Chapter Six (Sin)

“What are you doing here, brother?” I asked as I turned to face Lazarus, who with a grin walked towards me, removing his hat. When I had left the shop, instead of going back to my castle, I stayed in Salem observing the town and its people and when I could feel my brother's aura nearing, I grew suspicious following it and seeing his interaction with Amaya.

"If it was your business, you would be aware of it, no?" he retorted.

"Put your hat back on before we are discovered." I ordered, pissed that he followed me and was being careless around the humans.

“Why would one lowly human get you in such a fix, I wonder?” he stated as he studied my expression, putting his hat back on. His eyes swirling blue, grey and green before settling into black, hatred emitted from him in waves. “She is exquisite even in the puritan getup, you bring her here because of some kink you have or is there another reason?” he pondered, studying me.

I shrugged and walked past him, “Maybe the question is why you’re bothered by it at all, Lazarus?” Frowning, I walked up to him, picked a piece of dirt off his suit, “My kinks are none of your business.” I stated flatly, giving him a warning look.

He was always trying to intimidate me and lure me into a battle, but I was aware of his games and refused to let him bait me. I found it amusing that my baby brother would think he could intimidate me. I mean, it's laughable. Although now that he knows where she is, I will have to be more careful, I won’t be able to visit again for a while. If she died because I was careless, my plans would fall to shit.

“If you must know, I have business with the pastor.” He shared as he turned and walked away, turning to face me one more time, he added, “I find this time period fascinating.” As he looked across the street at Amaya, who had just walked out from another building with Abigail helping her carry parcels. Laughing, he turned and disappeared.

Clenching my fists in anger, I watched her, making sure my brother stayed away from her. If he ruins my plans, I will execute him and his mother, too much is on the line here.

When I was confident he wasn’t coming back, I returned to my throne room, Merula was waiting for me. “Sire, I have been looking everywhere for you.”

“What is it?” I snapped, annoyed by the turn of events the day had brought.

“Your brother Lazarus has found his fated mate.”

“How do you know?”

“The court is talking about it; they are saying he is going to get her now.”

“Hmmm, I see.” Either it was a ruse to get me to act rashly, or he really had found her, only I had just seen him and he was with no one. Well, no one except my little flame, and she definitely wasn’t his.

“Where is Rook?” I questioned.

“He’s on his way back from his rounds.”

I nodded and sat on my throne digesting the new information, if anyone knew if this was a rumor or not it would be him. I can’t just go back and grab her either, if my enemies knew it would put her in danger and my plan would fall to ruin. Lazarus was an unexpected risk, but I knew Abigail would watch out for her. That old lady had a habit of protecting misplaced people.

I heard footsteps coming into the room and I looked up and saw Rook; he knelt then stood facing me.

“Leave us.” I ordered Merula, who bowed and left the room. It was fortunate that the Throne room wasn’t busy today, it was surprisingly empty.

“Afternoon, sire.”

“We are alone, little bro. You can drop the formalities.”

He nodded.

“Have you heard the rumours?” I asked him.

“Yes, but I don’t believe there is any truth to it, Hellebore found an oracle to find Lazarus’s fated mate, but I spoke with her after and she said she gave a false reading."

“Why would she do that?”

“It seems she is keen to help you find yours. Something about helping with a debt that you both owe.”

“That oracle… that is fortunate.”

“So, he has gone to find her, only she won’t be his.”

“Why does he need to speak to the Pastor in Salem in 1692?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe Hellebore sent him there to deal with something?”

“Yeah, I have an idea of what.” I frowned, remembering the last time she was around a witch, the poor woman didn't stand a chance.

“What do you think it’s about?” he questioned.

“It’s a theory I will have to look into. Once I know more, I will fill you in. How did your rounds go?”

“Some of the demons are upset that you didn’t pick one of their daughters to be your Queen, other than that things are running smoothly as always.”

“Of course it is, even when they feel slighted, they still follow blindly.” I shook my head. My father had done a number on his subjects now they had no backbone. The chaos and carefree demons that used to roam here were almost as rigid as the damn puritans. I plan on correcting whatever it was my father had done, it’s like they were all dogs held by invisible collars. We are demons, for crying out loud. We aren’t bloody humans, so why do they act like them?”

I got up to leave.

“Where are you going sire?” Hellebore asked as she walked into the room wearing her normal provocative attire. She wore a tube top with a long flowing red skirt, the skirt was a mesh see through material from the top of her thigh down, not leaving much covered. Her hair was braided falling over her shoulder, her pink eyes stared at me full of malice.

I frowned. “It’s not any of your business, aren’t you a little old to dress like that?” I asked, as she turned red with anger. “There, now your face matches your outfit.” I spat as I left the room.

“Your father made a mistake keeping you!” she yelled after me.

“So, you keep telling me, yet I am still here, and now King” I turned and bowed with a smirk. Earning a deadly glare.

I hate that woman; she was the reason my mother had been executed; she says she’s a demon, but I am convinced she is something else. Something that could brainwash a demon like a succubus or siren. Luckily, I have preventions in place from such trickery.

“Sire, will you not eat in the hall tonight?” A maid asked as I walked past the dining hall door.

“No, I will eat in my room. Thank you.” I replied as she nodded and walked away.

Heading to my quarters for some much needed quiet, I started up the stairs.

“Want some company, sire?” Akuji asked, grabbing my sleeve. I looked at her, she was attractive with long wavy copper coloured hair, deep brown eyes and petite but curvy build, but she did not compare to my little flame.

“No sweet, I would like to be alone tonight.” A look of disappointment crossed her face, but she hid it, nodding and walking away.

Finally reaching my room, I collapsed on the bed. Pondering why my brother would be interested in talking to a pastor in the same time period, I just so happened to leave Amaya in.