Loved You In Another Life // A Skephalo Story

Chapter 28

Badboyhalo POV

Though I already know for absolute fact that simply asking the high demon to release of one his prisoners is going to get me nowhere, but I promised Skeppy I would try, so now my stupid guilty conscience is walking with me back to the dark castle I've spent much too long in as of late.

It's cold outside, despite pools of lava spreading across the deep black obsidian that makes the path I walk on.

When I approach the entrance to the palace, guards eye me with suspicion, no doubt knowing who I am. It's not everyday someone is pardoned from a crime and left to pretend nothing ever happened.

"I'm just here to speak to his Majesty Philza, please. He's expecting me."

The high demon is most certainly not expecting me, but I hope it'll make the guards more likely to let me in.

One glares at me, eyes narrowed. "That's funny, because he happens to be with someone else right now. Are you early."

"Oh, we didn't have a very exact time set, I was just told to come by after work." My face burns with embarrassment.

"We were going to discuss my recent release from prison." I add, knowing the topic will make them uncomfortable. Though Skeppy healed most of my injuries, it's still obvious that I haven't been eating or sleeping much, and my wing is still awkwardly tilted right on the bloody slash that spreads across the whole wing.

Just as expected, the guards exchange a quick look before allowing me inside, warning that I better not do anything that hasn't been approved. I thank them profusely and find my way through the halls.

Outside Philza's throne room is a long, velvet covered bench, on which I take a seat. It's not long I have to wait, though, before a well dressed demon steps out of the room, neatly brushed hair and shiny jewelry reflecting in the lights. He gives me a quick nod before hurrying the other way.

I approach the door, ready to raise a hand to knock, but the door swings open before I can do so.

Philza is inside, staring at me with amusement. "Badboyhalo, what a surprise."

I clear my throat, dipping into a bow for a moment. "Good afternoon, your Majesty."

"I assume you haven't stopped by just for my company, so get on with it, I don't have all day."

I force a thin lipped smile. "Right, sorry."

Clearing my throat, I look up at Philza, trying to seem confident. "I wanted to ask about the potential release of one of your prisoners?"

This seems to surprise the man a bit, and he sits up a bit higher. "Oh? And why would I do that?"

"When I was locked up in there, I met a friend who was one of the kindest, most honest souls I've ever met. He's been locked up for years, and though he did commit a crime, surely it's not terrible enough to deserve the punishment he's been given. And he led a good life, not even doing something to deserve to be sent here. Please at least consider allowing him to be released early."

For the look I receive, I might as well have bolted across the room and punched the high demon in the nose. "I don't usually make a habit of letting my prisoners run free. They were locked up for a reason, and I don't want to look like a weak leader, now do I?"

"No, your Majesty, of course not, but-"

He waves a hand. "So then that's that. I don't care if this prisoner was my best worker and has never done anything wrong in life or death, my decision is final and if you feel like arguing then you may join him in the prisons once again."