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Seth rolled his eyes at me when the nobles entered through an archway, and he pointed his chin toward the empty thrones. I suppose there's nothing like a dramatic entrance.
My thoughts were validated when trumpets announced the King and Queen of Darkness entering next, followed by six guards holding a shackled Abaddon in their center.
"Lords, Ladies, nobles, and crewmembers. I called you in this morning to discuss punishment for my son Abaddon, who, in a cowardly way, used his bride to kill one of his rivals," Behlial announced once he reached his throne. "Although we don't have a written set of rules on the matter, it is clear that the princes are to eliminate each other using their own brawn, not somebody else's. The attack on Balaam was a cowardly act and will be punished as thus." He paused for maximum effect.
"In my infinite mercy, I have, however, decided not to punish the girl who was driven by the understandable desire to help her mate. As misjudged as that move may have been, it's understandable, and I have given her to Azazel."
The girl, Judith, whimpered, and I automatically put an arm around her for comfort, which she immediately rejected by turning away.
"But let me give you a word of warning. A warning for all you Nayphyllym."
He stared all seven of the maidens down. "Even though you are vital to this quest, you are neither irreplaceable nor above the rules. If something like this happens again, or if any one of you makes one false step, I will have you beheaded."
At that, Phoebe cried out and hugged my side, looking up at me with doe eyes. "Hush, all will be well," I promised.
Behlial wasn't finished yet. "You might represent the finest stock of Nayphyllym Adama has to offer at this time, but you can and will be replaced. There are others. And should that fail, one of you will have to bear two sons. I don't care. Neither would be the first time we had to resort to these measures. I will father another son myself if I have to. Do I make myself clear?"
After a short pause, he turned to me. "I hope you will get your enjoyment from your little harem, Azazel, and be warned, should you fail, I will divide your maidens among your remaining brothers."
Sardonically, he stared straight at me, and a shiver made its way down my spine. What did the old shrew know?
That was definitely a warning. Had the old coot put spies in my chambers and found out I hadn't visited my harem? His gaze held a warning, and I clenched my teeth. The urge to go find Fay nearly overwhelmed me.
"Now, to Abaddon, the coward. As much as I hate doing this, my dear Ishtar has convinced me to show leniency toward Abaddon by giving him the chance to redeem himself."
The nobles mumbled in appreciation, making me wonder if they had grown tired of the mayhem they had caused on Adama and were now seeking more brutal showdowns like the one between Seth and Nergal I had only been told about.
"Since the last spectacle was so entertaining, I decided to repeat it. Abaddon will fight one of his brothers for his life and honor. That way, we can eliminate one more player without losing out on the fun."
This time it was Seth's bride, Lilith, who quietly cried out, snuggling into my brother. I noticed similar displays from Grigori's and Marduk's brides.
"I see the noble Nayphyllym girls don't seem to enjoy this proposal very much," Behlial cackled.
Abaddon, however, straightened and an arrogant smirk crossed his features, which I would have loved to wipe out. I silently prayed for Behlial to choose me to end the bastard. I had never asked the male for anything, but I was ready to beg him for this.
"Lilith my dear." Behlial singsonged in the false falsetto I had come to recognize before he played out one of his devilish games. "Why don't you come stand by me, so that we can watch Seth fight again? This time against a worthier opponent."
My head whipped to Seth, who calmly returned Behlial's gaze.
Lilith looked like a queen as she ascended the steps to Behlial's throne. She held her shoulders straight, and her chin jutted forward in defiance, showing all of us that she would obey the King of Darkness's orders only under protest, and I understood what Seth saw in her.
Repulsed, I watched Behlial kiss Lilith's hand when she reached his side and admired Seth's strength for not rushing up the stairs and challenging Behlial right then. I wasn't sure I would have been able to control my temper had this been Fay.
Behlial laughed menacingly. "What is this? Jealousy doesn't become you, Seth. But I do understand, your bride is indeed a tempting morsel. Who knows? Maybe I will do the honors of siring a son on her should you perish in this fight."
Seth stiffened, and I surreptitiously moved to place a restraining hand on the back of his arm. A shudder moved through Seth, but he remained rooted to his spot. "Don't get your hopes up, old man. It will take more than Abaddon to beat me."
"We'll see, won't we? I have seen better fighters die, son, never forget that."
"As you wish, sire." Seth inclined his head in as little of a bow as he could get away with. And again, I fully related to his feelings.
Lilith did something that surprised all of us. In a show of strength, she placed a hand on Behlial's shoulder. "I'm sure Seth will be the strongest fighter you have ever seen, my king."
"I'm sure he will. But you, my dear, surprise me. You better stop tempting me to send more of my sons against Seth just so I can keep you for myself," Behlial said after the slightest pause. And I silently applauded Seth's mate for catching Behlial off guard.
Behlial signaled to have Abaddon's shackles removed. "You will obey the rules from now on?"
Abaddon bowed deeply, like a whipped gargoyle would bow to its master, making me sick and wishing once more it was I whom Behlial ordered to dispatch the bastard and not Seth.
