The Downfall Of Stolas Goetia

A Princess Rises, A Prince Falls

Stolas sighed deeply as he was shown to the throne room in his cousin, Decarabia Goetia's palace. Decarabia had requested that he come and see her as soon as possible, stating that she needed to speak to him about Octavia. Octavia's eighteenth birthday was just two weeks away now, and turning eighteen was one of the most important milestones in a Goetia's lifetime. A Goetia's eighteenth birthday was also the day of their coronation; the day that they received their crown, and began to take up the duties required of them by Hell's society. Octavia was going to be officially recognised as Princess Octavia of Hell, and she would begin studying the living world's astronomy, just as Stolas was meant to be doing now.

"You wanted to see me, Bia?" Stolas said as he approached his cousin. She was sitting atop her throne, flanked by two Hellhound bodyguards on either side.

Decarabia looked at him like she wanted to kill him. "Stolas, we need to talk."

"What about?" he said as though he didn't already know. One of the Hellhounds moved to put a chair out for him in front of Decarabia, a small, uncomfortable-looking stool which looked like it hadn't been used in centuries. Still, he obediently sat down, looking up at Decarabia on her throne.

"About Octavia," Decarabia responded.

"She's been busy getting ready for her coronation," he said quickly, "She's with her mother today. Stella is taking her to get her coronation gown made."

"I know," she said, fully aware that he was avoiding the real reason why he'd been called here.

Stolas fidgeted with the collar of his shirt. "And later today, you'll be making her crown, won't you?"

"I will take the measurements, and discuss the design with her, yes," she said coolly, "I do hope that she'll choose a design less tacky than the one you wear."

Stolas struggled not to respond to her insult. Decarabia was responsible for the study of the living world's jewels and precious metals, and so it was her job to make the Goetia family's crowns when they came of age. To prove herself worthy of her title, Decarabia had made her own crown for her coronation, and crown design was something that she took very seriously. She didn't know why Stolas had insisted on putting his crown on a top hat, but she thought that it looked ridiculous, and she didn't want to have to make a crown like that for Via.

Decarabia's eyes narrowed further at Stolas. "You know as well as I do that I didn't bring you here just to talk about Via's coronation," she said coolly, "We need to talk about how you've failed her."

Stolas crossed his arms with an indignant huff. "I don't know what you're talking about. I have done everything in my power to be a good father to her."

Decarabia's plumicorns folded back against her head. "So you think that your affair hasn't been affecting her in any way?"

He paled. "How did you"—

"Via told me everything. You lent your grimoire out to Blitzø, an imp, and once a month, you made him have sex with you, in your palace, where poor Via could hear everything," she responded, her eyes turning to purple crystals as her full demon form began to awaken, "Regardless of how you feel about Stella"—

"I never loved Stella! You and I both know that we were forced to marry to produce an heir to my throne!"

"Regardless of how you feel about Stella," she boomed, standing up from her throne as her body was surrounded by a blindingly bright lilac aura, "You cannot bring your affairs into your home."