, but Angel stopped her. - You can pay next time, okay? - he replied, placing the banknotes in the owner's hand.
If there is a next time, Charlie thought sadly, starting to stir the long spoon inside the glass, trying to get to one of the two scoops of ice cream floating inside before they melted.
The first spoonful she took lit a fire in her throat and stomach as soon as she swallowed it. It was definitely stronger than she would have expected, but since it had been offered, she would feel ungrateful to refuse and decided she would do her best to at least eat the vanilla ice cream, which, once she reached it, was decidedly good.
- Getting back to us, will you tell me what's going on? You've never been so silent, and you're starting to worry me - her friend started talking again, who was stirring his ice cream, turning the whole thing into a kind of alcoholic milkshake.
She shrugged, wiping the ice cream remaining at the corners of her mouth. - I had a slight argument with my father - she replied evasively.
Angel raised an eyebrow. - That sweetheart of a father of yours? And what did you do? -
- I'm getting married - she found herself blurting out, immediately regretting saying it.
In response, her friend almost choked on the rum and started coughing, and she tapped him on the back to keep him from choking. His eyes were wide and teary, and he stared at her, shocked.
- What?! And to who?! - he yelled.
That's the problem, she thought, calling herself stupid for letting it slip, but it hadn't been rational. A deep part of her terribly needed an external point of view, someone who would advise her without judging, and Angel had always been the right person for that task before Vaggie came along.
She twirled a lock of her hair around her index finger as she drank that mix of ice cream and rum to try and calm her nerves. - Well... let's just say it's a diplomatic marriage -.
Angel's eyes widened even more, and he turned toward the bar, waving his arms. - Phil! Give me two more! -.
- Oh no, please, I can barely handle this one - she commented desperately.
He turned back to her. - They're for me; I must digest this news - he exclaimed. - Do arranged marriages still exist?! And who did he set you up with? -.
She let herself slump along the edge of the metal chair. - He didn't set me up with anyone... I decided it -.
- Charlie, you better start talking clearly, because you're worrying me! -.
At that point, she found herself talking like a flood. She told him every single thing from the beginning: her idea of redeeming souls to stop the Extermination, the meeting, Adam's proposal, and finally, her father's and Vaggie's reaction. As she spoke, she found herself gesticulating like a madwoman, continuing to gulp down one sip of the alcoholic drink after another until she completely emptied her glass. When she finished, she rests her elbows on the table to hold her head in her hands, completely exhausted and drained, but finally lighter. It had been therapeutic to talk about it and be able to put those words in order and finally make sense of them, to make everything real in her eyes to get clarity for herself as well. At the same time, however, it had also been chilling. Now that she had confessed everything, things had become real, and she felt trapped, realizing how much she was about to lose with that choice.
She looked up at Angel, who was staring at her as if frozen, two empty glasses in front of him and yet another lit cigarette between his fingers. He seemed to have gone completely on standby, and his expression was flat, as if all the words she had poured out to him hadn't quite reached his brain yet. The cigarette was burning down without him touching it, and some ash ended up falling into the empty glass under his hand.
Finally, he seemed to snap out of it, blinking a couple of times and coughing. - Um... all this just yesterday? - he asked, perplexed.
She nodded. - Or rather, I've had the idea of redemption for months now. As for the marriage and the rest, it all happened yesterday morning -.
Angel ran a hand over his forehead to massage it. - There's a lot to process - he commented, resuming drinking. - I'm not sure what to say, to be honest -.
- Do you think I'm crazy? - she asked sadly, lowering her eyes to her jeans.
She saw him straighten up in his chair. - No, not that! Coming from me, it would be pretty hypocritical, considering who I sold my soul to. At least you're doing it for a noble cause - he mumbled. - But I'm still worried, Charlie; it doesn't seem like a good thing for you -.
She massaged her temples with her fingers, the rum slowly beginning to take effect, making her feel groggy and numb. - I know it's not... but this is my kingdom, and I can't abandon it. I need to do something good, Angel, to prove that I'm worthy of my role -.
She found her friend's arm around her shoulders, his chair even closer to hers. She looked up and saw him smile at her encouragingly, while he stroked her head with another of his hands. - You're too good for this Hell, Charlie; we're the ones who don't deserve you -.
Her eyes began to fill with tears, and she leaned into his soft shoulder to seek the comfort she had needed all that time. It felt so good to feel that, despite everything, he seemed to have been able to understand her and see the good in her intentions without judging her. All she needed was to be listened to in that way.
- Thank you, Angel - she whispered, hugging his waist. - I've missed you, you know? -.
He grabbed her by the shoulders. - No sadness for today, okay? - he exclaimed. - Today, we're going to have fun and relax, and tomorrow we'll throw you a bachelorette party for the ages -.
She shook her head. - Tomorrow, I have to prepare a speech to give to the High Seraphim. I want to set some ground rules before I confirm everything -.
- What a drag - he commented, huffing and raising his tuft of hair in the gesture. - That means we'll do it tonight. I already know a place to go -.
She straightened up in her chair when she heard him say that. - I actually wanted to go back to the Crimson Wave; the food is good there -.
Angel narrowed his gaze and put on an ironic smirk. - Do you only want to go for that? -.
She felt her cheeks go on fire and hurried to wave her hands in front of his face. - Of course! I was there yesterday, you know, and I was even alone -.
- But I also heard that the big, bad radio demon personally invited you - he commented, smiling slyly at her. - Have you become part of his fan club? -.
If possible, her cheeks began to burn even more. - What are you thinking?! - she yelled, embarrassed. - I just think he's nice, I mean, he was kind, and I had a good time at the club. That's all -.
It was true; she genuinely found him nice and unique, which was why she would have liked to see him one last time before she had to leave. She wasn't convinced that Heaven would agree to let her come down to Hell often, and on those occasions, she would have wanted to see her father; she certainly wouldn't have much time to go out.
Assuming dad even wants to see me, she thought sadly, drinking the last drop of rum left in her glass.
Angel shrugged. - Fine but are you going like that? -.
She shook her head. - No, I have a plan - she replied, getting up from her chair. - Is there a bathroom here? -.
He gestured to the inside of the place. - It's the first door on the left but be careful. That pervert Phil put holes in the walls to spy on customers -.
Alastor checked his pocket watch for the umpteenth time with irritation. The club was heading toward closing, and there was no sign of the princess. He stood in a dark corner to blend in with the shadows and avoid being called over by any of the guests he knew; he didn't feel like pretending right now. He was convinced she would show up, he was certain of it; yet, there was no trace of her.
He retreated to his room on the upper floor for a moment to catch his breath; he needed to get away from the crowd, at least for a little while. He had organized that evening with more meticulousness than usual, and she hadn't deigned to show up. He carefully re-evaluated the previous evening, looking for a detail he might have missed, but he was completely sure she had been impressed and that he had not made any missteps. He watched the street below him from the window to see if she would appear, but he saw nothing but a few drunk demons who risked getting run over.
He turned his back, massaging his nose and trying to breathe. It was not the time to become impatient. He was close to his goal, and he couldn't lose sight of it now. There was a lot at stake, more than he had ever admitted even to himself. He moved from his nose to his neck, feeling it almost squeezed in a vise.
It wasn't the time to think about it; he had to get back to his job. No one should know how he really felt at that moment, or they could use it against him. He still had five years; there was no hurry. He straightened his jacket as he took another breath of air. He was used to seeing things move exactly as he wanted them to, and he didn't tolerate unexpected events very well.
He dematerialized, only to reappear in the kitchen to keep an eye on Niffty, who seemed particularly agitated herself that evening; his collaborator was particularly empathetic toward his mood swings, and whenever he lost his calm, she became, if possible, even more frenetic.
As expected, she was running back and forth, simultaneously preparing five dishes with different cooking times, while also holding a mop to clean up where she was spilling with the dripping ladle behind her.
- Se calmer, chérie - he tried to tell her with a smile. - Remember it's better to make them wait a minute longer to do things properly -.
Niffty turned to him with a wide eye. - Yes! I'll be careful! - she exclaimed.
He took a deep breath and allowed himself to stay there for a few more minutes to make sure she didn't cause any disasters and to try to instill a bit of serenity in her along with a necessary dose of fear. As with Husk, she was also part of his collection of souls. The two of them were among the few he had kept without tearing them to pieces; he found them to be an invigorating company. He was a solitary type, but he was also a showman and needed a constant audience, and the two of them were perfect for that task. Niffty had a kind of veneration for him, while Husk was blunt enough to point out those rare details that risked escaping him, although for that very reason, he often had to remind him of his place.
The sound of shattering glasses reached his ears, unnerving him more than he already was, and he walked quickly toward the exit, arriving behind the bar counter and being shocked by what he found.
The princess was sitting at the counter with that pest Angel Dust holding her by the shoulder. She had a hand to her mouth, and her eyes were wide. She had probably been the one to drop the glass.
Her red cheeks were even more flushed than usual, and she seemed to be swaying her head in a strange way.
- Oops - he heard her mumble, addressing Husk. - I'm sorry -.
His eyes focused on her, and if it weren't for the fact that she was his target, he would have sent her out that very instant. He couldn't stand dealing with drunks, and she had clearly been hitting the bottle. He found himself nervously staring at the cocktail in front of her.
- Alastor! - she greeted him, raising her hand. - I'm back! -.
About time, he thought, annoyed, then approached Husk and tapped him on the shoulder with a claw to make him move away from the other two. - How long has she been here? And what did you give her? - he hissed irritably.
The bartender pulled his ears back as he raised his hands. - I didn't do anything; I served her the same thing she had yesterday, but she probably drank before she came -.
He leaned over his shoulder to observe her. She was leaning against the counter as if to steady herself, while sipping flavoured sparkling wine from the glass. He tried to push back his anger and went around the back to approach her. One of the waiters had already cleaned everything up, taking away the glass shards and wiping the floor, then vanished into thin air.
- Bonsoir, Charlotte - he began, trying to maintain a calm tone of voice. - I thought I wouldn't see you tonight -.
The princess looked up at him with misty, clouded eyes, giving him a crooked smile. - I went for a walk with Angel first, but we didn't notice the time - she giggled in a slurred voice.
He shot a murderous look at the porn star, who, however, met it with a shrug. - She had some important news to tell me - he seasoned that sentence with a wink.
What did that damn guy mean? What had he found out? He had to know at that very instant, especially considering the condition he had brought her into his club in.
- And what news? - he asked, turning to Charlie.
She put her index finger to her lips. - It's a secret -.
He clenched his jaw to try to hold back the surge of annoyance that was rising in his chest and scowled again as he tried to take the glass from her hands. - Chérie, I think you've had enough to drink for tonight, don't you? -.
In response, she gave him a resentful look, while sticking out her lower lip like a petulant child. - I'm an adult; I can decide for myself - she replied, trying to get the glass back.
He ignored her childish behaviour and passed the glass to Husk. - Only water for her. Was I clear enough? -.
The bartender laughed at the sight of the princess crossing her arms over her chest and sticking her tongue out at him. - Crystal clear, boss -.
With her in that state, any idea he had for that evening was definitely out the window, and there was no point in keeping her underfoot; she would only cause a stir in the club.
- Do you know anyone who can come and get her? - he asked, turning to Angel.
Charlie stood up abruptly and walked toward him. - I'm perfectly capable of getting home by myself -.
She turned to try and reach the door, but in her staggering gait, she hit the corner of a stool and risked falling face-first to the ground. He grabbed her by the arm before she could hit the floor and straightened her up, looking at her in the eyes with irony. - Not to contradict the princess, but I don't think it's a good idea for you to walk around alone -.
The princess's vacant gaze suddenly changed into an expression that was completely alien to him. Her eyes were wide and her lips were tight, while her breathing had suddenly stopped. What did it mean? Had he hurt her? Scared her? What the hell was going through that drunken little brain of hers?
To be safe, he let go of her wrist as he stood back up straight. - Your friend will call someone to come and get you; in the meantime, feel free to sit here - he told her, tapping the stool in front of her with his hand.
Charlie remained staring at him with that same indecipherable expression and finally sat down. He waited for Angel to call someone and to escort her to the exit, while the club had now completely emptied out.
He slightly loosened his bow tie and sat at the counter himself, allowing himself a whiskey to relax.
The porn star returned, stretching as he walked inside, while Husk was sweeping the floor to clean up. - What a night - he commented, yawning. - Did you set up my room yet? -.
Alastor squeezed the glass between his fingers so hard that he chipped it, while his teeth grated against each other. - I told you to stay away, and you didn't. Now tell me, why should I help you? -.
Angel smiled at him with a wink, leaning against the counter in front of him. - Because I know something you don't -.
He narrowed his gaze and held back the growl that was rising in his throat. - And I imagine to tell me, you'll want a damned room, right? -.
He pointed his hand like a gun in his direction. - You got it, buddy. Are you in? -.
He massaged his eyes with his thumb and index finger as he sighed. - Fine, I hope it's worth it -.
He smiled, satisfied. - Trust me, it is -.
- Speak - he snarled, as the glass continued to creak in his fingers.
The demon put his hands up. - Relax, I'll tell you everything - he said with a huff. - The backstory is that Charlie has always held onto the hope of being able to do something good for Hell, and lately, she was hoping to find a way to stop the Extermination by redeeming the souls in Hell -.
What nonsense, he thought, as one corner of his mouth pulled as if to mock that idea. The souls that ended up in that place did so for a reason; something as absurd as that was certainly not plausible, and he couldn't imagine anyone who could take part in such an absurd project.
- Anyway - he continued, gesturing with his hands. - She finally had a meeting with Heaven yesterday, and to make a long story short, to stop the Extermination, she's going to marry that lunatic Adam. The day after tomorrow, she's going to sign the agreement -.
The sound of the glass shattering in his fingers followed Angel's words, the glass shards planting themselves in his clenched hand. Blood almost immediately began to flow onto the counter under the astonished gaze of Angel and Husk.
It wasn't possible; he couldn't actually believe it. He was so close just a few seconds before; he had almost made it. Those words had completely frozen him, and there was no room in his mind for anything but silence, broken only by the realization that he was about to lose everything. Everything he had fought for in those years was about to dissolve between his fingers like that broken glass, and he felt that vise on his neck again that seemed to be strangling him.
He dematerialized to reappear in his room, his still-bleeding hand dripping onto the floor. Not even that pain could wake him up; he was chilled by that news. He leaned against his wooden desk, trying to breathe, but he couldn't calm down. He furiously threw the papers away, while the darkness was illuminated by the green light of his powers that risked exploding from the anger and frustration he was feeling.
He wanted to scream, to curse, to destroy everything to try and calm down, but he couldn't do anything but remain motionless, planting his claws in the desk until he had carved deep into it. It couldn't be true, not when he had almost succeeded.
“You have twenty years to get the crown; then I'll take everything back”
The memory of those words reached his brain, and he thought for a crazy moment that he had the chain around his neck again, and he passed his bleeding hand over it, feeling the warmth of his own blood warming his body along with the cold of the glass that had remained planted in his palm.
He slammed his fist on the table in anger, risking breaking the desk and growling in frustration. He had to think clearly, to think of a solution. There was very little time, but he was smart and cunning; he couldn't let himself be tricked by Heaven.
Think, calm down, he told himself, sitting down in the chair behind him and resuming regular breathing. It wasn't the time for madness; he had to be cold and clear-headed.
The princess wanted to stop the Extermination, Heaven had offered her the opportunity to do so, and those were the facts. But was there any detail where he could slip in to avoid that disaster?
He needed time, but he didn't have any.
Time, he thought suddenly, his eyes widening.
His smile lit up in the darkness of the room as he realized that, once again, the solution was terribly simple.
All he needed was a little more time.
Notes:
Fun fact about writing this chapter: Parker, my dog, inspired the scene where Razzle and Dazzle pull things out of the wardrobe. Once, he literally threw himself into my wardrobe -.-" but thanks to him, I knew what to wear, so... GOOD DOG!
The mystery deepens; Charlie isn't the only one with a deadline, Alastor also has a deadline to complete his plan. But who is behind it all?
As always, I would like to thank everyone who reads or leaves a comment on this story!
See you soon :*
Hugs
Silvia
Chapter Text
Charlie woke up with a terrible headache, her stomach sending clear signals of nausea, and a sense of shame mixed with a total inability to lucidly remember what had happened the night before.
She forced herself to open her eyelids and found herself in her bed, the curtains drawn, blocking out the light. She had no idea what time it was or who had brought her home.
She pushed the sheets away, trying to sit up, but the simple motion made her terribly dizzy, which only increased the nausea. She looked at herself, realizing she was still wearing the same dress from the previous evening.
She massaged her temples with her fingers, trying to recall with as much clarity as possible what she had done with her friend. After she had returned from the bathroom, she had let herself be convinced to have a second rum affogato, the first terrible idea of the night. At that point, they had stayed and talked at the bar about her ideas on redemption, Angel's upcoming movies, and a bunch of other things, including Vaggie. She had confessed to Angel about their night of passion, and he had started asking some very risqué questions, which led her to order the third and fatal alcoholic ice cream. From that moment on, the images were nothing but a confused and fragmented succession of various situations: a visit to a second bar where she had another tequila shot, a walk in a vain attempt to sober up, a third bar, and finally, their arrival at the Crimson Wave. At the mere thought of the terrible impression she had made in front of the Radio Demon, her cheeks burned, and she wished she could dig a hole to bury herself in. She had shown up at a place like that visibly tipsy, and she was quite sure that whatever she had done included at least the risk of a second ruinous fall in front of him. She remembered the feeling of him grabbing her wrist to keep her from falling and giving her an irritated look, before inviting her in the politest way possible to go back to her seat. She didn't know if she had talked to him, but she hoped with all her heart that she hadn't said too many absurd things.
The sound of her phone vibrating suddenly snapped her out of her thoughts, and this time she wasn't surprised to find a message from Angel, realizing it was well past lunchtime.
“Hey, Drunkie Princess, how's the hangover?”
She fell back onto the pillow, hiding her face in her hands and thrashing her legs wildly, punctuating it all with choked squeals at the thought of what she had done. She wondered for a long time how she had gotten home, but she might as well ask someone who was with her the night before.
She reached for her phone again and typed the message.
“Hi... terribly... but who brought me home? Did I do anything weird?” she asked in despair, not even knowing if she really wanted an answer to that question. At the moment, drinking to bury all her problems had seemed like a great idea, at least until that morning when she found herself wrecked and bitter. She drank very little on her own, and it was a good thing, because she really couldn't handle alcohol in any form. Just three ice creams had been enough to send her down the wrong path; she didn't want to imagine what she could have done if she had started with other spirits.
The phone vibrated again, and she hesitated for a second before picking it up, terrified of reading any response.
“Nothing absurd. You just broke one of Smile's glasses, and he saved you from face-planting on the floor. Anyway, Vaggie got you. You must have been really out of it not to even remember that”
She threw the phone onto the bed after reading that response, pulling the sheets over her head as more choked screams of embarrassment escaped her mouth. She had truly made a fool of herself in front of both Alastor and Vaggie, it was useless to deny it to herself.
The terror of having tried some sort of approach with the former angel again came over her, and she sat up with a start, her face now on fire and her mouth dry. That leap, however, was the final blow to her stomach, and she tumbled out of bed in a desperate attempt to reach the bathroom. The effects of the previous evening had their final and lethal consequences, but once she had emptied her stomach, at least the nausea seemed to disappear.
She let herself fall onto the marble floor, staring into space in a state of terror at the thought of seeing Vaggie. She should at least apologize for forcing her to come and get her after that bender, especially given the way they had left things the day before. She was sending her life to hell in less than twenty-four hours, a difficult feat even for her.
She would have a ton of things to do that day: figure out what boundaries to set for that agreement, what kind of speech to prepare, maybe get a vague idea of packing boxes. When would they want to celebrate the wedding? Would they at least give her time to say goodbye to everyone properly, or would they take her away immediately?
The idea began to terrify her to the point that she found herself hugging her knees, without the strength to move from the floor, resting her forehead on them as a few tears escaped her control.
Razzle and Dazzle quickly came to her after hearing her cry, the first with a cloth handkerchief clenched in its mouth. She took it, trying to give it a comforting smile, while the two little rams both curled up on her stomach and rubbed against her as if to comfort her.
- I'll miss you so much - she whispered in an almost choked voice, hugging them close.
She would miss everything about her home, every little detail, even the most catastrophic and absurd ones.
She decided to get to her feet and take a shower to wash away the last remnants of the hangover, and she brushed her teeth three times to try and eliminate the bitter aftertaste of the ice cream that kept coming up her throat. Going down, it had been so sweet, but its return was a stab in the stomach every single time.
Even though she hated the idea, she decided to leave her room to go and look for both her father and Vaggie. She at least owed them a warm and decent greeting, as cruel as they had been to her and as little as they had helped her in those days of pain. The idea of calling Angel to invite him over had crossed her mind, but first she had to solve that looming problem.
The soft slippers she wore muffled her steps in the tomb-like silence that reigned in the large villa. Their cleaning lady wasn't there that day, and the house seemed even emptier than usual. Her father had never loved having many servants around; instead, he did everything himself. The only thing he had given in on was the cleaning, since he was absolutely incapable of doing it. Vaggie had offered to do some housework more than once, but her father treated her like a second daughter since she arrived and wouldn't let her lift a finger, not even in the kitchen. It had to be said that Lucifer was an excellent cook for desserts, even if he lacked talent for many savoury dishes; it was a miracle that their figures hadn't suffered over all those years.
She arrived in the kitchen, finding it strangely empty. The island in the centre of the room didn't have the usual dirty dishes, a sign that either no one had come to eat or that they had tidied up for once. She knew she should try to eat something to keep her strength up, but her stomach seemed to reject the idea, and she decided to grab some dry cookies from the pantry and make a ginger and lemon herbal tea, hoping it would calm the terrible nausea.
She sat down in front of the dark marble counter, listlessly nibbling on a few cookies and dipping the teabag into the hot water. She was terribly tired and exhausted, that feeling of loneliness and defeat that wouldn't let her go whenever she was alone.
She watched her phone, almost hoping for another message from Angel proposing anything at all so she wouldn't have to stay at home; she would have preferred to write the speech with him rather than having to do it alone.
I wonder if Alastor's place is open in the afternoon she found herself thinking, and then she immediately dismissed the idea. She wouldn't have the strength to show up again after what had happened the night before; she'd rather face a walk barefoot through thorns.
The sound of footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts, and at the entrance to the kitchen, she saw Vaggie. She looked tired, probably like her, she hadn't slept very well. Her hair, usually worn loose, was tied in a high ponytail, and she was still wearing the grey tracksuit she always wore at home.
Both of them blushed as soon as they saw each other, and Charlie found herself stiffening on the stool, while the string holding the teabag also slipped from her hands and fell into the cup.
- Good morning - Vaggie greeted her with a slight smile. - How do you feel? -.
Beyond embarrassed she replied mentally, trying to grab the teabag with poor results and burning her fingers. - G-good - she stammered, trying to focus her eyes on the cookie crumbs scattered everywhere. - You? -.
The former angel moved toward her uncertainly. - I'm fine. If you're worried about anything that happened yesterday... you can rest easy - she reassured her.
Charlie sighed, thinking that was small consolation. - Thank goodness - she breathed out, watching her go to the fridge. - Thanks for coming to get me -.
Her friend poured some cranberry juice into a glass, still with her back to her. - No problem. You know I'm always there for you -.
Not in the way I'd like she thought, her throat feeling tight. She wanted to go to her, hug her, and bury her face in that fragrant hair and stay that way until she had to leave, but she chased that image from her mind. It wasn't the time to wallow in such absurd ideas; she had other, more important problems.
- Now that you're calmer, do you want to talk? - Vaggie asked her, leaning her back against the fridge and watching her.
The cookie fell from her hands due to the anxiety that question had caused her. - About what? - she asked in a high-pitched voice, trying to force a serene smile.
Her friend brought a hand to her forehead wearily. - About everything, Charlie, about what's going through your head. I seriously understand what you want to do, I really do, but I don't understand why you should accept a marriage to Adam to do it! -.
She sighed, finally managing to pull the teabag out of the cup and blowing on it to cool it down. - Because right now, it's the only option we have -.
- And it's also the stupidest option! Please, Charlie, just think about it for a second - she pleaded, walking toward her and placing a hand on her arm.
Charlie gritted her teeth, trying not to let a single tear escape in front of her. - Do you and dad think I'm happy about this? I wish I had a backup plan, but I don't, and it's not going to magically appear at the door! -.
As if to refute those words, they heard the doorbell ring. They looked at each other, bewildered for a second, not knowing what to do; they certainly weren't expecting any visitors.
- Was dad expecting someone? - she asked, perplexed.
Vaggie shook her head. - No. Besides, he's out, and I think he'll be back later. He said he has some things to discuss with Satan -.
Lucifer wasn't the type to ring the doorbell, and even if he had forgotten his keys, he could just open a portal to get right into the house, so it had to be someone else.
She got off the stool, following Vaggie toward the entrance to open the door. The former angel went ahead of her and opened the door, peeking out.
- Bonjour! Is Charlotte at home? -.
Charlie felt her blood run cold, all the nerves in her body tensing as if about to snap. Alastor had come to her house without any warning, and who knew why. Had Angel not been entirely truthful and she caused more damage than expected?
Vaggie slammed the door shut in his face, muttering insults under her breath.
- Vaggie! - she scolded, going toward the door. - That's not polite! -.
She stared at her with her one wide eye. - Do you realize he's the last problem we need right now?! I'll remind you that he's a ruthless Overlord! -.
Charlie rolled her eyes, trying to fix her hair as best she could. - You're too harsh, as always -.
Her friend looked at her in shock. - Are you really going to open it? And are you fixing yourself up? -.
- Stop it! Maybe he's here because I caused some trouble - she whispered, then went to the door and opened it.
Alastor was still standing there like a statue, his back straight and a wide smile on his face. When he saw her, his gaze softened, and he lowered his head slightly.
- Chérie, what a pleasure to see you again! Are you feeling better? - he asked, leaning toward her.
Charlie felt her cheeks burn as she tried to hide her embarrassment by smiling back at him. - Oh, of course! It was kind of you to come all this way to make sure - she replied, moving a lock of hair behind her ear.
The demon didn't even wait for her to invite him in. He stepped past the doorway, starting to look around, and seemed to intentionally ignore Vaggie's withering looks; she, in the meantime, had her arms crossed over her chest and was nervously tapping her foot on the ground.
He tapped his cane on the ground a couple of times, turning back toward her with a pirouette. - What a charming house - he commented, then looked at Vaggie. - Although the staff seems quite rude -.
Vaggie flared up in anger. - Pendejo, come here and say that again! -.
Charlie got between the two before Vaggie could jump at his throat. - There's a misunderstanding! - she hurried to say, putting an arm around her friend's shoulders in a gesture that at that moment felt terribly out of place even to her. - Vaggie is a very dear friend of mine who lives with us. She's just a little wary of strangers -.
- Oh, pardon - the demon hastened to say, tilting his head. - I apologize for the misunderstanding, chérie -.
When he tried to take Vaggie's hand to shake it, she pulled it back, looking at him with even more irritation. - Don't touch me! -.
She tried to give her a look of disapproval, then turned back to Alastor with a strained smile, her arm still tight around her friend's shoulders. - So... do you... do you want something to drink? -.
The Radio Demon gave the former angel a glare for a second, then turned back to her with a less obvious and decidedly gentler smile. - Thank you for the courtesy, but I was just passing by to have a chat. I wouldn't want to disturb you further -.
- You've already disturbed us by coming here - Vaggie muttered, receiving a light kick to the ankles from Charlie in response.
Alastor seemed to deliberately ignore that comment, remaining still with his cane clutched in his claws in front of him, as if waiting for Charlie to lead the way to sit down somewhere.
She snapped out of it, releasing Vaggie's shoulders and inviting him to follow her toward the kitchen, while the former angel stood behind both of them as if to make sure the newcomer didn't make any rash moves.
When he entered, the Overlord's gaze fell on the cup left on the counter. - How rude of me; if I had known I was interrupting your meal, I would have come later -.
Charlie cut off any rude comment from Vaggie with a glare. - Don't worry. But you didn't have to bother coming all this way; a message would have been enough -.
Alastor tilted his head, looking at the phone she was pointing to. - Unfortunately, I'm not accustomed to using such trinkets; I prefer the written word or a courtesy visit - he replied calmly, taking a seat on one of the dark leather stools.
She mentally called herself an idiot, especially because even if he had a phone, he wouldn't have her number anyway. - Yes, letters are a nice way to express oneself - she found herself saying, as she sat across from him and resumed sipping from her cup.
The demon smiled at her in a friendly manner. - I'm glad you appreciate them as much as I do; we have more in common than it seems -.
She almost choked on her drink and started coughing until tears came to her eyes, putting a hand in front of her to try not to look like a complete imbecile. She couldn't understand why she became so tense every time he was in front of her; he was always so calm and courteous, yet he managed to constantly make her feel uncomfortable in a strange way she couldn't explain.
Vaggie stood in a corner with her arms crossed, muttering phrases in Spanish that were probably a way to insult the newcomer.
- Anyway, I'm also here to talk about another topic - he said, placing his clasped hands on the counter and then glancing at the former angel. - Although I think it's better to discuss it between us -.
- If you think I'm leaving you alone, tú estás loco! - Vaggie yelled in response.
Alastor shook his head as he clicked his tongue against his palate - Chérie, it would be easier for me to understand you if you didn't speak in such a rude and grating manner -.
- Says the one who sounds like he has a damn radio filter stuck in his throat! -.
Charlie jumped off the stool before they could get at each other's throats and blocked Vaggie by her shoulders. - Come on, don't be like that! He just came to see if I was okay -.
Her friend glared at her. - I don't trust him, and you shouldn't either -.
- I'm still here - Alastor commented, looking at his nails with an indifferent air.
The princess wanted to bury herself at that very moment and sighed dejectedly. - Please, Vaggie, ten minutes. Okay? -.
Vaggie looked at her and then at the demon before stomping away, continuing to curse in every language she probably knew. Charlie sighed as she returned to the table and took her seat in front of the Radio Demon, who, despite the scene, seemed to have maintained his natural composure and grace.
- I must say, she's an excellent bodyguard. I'm glad you have one - he commented, but Charlie noticed that his voice betrayed a slight irritation toward her friend.
She resumed sipping her herbal tea, seeking a little calm in the warmth of the drink - When you care about someone, it's normal to worry - she replied sadly, thinking that even that -caring- hadn't been enough to keep them together.
Alastor nodded in agreement. - Certainement! It's very noble of her, in fact. I've recently been able to see that many people are attached to you - he began, and with a snap of his fingers, he made a steaming cup of coffee appear.
The princess looked at him apologetically - You just had to ask; I would have made you one -.
- I would never have dared to cause you even that much trouble. And besides, I only appreciate a particular blend; I'll let you taste it one day if you want - he replied, taking a sip himself. - And I hope to see you more often at my establishment, or should I think otherwise? -.
Charlie felt her cheeks flush, and she was certain that they had at least slightly changed colour as she stubbornly bit the inside of her cheek to avoid making a strange sound. - I'd love to! - she blurted out in a high-pitched voice. - But unfortunately, some... commitments... will take me away for a while -.
Maybe forever she concluded mentally, lowering her gaze to the dark counter.
Alastor sighed in turn, placing the cup on the table. - Speaking of which, I've become aware of a rather worrying fact about you -.
She jumped on the stool and turned her gaze back to him; he had, in the meantime, taken off his monocle to clean it on his sleeve. - W-what? - she asked nervously.
He put his monocle back on and smiled at her, resting his chin on his clasped fingers. - Don't worry, chérie, I have no intention of using it; on the contrary, I'm here because I want to help you -.
She blinked in shock. - What exactly do you know? - she asked in a whisper, trying to figure out if she had told him or not.
- You get very chatty when you drink, you know? - he commented with a laugh. - Not that I mind; I find your way of expressing yourself always interesting and entertaining -.
She dropped her head onto the table in despair. - So, you're telling me that yesterday I told you about the agreement with Heaven and Adam? - at that point, she had made so many blunders that being seen in that state seemed like the least of her problems.
A rustle behind her startled her, and when she looked up, she found the demon suddenly standing behind her. - Don't despair; only me and your friend heard what you had to say -.
- That's not the problem - she moaned, putting her hands on her face, while one of the sentences he had said earlier came to her brain, making her sit up straight. - Wait... you said you have a way to help me? -.
He nodded, crossing his arms behind his back. - I might have a way for you to gain as much time as possible and get what you want anyway -.
- And what do you want in return? - she asked, worried. She knew that Overlords like Alastor were used to making deals in exchange for their help, but if there was one thing her father had managed to instil in her since she was a child, it was never to make deals with any demon in Hell, and she wouldn't fall for it.
The Overlord put on a hurt expression. - Chérie, do you think I'm so petty? I thought you had a higher opinion of me and that you wouldn't be swayed by gossip about my person - he replied, turning his back on her and walking around the kitchen.
Charlie waved her hands in the air nervously. - Oh no, no, I'm sorry! - she hurried to say. - It's just... you know... Overlords usually do that -.
- Not with friends - he asserted calmly, turning in her direction and smiling at her with his mouth closed and his eyelids half-lowered.
She looked at him, stunned, barely able to contain her jaw. - And I'm your friend? You've barely known me for a day -.
In response, he shrugged. - I know how to recognize a trustworthy person, and if you were to leave, I wouldn't have a way to deepen this pleasant acquaintance of ours. It would break my heart, and also the hearts of your current friends -.
Alastor was a constant surprise to her. She couldn't understand why he was so determined to get to know her and found it completely impossible that there was a romantic motive behind that courtesy, especially knowing how many of the demonesses had literally fallen at his feet only to be ignored. But there was a strange sincerity in his eyes, as if he, too, partly needed her. It would have been great to try and redeem someone like him; it could have been her greatest conquest if she had had the time.
- What did you have in mind? - she asked, intrigued.
The Overlord widened his smile even more as he began to pace back and forth in the room. - What you need to do right now is gain as much time as possible, and you have an important arrow in your quiver even if you're not fully aware of it. Engagements can last for years, and it's only right that you get to know your future consort - he began, waving a hand in the air in a theatrical manner. - For that reason, you could ask for a year's time; a period in which you will meet your fiancé once a week to get to know him and, in the meantime, you will try to redeem the souls of Hell. If you succeed, you can annul the engagement; otherwise... well, maybe Adam will turn out to be more pleasant than you think - he concluded, although he didn't seem at all convinced of that last sentence.
Charlie had listened to his proposal in amazement. It was something so simple that she really couldn't understand how she hadn't thought of it before, and she found herself staring wide-eyed. Her enthusiasm deflated in a second when some doubts came to her mind.
- But, I don't know anyone who would want to participate in my project, and my father certainly won't let me keep them here even if there were some. We would need a suitable place to meet -.
Alastor was suddenly next to her, leaning his face toward her. - It so happens that I possess both things -.
At that point, her mouth fell open, completely out of her control. - But... but how? -.
He moved away, raising his chin with a confident air. - Speaking with your friend, he seemed interested in the matter, and two of my collaborators will be happy to participate in the project. Also, the floors above my establishment are currently vacant; we could set up rooms for future guests -.
Charlie felt tears of emotion welling up in her eyes. - And you would do that for me? - she asked, astonished.
The demon lowered his crimson eyes toward her, and they almost glowed. - Chérie, for my Princess and future friend, I would do anything. I would only like to be your partner in this project, if you allow me -.
At that point, she couldn't resist any longer. She jumped off the stool and threw her arms around his neck, almost suffocating him in a hug. - Of course! - she found herself squealing. - Thank you, Alastor! Thank you! -.
She only realized a second later that he must not have appreciated her impulsive gesture at all, as he had suddenly stiffened and was holding his arms wide to avoid touching her. She immediately released her grip as her cheeks grew hot again, biting her index fingernail nervously.
- Sorry, I promise I'll keep physical contact to a minimum - she murmured, looking down at the ground.
The demon remained motionless in that position, his eyes almost bulging out of their sockets. After a few seconds, he seemed to come back to himself and adjusted his jacket on his shoulders. - Thank you for the courtesy; I have a great regard for my personal space - he commented in a tense voice; it was the first time she had heard him speak that way. - Now, however, you'd better prepare a convincing speech. If you need any advice, you know where to find me -.
She watched him head for the door, but she intercepted him before he could leave. - Wait! - she stopped him, standing in front of him. - Do you swear there's no hidden agenda? -.
Alastor tilted his head to the side, looking at her with an inquisitive air. - Chérie, I challenge you to find one if there were. For what other reason would I offer my services to the princess without even the slightest possibility of a deal? -.
Charlie looked him back in the eyes, but she couldn't read anything in them but total serenity. Even if he had some kind of plan, it escaped her, and for the moment, it could be fine that way; at least she could try to avoid that marriage.
- Okay - she replied, smiling at him. - Then I'll get to work right away. Maybe I'll stop by tonight to show you what I've prepared, if that's okay with you -.
Alastor nodded, tapping his cane on the ground. - I'll eagerly await your news, my new business partner -.
He disappeared in a cloud of smoke before she could say anything else, and without even giving an explanation to Vaggie, she rushed to her room to start preparing a perfect speech.
Her friend, however, also entered the room. - Charlie, I hope I heard wrong! -
She looked up from the desk filled with papers and coloured markers to look at her. - Were you eavesdropping? -.
- Of course I was! - she snapped, running her hands through her hair. - And this is the umpteenth absurd proposal you've accepted in less than three days! What's wrong with you?! -.
Charlie glared at her at that point. - At least he offered to help me in a way that doesn't involve destroying my dreams -.
Vaggie let out a choked scream, raising her head upward. - When your father finds out, he's going to lock you up, do you realize that?! -.
She jumped up from the desk so fast that the chair fell over. - If he dares to do that, I'll leave home, and you can tell him all about it. Anyway, you two are perfectly capable of talking without me being involved in the conversation, right? -.
The former angel seemed struck by that comment, and her fury stopped for a second. - Charlie, we just want to protect you -.
- I have things to do now; go away. You can talk to dad if you think it's necessary; I don't care - she replied, picking up the chair and resuming writing on her beloved coloured cards.
She didn't have time at that moment; she wanted to try the path Alastor had offered her. If he was right, she could get what she wanted without necessarily giving up her life, and at that moment, that option was the best she had.
- That’s the most crappy, ridiculous, and senseless idea I’ve ever heard! And you involved us without even consulting us! -.
Alastor sighed at Husk’s latest outburst, as he sat comfortably on one of the bar’s sofas. The meeting with the princess had gone better than his wildest dreams; it had been absurdly easy to ensnare her. He had tested the waters, trying to figure out how much she remembered from the previous night, and when he realized she remembered nothing, he had lied, telling her she was the one who confessed her absurd plan. That way, that annoying little pest Angel Dust wouldn't be able to complain to him about anything, although if she did remember something, he wouldn't hesitate to tell her that Angel himself had informed him.
- Husker, I don't believe you're in a position to say no to me - he replied calmly, taking a bite of his carpaccio.
Angel appeared in his line of sight, ruining his tasty snack before opening time. - I hope you didn't tell her that I was the one who spilled the beans! -.
Alastor sighed, picking up the glass of red wine on the table and swirling it between his fingers. - I'll tell you for the hundredth time that I saved your reputation, for what it's worth - he replied, beginning to drink.
The star moved, throwing his arms in the air. - I'll remind you that I work with my face, so it's worth a lot -.
- From face to backside is a short trip - he grinned, amused.
In response, Angel raised all four of his middle fingers in his direction, taking a seat on the stools near the bartender who was cleaning the counter with such fury he risked carving a groove in its precious, elegant wood.
Suddenly, Husk threw the wet cloth on the table. - You're forcing us to participate in a redemption you yourself don't believe is possible! Do you realize how absurd that is?! And I don't even understand why! -.
Niffty popped out of the kitchen with wide eyes. - I love being forced -.
Husk put his hands on his face. - Keep it to yourself, Niff, please -.
Alastor smiled, amused by the scene, wiping his mouth with his napkin. - The reason is none of your concern. I simply want the princess where she should be: in Hell -.
Angel looked at him, perplexed. - Wait, do I have to be part of this bullshit, too? -.
He nodded. - Assuming you want to keep your room, continue drinking for free, and have a safe place to take refuge when your boss is more agitated than usual - he replied, counting on his fingers.
- Fuck, what a shitty life - Angel commented, huffing. - Mr. Meow-stache, make me a strong one, please -.
Husk glared at him. - Cut it out with those stupid nicknames, before I kick your ass! -.
- Language, my agitated friends - he chided them, taking another sip of wine. - Soon we'll have royalty under our very roof. We wouldn't want to upset her -.
Niffty jumped onto the counter. - Should I start getting her room ready? -.
The bartender looked at both of them, shocked. - You're talking as if Heaven has already agreed! Who says they won't tell her it's an absurd proposal? -.
He shrugged indifferently. - I simply find that to be unlikely -.
- If you're right, I swear I'll do the hula in a grass skirt - Husk snapped again, resuming his cleaning.
Angel leaned toward him. - Let me know when you do it -.
- You wouldn't want to gamble with me. You've already lost if my memory serves me correctly - he replied, smiling at him and narrowing his eyes.
The fur on the bartender's back bristled as he tried with all his might to hold back an annoyed growl.
Alastor calmly resumed eating as silence finally fell over the room. When he had made that proposal to the princess, he was aware that none of them could refuse him anything, including the spider, even though he didn't own his soul. In this way, he would not only offer her three souls, but also a peaceful place where she could do whatever absurdity she had in mind. He considered redemption to be completely impossible, in fact he couldn't understand how she could have had such a ridiculous idea, but he didn't need success to be the goal, only to buy time. A year was enough to get his hands on the crown. He would just have to speed things up a bit. At first, he thought he would take his time to make her his friend, but that unexpected event had forced him to put on those absurd displays of trust. He laughed at himself for how ridiculous it was that he had said those words, while at the same time congratulating himself for the masterful acting skills he was capable of showing at any moment. He had certainly gained points by not asking for anything in return, making the scale tip even more in his favour. At that point, he just had to separate her from her family and that hateful cyclops that had irritated him from the first moment.
He looked up, focusing his gaze on Angel, who in the blink of an eye had already emptied two glasses. If he didn't earn well, that damn guy would be his ruin. - Since you've known our dear princess for years, what can you tell me about the one who acts as her bodyguard? -.
The star looked at him strangely. - You mean Vaggie? The one with the eye patch? -, he nodded, waiting for him to continue talking. - It's a tear-jerker story. Charlie has been in love with her since she arrived in Hell, but apparently, Vaggie wants no part of it. Ex-angels and their damn puritanical mindset - he concluded, downing what was left in the glass in one gulp.
I'll have to pay special attention to that irritating being he thought, annoyed, as he clenched his jaw.
- Fantastic! Are we going to have to host her, too? - Husk snapped, opening a bottle of cheap liquor and beginning to drink it avidly.
Alastor hissed. - Not for all the souls in Hell -.
Angel laughed, amused. - You know that if Charlie wants her here, you won't be able to say no, right? -.
He inhaled in an attempt to calm himself, nervously massaging his temples. If she forced him to have her underfoot, she would prove to be a difficult thorn in his side, but he could find a way to avoid it; he just had to find the crack in that relationship, too.
An intense knock on the door startled him from his thoughts, and he looked at Husk, telling him with his eyes to handle the situation.
- We're closed! We'll open in two hours - the bartender muttered, going back to arranging the glasses.
The knocking on the door didn't stop, and an annoyed growl forced the other one to go past the counter and see what was happening. When he opened the door, he froze, the fur on his back bristling and his tail almost falling to the ground.
- Oh, Your Majesty, I didn't expect it to be you - he said in a hoarse voice.
What the hell is Lucifer doing here? he thought, irritated, as he found himself clenching a fist. He certainly hadn't expected his visit. He usually stayed away from Hell's business and was never seen around. He sighed, exhausted. After all, he was starting to do business with his daughter, so it was predictable that sooner or later he would have him underfoot.
He got up, trying to force a welcoming smile and heading toward the entrance with a brisk stride. The King of Hell stood motionless on the threshold, his gaze serious and his eyelids half-lowered. Alastor found him ridiculous, not only because of his short stature, but also because of his absurd way of dressing. More than a king, he looked like the scatterbrained director of a tacky traveling circus, like the ones that would occasionally stop in New Orleans when he was still alive. How much he would have enjoyed seeing him in a lion's mouth at that very moment.
He pushed those thoughts away and bowed forward, placing a hand on his chest. - Your Majesty, we certainly didn't expect your visit. If we had known, we would have prepared a more suitable welcome for you -.
- Cut the crap. I think you know full well why I'm here - he said in a firm and clear voice.
Alastor straightened up, looking at the others still gathered in the room. - You can withdraw. I believe the King wishes to confer in private - he said in a sharp tone, implicitly threatening them with his gaze that if he found them eavesdropping, he would tear them to pieces.
Probably understanding the message, the three disappeared into the kitchen, and he heard their footsteps continuing to the upper floor. To avoid any sudden unwelcome visits, he let his shadow go to guard the stairs, so that none of them would even dare to take a step.
Lucifer entered the room, an ugly cane with an apple for a handle clutched in his fingers. - So, this is where my daughter has been for the past few days - he commented, disgusted. - Quite gloomy -.
- I'd prefer to call it reserved - he corrected, unable to keep an annoyed tone from seeping into his voice.
The seraphim turned his back on him and took a seat at one of the tables. - I don't have all day, so I'd like to resolve this matter quickly -.
Alastor maintained his smile, taking a seat across from him. - I imagine our King's agenda is full, but I really can't understand what brings you all the way here -.
The King adjusted his top hat on his head, his eyes narrowed into two slits. - I'm here because I've learned that you've become my daughter's new partner, and I don't like it one bit -.
He pointed to his chest with a feigned look of shock. - Do you doubt my good intentions? -.
- Spare me! - he snapped, slamming a hand on the table. - People like you don't have good intentions, just masks to hide the truth -.
Smarter than I thought he commented to himself, unable to hold back a chuckle. - Your Majesty, you've completely misunderstood. I'm only interested in our princess's well-being. It would be detrimental to Hell if she were to be confined in Heaven -.
Lucifer laughed, showing his sharp teeth. - And since when do people like you give a shit about things like that? -.
- I think your daughter explained the situation clearly to you - he replied.
The king’s eyes suddenly widened, and he looked away. He had become quite good at reading people over the years, and that hesitation meant only one thing: there must have been tensions between the two, and the former angel had probably been the one to warn him.
The King sighed without looking at him. - In truth, her friend informed me - he then turned his gaze back to him. - But I'm sure she told me every single thing, down to the last detail. Not to mention that you showed up at our house by bypassing security -.
And it had been very easy to bypass it. Those useless imps at the gates hadn't even noticed his shadow passing under the railings, not even when he had regained his form along the garden. However, it had to be said that their guard dog was quite good at keeping people away in any case.
- Perhaps you should entrust security to someone more competent. I have some names to recommend if you need them - he replied with irony.
The King's eyes took on reddish hues, while horns began to emerge from his forehead. - Don't play with my patience -.
Alastor didn't flinch. As powerful as he was, he didn't fear him at all. - I think you should actually be grateful to me. It's thanks to my idea that you'll have a chance to keep your daughter here -.
It all happened so fast that he struggled to piece together what had happened. Lucifer had jumped over the table, grabbing his throat and knocking him to the ground. He had hit the floor violently with his head and realized that the King’s grip was stronger than he had expected. The heat emanating from his body was burning his skin, and he found himself growling back at him in anger, ready to counterattack.
No, let him vent he thought, realizing that this was the crack he needed. It was absurd how things kept going well for him. If he reacted, perhaps by hurting him—however difficult—he could give Charlie a reason to doubt him. If he remained still, he would become the poor victim in the eyes of the sweet princess.
Lucifer's horns had grown even more, a flaming crown in the middle, and his red eyes had widened. His sharp jaws leaned toward his face as if he were ready to bite him, but Alastor didn't stop smiling for a second and waited for him to make his move.
- You have to leave her alone, am I clear? - he snapped, his voice suddenly deeper than before.
He gasped for air before speaking. - I will do what your daughter wants, nothing more - he rasped, still managing to let out a choked laugh despite the situation.
The King suddenly released his grip, retrieving his top hat that had flown off when he attacked him. Alastor got back up, leaning on the table, massaging his throat, which felt burned. That little guy's powers were definitely formidable, and he had only had a taste of them. He found himself envying that strength he didn't deserve in his opinion. If he were the King of Hell, he would have used them in a much more creative way.
Lucifer headed for the door, but before leaving, he turned one last time to him. - I hope I don't have to repeat myself. You wouldn't want me to -.
He lowered his head. - Your Majesty, I'm sure we won't see each other again for a long time -.
Especially now that you’ve given me the perfect way to alienate your daughter, you idiot he concluded in his head, watching him leave.
He adjusted his jacket on his shoulders and then went to look at his injuries in the mirror on one of the walls. The marks of fingers and burns left by Lucifer were clearly visible. He had even ruined his shirt and destroyed his bow tie when he was hit. He could have healed those wounds in less than a few minutes, but he thought it was better to leave them where they were and hide them until the princess arrived.
They would be his definitive ticket to her total and unconditional trust.
Charlie had gone down to the lower floor with a folder full of cards containing notes for her speech. She had spent practically the entire day organizing her ideas and rehearsing her monologue like an actress trying to memorize a part. It was well past dinner time and she was starving, so she headed to the kitchen almost skipping for joy, invigorated by the idea of having a way out. She hadn't had a chance to see her father and hadn't talked to him about the matter, and she secretly hoped that Vaggie hadn't preempted her. She wanted to be able to lucidly explain everything to him and was happy to find him still in the kitchen. He was sipping a glass of apple juice, his top hat resting on the kitchen island.
When he saw her, his eyes widened, and he smiled. - Charlie! You look great. Any news? - he asked in a strangely high-pitched voice.
She looked at him, perplexed, but decided to ignore his strange behaviour and sat down at the table in front of him. - I have some news, fad, but I'd like us to talk about it calmly this time -.
Her father sighed, running a hand through his hair and taking a seat across from her. - Charlie, you know I don't agree -.
- Wait! - she stopped him, taking his hands. - Please, just let me tell you everything without judging until the end -.
Lucifer squeezed her fingers, his eyes clouding over. - Alright, I'm listening, honey -.
She smiled at him and began to tell him all about Alastor's idea, observing his reactions as she spoke. He seemed strangely calm, as if he wasn't at all surprised by what she was telling him, but once again, she chose to pretend not to notice and continued to talk. The idea seemed so brilliant to her, and she spoke with such enthusiasm that she lost her breath more than once during her incessant monologue, and when she finished, she waited anxiously for some sort of response.
Her father had nodded for most of the time, but when she stopped, he began to breathe deeply, as if he were tense and nervous. - So, if it goes wrong, you'll still accept? - he asked her.
She found herself looking down at their hands still clasped together. - Dad, please, let's not think about the worst for now -.
- And you think they'll listen to you? - he pressed on, even more insistent.
She didn't understand why he always had to be so cold and detached toward her ideas, and why he couldn't give her the same support she had received from both Angel and Alastor. Another stab in her heart struck her, but she tried to push it back and meet his gaze.
- I know you think it's absurd but try to understand me for once - she whispered. - This could be a turning point for all of us -.
He let go of her hands and caressed her cheek, his eyes beginning to well up. - Charlie, I don't want to lose you. Since you were born, the only thing I've wanted is to protect you -.
She took the hand he was still holding on her face, squeezing it, as her own eyes grew moist. - I know, dad, and I want you to be proud of me -.
He gave her a sweet smile. - Charlie, I'm always proud of you - he replied, getting up from the stool and going toward her. - I just don't think it's a good idea to get into business with someone like him -.
She gave him an irritated look. - Why do you say that? You don't know him -.
Lucifer looked down as if he wanted to hide something from her. - I know people like him, and they rarely do something without a hidden agenda, trust me -.
- Alastor had the idea, and I can't cut him out, and I don't intend to! - she snapped in response. -If it weren't for him, tomorrow I'd be going to sign a marriage agreement instead of proposing something different -.
The seraphim took her face in his hands. - Still use the idea but do it here - he pleaded. - Don't get into business with an Overlord -.
She was grateful to him for making that proposal, but it wouldn't feel right to use Alastor's idea and then cut him out like that. Since she had met him, he had proven to be someone who could handle difficult situations, and she needed him more than ever at that moment. Vaggie and her father didn't believe in her idea enough, while he, without even knowing her, had put every means at her disposal to make it happen without seemingly wanting anything in return. She wasn't stupid, she knew she still had to keep her eyes open, but it was nice to think that he was doing it because he had believed in her from the very beginning. Was it so absurd to think that someone could truly believe in her idea?
But she didn't want to argue at that moment, not when they were finally opening up a dialogue. - I'll think about it - she lied, getting to her feet herself. - Now I have to see Angel, I want to rehearse the speech with him -.
She was lying again, but she didn't want to tell him she was going to see Alastor; it didn't seem right after what they had just said to each other.
Her father smiled cheerfully. - But why? Tell him to come here! Maybe Vaggie would be happy about it too -.
She looked down, biting her lips. She would have liked to involve her too, but she knew she wouldn't keep that secret from her father. She felt indebted to him since he had welcomed her, and even if she had agreed, she probably wouldn't have liked the idea of going to Alastor's place.
- Well, actually, he wanted to see me alone to talk about some problems - she quickly blurted out. -You know... work problems -.
Her father seemed to deflate like a balloon. - Too bad, I liked the boy -.
She shrugged. - Maybe another time, what do you say? -.
She left without waiting for a reply, and when she reached the entrance, she saw Vaggie, who was probably returning from an evening walk, and their eyes met. The whole situation had done nothing but push them apart, and it seemed that their relationship was getting colder every minute that passed. She had so desperately wanted to involve her and let her know how happy she was at that moment, to share with her the joy of seeing her dream close to being realized. And yet, at that moment, she seemed almost like a stranger living in her house, someone wearing the body of a person she had known and loved. She hoped with all her heart that once things had calmed down, they would at least be able to recover their friendship, even if deep down she continued to harbour the desire for her to one day be able to see her as something more.
She walked past her, but before she could put her hand on the handle, she felt a touch on her shoulder. - You're going to see him, aren't you? - Vaggie asked hesitantly.
Charlie gritted her teeth and forced herself not to look at her. - No, I'm meeting with Angel -.
- Can I come with you? - she asked.
Why now? she thought in despair, turning in her direction. - He wants to talk about private matters; I wouldn't want him to feel uncomfortable -.
She looked at her with an inquisitive expression. - He was my friend too; I don't think I'd bother him -.
- People change, Vaggie, especially in difficult times - she replied evasively.
She closed the door behind her, and before she did, she managed to hear her response. - I know something about that -.
She leaned her back against the door and let a single tear escape her control. She hadn't changed; she was just determined to get what she wanted for once, and for something good for all of them. Was it so wrong to fight for that idea? Her mother would have understood, in fact, she would certainly have supported her with every means at her disposal. She missed her terribly, especially at that difficult time.
She wiped her face and started walking again, dialing a taxi number.
She arrived at the establishment and rushed inside. Just like the first time, it was full of people, and Alastor was at the counter talking to a refined-looking demoness with a showy hat on her head.
His scarlet eyes noticed her in the crowd, and he invited her to join him with a wave of his hand. The demoness he was talking to turned around as well and smiled at her with a row of sharp teeth.
- Alastor, you rascal! You didn't tell me we were going to have such an important visitor; I would have primped up - she chided him good-naturedly, tapping him on the shoulder.
The demon gave her a knowing smile. - Chérie, you don't improve on what's already perfect -.
- Flatterer - she prompted him, then gave her full attention to Charlie. - Nice to meet you, Princess! I'm Rosie, an old friend of our dear Alastor -
Charlie smiled back at her, shaking her hand. - It's a pleasure, and please, call me Charlie -.
Rosie took her by the arm, pulling her closer. - So, what brings you here besides the atmosphere and good food? - she asked.
She felt herself blush at that question; it seemed to imply that there might be something between her and Alastor, and this completely sent her brain into a frenzy. Had he put that bug in her ear?
The Radio Demon seemed to sense her galloping anxiety and was quick to answer. - Charlie is a welcome guest as we're considering becoming business partners - he replied calmly, getting the attention of the bartender to be served a drink.
Rosie turned to her, her eyes wide. - You've decided to invest in the business? Oh, I can't blame you; it's fundamentally important for a woman to have a good nose for business, and I know something about that -.
She forced a smile, while the demoness didn't seem to have any intention of letting go of her arm. - Yes, let's just say we need to talk about that - she tried to add to put an end to any speculation.
- Oh, Alastor, you're already making her work at these absurd hours, and you're not even officially partners yet? It hurts your image - she said, placing a hand on her hip.
The demon picked up the glass of whiskey he had been served, beginning to swirl it. - The princess's agenda is full of commitments; I have to take advantage of her every free moment -.
Finally, Rosie let go of her arm, moving away. - Well, I won't hold you up any longer. It was a pleasure meeting you, Charlie! If you get tired of him as a partner, call me! -.
She smiled at her gently. - I won't forget -.
She turned to the counter and found the usual bartender intent on mixing his drinks. - Can I have a non-alcoholic one, please? - she asked him as sweetly as possible, worried about disturbing him.
In response, he gave her a thumbs-up. - Coming right up -.
She turned back to Alastor, who was watching her with a satisfied look. - So, I assume you're here because you've already prepared your speech -.
She nodded, twisting a lock of hair between her fingers. - Yes, since we'll be partners if all goes well, I wanted to ask for some advice to avoid a disaster -.
The bartender handed her a glass. - Here you go, Princess -.
Before he could walk away, Alastor reached a hand over the counter and grabbed him by one of his suspenders. - Allow me to introduce you to Husker, a future soul in search of redemption -.
He tipped the hat he was wearing on his head, although he seemed terribly irritated by the interruption. - Just call me Husk -.
She extended a hand in his direction to shake it. - Nice to meet you, Husk! Call me Charlie -.
- I think you already know Angel Dust - the demon continued, bringing the glass to his lips. - He will be another welcome guest -.
She found herself wide-eyed in disbelief. - I can't believe it. How did you convince him? -.
He shrugged. - He cares about you, and that was enough to convince him -.
She felt her stomach in turmoil with that mix of joy and agitation that kept stirring her soul. Alastor, as she had expected, was proving to be a truly valuable help, and she couldn't wait to hear what he would think of her speech.
- When can we talk? It's a bit chaotic here right now - she commented, looking around.
Alastor looked at the place as well, then invited her to follow him, putting an arm behind her back without touching her. - This way, chérie -.
He led her behind the counter and into the kitchen, where a small cook with a single, large eye in the centre of her face was running back and forth frantically, simultaneously managing every single preparation.
- And this is Niffty. She will also be part of our future project - he told her.
Niffty stopped to greet her. - Nice to meet you! - she squealed, then resumed cooking.
Alastor led her through the kitchen to a wooden door that housed what must have been his study. It was a room with a small window and tall wooden shelves that held various accounting books and some decidedly old-looking recipe books. In the centre was a wooden desk on which some papers that looked like invoices and supplier receipts were placed. She wondered how he didn't feel suffocated in that environment so full of paperwork; she probably would have gone crazy.
He invited her to sit on a chair, and he took a seat behind the desk in the swivel chair, adjusting his jacket. - So, tell me everything -.
She only noticed at that moment that he had closed the door, and she felt uncomfortable being alone with him, even though she was aware that she was still close to a room full of people. - Two of the future guests work for you. Are they... your souls? - she asked him, perplexed.
Alastor's eyes glowed for a second. - You have a good eye, chérie. Indeed, they are part of my entourage, if you want to call it that -.
She stiffened in the chair. - Then I don't think they're worth much if you're forcing them, do you? -.
- Forcing them? - he asked with a resentful air, leaning toward the desk. - It goes against my interest to lose them in favour of Heaven, and I wouldn't call it coercion so much as a gentle push in the right direction -.
She was forced to admit that he was definitely good with words; he always had a ready answer for any question. It was pointless to bite the hand that would soon feed her. They were still souls she could try to save, and she was also aware that Alastor, as an Overlord, probably had them in abundance, and the fact that he had granted her two almost did him credit in some strange way.
She began to open the red folder she had brought with her, but in the frenzy of the moment, she spilled a good part of the coloured cards on the desk. She saw that Alastor was staring at them in shock, his eyes wide and his ears pulled back.
- Sorry! - she exclaimed, trying to pick them up. - The opening is defective - she tried to justify herself, as she tried to put them in order in every way.
Alastor grabbed one, looking at it as he adjusted his monocle on his nose. - I don't mean to be too blunt but using quotes from the dictionary wouldn't sound redundant and... pointless? - he asked, turning the card on which she had written the definition of “redemption” in blue marker toward her.
She pouted her lower lip. - You think so? Then I'll have to eliminate quite a few -.
- I think that's the case, chérie - he commented seriously, handing it to her. - Besides, I don't understand the need for all this paper. It's a fairly simple speech. How many words did I even use when I explained it to you today? -.
Charlie looked at him, annoyed. When it came to business, he definitely changed personality and became quite arrogant, although she couldn't really blame him. After all, he was also betting on her idea in some way. - Well, it's always better to be prepared. I want to be sure they understand and listen to me -.
The demon sighed, slightly loosening his bow tie with a pained expression. - The fact that they listen to you doesn't depend on the number of words you use to describe your project, but on the conviction with which you do it -.
She looked at him, unable to hold back an almost admiring gaze for the way he was able to carry himself every time. He would be an excellent partner. - So what? What should I do? -.
Alastor rested his elbows on the desk, massaging his forehead with his claws. - Speak with determination, as if you are doing them a favour and not the other way around. Make them think it's something that will also benefit them and bring them long-term benefits -.
She listened intently to what he was saying and tried to compose herself before she looked like a complete fool. - Got it, self-confidence - she said seriously, then leaned her back against the chair. - Too bad I don't have any - she found herself saying disconsolately.
The demon shook his head. - Chérie, you're the princess of Hell, not just anyone. Show your claws -.
Once again, she saw him pull the knot of his crimson bow tie and put on a pained expression as he did so, and she couldn't help but worry. - Are you okay? -.
Alastor's eyes widened for a second. - Of course, don't worry. A small discussion with a client - he replied in an evasive tone.
She stood up and went toward him. - Let me see, maybe I can do something -.
He gently pushed her away. - You don't have to worry; it's nothing that can't be solved with a little rest and a healthy dose of whiskey -.
She rolled her eyes. - Stop it and let me see. I can't lose my partner before we've even started the work -.
The demon's ears twitched nervously, but in the end, he seemed to be convinced. He unfastened the knot and then did the same with the first buttons of his collar, lowering it to show her the wound. She gasped when she saw it; she recognized that type of mark well. When she was a child, her father had had his disagreements with many inhabitants of Hell, and every time he grabbed them, the same identical marks remained on them.
She looked at the wound and then at Alastor more than once, unable to hold back some agitated gasps. - Who... who did that to you? - she stammered.
The demon pulled the collar of his shirt back up, keeping his eyes on the desk. - I don't mean to be rude, but I'd rather not tell you -.
- Was it my father? -.
Alastor seemed to vibrate at her question and turned on the chair, turning his back to her. - I'll repeat myself. I don't appreciate talking about my private matters -.
She grabbed the chair and forced him to turn back toward her, getting so close to him that she could feel his breath on her face. - They concern me too if it's about him -.
The Overlord sighed as he met her gaze. – Yes - he replied in a whisper. - In his defense, I can say he did it because he feared for your safety -.
She found herself backing away a few steps until her back hit the wooden bookcase, clenching her fists at her sides. - When did it happen? -.
- This afternoon - Alastor replied, looking at the cards still scattered on the desk. - I think he and your friend talked, or at least that's what I gathered. He kindly wanted to invite me not to proceed with our collaboration, but unfortunately, I've never been good at respecting the law -.
She clenched her jaw as she heard him say those things. Once again, both her father and Vaggie had chosen for her, or at least they had tried. He had even gone so far as to threaten Alastor not to take part in that project, and now she understood why he had been acting so strangely when she talked to him that evening. He thought he had already scared him and gotten rid of him, and that was also the reason why he had offered to let her stay home to carry out her idea. He didn't really believe in her; it was just a way to keep her under a glass dome, not to mention that he had risked killing him. She felt terribly guilty for having involved him in that madness, and he hadn't even mentioned it until that moment just to avoid a sure argument.
Alastor stood up and walked toward her, seeking her gaze, but she was unable to meet it at that moment. - Charlie, don't be mad at him. He's doing what any good father would do -.
- But he doesn't believe in me - she whispered, as her eyes filled with tears that were impossible to stop.
- I admit that my reputation doesn't help - he commented with irony, then placed his fingers under her chin, forcing her to look up at him. - But if it's any consolation, I believe in you -.
She knew that Alastor hated physical contact; she had already had proof of that today, but against all rationality, she rested her head against his chest to hide the tears that were starting to stream down her cheeks, and this time, he didn't seem to retreat or stiffen.
- Thank you - she murmured, fighting the urge to hug him. - I really appreciate it -.
She felt him mechanically stroking her head, as if he were completely uncomfortable and awkward with the gesture. - I wouldn't invest in you if I didn't - he commented in a trembling voice.
She moved away, realizing that it wasn't a good idea to overdo it with him with such contact. He had already been magnanimous enough by deciding not to immediately push her away.
- Now smile, chérie. Remember that a smile is the best weapon for situations like the one you'll face tomorrow - he told her, placing his hand on her face and pulling her lips with his thumb and index finger.
He hates contact, but he has no problem touching me she thought, strangely, as she found herself smiling in spite of herself at the funny gesture. – Okay - she replied, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. - Now let me treat the wound -.
He retreated as soon as she extended her fingers toward his neck, disappearing in a cloud of smoke and reappearing on the other side of the room. - There's no need; they'll be gone by tomorrow -.
Charlie rolled her eyes. - I won't hurt you -.
- That's not what I'm worried about - he replied, irritated. - I just don't appreciate being treated by others. They're nothing wounds. I swear the day I need it, you'll be the first one I call -.
It was useless to keep fighting; he wouldn't listen to her, and she had to appreciate the fact that he hadn't pushed her away before. So, she gave up the idea of helping him and sat back down on the chair.
- Okay but then help me rehearse the speech now -.
Alastor widened his smile, showing her his sharp teeth. - That, I will do with great pleasure -.
Notes:
Good afternoon! Here I am with the update!
Alastor is managing to insinuate himself into Charlie's life and is even trying to distance her from her family to achieve his goal, but at the same time, he offers her a way out of the marriage.
Rightfully, Charlie doesn't pass up the opportunity and, at the same time, develops more and more admiration for the Radio Demon.
It's going to take a loooong time before they both start to develop a relationship that's different from a professional/friendship one, so you'll have to be very patient to get to a point between them XD for this reason, Alastor can barely stand Charlie touching him.As always, I thank everyone who reads or reviews the story, truly! <3
See you soon!
Hugs :*
Chapter Text
Charlie had practiced late with Alastor, and that morning, she had woken up early so no one would see her. She didn't want to talk to Vaggie and her father right before the meeting; they would risk ruining the confidence the Radio Demon had managed to instill in her during those hours of rehearsal. She got ready in a rush and headed out, still holding a few biscuits to eat along the way, munching on them as she walked and mentally reviewing what they had discussed. She needed to look confident, resolute, and make them believe this arrangement was more convenient for them than for her. Alastor had made her throw away all her notecards but had left her one that he had written. She pulled it out of her jacket pocket, reading it as if it were a motivational quote, even though it contained little.
“Smile”
He had only left her that message before she left his studio, patting her on the head as if she were a puppy in need of a cuddle. By the time she left, the venue was closing, and Husk and Niffty were tidying the tables, and only then did she realize the time. She was genuinely tired; sleep had been scarce in the last few days, and even when she arrived home, she struggled to fall asleep, partly due to the anxiety that was starting to grow in her chest.
She looked at the small white card again and pressed it to her chest, forcing herself to smile just as he had advised. She didn't want to betray his trust, nor the trust her future guests would eventually have in her; she had to do it for all the souls in Hell.
She arrived in front of the embassy and found herself freezing before she could grab the doorknob. Her throat was starting to dry, and her hands were sweating as if she were on the verge of a terrible panic attack.
She closed her eyes and pushed the door open, continually repeating what Alastor had told her the night before.
You are the Princess, show your claws, she told herself, lifting her chin and standing straighter, quickly heading towards the room where she had last met with Adam.
She pushed the door open assertively, but all her conviction diminished the moment she saw that the High Seraphim was with him. She deflated like a popped balloon, sinking her head between her shoulders and raising a hand toward the two sitting at the head of the table.
- Good morning - she whispered, her voice seeming to die in her throat.
The angel stood up, while Adam remained sprawled in his chair as usual. - Good morning, Princess Morningstar, I am Sera, the High Seraphim - she began, bowing her head slightly, and in doing so, she shot a look of disapproval at her companion.
Adam seemed to snap out of it and stood up. - Oh yeah, hi, goldy-eyes - he said, pointing a finger-gun in her direction.
He still doesn't know what colour my eyes are, she thought venomously, as she closed the door behind her and headed toward the chair next to theirs. That comment from the angel managed to give her new strength, and she felt resolute again; she wouldn't let them win so easily, she would fight for her chance. She was the Princess of Hell and wouldn't yield without a struggle.
She took a seat next to Sera, deliberately avoiding sitting near Adam. - It's a pleasure to meet you, Sera - she said, giving her a warm smile. - And thank you for coming all this way -.
The Seraphim seemed pleased to hear her speak that way and smiled back. - It's my pleasure, Princess, especially I'm happy that you've considered our peace agreement -.
- A decidedly interesting agreement - Adam added, leaning toward her and scrutinizing her in the same way as last time.
Charlie barely restrained an expression of disgust and tried to focus only on the other woman. - Speaking of which, if it's not too much trouble, I have a proposal before we make the final arrangements -.
Adam straightened up in his chair. - Oh, you want a prenup, I knew it! -.
She wanted to slump in her chair but tried to remain straight. - Actually, I have a counter-proposal that might satisfy you more as well; after all, I know divorce isn't always looked upon favourably - she commented.
Sera seemed surprised by her way of speaking but suddenly became interested. - We are listening, Princess -.
Alastor's plan is working, she thought excitedly, as she leaned toward her. - We all want to stop the Extermination, and for that, I am grateful, as you can well imagine. But I might have a way to reduce the souls in Hell without necessarily killing them -.
- And what do you want to do? Go to Earth and preach the Holy Word? If you succeed, they'll build you a statue; priests have been trying for centuries - Adam scoffed, earning yet another look of displeasure from the Seraphim. He finally seemed to quiet down, leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms, and muttering under his breath.
Charlie resumed speaking, pretending that those interruptions didn't bother her at all. - I would like to try and redeem the souls of Hell, at least attempt it -.
Sera's light eyes widened, and she gasped. - Princess, I appreciate the proposal, but Heaven has rules, and those who end up in Hell cannot return -.
- Once you pull the chain, you go down, baby! - Adam exclaimed again.
The angel turned to him, glaring. - Adam, that's enough - she hissed sharply.
Charlie leaned toward Sera, trying to get her attention again. - I know it's difficult, but why not try? Besides, it would give Adam and me time to get to know each other to iron out differences that might come up in the future and trouble Heaven -.
He seemed ready to say something but stopped as soon as Sera raised a hand in his direction.
- So, what do you propose? - she asked, suddenly interested.
The Princess was starting to sweat profusely; all she had in her head was her speech and the pounding of her heart in her temples. - I'm asking for one year. Once a week, I will meet with Adam to get to know each other better, and in the meantime, I will try to redeem one soul. If I fail, I will accept any condition -.
- But this is bullshit! - Adam burst out then, slamming his fist on the table. - Sera, you can't accept something like this! The damned earned Hell, end of story -.
Sera, however, seemed thoughtful and completely ignored Adam's comment. Her soft, light wings moved behind her back, while her shoulders slowly rose and fell, as if she were taking deep breaths to calm down. Charlie couldn't tell if it was because of the proposal she had made or the absurd behaviour of her colleague, who seemed more like a dockworker than an angel.
Sera fixed her light eyes on her. - The request to get to know your future husband seems fair, but as for the souls to redeem, I cannot guarantee that we will accept it -.
She knew it was absurd, but she found herself grasping the angel's hands as if to plead with her. - Please, give me a chance to show you that there are those down here who deserve a second chance -.
Sera's eyes went to their hands while she kept her eyelids lowered. Charlie remained still with her heart in her throat, praying with all her might that they were about to listen to her, that she had succeeded in her intent. She found herself thinking that perhaps she should have brought Alastor along; someone like him would have surely found a way to convince them; he was too good with words.
A fresh sigh escaped Sera's mouth before she lifted her eyes to Charlie's. - So be it, we grant you one year - she declared seriously. - But we will choose the terms of this redemption, and we will decide the trials to subject the souls you wish to recruit to. In the meantime, Adam will come down once a week, and I expect you to maintain the fidelity due to an engagement -.
The other snapped up in his chair. - And I have to go down to this shithole once a week?! -.
The Princess swallowed the lump in her throat with difficulty. She hadn't considered at all that they might be the ones to choose the trials for the souls she wanted to bring to Heaven, and she was terrified of what those might entail. At the same time, however, she was terribly happy to have achieved something, and her eyes welled up with emotion.
- Thank you, Sera, we won't disappoint you - she told her happily.
The Seraphim nodded sternly, then turned to Adam. - Now, let's go, we have things to discuss - she said seriously, giving him a look that told him not to dare speak further. - We will inform you in a few weeks for the signing of this agreement; in the meantime, we want the information regarding the souls you intend to redeem. We will provide you with what is necessary -.
Charlie kept nodding frantically, her smile only growing wider. - Of course! Absolutely! -.
When the two disappeared, transported by a golden light, she let out an excited shriek before rushing out of the room and running outside, straight in the direction of the Scarlet Wave.
She couldn't wait to tell Alastor.
The Radio Demon paced back and forth across the venue, continually checking his pocket watch at regular intervals, almost wearing a groove into the floor from his constant walking. The time for the Princess's meeting had arrived, and he had to await news from her, hoping she would immediately come to tell him. His stomach was in knots, and he kept hoping those idiotic angels would accept the terms of his proposal and that Charlie was able to speak properly. The night before, he had to use his limited reserve of patience to explain what to do and make her throw away those useless and absurd coloured notecards. There were so many that they had entirely filled the wastebasket in his studio, and he had thrown them into the fireplace in his room as soon as she had left. He couldn't fathom how a royal could be so childish and consider an absurd possibility like redemption, but that shouldn't matter to him right now; he just had to hope he had bought some time.
He smiled at the thought of how simple it had been to make her doubt her father and her friend; their relationships must be more strained than he had expected. He touched his neck where the wounds had disappeared, though a faint scar remained.
- Good morning, friend -.
Angel Dust's irritating voice reached his ears; this morning, he was finding it truly difficult to tolerate him given his agitation. - Could you stay away, at least for this morning? I'm expecting visitors - he hissed without sparing him a glance.
The spider looked around. - Is that why Husk and Niffty are holed up in their rooms? -.
He turned to glare at him. - Precisely, and you'd be wise to do the same -.
His tone was probably convincing enough, as the other began to back away until he reached the kitchen door and then disappeared from sight. Having proposed him for the Princess's redemption plan made him even more important than he was before, and he was forced to repeat this to himself at least a hundred times a day to avoid tearing him to shreds every single time he opened his mouth.
He tried to breathe regularly and sat down on one of the stools, trying to sip the coffee he had prepared that morning, although at that moment he would have preferred something decidedly stronger. The wait was making him hysterical, and he began to wonder if he shouldn't start considering the idea of getting one of those damned calling contraptions that were so fashionable; at least he would receive news in real-time.
The venue door suddenly burst open, and the Princess appeared before him. She was breathless and sweaty, her cheeks red, and her hair scattered across her face. She must have run quite a distance to get to him, and he appeared before her, promptly offering her a glass of water.
- Chérie, there was no need to run - he said, trying to sound accommodating. - I would have waited as long as necessary -.
She held a hand to her chest, trying to speak, but her shortness of breath prevented it. - I-I-I wanted... -.
He guided her to sit at one of the tables, signalling her to breathe. - Take it easy; we wouldn't want to risk syncope -.
Speak, damn it, he thought in the meantime, trying not to let his gaze reveal how eager he was for information about the meeting. He was, however, decidedly pleased that she had made that rush to come to him and tell him everything; it gave him a measure of how important she considered his opinion.
Charlie sat down, fanning her face with one hand and frantically drinking the water he had served her. - Thank you - she puffed out in a tired voice. - I wanted to tell you everything right away -.
He nodded, taking a seat beside her. - So, did they accept? -.
In response, she nodded, widening her dazzling smile and opening her eyes wide. - Yes! - she trilled happily. - They accepted! They’re giving us a year! -.
His smile widened to the point that he thought it might tear. Everything had gone according to plan; even Heaven had fallen into the web he had woven, and he couldn't have been more satisfied. He was quite confident in the outcome, but for one crazy moment, he had feared those cursed beings would refuse. The pieces were moving in the direction he had planned for them, and he just had to continue to be patient and endure; sooner or later, he would get what he wanted.
- Magnifique! - he exclaimed. - Did they make any other demands? -.
Now he needed to understand how to organize the rest of that year, and the information she would give him was crucial. Depending on how those humanoid birds moved, he would calculate the next steps.
The Princess's gaze clouded over for a second. - Well… actually, they want to be the ones to choose the trials and the terms of the redemption, but they haven't told me yet what they will consist of. They definitely want all the information about the souls, and I think we should get to work soon to figure out how to proceed -.
Alastor stifled a growl; he had hoped they would give them freer rein, but it wasn't a problem anyway. Not having them around every day was certainly a victory already; he had to continue to remain lucid.
- Negligible details, chérie. The important thing is that they accepted - he replied, leaning on the table. - I agree with you that we should start as soon as possible. On that note, will you be coming here every morning? -.
It was time to start bringing her even closer; he had to convince her to move there for that year so he could keep her under total control. If he gave Lucifer or the watchdog a chance to put some strange idea in her head, his plans could suffer.
Charlie tapped her chin thoughtfully. - Actually, yes, although coordinating everyone's schedules will be difficult, I think -.
He nodded, feigning indifference. - That is true, so what do you suggest? Do you think I should set up a room for you too? -.
The Princess's face, if possible, turned even redder. He truly couldn't understand those absurd reactions she had sometimes; she seemed tense and trembling, and it was impossible for him to grasp the reason. He always behaved impeccably, maintained the correct distances, and gave her no reason to suspect any ulterior motives. So why did those cheeks turn that crimson colour every time?
He tried to look away and focused on the wooden table; it was strangely pleasant to see her react that way, and he couldn't dwell on such details; he already had enough to think about.
- I don't know… or rather, maybe yes… I don't know - she blurted out, letting her head drop onto the table.
He suppressed the eye twitch that this behaviour was causing him and patted her on the shoulder. - Don't worry, we'll find a solution for this too. You know my door is always open for my friend and associate -.
Charlie turned towards him, sitting up straight and giving him yet another grateful smile. It was strange to be looked at that way; usually, he received decidedly different looks. - Thank you, Alastor; if it weren't for you, I never would have succeeded -.
He shrugged, finding himself looking away once more. - Nonsense, I'm happy to have done it -.
- I know you don't like contact, but I can't resist! -.
Before he could understand what she meant, he found her arms tightly clasped around his neck, and he stiffened. He detested being touched in every single situation, even more so when it came to things as gooey and silly as hugs. He was so unaccustomed to such contact that he had no idea where he should put his hands and found himself, for the second time, spreading his arms wide so as not to return the embrace. The Princess's blonde hair tickled his nose and gave off an intense scent of strawberry and red berries, like the tarts he ate as a child. He had noticed it the day before and had found himself dwelling, against all rationality, on pleasant memories from his life.
She didn't seem inclined to let go, and those slender arms were practically strangling him like a boa, and he restrained the urge to push her away by pushing her face with his hand. As if that weren't enough, her nose near his neck was tickling him due to her frantic breathing, and shivers ran down his spine. He had always been particularly sensitive to tickling and had to refrain from bursting out laughing in her face.
Odious and cloying sentimentalities, he thought, lowering his arms so as not to continue holding them up like a poor fool and patting her on the shoulder with his palm, completely incapable of thinking of anything better to do at that moment.
After seconds that seemed like an eternity, she finally decided to let him go, and he could finally breathe again. - Okay, that was the last hug, I promise - she said, placing one palm on her chest and raising the other in the air.
He looked at her, lowering his eyelids slightly. - Chérie, don't make promises you're not sure you can keep - he replied, trying not to let his irritation show.
Charlie lowered her gaze, biting her lower lip. - Okay, let's just say I'll do my best. How about that? - she laughed nervously. - Now I have to go home; I'd like to tell Vaggie and dad too.”
He stood up to escort her to the door. - Of course, I imagine they will also be delighted with your success and the beginning of this project -.
Predictably, the Princess stiffened when she heard him utter that sentence. - Yeah… or at least I hope so - she whispered sadly in response.
He opened the door for her. - I hope to see you soon, but take your time. We'll be here waiting for you -.
She smiled at him again in that sweet and strange way, and for a second, he couldn't help but return a sincere smile, unable to resist. He closed the door behind her and took a deep breath, adjusting his jacket on his shoulders with a satisfied air.
A sound of pots falling to the ground struck his sensitive ears, followed by various curses from Husk and Angel.
- With your damn blockhead, you only cause trouble! - the bartender yelled.
- This kitchen is made for gnomes! Who hangs pans at this absurd height?! -.
He massaged the bridge of his nose as he headed to the kitchen, finding his three guests inside busy tidying up the mess they had just made. It was definitely going to be a tough cohabitation for his sensitive nerves.
He looked at them all with an inquisitive air. - I imagine you didn't miss the opportunity to eavesdrop -.
They all straightened up, looking around and trying to pretend nothing was wrong.
Husk was the first to speak, scratching the back of his neck with one hand. - So, this madness is happening? -.
He nodded with satisfaction, twirling his staff between his fingers. - And speaking of things that are happening - he commented, looking at him maliciously.
He snapped his fingers and made a straw skirt, a pink flower behind his ear, and a ukulele appear on the bartender, leaving him completely bewildered.
The porn star burst out laughing. - Damn, you always leave him like that? -.
Niffty examined the skirt, pulling at one of the strands. - This is flammable -.
The bartender's eyes widened. - Change me back! -.
Alastor shrugged, leaning against the doorframe. - If my memory serves me correctly, you said you would put on a show for us if I was right, so go ahead - he said, opening the kitchen door and nodding for him to pass through.
Angel had pulled out the hateful contraption he always kept with him and started recording the scene. - I'm saving this one -.
Husk glared at him, walking toward him. - Try it, and you'll have to pull that thing out of your ass! -.
He rolled his eyes; this forced cohabitation would truly test him.
Charlie had arrived home, and in the huge living room, you could hear a pin drop; the only audible sound was the click of her boot heels on the bright, polished marble. Now that she was more relaxed, the moment had finally come to talk to her father about what had happened with Alastor the day before, ask for explanations, and make it definitively clear to him that she wouldn't abandon her new associate.
She was now convinced she could define Alastor that way, especially in light of how capable he'd been of helping her with the interview and postponing the marriage, at least for a while. He had given her the escape route she desperately needed, and she would be forever grateful to him, not to mention that he hadn't lost heart even when she told him that Heaven would choose the trials and terms of redemption. Someone like him would be useful to her in that situation, and for this reason, she wouldn't back down in front of her father.
She found both him and Vaggie sitting on the living room sofas, engaged in different activities. Vaggie was reading a book, which Charlie knew was her way of trying to calm her nerves when she was tense, while her father was employing a decidedly peculiar tactic: churning out an absurd quantity of pancakes and carrying them into the room. He held three plates on one arm, two on the other, and gripped the cutlery with his teeth; he looked like an acrobat mid-performance.
She cleared her throat to get their attention, and as soon as the Seraphim saw her, he startled, dropping every single plate to the floor with a dull crash of breaking crockery, while the cutlery suffered the same fate the moment he opened his mouth.
- Sweetie! - he trilled nervously. - Don't keep us in suspense, tell us everything! -.
She observed her father dressed much less formally than usual; he wore a black T-shirt and black pants that made his white complexion stand out even more. He was also wearing an apron printed with a gigantic smiling cake that read, "Mornings are Sweeter with a Slice of Me."
She smiled at the sight. - They accepted, dad, I get to try -.
Her father almost jumped on the spot, and in his rush to meet her, he slipped on a pancake, ending up with his legs in the air.
- Sir! - Vaggie exclaimed, jumping to her feet and going to him along with Charlie.
The king was sprawled on the floor, covered in much of what he had cooked, with remnants of strawberries and honey stuck in his blonde hair. - I'm fine, don't worry - he replied, wiping his arms, and then hugging her almost to the point of suffocating her. - I'm so happy, my girl! Does this mean you'll organize everything here? -.
Here comes the hard part, she thought, starting to sweat profusely again. Vaggie, probably sensing from Charlie's stunned and tense expression what she was about to say, stood up with her back to them, crossing her arms over her chest.
She helped her father stand up, trying to wipe the cream off his back but only succeeding in getting more on him and making her hand sticky.
- Actually - she began, her voice strained. - I don't feel right cutting Alastor out… it wouldn't be fair -.
Her father's expression shifted from joy to irritation in the blink of an eye. - I thought we made that clear yesterday; you shouldn't associate with such trash -.
A surge of anger rose in her throat. - You know I know you went to see him yesterday, right? -.
The Seraphim stiffened suddenly. - What did that ridiculously large-eared deer tell you? -.
- Nothing from him, I just saw the marks you left on him - she replied, crossing her arms over her chest and holding her father's gaze; arguments had become routine, and she was getting good at sustaining those conversations.
Her father rubbed his neck, simultaneously picking off a piece of pancake that must have stuck to him. - I just wanted to make it clear that you won't become his partner -.
- Without consulting me? That's becoming a habit -.
Vaggie turned in her direction, looking nervous. - Just as making absurd choices is becoming a habit for you, not to mention you lied to both of us about where you were yesterday -.
Charlie looked at her, shocked. - And how do you know? -.
- Because I followed you and saw where you went - she replied, letting out a puff of air through her nose.
She gritted her teeth to keep from rushing over and yelling in her face. How dare she do something so absurd? And by what right?
Lucifer looked at her sternly. - It's not like you to lie, Charlie -.
When had she become the one in the wrong? How had the tables turned? It was completely absurd that they couldn't share in her joy for more than two minutes; she truly couldn't fathom what was going through their minds right now.
She found herself running her hands through her hair and staring at them wide-eyed. - You're kidding me, right? If it weren't for Alastor, I'd be packing my bags to get married right now! -.
- And we will reward him with a fruit basket, but from now on, we will handle the matter. Maybe, in the meantime, you'll change your mind and realize that pursuing the redemption of sinners is an absurd idea - Lucifer replied, though his voice was strained from having to tell her something like that.
Charlie looked at him, distraught. - You still don't believe in it - she murmured dejectedly.
The Seraphim lowered his gaze. - Charlie, I've known these people for centuries. They will only hurt you, and you are risking throwing yourself away for them -.
She had definitely reached her limit of tolerance at this point; she wasn't going to take any more. She turned her back on both of them and headed quickly to her room, grabbing the first suitcase she could find and frantically stuffing in as many clothes as possible under the perplexed eyes of Razzle and Dazzle.
Lucifer and Vaggie reached her shortly after, watching her frantically throw everything in and move between her bathroom and the room to grab what she needed to leave. She would accept Alastor's offer and move out; she wouldn't be able to pursue her goal in that house since no one truly believed in her. Tears of anger and frustration were pushing to escape her eyes, but she kept wiping them away with the sleeve of her red jacket.
- Charlie, don't do this, let's talk! - her father tried to stop her, but she shook him off.
Vaggie also came to her, blocking her arms and trying to take the pyjamas out of her hand. - It's madness to go to him -.
- You're going to that deer-thing? I thought you were going to a hotel! - Lucifer blurted out then.
Charlie snatched the pyjamas from her friend and threw them into the suitcase before trying to close it, realizing at that moment that it wouldn't zip shut. She threw herself down onto it, jumping on it in a desperate attempt to move the zipper that seemed to be caught on one of her countless outfits.
- I'm going where I want, I'm an adult, and you can't stop me - she answered with difficulty, trying desperately to zip it up.
Lucifer seemed to be struggling to breathe. - Honey, please, this seems like an overreaction -.
She glared at him, while drops of sweat began to bead on her forehead from the effort. - I gave you the benefit of the doubt about the attack on Alastor, but you just proved that you never believed in me! You still think I'll change my mind -.
Vaggie entered her field of vision, her eye wide on her face. - Please, Charlie, don't force us to stop you by force -.
She felt her body burning and the horns on her forehead pressing to emerge. - And you think you're capable of that? -.
She was so frustrated and tired of the situation that this time she wouldn't let herself be stopped. She was tired of being treated like a child by the people who should be supporting her. If they weren't capable of it, she would go where her ideas were truly appreciated, to a place where people really believed in her without even knowing her and simply because they deemed her trustworthy. Even a bloodthirsty Overlord was better than that house right now; she was old enough to defend herself and pay attention; she didn't need a babysitter anymore.
The former angel had backed away when she saw her in that state, probably realizing that if she genuinely tried to restrain her by force, Charlie would retaliate.
Her father rushed toward her, grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her while she was still sitting on the suitcase. - Charlie, try to listen to me for just a second. Someone like that guy will present you with a bill for his help sooner or later, and I don't want you to pay a high price -.
She finally managed to close the suitcase and dragged it away, turning her back on her father. - Or maybe, for once, you're wrong and he really is trustworthy, don't you think? -, she was slightly lying on that point; she didn't blindly trust the Radio Demon, but at that moment, he was her best option.
- No, not at all! - he replied, following her as she dragged the luggage through the corridors with both hands.
She didn't even look at him as she headed for the stairs, risking tumbling down in an attempt to hold onto the handle of the suitcase, whose wheels didn't seem to want to cooperate at that moment. This escape was turning into a pathetic scene, and she hated herself for her constant and incessant clumsiness that emerged at the most absurd times. She really was her father's worthy daughter.
The Seraphim rushed ahead of her and stood with his arms spread wide against the door. - I forbid you, understood? -.
- Dad, please move - she tried to tell him calmly, even as her mounting anger only increased at that moment.
He shook his head, pieces of strawberry still falling from his hair. - Think about it again, just for today -.
She let go of the suitcase to try to push him aside. - You think about it; we'll talk in a few days. We all need a break! -.
She finally managed to pull him away from the door and leave, while Vaggie continued to run after her. - Charlie, please! -.
She turned to her defiantly. - Why do you care so much? -.
The former angel seemed frozen by the question, and for a second, she held her breath. - Because you're my best friend; I don't want to lose you -.
That sentence delivered the final stab to her heart, and she turned her back on her again. - Exactly… a friend - she murmured as she walked away.
She had dragged that accursed suitcase for most of the way so she wouldn't have to call a cab and wait near the gates of her house; she didn't want to give her father or Vaggie another chance to talk.
She dropped it for a second at a street corner, sitting on it while unbuttoning the top buttons of her white shirt to catch her breath. It had been a completely absurd argument, and she felt like a complete idiot for having such a childish reaction as running away from home. An adult would have faced the situation instead of running away with her tail between her legs, but it was too late to cry over spilled milk.
She ran her hands over her face, which was still burning with anger and frustration, as she tried to catch her breath and get her thoughts in order. At this point, if she turned back, she would only give her father and Vaggie a reason to throw it in her face that she wasn't firm enough in her position, and she couldn't afford a misstep like that. She had to stick to her path and not look back.
My best friend, she thought sadly, sniffing. To Vaggie, she would always only be a friend, and it was useless to keep dwelling on it and hurting herself further; Vaggie would never feel the same way she did, and the sooner she accepted it, the better it would be for both of them. Continuing to hope that their relationship could evolve into something more was detrimental and would only cause her more pain.
She clapped her hands on her thighs before standing up; this wasn't the time to be overcome by discouragement. She had achieved what she wanted, which was the chance to try to redeem the souls of Hell, and this was more than she had expected even the morning before, so she couldn't give up. She had to be strong and persevere. She touched Alastor's note, still tucked into her jacket pocket, with her fingertips, and her lips involuntarily curved into a slight smile.
She resumed her journey, dragging the suitcase along the streets and realizing only then how long the walk was; other times it had always seemed shorter.
Probably because I wasn't dragging ten kilos of suitcase, she thought, disheartened, as she took off her jacket and put it over her shoulder to avoid arriving in a complete bath of sweat. She paused for a second, realizing she hadn't even warned him; she was simply going to show up without even telling him about it.
- Getting a cell phone wouldn't be a bad idea - she muttered to herself, as one of the suitcase wheels went north and the other south, like a supermarket cart.
She finally reached her longed-for destination and slumped against the wall for a moment to catch her breath. She looked up and noticed that the illuminated sign was still off, and looking at her wrist watch, she realized they were probably either having lunch or everyone was out of the venue. The curtains were drawn, and nothing could be seen inside, and even the strange radio tower that towered atop the multi-story building was dark.
She approached the wooden door and began to knock timidly, hoping someone was there.
- We’re closed! This damned place has been open for eight years, and you still haven't learned the hours! -.
She froze instantly; that was the voice of the bartender she had met, and for a moment, she thought of turning back and going home. Given his tone, he seemed quite irritated at the moment, and she was terrified of attracting his wrath.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and stepped closer to speak. - Excuse me… I'm Charlie, I was looking for Alastor - she stammered nervously.
A sound of breaking glass made her flinch, while a familiar voice reached her ears. - Wow! Smiles was right again! You’ll have to keep the ukulele for a long time -.
- Shut your trap and go open the door! -.
Steps getting closer let her know that Angel was approaching to open up, and when she found him in front of her, her eyes widened, and she smiled brightly. - You're already here! I'm so happy you want to participate! - she exclaimed, throwing herself on him.
The spider demon sighed and stroked her hair. - It's a pleasure for me to see you again and to know we'll have you here for a while longer - he then glanced at the suitcase behind her back. - Are you officially moving in? -.
She pulled away, looking at the suitcase with embarrassment. - Yeah… as long as it's not too much trouble -.
The small maid, Niffty, flashed out the door like lightning, scrutinizing her with her large eye wide open. - I've already prepared your room, I'll take your luggage -.
- Oh no, don't bother, it's heavy -.
Stopping her was impossible; despite her frail appearance, she hid considerable strength and dragged her luggage to the back, disappearing from sight in less than a blink of an eye, leaving Charlie standing in the doorway with her mouth half-open.
She looked at Angel with a perplexed expression. - Did Alastor already know I was coming? -.
Her friend cleared his throat, then turned his back to her. - That guy is always prepared for anything; he doesn't like to be caught off guard -.
She stepped into the venue and closed the door behind her. When she looked at the counter, she was thrown off to find Husk with a flower of a bright pink colour behind his ear and what looked like a straw skirt.
- Um… Hawaiian night? - she asked.
The bartender growled, then sighed and rubbed his head. - No, I lost a bet, but please don't ask Princess -.
She approached, trying to hold back the smile that his comical attire was bringing to her lips, biting the inside of her cheeks. She almost burst out laughing when she noticed he even had a ukulele resting in front of him, but luckily, she managed to restrain herself.
- Just call me Charlie, we don't need all these formalities - she told him, sitting next to Angel. - Is Alastor here? -.
Her friend shook his head. - Negative, I think he'll be back later -.
- I need to tell Niff to prepare lunch - Husk commented, as he cleaned up the broken glass pieces from the floor.
Charlie stood up. - I can take care of it! No need to trouble yourselves -.
The cat demon wiggled his ears with a worried look. - I don't know if that's a good idea; the boss is very particular about the kitchen's order -.
Angel rolled his eyes. - Kitty, these two just became business associates! If she's staying here, she has to get settled in -.
When Husk turned towards her, she tried to put on the most reassuring look she could muster. She needed to do something, and sitting at the counter waiting for the Overlord wasn't in her plans. She wanted to demonstrate from the beginning that she wouldn't be a burden and that she was perfectly capable of managing things, even if her track record wasn't exactly in her favour.
The bartender sighed and pointed with his thumb toward the door behind him. - Help yourself -.
She clapped her hands, satisfied. - Thank you! - she exclaimed happily, passing behind the counter. - Do you guys want anything? -.
Angel shook his head. - I'm watching my figure, sweetie - he said, before chugging the shot glass in front of him.
She turned to Husk, waiting for an answer, but he almost seemed to blush. - Um… I don't want to inconvenience you -.
She put her hands on her hips. - Come on, don't be like that! -.
He scoffed before replying. - Whatever you're making for yourself is fine -.
She gave up trying to convince him to tell her if he wanted anything specific; she would have time to make friends with him, and perhaps cooking him something good would help. She entered the kitchen, finding it perfectly clean and gleaming; an intense smell of disinfectant filled the air. Just the night before, that same place had smelled of exquisite food, and she was surprised by Alastor's fussiness about things like that.
Some copper pans were hung near the stovetop, and on the wall bordering Alastor's studio, there was what must have been the cold room where food was kept. The black and white checkered floor was so clean it looked brand new, and she almost felt bad walking on it.
It would be nice to prepare something good to eat for her new associate too, to apologize for her sudden arrival, and with renewed vigour, she took off her jacket and put it on a coat rack where two aprons were also hung. She grabbed one, realizing that, given the size, it must belong to Niffty. She re-hung it to take the second, and in that case, it was immediately obvious that it was Alastor's, as it bore the embroidered words "Do Not Touch the Chef" in fine, bright red lettering. She tied her hair into a bun so it wouldn't risk falling into whatever she decided to prepare and rolled up the cuffs of her shirt.
Niffty's figure reappeared from a swinging door, looking at her perplexed. - Are you going to work in the kitchen too? -.
Charlie smiled, crouching down to her level. - No, but I wanted to prepare lunch for everyone -.
- I can do it! - she trilled, heading to grab her apron.
Charlie stopped her before she could reach it. - Let me do it for you; you can do it next time, okay? -.
Niffty widened her single eye, but finally nodded, showing her row of sharp teeth. - Okay! -.
Before Charlie could try to ask her what she wanted, Niffty darted back out through the door leading to the venue, and Charlie remained still, watching it open and close.
I'll just make the same thing for everyone, she told herself with a sigh, before heading to the cold room. It was larger than she had expected and filled with every food she could think of. She only shuddered when she saw a piece of meat hanging on the back wall with a metal hook, but she tried to slip past it so as not to risk touching it.
She looked at the metal shelves, trying to figure out what she really felt like having right now. Actually, seeing the pancakes her father had made had made her desperately crave them, so she decided they would have something sweet for lunch, a fun way to break the ice. She took all the ingredients and hurried out; the temperature had practically frozen her fingers and made her nose red. She placed everything on the metal counter next to the sink and set about searching for a bowl large enough to hold all the batter.
Once she found it, she followed all the steps she had learned from her father. She carefully sifted the flour, made sure to follow the correct milk measurements so as not to make the batter too runny, and armed herself with a ladle to always scoop the same amount of batter to make them all identical.
Once the batter was prepared, she focused on the topping, beginning to cut some strawberries she had found and combining them in a smaller bowl with some blueberries, adding a bit of lemon and mint. Once they were cooked and slightly cooled, she would also add cream and maple syrup. She looked at the pans in front of her and finally chose a medium-sized one; it was better to cook them one at a time rather than risk burning them.
She turned on the burner and waited for it to heat up sufficiently, leaning her back against the counter behind her. Once she had paused, she found herself thinking that just a few days ago, she never would have imagined being in an absurd situation like this. In the span of three days, she had received a marriage proposal, had two interviews with Heaven, left her home, and finally, formed ties with one of the most powerful and dangerous Overlords in the city.
She looked down at the black and white floor, trying to quell that inner voice that kept telling her she would never be able to accomplish anything good, and she realized that, for the first time, that voice sounded like her father's and Vaggie's. How she wished they could understand her, but now she had chosen her path and was determined to follow it.
She scooped a ladleful of batter and put it into the pan, where it sizzled.
She noticed with horror that on Alastor's immaculate white apron, there was a conspicuous red stain, probably from the juice of the strawberries she had cut earlier.
- Oh, damn it! - she exclaimed, heading toward the sink. - Dab, don't rub - she told herself, as she took it off and did her best to clean it.
Unfortunately, the stain only spread, and she prayed with all her might that Niffty had some powerful stain remover, as she didn't want to ruin something belonging to the Radio Demon on her first day living under the same roof.
The intense smell of burning snapped her out of the primary problem, and she turned around, noticing that the pancake was charring. She grabbed the handle of the pan to move it, but she immediately pulled her hand away because of the heat, hitting the bowl of batter, which fell to the floor, splashing all over the surrounding cabinets.
- Shit! - she exclaimed desperately, throwing the apron away and frantically searching for a mop to clean up the disaster.
As she rushed around the kitchen, she realized that the room had gotten decidedly warmer, and a terrible thought crossed her mind. She slowly turned her gaze toward the stovetops and realized that, in the madness of the moment, she had thrown Alastor’s apron right onto the flame, and it had caught fire.
She stood motionless, staring at the flames rising, not even knowing how she could explain the sequence of events that had led her to start a fire in what was previously a perfectly tidy kitchen.
- What is that smell of bu…oh, by Satan's giant balls! - Angel yelled as he entered.
She looked at him desperately. - I didn't do it on purpose -.
- I should hope not! He's going to kill us! – he shouted again, as he turned toward the bartender, who was staring at the scene with wide eyes. - Get the fire extinguisher! -.
Niffty popped out from under Angel's legs, looking at the scene with her eye wide. - Fire! -.
Charlie snapped out of her stupor and tried to grab the apron off the burner, then stomp on it with her foot to put it out. Angel had also entered and tried to fill glasses with tap water, but he ended up slipping on the batter spilled on the floor and hitting his forehead on the sink.
- Fuck! - he yelled. - Husk, where the hell is the fire extinguisher?! -.
The bartender arrived in the kitchen and observed the scene with horror. - We're dead - he sighed, entering as well and trying to activate it.
Charlie took it from his hands. - I'll do it, I took a fire safety course -.
- Did they also teach you how to start one? - Angel groaned behind her back.
She managed to pull the pin and aimed it in the direction of the apron, starting to spray the white powder toward the garment, which thankfully stopped burning quickly.
- What is going on?! -.
She looked up in the direction of the voice, but in doing so, she also moved her arms, and the white smoke poured over the newcomer. She quickly turned it off and froze when she saw who she had sprayed with the nitrogen.
Alastor’s red eyes seemed like two furious lamps, fixed right on her.
- Um… hi - she mumbled, raising her hand toward him and holding the fire extinguisher with the other. - There was a little accident -.
Alastor was undecided whether to tear them apart immediately or slowly. He still had his hand on the kitchen door and couldn’t move a muscle, his eyes still clouded by the nitrogen the princess had just sprayed on him. When he arrived, he immediately heard the screams and the smell of burning and didn't understand why the place was catching fire again, since Niffty shouldn't have been at the stove at that hour, and he had even sweetly yet aggressively warned her never to try to recreate any recipe containing the word flambé alone.
He focused his eyes on the three inside the kitchen. Husk's eyes were wide open, and he seemed to have even stopped breathing, while that syphilitic nuisance Angel Dust stood behind the princess with a noticeable mark on his forehead and some kind of dough stuck on his tuft of white fur. He then focused his eyes on the demoness, who remained with her hand raised and the red fire extinguisher clutched in her other arm. Her face was flushed, and she seemed to be desperately trying to appease him with a forced smile. His patience finally risked running out when he saw the condition of the kitchen. Sugary dough was scattered everywhere, the floor was burned, and his apron was... destroyed!
I'm going to kill them, all of them. To hell with the crown he thought as he felt his throat tighten with rage that was mounting by the second. He found himself dragging his claws across the wooden door, leaving marks, as he tried with all his might not to set them on fire. He took a deep breath and counted backward to avoid a massacre; it would have been counterproductive at this point. He couldn't fathom how that disaster had happened; he had been away for less than two hours, and in that time, they had risked causing that disaster. He didn't want to imagine what might have happened if he had been away longer on his walk.
- I am so sorry - Charlie murmured, picking up what was left of his apron from the floor. - I just wanted to make lunch -.
I don't even want to know he thought, as a static sound involuntarily escaped his lips, like an unstoppable radio interference. He had to try to remain calm, or he would ruin the trust he had just built. However, it seemed completely impossible given the disaster he found before him, not to mention the fact that he was covered from head to toe in sticky white foam.
He breathed once more, removing his monocle, which at least saved one eye from that sudden attack. - Chérie, didn't anyone warn you that Niffty could handle it? - he asked, trying not to let his rampant nervousness show.
Charlie moved her hands in the air like crazy. - Oh, yes! I just wanted to help - she hastened to reply, seemingly paling with every word. - I mean, since I'm going to be here, I wanted to prepare something to eat for you too, so I made pancakes, but I stained the apron, and then... -.
- Then you thought it was a good idea to set it on fire to hide the evidence? -.
He hadn't managed to restrain himself in the face of that torrent of words spewed out like a plea for forgiveness and haphazardly patched together; that demoness was grating on his nerves almost as much as the porn star behind her, who was watching the scene with an amused smirk.
The princess's pale skin grew even waxier, and she lowered her head like a child scolded by a parent. - Sorry... I wanted to do something nice -.
He ran a hand over his face, wiping off the foamy residue of the extinguisher, and trying with every fiber of his being not to assume his demonic form; it wasn't the time to add damage to his already ruined kitchen. He kept trying to draw air into his lungs to avoid exploding like a ticking time bomb; he had to look for the positive side of that madness. The princess, predictably, had moved in with him even earlier than expected, and this meant having her under his claws right from the start. He had to repeat to himself that it was for the success of his plan that he was enduring that insane situation and that for that reason, he couldn't instantly pulp them all and cook their livers in a pan.
With a snap of his fingers, he summoned his shadow servants, who immediately set to work to clean up the mess, under the guilty gaze of the princess, who remained still with the fire extinguisher in one hand and what remained of his apron in the other.
He looked up at her, trying to smile accommodatingly. - For your future reference, I prefer savoury; I am not a great lover of sweets - he told her, as he walked towards her, clutching his staff behind his back to avoid putting his hands around her neck.
Charlie looked up at him, her eyes filled with sorrow. - I promise it won't happen again –
I hope for your sake he thought, holding back those words from escaping his mouth.
He forced himself to broaden his smile and placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to be gentle. - A regrettable incident; unfortunately, they happen - he asserted. - I think you need to visit your room, if you haven't seen it yet -.
He turned his gaze toward Niffty, who, like lightning, ran toward the princess, taking her by the sleeve and escorting her out of the kitchen. Once he was sure the princess was far enough away, he focused his eyes on the other two remaining, who were trying to sneak out of the kitchen in a religious silence.
- Where do you think you're going? - he hissed.
Both froze on the spot, turning almost in sync toward him.
- Boss, I didn't think she would cause such damage - Husk began, the fur on his shoulders still bristling.
The spider demon nodded. - Yeah, no one expected it -.
He walked toward them, feeling his teeth grow in his mouth. - I hope for your physical integrity that an incident like this doesn't happen again - he whispered menacingly, an inch from both their faces.
The bartender tried to meet his eyes. - Perhaps we should discuss the situation better; if the princess stays here, many things are likely to change -.
If it hadn't been for the presence of that loudmouth Angel Dust, he would have pinned him to the wall, gripping his neck, but he couldn't risk the spider confessing to his friend how violent he could be with his subordinates, so he took yet another breath in the span of a few minutes and focused his eyes on the feline eyes of the cat demon.
- Nothing changes here; the hierarchy remains the same as always - he whispered, trying to frighten him with the simple use of words. - The dear princess will be forbidden from using the stove until further notice; any request of hers will be fulfilled by you or Niffty, and in the worst-case scenario, by our new guest -.
Angel Dust stared at him dumbfounded. - Did you take me for the maid? -.
He focused his flaming eyes on him, who seemed to shrink under his gaze. - I took you for someone who finds it convenient to stay under this roof and who would do well not to irritate me -.
He seemed intent on speaking again, but quickly closed his mouth when he leaned closer in his direction, his neck having stretched disproportionately to perform that movement.
- Clear - he stammered in response.
He returned to his normal size, while looking at his clothes still covered in foam. - Now, if you don't mind, I should go clean up -.
He materialized in his room in front of the mirror. Never in his unearthly existence had he been humiliated in that way; he looked like a circus clown. He shook off what remained of the nitrogen from his ears and took off his crimson jacket to throw it on the wooden chair next to him, then placed his monocle on the desk along with his staff.
He entered the bathroom and turned on the water, waiting for it to reach a decent temperature, and then closed the drain plug of the tub; he needed a moment alone in total silence. He undressed and once the water reached an acceptable level, he immersed himself, trying to soothe his tense nerves with the warmth. He slid down the edge until his head was submerged by the water, and all he could hear was the regular beat of his heart. He had to try to put a good face on a bad situation; he couldn't risk losing everything due to an explosion of rage.
The princess had left the king’s roof to join him, and this was an important fact in the execution of his plan, this way he had the opportunity to mold her calmly from the very first day and without anyone interfering. It was fundamentally important that he maintained his proverbial composure and didn't make any false moves, not when he was terribly close to his goal.
“Remember you owe a debt”
He pulled himself out of the water in a second, gripping the edge of the tub with his hands and panting agitatedly. He looked around the room in search of the owner of that voice but found no one but his shadow projected on the wall. He tried to calm the irregular beats of his heart and ran a hand over his face to move the tuft of hair that was stuck to his forehead. It wasn't the time to go crazy; he had to remain lucid. Charlie was in that building, close enough to grab, and that had to keep him on the straight and narrow; he had nothing to fear for the moment.
He finished washing and got out of the tub, drying himself quickly, then grabbing clean underwear and slipping into his red and black striped robe, while snapping his fingers to summon a well-deserved glass of aged whiskey, one of the best vintages he had ever had the pleasure of tasting. He was about to sit down in his armchair and start something on the turntable, but a knock at the door interrupted his relaxation ritual before an evening.
He was already ready to send whoever showed up to hell, but a whiny, sad voice reached his ears. - Alastor, it's Charlie. Can I come in? -.
Damn it, will she arrive at my door every second from now on? he thought irritated, as he swallowed the growl that was rising in his throat.
He set the glass down next to the turntable and headed for the door, trying to seem relaxed and serene for that unexpected and unwelcome visit. He turned the knob and found her in front of him with her fist still closed mid-air, ready to knock again, as if she doubted she had been heard the first time. He watched her stare at him for a long time before she suddenly blushed.
- So-sorry! I didn't mean to bother you -.
He only remembered at that moment that he was still in his robe, although he honestly didn't understand what had made her so tense; that garment covered him as much as his classic clothes, except for the flap of chest protruding from the opening near the neck.
- No bother at all - he forced himself to say, widening his smile. - Did you need something? -.
The princess remained on the threshold and focused her eyes on the doorpost. - I wanted to apologize again for what happened, and I wanted to tell you that the others had nothing to do with it... it was just me who caused that mess - she murmured, twirling the index fingers of both hands between them.
He lowered his eyelids, carefully scrutinizing her. She seemed terribly tense and agitated; some strands of hair were falling from her messy bun, and traces of smoke and pancake batter were still visible on her white shirt; she had probably done nothing but torment herself because of what had happened all that time.
Against his will, he found himself feeling sorry for that demoness who stood before him like a repentant in church asking forgiveness from the Almighty. This, in part, almost filled him with pride for the high opinion the princess probably held of him after the little time they had spent together. He had certainly worked hard to make himself look good in her eyes, but not even in his wildest dreams had he expected to make her feel something similar.
He leaned toward her and finally managed to catch her gaze, but he was struck by it even though it wasn't the first time he had looked into her eyes. Her crimson irises seemed to shine even in the darkness of that corridor and glowed with a light he had never seen in any inhabitant of Hell. The sensation they were conveying was strange, as if he were facing something delicate that needed to be handled with extreme care.
He blinked a couple of times and quickly came back to himself. - All forgotten, chérie; the important thing is that no one got hurt -.
She bit her dark lips with a canine. - So... are we still partners? -.
He found himself staring at her in shock. - Of course, did you doubt it? -.
The princess continued to relentlessly torment her lower lip, while her eyes wandered from one doorpost to the other. - Well, you never know... I mean, the first few hours were quite crazy -.
I dare say nerve-wracking he thought, still maintaining a relaxed smile. - We have time to iron out the details; now go relax and enjoy your room; we'll talk about it more calmly tomorrow -.
Charlie nodded sadly. - Okay, I'll stay in my room and won't disturb, I promise -.
She turned her back, and for a moment, the absurd urge to stop her crossed his mind, but in the end, he let her go and closed the door. It was not the time to dwell on those irrelevant details; as fragile as the princess seemed, she was still an extremely powerful demoness, even if her appearance could be deceiving, and he had to keep her in good regard.
He returned to sit in the armchair while picking up the glass of whiskey, bringing it to his lips and hoping the alcohol would manage to relax him more than that warm bath. He half-closed his eyes as he snapped his fingers to start the music, hoping the notes of that melody would manage to sedate every thought.
Notes:
And here I am again!
I'll give you a laugh. After writing the kitchen scene where Charlie sets fire to the apron, this actually happened in my own life:
Friend X: 'Silvia, the timer went off, you need to drain the pasta.'
Me: 'Oh, you're right!' (I toss away the towel I had in my hand to hurry, but after a moment I look around because I smell something strange) 'Do you smell that, too?'
Friend X: 'Yeah, it smells like burnt plastic. Did you put the pot on the strainer?'
Me: 'No...' (I turn towards the towel that landed WAY too close to the flame lit under the sauce) 'Oh shit, it's catching fire!'End of the sad tangent on how certain things happen in real life too. Art imitating life, imitating art, and so on and so forth! >.<
Embarrassing anecdotes aside, Alastor has now reached his first goal: to at least partially separate Charlie from her family and have her available 24/7. But it seems this new cohabitation will be more difficult than he anticipated! XD Will the Radio Demon manage to maintain his proverbial self-control?
As always, I sincerely thank everyone who reads or reviews this story, truly <3
See you soon!