My Demon

City Of Angels - 20

"Claudis, what possessed you to suggest it? You can't come with me," I stated flatly.

It would be more proof I was a traitor to them if a demon lord is given access to the sacred city of angels. But how do I keep him from coming along?

Claudis's eyes softened and a little grin formed on his lips. "Ryoma they may not believe you about anything going on out here in the mortal realm. But my fear is that they will stop you from coming back to the mortal realm altogether, so I am going with you."

I thought for a long moment if this whole mess is a trap for me. If I returned, then surely everything I wish to do will become even more difficult than before.

"Fine, but don't help me under any circumstance. Is that clear?" I raised an eyebrow.

Claudis only grinned in response which is probably as close as he will ever say to 'yes.'

Sighing, I nodded to the angels. "I will only go there to talk, but I am not making any promises to help Her Majesty."

The two of them stared at Claudis at my side. They trembled at the thought a demon lord was coming with us. "I don't mean any offense but you do know demons are not allowed in, right?"

Claudis put a hand on my shoulder and gently squeezed it. "Even demons know that, but I am not leaving Ryoma's side. Unless, you angels think I am foolish enough to make Ryoma run me through."

They shrugged their shoulders. The girl angel began to cast the portal to the city's edge. A glowing white line appeared in front of them and then grew into a doorway I had walked through many times to reach the throne room.

Claudis nodded at his servants which I assumed meant they would stay put. I took a deep breath. There is no one beyond this door who can lay a hand on me this time, and I will not surrender my weapon for hunting demons to these feathered pigeons. I stepped forward unsure what lies in wait beyond the portal. I felt Claudis watching my back and strode through to the other side.

We came out into the throne room made of ivory stone. White banners with harsh gold outlines appeared around the expanse of the hall along with an all too familiar audience, the Holy Order is here. Their eyes did not leave me until Claudis followed. Everyone gasped at the sight of the first demon lord to wander into this sacred hall.

Her Majesty was seated in her throne while the Commander was by her side. She had the most brilliant snow wings and her peridot eyes set themselves on me. Her gown a mixture of emerald and ivory. I walked but a bit closer and bowed at my waist.

"Rise, Ryoma," her command silenced the hall.

I did as she asked and laid eyes upon the queen. "I heard word you looking for me, but what would your Majesty need with a traitor?"

She smiled gently like the first time I met her. "Ryoma, I need your service more than ever."

I scoffed and dropped the polite front for them. "If thats what you wanted, then I'm not helping you. I have no vow now, so I reserve the right to live for those whom you don't acknowledge as important."

"Fallen, you do not get to speak ill of her Majesty. She has called you here to be her knight once more." A council angel called out from the right of me. He stood there narrowing his eyes at Claudis and me. "But it appears you sided with demons instead."

Her Majesty stared at Claudis who stayed close to me. I unfurled my wings and belted out a laugh. Ridiculous, you fool. They all stared in surprise I could show any emotion beyond anger and grief. I recomposed myself. "Oh, because a demon followed me here. Maybe, you should think about why he's here. I refuse to let you get your hands on the sword because it belongs to me, and you can forget about why you brought me here."