City Of The Damned (Darkly Devoted Series, Book 5)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

There was no food here in Seritalis, as I was the only human living here. The following day, I found that Grismal had sent his goblins to the surface to bring me a meal. The goblins were nervous that I wouldn't like what they decided to serve me. They led me to the dining room. Not that I had much choice in the matter, it was the only other room I had permission to visit.

Grismal appeared as the goblins laid out their offerings before me. My meal comprised freshly caught fish (its gills still twitching with life), two apples, and a half-full bottle of wine. I supposed they assumed because I was a living being, I only wanted to eat things that were still alive. As for the wine, perhaps they had seen another human drinking from it and assumed it was safe for me to drink as well.

"This is pitiful," Julian complained when he saw the face I made at the raw fish. "Is this how you serve an honored guest down here?"

"Is this meal not to your liking?" Grismal interrupted.

"No, no, I am enjoying it."

"You hate it," Grismal motioned for the goblins to take the plates away. "We'll find you something more appetizing next time."

"I-I could bring Lady Balan her meals from the outside," Julian offered hopefully. Momentarily, I saw Grismal's eyes meet Julian's. He was like a giant serpent studying a rodent who had dared to cross his path. I knew Julian spoke out of turn, and I had a feeling Grismal was debating what to do about it. I could tell by the shocked expression on Grismal's face that he hadn't been interrupted this way by a wayward soul for centuries.

I probably should have let Grismal teach Julian a harsh lesson about insolence, but I didn't want to eat carp and apples for the rest of eternity. I cleared my throat and spoke up.

"Lord Nerazu, we were just discussing this plan. My servant can teach the others how to serve me. Let him go above ground just once." I reached out and placed my palm over Grismal's gloved hand to emphasize my point. He almost flinched away at my touch in shock. I kept my hand where it was and pretended not to notice his discomfort uncomfortable. As Julian said, the man probably hadn't known the touch of a human woman in some time.

"No formalities, Melody. Call me Grismal," he replied, turning his greenish eyes back to me. His eyes were like Blake's in that regard. They turned green or blue depending on the light. Now, though, they were a gem-like green, greener than I had ever seen my husband's human eyes. Then, he turned his gaze back to Julian. My weak attempt at distracting Grismal hadn't done much good. Was it wrong that I wanted to laugh at how terrified Julian was at that moment? I didn't think he could lower that head of gorgeous dark hair without kissing his own toes. "As for you, spirit, what did you say? Look at me, and speak it louder."

Oh, Julian looked like he was ready to piss his pants in fear now. Sheer terror about one's impending doom was better than any physical punishment Grismal could inflict on my old enemy. I suddenly decided I would truly enjoy watching Julian being forced to serve Grismal in Seritalis for all of eternity. Julian's bottom lip trembled as he moved to speak. His mouth was so dry no words came out.

That was it, I couldn't help myself. I had to stifle my laughter with my hand. Grismal's expression turned from fury to absolute bewilderment at the sound of my giggles.

"I have amused you, Melody?"

"Yes, no, don't let me interrupt. Go on. What were you planning to do to him?"

I stood up and uncorked the bottle of wine. I brought it to my lips and drank from it as though my life depended on it.

It was Grismal's turn to chuckle now.