Demon Daughter (Book I)

6.3 | The Boy from the Palace

It was already nightfall when Roger finally decided to show up at the Dark Fortress. He didn’t know what to expect after Lynn told him that Tasdar already knew his plans, but he had no choice. There was no way to escape anyway, his master would find him anywhere. Also, Roger knew from experience that Tasdar despised weak people, so he had to suppress all his fears and meet him face to face.

After crossing the long corridor and opening the door, the man went inside. Darkness surrounded the great hall, with only the torchlight dimly illuminating the crimson walls. As usual, Tasdar stood at the end of the hall waiting for him. Mellburn surely kept him company, which irritated Roger even more.

As Tasdar’s eyes met his servant’s, he slowly moved closer, his eyes glowing red in the dark.

“I thought you wouldn’t show up.” The demon gave him a look of disdain. “I thought I’d have to find you or even kill you.”

“I...” Roger wanted to make excuses, but a wrathful look silenced him right away.

“I knew Lynn told you about our... unexpected meeting. But it doesn’t matter, there’s no point in hiding it anymore.” He was silent for a moment, waiting for the servant to respond in some way, but he didn’t utter a word. “Did you really think I didn’t know where and what Ravenna was doing? Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

“But I just wanted to...”

“Make sure she never finds out about me, right?” Tasdar laughed out loud and continued, emphasising each word as if trying to mock him. “So that her powers wouldn’t show up and I’d never find my bond with her? And most importantly, to make sure you remain unharmed and be able to continue with your pathetic plans to dethrone me?”

“You’ve got it all wrong,” Roger retorted.

“That’s not how I’ve got it, you say?” the demon narrowed his eyes. “Don’t worry, I still remember our contract. I know you want to rule a part of my Kingdom in exchange for obeying me.”

“Correct, my Lord.”

“I understand how impatient you are, but you must earn your share, and I alone will decide when you do.”

“Of course,” he nodded.

“Now tell me why you think that by making plans against me you deserve to get what you want?”

“I served you for twenty years, and you didn’t even pay me back.”

“You will never get your share if you act like this. You have disobeyed me so many times. Why should I entrust my kingdom’s lands to you?”

Roger stared at the floor in silence. Rage welled up inside at being exposed so easily, but he wasn’t about to give up on his plans. Not like that. One way or another, he will humiliate Tasdar and take what should be his.

The demon began pacing the hall, lighting the torches one by one. His footsteps echoed slowly and mysteriously. He was thinking about something dark and insidious, but no one could guess his thoughts. Lastly, he returned to his servants, fixing his eyes on Roger.

“Lynn probably told you I’m not going to kill you, but you’re still waiting for your punishment, right?” Tasdar extended his right hand and a flame ignited in his palm, but it disappeared as he clenched his fist. “By all means, I have a surprise for you that you might dislike, but it’s not a punishment.”