Split of the Worlds (18+)

Chapter 8.2

"Tazeel has recently developed an increased interest in me and my property." Krehn nodded slightly in confirmation; it was probably common knowledge by now. "I won't ask you to put obstacles in his way." He grinned and made a dismissive gesture with his hand. "I couldn't afford it." It was easy for him to admit that, for there were unlikely to be anyone in a position to make an offer that made a direct confrontation with the right hand of the Lord of Hell attractive. The demonduchess chuckled softly and signaled him to continue.

"But I want to negotiate with you about sharing your information with me. That you let me know if you hear anything about his plans. And I have no doubt that you have the relevant knowledge."

Krehn gave him a thoughtful look.

"You know this is a dangerous path." She raised her hand to stop him from speaking. "Not for me. I don't want to drive up the price." She smiled. "I liked your direct manner from the beginning and our negotiations were always very satisfactory for me." Serious again, she continued, "But the way you stand up to Tazeel, provoking him, yes, of course I know about that, don't look like that. So, provoking and irritating him. That's really dangerous. And you're playing on his terrain. I'm giving you this information for free, because it's not surprising: he's going to ask for a private visit soon to be able to influence your angel. Do you really think she can resist him? The first among seducers?" She shook her head slightly. "Why go through all this trouble? Give him what he wants. Let's negotiate drawing up a contract of use, huh? There's still a chance for that."

N'Arahn felt horror and anger crawl up his spine like two snakes, one hot, one cold. He had of course expected Tazeel not to rest, but hearing it from Krehn's mouth made it a certainty. And no, he couldn't protect Veidja. He could not shield her beyond the protection his fortress offered. He was only pinning his hopes on the angel's stubbornness and her reluctance to face Tazeel. That was meagre.

But... A contract of use for Veidja? So that Tazeel would have exclusive and full access and would only have to share with N'Arahn, no one else. Krehn was probably right that he could appease the seducer that way without having to give up Veidja entirely. It would be the easy way, well, at least the easier way.

Without his conscious intervention, his muscles stiffened, freezing him until he seemed to be nothing but burning tension.

No, that is not an option.

The warmonger forced himself into a grin that was more akin to a snarl. "I thank you for your obliging offer." He meant it. Even if he hated the suggestion, Krehn didn't have to make it, and if he accepted it, it would probably save him a lot of resources and trouble. "Tazeel has damaged my property, taunted me, and denounced me. I'm not avoiding this fight. Giving up is not an option."

The stout demoness gazed at him with narrowed eyes as she slowly tapped the end of one of her spikes growing from her shoulders with a fingertip. Then she sighed heavily and bowed her head. "Warmongers..." She straightened up again and clapped her hands together. "Good," she announced cheerfully, "then let's negotiate for information!"

They quickly came to an agreement, for N'Arahn knew the rough costs so that he could make a reasonable offer. Krehn was also delighted with the gift the demonlord had brought her: a basket of fruit from his own garden.

The bright little shriek that the intriguer let out was too shrill for his ears, but he was glad to have met his negotiating partner's taste.

"You know," the demoness did not turn to him, but continued to look at a bright red fruit she was holding carefully in her hand, "that I haven't been able to find out where you get these fruits from? I have a hunch, a theory, but no certainty." Now she did look at him, her bright eyes twinkling. "You stay interesting, you can keep a secret. That's one of the reasons I like negotiating with you."