Ruler of the Realm

One hundred and seven

There were howls of excitement from the assembled demons. Blue sat stiffly on her throne. She could see the look of shock on Henry’s face, although he must have known what was happening. A part of her wanted to shout to him to run, to save himself. But that would achieve nothing now.

Besides, she was certain he would never leave her.

‘Then let the Pact be signed!’ Beleth announced grandly.

The verbal agreement was nothing. Hael tradition required a written contract, signed in blood. Blue knew where her duty lay.

Heralds blew a fanfare of sinister trumpets. The sound reverberated chaotically off the surrounding metal buildings. A minion scurried forward with a razor and a tiny golden bowl.

Beleth turned to look at her and smiled. Then he took the blade and without hesitation, slashed the palm of his left hand so that a quantity of greenish blood flowed into the bowl. He seized the quill, dipped it and signed his name on the lambskin with a flourish.

The demons cheered. Beleth bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. He smiled at her again. ‘Now you, my dear. Be brave.’

The minion wiped out the bowl with a clean piece of linen, then handed the razor to Blue.

With one last longing glance at Henry, Blue leaned across the thrones and savagely cut Beleth’s throat from ear to ear.

‘Goodbye, my dear,’ she said.