I leave the dance floor, and quickly climb the staircase to Lord Death's throne. He is, however, in the middle of the platform, standing with Lord Death.
"So, dear Cachexys, how is my bride?" Lord War's voice is full of mirth. "I saw that sorry excuse of a "god", Felix, steal her from you." Lord War glances sideways at Lord Death, his smirk growing ever darker.
"Yes, my Lord War. I apologize. I became distracted. Miss Kaija has...quite the effect on me." I shoot a grin at Elias, whose furious eyes rise quickly to meet my mocking gaze.
I see Elias fidget ever so slightly. Oddly, Lord War mimics the movement. Lord Death is watching Kaija and Felix dance. The anger in his eyes has been replaced with longing.
"You'd better go dance with her, "Lord War sneers. "You just never know when it might be your last chance."
Lord Death's head whips around to where Lord War and I are standing. He opens his mouth to speak, shuts it again, and appears to think on his words for moment. Then, suddenly, and with force, Elias sneers back, "I'll leave you two to your depravity. "
Lord Death descends the stairs on his end of the platform.
How easily he is manipulated. Now, I can speak to Lord War without arousing suspicion in Elias. Lord War is moving back to his throne, so I follow suit, standing off to his right once he is seated.
"My Lord War, now that Lord Death has left us alone, I have something urgent I must tell you. When I was dancing with your bride, I used my power on her. I thought I'd take advantage of her obvious fear and have some fun. I rather enjoyed myself. She is nearly as squeamish as Kayleon, and.."
"Cachexys, get to the point, or shut up. I don't care for your long winded narratives."
"Yes, of course, my Lord War, " I say quickly. "I sensed a second life force in Kaija. It is new, but it is strong."
Lord War's eyes widen slightly. Subtly, he grips the throne. His knuckles strain, but do not turn white. A vein in his temple appears to pulse, but I cannot see it again upon further inspection. His stare is fixed on Kaija, who appears to be speaking with both Felix and Elias.
Lord War slowly turns to stare at me. He looks livid, now. That vein in his temple is definitely pulsing, and his knuckles have turned the same stark white of Lord Death's hair.
"It's not his. It can't be," Lord War spits. " It's not possible, which must mean that little whore has been giving herself over to the servant men. How dare she disrespect me? How dare she give herself to a mere man when she belongs to the god of War? When she knows full well she is mine?" Lord War has risen slightly from his seat. I have more to say before he goes making a scene, though, and so I begin speaking.
"Perhaps it is not his, my Lord War. Perhaps he is even more pathetic than we think, and he has willfully allowed a mortal woman to take advantage of him out of desperation for a life other than the one he lives. Whether or not it is his, though, he knows of its existence. Lord Death has watched your bride like a hawk all evening. He has his friends intervening when she feels discomfort, and trying to keep her out of the hands of your friends."
Lord War has once again taken a seat on the throne, and his hands are no longer clinging to its armrests.
Because he appears to be taking in what I am saying, I continue, "I thought it was merely Lord Death trying to hold onto his delusion for as long as possible, but, now, I'm not so sure. The look on his face when I approached Kaija was one of pure rage. I think he knew I would sense the baby. I think he was fearful I would harm it. Would he be so fearful if the child was not his?
Lord War is looking amused, now. He clearly thinks my ideas hold no weight. Against my better judgement, I press on.
"Lord Death has made many friends in this palace by showering them with soft heartedness. Foolishness, even. Many in this palace would want to protect his heart, to keep him from giving it to someone they considered unworthy. I, like you, originally thought Kaija had simply betrayed him. Thinking further, I no longer believe that is the case. Do you believe those Lord Death has helped would not tell him of her treachery? Do you believe she could bed another man without word of it reaching Lord Death?"
As I finish my "speech", I surmise that Lord War is unhappy. Or rather, that Lord War wouldn't mind throwing me off the balcony for amusement. He appears calm, and to anyone who did not know well the man that is sitting before me, this might seem to be a good thing. It is not. Lord War is most dangerous when he is not letting his emotions get the better of him.
"Cachexys," Lord War whispers menacingly. "Kaija would have to have power to carry the child of Lord Death. Are you saying that you believe I am so stupid, so incompetent, that I would not know if a lowly offering had power?" Lord War's voice is dangerously low. "Are you also implying that Lord Death has more loyal servants in this palace than I, god of War? Are you insinuating that I will not best Lord Death in a fight? And if you are, exactly how would you know any of that?"
Well, shit. That backfired, severely. Lord War is supposed to be furious that Elias defied him. He is supposed to be fact checking and ruling things out with me. This was supposed to be I, his ever faithful cohort, informing him of betrayal and potential danger. Instead, I have managed to make him furious with me. Shit. Shit. Shit.
"No, my Lord War! Certainly not," I say, attempting to absolve myself. "I apologize for my forwardness. I only meant to alert you to the situation, as I believe Lord death may attempt a coup if he believes that the child is his. I know you would best him, as you always do. However, I thought it pertinent to make you aware of any potential treachery on Lord Death's part. I would not want Lord Death and his groupies creating extra work for you. Again, I apologize deeply for seeming to question you, god of War. Please know that my loyalty to you is, as always, unwavering."
As I finish my apology, Lord War chuckles softly. He looks directly at me, laughter dancing in his eyes.
"Well, then, my dear Cachexys, what does it matter if the child is his or not?" Lord War laughs heartily. "If he stands against me, he will, as you have said, lose. Whether he stands against me or not, the child will die. I can't imagine a pregnancy surviving my attentions, and Kaija will most certainly be receiving my attentions. In fact, I plan on giving her special attention, since she seems to think herself so special."
Lord War returns his attention to the dance floor, where Kaija and Elias are swaying to the music. It is painfully obvious that I have been dismissed.