Merry Christmas everyone~ I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!
Claude glared at the door after his brother before switching his gaze back to Sebastian. He knew that his brother had been examining the raven demon, staring at parts that he had no right to. The raven demon, however seemed to have missed the others lingering glance, instead he focused his attention on tightening the scarf that was wrapped snuggly around his neck.
It was quite obvious to the spider demon that the younger demon had not been to hell in centauries. Demons that stayed in hell or visited it frequently were not so much bothered by the cold as demons that returned after an extended period of time. Sebastian's cheeks were red from the cold and crimson eyes glowered at everything and anything. Had Claude not been attempting to get on the others good side he would have teased him for his inability to stand the cold. The other thing stopping him from antagonizing the black haired demon was the way that his brother had looked at his future mate.
His lavender eyes showed desire and maliciousness, two things that set the spider demon on edge. Valentine had been engaged to a female of another noble demonic family, but recently, just before the mating ceremony, she died a tragic death. Due to the wounds she had received the demon council had determined the cause of death to be by a reaper, seeing as she was also killed in the human realm, although Claude had a different opinion on the subject. To him it seemed as though the death of the young demon female was too coincidental; too planned. He for one knew that it had to have been his brother that killed the demon; either that or he somehow managed to bribe a reaper to kill her in his steed. Either way he was to blame.
Not that the spider demon cared about the high ranking demon. He personally had never met her and never cared to so he did not push the idea that his brother was the cause of her death, instead he set his sights back on finding Allech. But now it appeared that he was not the only one with the intentions of gaining Sebastian as his mate, the way Valentine stared at the raven told Claude that much. Normally he would not be fazed by such a feat, seeing as he was engaged to the prince there was seemingly no way for anyone else to steal him away. Unfortunately that was not the case in this equation and that unnerved the ex Trancy butler more than he cared to admit.
"Is something wrong?" Sebastian inquired, glancing up at the spider demon that seemed to be quite content with staring blankly at him, almost as though he was lost in thought.
"No…" Claude muttered, adjusting the spectacles that were beginning to fall from his nose. "Not at all…"
The raven demon studied the taller male for a moment before nodding and pretended to be content with the answer. Sebastian could tell that the other was worried about something, although he could not tell precisely what it was that disgruntled him so.
"Come on, they are waiting for us downstairs." Claude informed, his stoic face returning as he wrapped an arm around Allech's waist and led him out of the room and down the hall, his arm never leaving the other as they walked.
As they made their way down the hallway Sebastian found himself glancing over at the spider periodically, his curiously as to why Claude's attitude had suddenly changed nearly consuming him. Perhaps he would be able to pry it from him after breakfast…
The Raven demon pushed those thoughts to the back of his head as he and Claude entered the dining hall, a sudden feeling of dread filtering through his body as he felt eight pairs of eyes settle on him.
"Ah, it appears as though you have decided to join us after all." Satan smiled, the irritation in his voice proving his smile fake. "And with Angelus as well, it is fortunate that you two are getting along."
"I suppose we are…" Sebastian took his seat beside his soon to be mate and who he determined to be the same male that had informed him and Claude that they were wanted at breakfast. Quite frankly he desired to be anywhere but here and it took all his willpower to uphold the polite façade that he had gained from his years as a butler.
"Good morning, Allech." Valentine purred, a warm smile decorating his face as he looked over at the raven demon, who greeted him with a tired look.
"Good morning…." Sebastian hesitated for a moment, attempting to recall what Claude had referred to him as.
"Valentine," The purple haired male offered, the smile etched upon his cold face wavering slightly, "My name is Valentine."
"Ah, yes, I apologize. Good morning, Valentine."
The elder spider demon nodded politely before glaring down at his food. No one forgot his name once they heard it. In fact it was very rare for someone to speak to him and not find it difficult to look away. He was tall, dark and handsome and those traits managed to attract both males and females to him. It bothered him that this was not the case with the younger demon. With a shake of his head he promptly dismissed the thoughts. No matter, he wouldn't allow such a trivial matter to bother him.
"Father," Claude's voice interrupted Valentine's thoughts, "May I speak to Valentine in private? It shall only take a moment."
Almond eyes flickered from golden ones to lavender ones as Trantro paused his conversation with Satan at his youngest son's rather unusual request.
"Make it swift."
"Of course, father."
Without another word both Faustus sons stood from their chairs and walked from the dining room, stopping only once they were a fair enough distance from the dining hall.
Valentine looked questioningly at his brother, still irritated by Allech's indifference to him. About to lose himself in his thoughts once more he was shocked when he felt a hand clamp around his neck and shove him painfully against the wall.
"I highly suggest you watch where you tread." Claude growled, tightening his grip on his elder brother's neck as his eyes glowed fuchsia. "You are walking on dangerous grounds at the moment. Sebastian is going to be my mate. Take your interest elsewhere."
"Brother," Valentine purred, feigning another innocent smile. "Whatever do you mean?"
"Do not play such a repulsive innocent act with me." The younger spider demon snapped, his claws beginning to dig into the side of the other's neck. "I am well aware what you are playing at so I shall repeat myself only once. I have already claimed the prince as mine. Look elsewhere."
Valentine hummed softly, attempting to mask the hiss that wanted so desperately to escape his mouth. How dare his younger brother threaten him in such a manner! He needed to be taught his place!
"Is that so? It doesn't look that way to me. It's apparent that you fancy him, but are those feelings requited? The looks he gives you tells me differently."
"You know nothing of Sebastian nor do you of me." Black nails dug deeper into pale skin and red blood began a steady stream from the cuts created. "I know what you do, brother." He spat the last word. "You crave Sebastian only for his body and his ranking in hell. You do not truly care for him and that is not what he deserves."
"Sebastian" Valentine mocked, his cool demeanor slowly slipping. "What a horribly human name. You have become weak, brother. Speaking of such emotions as caring and love, it's despicable. Demons know only of lust and greed, both of which I feel for Allech. He is quite handsome." His voice turned into a low purr. "I would love to see how he looks squirming beneath me."
Sharp claws swiped across the older demon's check at the last sentence and a low growl echoed throughout the hallway. "Do not touch him."
The lavender eyed demon's eyes narrowed as he felt his cheek sting, the feeling of a hot liquid running down the sides. It seemed as though his brother was even more protective of the male than he had first guessed. That would only make it all the sweeter when he pulled the raven right from his brother's grasp.
"Do not tell me what to do, Angelus. The deal struck with King Satan only stated that the son of the spider demon Trantro must mate with the son of the Raven demon, Satan. He could easily be as much mine as he is yours."
Claude grit his teeth at the other's words, aware of their authenticity. He had hoped that his brother had been unaware of that little detail.
"Let us allow him to choose." Valentine continued, his voice showing the amusement he felt at getting Angelus so riled up. "Whoever mates physically with him first wins the privilege of becoming his mate and the future ruler of hell."
"You cannot force yourself upon him." Claude added quickly, aware of his brother's usual tactics of mating. He would sooner kill his older brother then allow him to force himself upon the prince. "He must willingly condone it."
"Fine. " Valentine agreed. "I agree to the terms of this arrangement."
The younger spider demon shook his head. "I do not believe your hollow words. Let us make a blood bond on it. Winner has the privilege of being with Sebastian and the loser must willingly back down."
Lavender eyes scrunched in thought before he nodded. "If you insist."
In all honestly Valentine was a bit put off by his brothers demanding of them to insert something as binding as a blood contract bond upon this deal, although it did not worry him greatly. After all, a flower could easily become infested; plants were oh so weak after all. He would trap this imposing spider in his web and feast on the raven that unintentionally made its way into a feud of two demons, both craving the delectable avian. Very soon the predator would become the prey and the raven, a helpless fly.
"Will you step into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly;
"'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.
The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,
And I have many pretty things to show when you are there."
"O no, no," said the little fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."
"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the spider to the fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around, the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in."
"O no, no," said the little fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed."
Said the cunning spider to the fly, "Dear friend, what shall I do,
To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome; will you please to take a slice?"
"O no, no," said the little fly, "kind sir, that cannot be;
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see."
"Sweet creature!" said the spider, "You're witty and you're wise!
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I have a little looking-glass upon my parlor shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," he said, "for what you're pleased to say,
And bidding you good-morning now, I'll call another day."
The spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly would soon be back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready to dine upon the fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing
"Come hither, hither, pretty fly, with the black and silver wing:
Your robes are black and purple; there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead."
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little fly,
Hearing his wily flattering words, came slowly flitting by.
With buzzing wings he hung aloft, then near and nearer drew
Thinking only of his brilliant eyes, and crimson and red hue;
Thinking only of his crested head — poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held him fast.
He dragged him up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlor; but he ne'er came out again!
And now, dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly, flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed;
Unto an evil counselor close heart, and ear, and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale of the Spider and the Fly.
Poem by Mary Howitt.