Me and the Devil

Be honest.

“I bid you to watch what that foul tongue may preach,” Corvus spoke quietly, his voice commanded such respect and fear that I found myself nearly wanting to kneel to it. “I would suggest you leave this balcony before I remove you.”

The woman scoffed and walked inside.

The cool air felt nice as I looked out to a different garden. This one had more exotic flowers, one I could’ve never imagined. They were lovely and I wanted to smile but my body was stuck in a numb state that I just stared.

“Astoria,” Corvus leaned against the rail; his hands clenched on the edge so tightly his veins were showing. “Just so you so I am not upset at you. I hope you can forgive how I stated what I did. I have my own issues when it comes to people trying to tell me what to feel and I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”

I couldn’t find the words to say, I know everyone has their own issues. I know I shouldn’t let my trauma dictate my life, but it is so ingrained that I don’t know how to act sometimes. Maybe, I could trust him. I reached out and placed my hand on his gently still looking out to the city. This was the best I could do right now.

“Thank you,” he whispered softly. “I know you want to go to your room, but did you want to eat down here first or I can have it delivered up to you.”

“I can manage to stay here to eat if that’s okay,” I whispered softly before quickly adding. “Or I can go to my room if that makes things easier on you.” What that girl said stuck in my head. Would being around him hurt his image?

“What do you want?” Corvus asked.

“Can I just go to my room?” I asked. Staying here wouldn’t help him, it’s best to just keep my head down. “But is there a way to not go back in, I don’t think I can handle the stares.” I admitted

“Come,” he held out his hand. “You must trust I will not let you fall.”

“Fall?” I laughed nervously.

“Well, there is only one way up if you wish not to go back inside,” he chuckled pointing off the balcony. “Oh, you’re joking,” I c****d my head looking at him as if he were insane. “Not in the slightest,” he explained.

I looked at the doors knowing all of the people inside will stare the moment we came in, and then out towards the gardens not sure if I could trust this man to hold on to me. I chewed on my lip trying to figure out what would keep me safe.

“You shouldn’t do that,” Corvus reached up to my face his thumb brushing my lower lip, his skin staining with my blood.

“s**t,” I looked at him scared. I got him dirty. I got the f*****g emperor dirty. He chuckled and patted my head, “will it make it a bit easier to choose for you?” He tried to move the conversation forward.

“Yes,” I nodded.

“Then let’s be off, I hate these parties,” he wrapped one of his arms around my waist as the shadows around us shifted and grew into his wings. I gasped as the shadows were replaced with a starlight white glow; they matched Leo’s.

He lifted us on to the ledge, “Ready?”

“I don’t think anyone is ever ready for this,” I admitted.

“Your highness,” a man opened the door. I couldn’t see them but heard Corvus laugh before launching us away from the building.

“Relax my star,” he whispered into my ear. “And open your eyes.”

I steadied my breathing and opened my eyes. I gasped “this is amazing.” Looking out to a bustling city. All of these people having their own lives with hardships and joy. “You rule all of this?”

“Yes, these are my people and these are my lands,” he answered softly. “There’s somewhere I would like to take you if that’s okay.”

“You’re the one flying,” I chuckled.

He shifted me around into a bridal position as he speeds up. I leaned my head against his chest listening his strong and steady heartbeat. It was like a siren call lulling me into a sleep.

It wasn’t until the smell of salt water hit my nose that I woke up. I could hear the crashing waves and the sea breeze blowing. Cool fingers brushed through my hair softly.

“Tell them I will address the council tomorrow,” Corvus sighed annoyed. “Yes, by the shore… She’s sleeping, right now… We’ll be back late tonight. Yes, I have food for her… Yes I have a blanket just in case she’s cold… Oh gods goodbye Oz.”

I couldn’t help but giggle as it seemed like he was being chastised by a parent.

“Ah, you caught that,” Corvus chuckled and looked down at me, his mask had cracked a bit more revealing a bit of his chin.

“It’s nice to see even someone as powerful as you has to answer to someone,” I yawn and sat up looking around. “Wow.”

“It’s the only place in the underworld that is able to have sunlight,” he explained. “It stays like this year-round.”

It was a vast ocean the color of cerulean with waves that crashed turning into a soft lavender foam. The sunlight kissed the edge of the water giving the illusion of sunset. With soft pinks and oranges painting the sky like art. My heart swelled at such a sight.

“It’s beautiful.” There wasn't a soul for miles, the only noise coming from nature.

“Yes,” he whispered gently. I looked back at him, but he wasn’t looking at the scenery but at me. I blushed and looked down at my hands. Why did he make me feel this way. I barely know him and yet he is so kind. Is it because I am not used to this kindness? Yes, that must be so. He slipped his fingers under my chin, bringing my face back to look at him. But even so is it okay to enjoy his kindness a bit more? I reached up touching the mask where his lips would be and wondered what they looked like and how they would feel against mine.

The mask cracked and slowly crumbled under my fingers revealing them. “I am sorry,” I whispered. I wondered if the entire mask would break, it seemed like we were both holding our breath trying to see but it held firm only showing his mouth and chin.

“I’m not,” his lips curled up into a mesmerizing grin. It was the most beautiful smile I had seen. He caught my hand as it dropped from his face and brought it back up to his lips planting a small kiss against my palm. I gasped at the rush of soft tingles through my arm, it exuded pleasure. “What do you want my star?”

“I want…” I tried to think, but closed my eyes trying to clear my head. Don’t think just feel. “To feel alive, to feel safe, to…” I stopped not wanting to embarrass myself. No, I need to start being honest with myself. “To have you.” I admitted.