Chapter 12: Bakari

I drew a sharp breath at the sight, cutting off my amusement. Power crackled forth to protect me, a net of shielding

flaring to life. The magic of Demonicon snaked out and sniffed at the energy of the demon standing before me. I allowed

it to drop away, though I held my shields in place as I recognized the figure waiting for me.

I saw little of Bakari. My grandfather's private bodyguard stayed out of sight most of the time, though the few instances

we did interact always left me feeling wary and out of sorts. I came to a halt several feet from the silent demon and

crossed my arms over my chest, if only to hide the fact my hands were suddenly shaking. Bakari made me decidedly nervous.

"Ruler." He bowed his head, if barely. Bakari was one of the only demons who refused to genuflect properly, but I had

never attempted to correct him. There was a cold calculation to him, more of a watchfulness, a coiling power that always

gave me the impression he was far more dangerous than I would ever be. Pointing out his failings just didn't seem worth

it.

"Bakari." Of course, he didn't need to know how I felt. I kept my tone cold and crisp, feeling Ahbi return and focus on

the conversation.

Ask him what he wants, she sent.

I ignored her and chose my own words. "You can tell Henemordonin your attempt at spying on me for his pleasure is

unacceptable."

Bakari's head tilted to one side. His long, black hair braided tightly into a coil, though less for fashion and more for

practicality I guessed. He wore simple black leather, the vest over his chest open to show the lean muscles, a tight band

gripping one bicep. I think it was his unadorned carelessness, how he seemed to look down on the rest of us that made me

the most uncomfortable.

"I am here of my own free will, Ruler," he said, subtle chiding in his words.

"You are my grandfather's creature," I said, dropping pretense. I was tired of being afraid of him. "Don't try to

convince me otherwise."

I had never heard him laugh, not in all the years I'd been here. It was a rough sound, harsh despite his cultured voice.

I waited out his humor, waffling back and forth in fear and frustration until he shook his head, body relaxing from his

typical ready-for-action pose.

"I fear you misinterpret our association," he said. "And the reason for my attendance on the Second Seat."

Interesting, Ahbi sent before I could speak in anger.

"Tell me, then," she said through my lips. "Why are you with him?"

Bakari shrugged, elegant and graceful, leather creaking ever-so-softly. "I'm concerned," he said. "Henemordonin has been

a powerful voice in Demoniconian politics for many centuries, but he has seemed content to be the rebel, to work behind

the scenes in opposing Ahbi. Even his climb to Second Seat was punctuated with his need to appear as a force for good

while he undermines you in subtlety."

I gaped at him, unable to speak, and even Ahbi held her breath.

"In the past few years, he has changed," Bakari said, a tiny frown pulling his smooth brow forward. "He seems to be

shifting his approach, something I honestly considered an impossibility."

"Old demons and new tricks," Ahbi and I said together in one breath.

"It is so," Bakari said with a tiny smile. So much approval from a demon I always thought was on the wrong side. It

chilled me rather than warmed my heart.

"Why are you telling me this?" I forced myself to drop my arms, my hands falling to my sides though my toes curled under

the hem of my dressing gown, my thick black nails scraping over the stone.

Bakari's expression smoothed to flat and cold once more. "First and foremost, my order is tasked to protect Demonicon,"

he said. "Our failure at capturing Ameline Benoit when she attempted to destroy the Node is a black mark on our history."

Bakari's scowl was sharp and instant, flashing away as quickly as it came. "Your sister I found endlessly frustrating as

she blocked my attempts to do my job. I thought it wise to approach you directly to prevent such an occurrence repeating

itself."

Back to Syd again, only this time I almost laughed. I could tell, though, he respected her, and I could only hope he felt

the same about me to some extent. It was only then I actually registered what he said, and realized I knew far too little

about his particular sect for my liking.

"This order of yours," I said. "Who exactly are they?" I knew he was part of a special group of demons, though I hadn't

gone much further in my investigation.

Assassins, Ahbi sent. Spies. They have existed for far longer than I was Ruler.

Bakari ignored my question as he asked one of his own. "You are currently pursuing the Planeless?"

My shields tightened in response. "You've been eavesdropping on me, I take it." I half turned, ready to call the guards.

But Bakari raised one hand, a small gesture that caught and held my attention.

"Ruler," he said. "I mean you no harm. For as long as you work toward the health and prosperity of Demonicon, we are on

the same side. I have been keeping up on your progress and wish to offer my assistance."

Can we trust him? I reached for Ahbi who sighed.

I don't know, she sent. I just don't know.

Being Ruler meant taking calculated risks. As I looked into Bakari's eyes, I chose to trust him, at least in part.

"I have sent two of my people to investigate," I said. "If you have helpful information, I'll make sure they receive it."

"My own people are looking into the matter," Bakari said, as though he were Ruler of his own little kingdom. "I promise

you, when we know anything of value, we will share it. I am merely here to warn you of Henemordonin's shift in focus." He

turned away before pausing and looking back, real concern on his face. "We are unhappy with the way things are evolving,"

he said. "And though we know change is inevitable, we must protect Demonicon at all costs."

"And if I go against what you and your order believe to be in this plane's best interest?" I already knew what he was

going to say, but having him lay it all out for me could give me some perspective.

"You don't want to do that, Ruler," he said, ever so softly. "You really don't."

"And you might want to reconsider your tone," I said, just as softly. "You don't rule Demonicon, Bakari. Nor do your

people."

He didn't move for a long moment. When he finally bowed his head to me, I allowed him a short, sharp nod of my own.

I let him go, watched him fade back into the shadows before turning toward my quarters to wake Pagomaris to dress me. My

morning was going to start a little early today.

I had a great deal of research to do.

As I rounded the corner, head down, deep in thought, I only had a moment to realize someone waited for me at my door,

flanked by two very stern-looking guards. Jabuticabron must have put the fear of his considerable power into them because

they glowered and hovered over my visitor as though ready to tear him limb from limb.

To Elphremantic's credit, he seemed cool and collected under their scrutiny, a small smile on his handsome face. I slowed

my approach, my frown of concentration easing as I neared him. He had a way about him that put me at ease, a kindness

rare in demons. He reminded me so much of me when I first came to Demonicon, a sense of kinship arose and softened me

toward him no matter my plans to use him to my advantage.

Who knew? Maybe he would see our association in the same vein and be all right with our friendship.

"My Ruler." He bowed deeply to me, taking my hand gently in his before kissing my knuckles with his warm lips. "Forgive

the early visit, but I wanted to check in with you and make sure everything was all right."

Ahbi crackled her dislike. As if we need anyone to check in on us.

I sighed at her. He's just being nice, I sent. And obviously looking for a chance to talk to me. What's wrong with that?

She fell silent as Elphremantic watched me with soft expectation.

"I'm sorry," he said, releasing my hand, "it's very forward of me to think you, of all demons, would need someone to ask

after you. But you left dinner so abruptly and in some distress. I hope I haven't offended, my Ruler."

There, see? I shoved Ahbi's continuing grumbling aside as I allowed my frown to fade the rest of the way.

"Unnecessary," I said, "but appreciated."

He bobbed a quick nod as my guards backed off, returning to their statue-like poses beside my door.

"I can only imagine how taxing your position can be," he said. "I learned much in Bilhaeder, but only a fraction of what

you endure on a daily basis."

Flatterer, Ahbi sent.

I knew it was exactly that. But who was to say I couldn't enjoy a little flattery now and then as long as I didn't let it

get to me?

Exactly that, my grandmother grumbled.

"The weight of being Ruler isn't for the faint of heart," I said.

Elphremantic's horns glistened as he shook his head with a soft laugh. "Droll and charming. Excellent qualities in the

finest Ruler I'm sure Demonicon will ever know."

I almost laughed, finding it incredibly difficult to hold in the burst of humor as Ahbi gasped and spluttered in my head.

I don't like him already, she sent.

Funny, I sent back as I felt myself warm to the cleft in his chin, the way his lean body filled out his clothing, how his

amber eyes sparkled when he smiled. I'm rather enjoying him.

She didn't bother to say anything and that only made my need to laugh grow.

"I do have an ulterior motive for being here." Elphremantic's cheeks pinked past the red glow of his natural skin tone.

"I guessed as much." Actually, I hadn't, but Ahbi taught me being all knowing and all seeing-at least, pretending to be-

was part of the mystique of being Ruler and I wasn't about to allow that particular painted backdrop to fall into misuse

on my watch.

His teeth flashed white against his lips. "I had wished that was the case," he said. "I hope you don't think me overbold

when I say the majority of the males you have at your disposal are unsuitable to the task of being your mate and Second

Seat."

Blunt. Ahbi's irritation was finally getting to me.

Honest, I sent. "I noticed as much," I said.

"And while I would never assume, my Ruler," he bowed to me again, "I would ask you take my bid to join you as your

consort into careful consideration. While we might not know each other well yet," the stress he put on the word "yet"

actually made me inwardly giggly, "it is my hope you will come to adore me as much as I already adore you."

Well now, I sent to Ahbi. How charming.

She held her peace.

It helped, of course, I actually found him attractive. My smile came easily, my eyebrow arching before I could stop it,

all the while I thought of Ram and how much I wished I could simply tell this demon I'd made my choice already.

"May I say," I leaned forward and touched the back of his right hand with my fingertips, "you are at the top of my very

short list."

Elphremantic winked. "I'm honored."

"You should be." I stepped back again, gesturing at my door. "And now, if you don't mind, I'd like to retire."

He bowed one last time, stepping back as he did. "My Ruler," he said. "I look forward to our next meeting." I watched him

go as he saluted and spun, gliding away, his lean body swaying on thin hips over a rather attractive backside.

Eye candy aside, Ahbi snapped, you really need to learn to be more careful.

My good mood shattered, I turned and entered my room, firmly closing the door behind me before answering her.

I believe you agreed to our little plan, I sent as I made my way across the main room of my quarters to my dressing

chamber.

In theory, she sent. But I can feel what you're feeling, Meira. Don't for a moment think I'm not aware of the fact you

like him for real and not just as a smokescreen for what's really important.

Excuse me for wanting to have a life, I snapped as I jerked loose my robe and tossed it aside. I think I've earned the

chance to do things my way, Grandmother.

She huffed a moment before backing down. I'm just saying, you need to be cautious. We know nothing of this young demon.

I sank to the padded bench at the far end of the room and hugged my knees to my chest, looking out the one-way window

over the dark city, the faintest light of the first sun's rise glowing in the east.

Centuries of being forced to watch your own back have made you cynical, I sent. And untrusting. Yes, I know, I stopped

her in mid-interruption and forged on, I know these are demons I'm dealing with, not humans. But I think you forget,

while we as a race are driven by power, we are also capable of so much more. Sequoia is proof of that, as is

Rameranselot. And Sassafras. I could name many more, your own son among them. She made a "pffft" sound in my head, though

her tense anger faded to sullen acceptance. Just please allow me to handle this. I'm not an idiot, despite what you might

think.

You know I don't consider you that way, she sent. And you're right about me. Still, there is something about that young

demon I mistrust.

I'll keep that in mind, I sent, rising to my feet with a deep inhale. But, for now, I'm going to allow him to court me if

only to satisfy Henemordonin and the family I'm making progress in my selection. I paused a moment, fingers deep in a

cloak of fur so thick and soft I pulled it to me to stroke over my cheek. Speaking of untrustworthy, I take it you have

information about Bakari and his people you've failed to share up to this point. I had to admit to myself it wasn't all

her fault. I hadn't pursued the important details I should have and knew the failing was mine alone.

At this juncture, however, I wasn't beyond making her take on her share of the guilt.

Assassins and spies, she sent, as I said. They have been around since the planes were joined, from what I've been told.

And they live outside our laws, though many Rulers have tried to change that.

You included, I take it? I released the soft fur and stepped away.

I was never granted an audience with their leader, she sent, her unhappiness almost petulant. And any attempt I made to

do so by force was met with disaster. They simply vanish into thin air and are untraceable. Most frustrating. And my

greatest failure as Ruler.

My bare feet slid over the plush carpet beneath me, one hand sliding over the hanging costumes lining both walls. That

must have driven you to distraction.

You could say that. Finally, some humor returned to her, though she sighed at last. I did speak to Bakari many times

about it, and his predecessor. But I always had the impression he worked in aid of Henemordonin, considering he left the

Seat when I kicked your grandfather from the throne and divorced him.

A logical assumption. But Bakari seems to think otherwise. I stopped at the end of the row of fanciful clothing and spun

around, fingers tapping my lips as I considered the implications. If Bakari isn't working for Henemordonin, I sent, what

is the alternative?

He's watching him, my grandmother sent.

Exactly. I chewed my lower lip. Which means this sect of assassins and spies he claims are tasked with protecting

Demonicon at all costs don't trust my grandfather.

Ahbi fell still. Meira, she whispered, if they haven't trusted him all along...

What can he possibly be up to now that has driven them to warn me? I shivered though the room's temperature remained

comfortable.

Something even they have been unable to uncover, Ahbi sent.

Which means, I sent, it's a warning I need to take very much to heart.

I wished she disputed my conclusion. It didn't exactly improve my confidence level knowing she thought I was right.

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