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Chapter 4
Lucifer poured his brandy into 5 matching glasses and thought again that they should be so lucky he was sharing. This was the good kind, not the cheap stuff he usually served his brothers. This was what he only pulled out for guests, from his secret collection. He had to keep it a secret in this house. If he didn’t Asmo or Mammon would have found it by now and it would have been long gone. He left his on the desk and brought the others over to the table.
“So less than a week to the Ball, are you excited? You could find the love of your life next week.” Simeon said because of course he did. Always the romantic, always the one to try and put a positive spin on everything.
“Love doesn’t have anything to do with this.” Lucifer said going back to his desk to grab his own drink.
“Maybe not at first, but who’s to say it can’t turn into that? If you plan to spend your life with this person, you’re going to have to at least like them.”
Solomon nodded, “At the very least trust them. You of all people. You’re the most overprotective person on this planet. So, if you don’t like the person you’re going to marry you won’t trust them. And if you don’t trust them then they won’t be allowed in the house with all your precious brothers.”
“Hey, hey! Luci ain’t gotta get hitched to the first one he meets. So back off ya bunch of marriage minded mother hens. We got a party to look forward to. Drinks and dancin’ and just havin fun.” Mammon said and Lucifer was surprisingly grateful his brother was here. Lucifer didn’t feel like vomiting, so that was a step in the right direction.
Asmo picked up his glass and sipped from it before gently putting it back on the table. His delicate way contradicted the fact that his glass was now empty. He’d done it so smoothly, no one would even notice. That’s how he’d been getting away with drinking more than he should since he was way to young to be doing such things. He wasn’t rowdy like Mammon, not in an obvious way. No, Asmo you had to keep an eye on because it was when you took your eye off him that he got into trouble. He was good at getting you to focus on what he wanted you to focus on. That wasn’t to say he couldn’t get raucous.
When he and Mammon were at a party together, they would drink and dance and could be very loud. But again, it was night and day. Mammon liked to be the center of attention by doing things he knew would get noticed, he was wild, sometimes didn’t think things through, he was daring. He had the personality that drew people to him, people liked to be near him, he had a way of making people happy. He didn’t have to know someone very long before they’d already feel like they’d known him forever, Mammon had a way of making people feel comfortable around him. Anyone, no matter their standing, felt like they could approach him. He didn’t feel like a Prince to them, usually to Lucifer’s annoyance, but to everyone else’s it made for a very nice party companion.
Asmo on the other hand had a more delicate way about him. People tended to be drawn in by his looks first, and Asmo took pride in that. He took a great deal of care on his appearance. He had a stylish haircut, clothes, accessories, he even wore make-up when the occasion called for it. People liked him for what his style said, it showed who he was, it showed his status, his own personality and that he wasn’t afraid to wear whatever he wanted despite what that might say about him or what people might think. That drew people into him. The confidence his appearance exuded, yes, he was a good-looking man, and he KNEW it. But then he also saw the beauty in everyone as well, so he made everyone around him feel just as beautiful as he felt. What was best about that is he was genuine. Asmo didn’t just say things because he felt he had to, or to be well liked. He really did see the beauty in the world and the beauty in everyone, it was an amazing quality. He was good for the ego, so he drew a crown of people wanting to see him and been seen BY him.
At any gathering if Lucifer wanted to find his brothers, he just had to look for the two biggest crowds and they’d be in the middle of them. That always had its disadvantages too. His brothers were ALWAYS the center of attention, meaning they were always being watched, so HE had to watch them if not to protect their lives, then to protect their reputations.
Mammon had a bad habit of gambling with people he shouldn’t, and it had gotten him in trouble more than once. It was easy to egg him into a bet, even when he should KNOW better. Mammon always was a pleaser. If he was with a group of friends and they wanted to gamble he was always in for it. He enjoyed playing as much as the next guy. But he knew he shouldn’t go unless it was to the places Lucifer had already approved of. But Mammon went to others anyway, because his ‘friends’ wanted to go. So of course, Lucifer had to be around to make sure that he didn’t get in over his head. He’d had to pull him out of a number of gaming halls, not just because he was losing, but because of who he was losing TO. The last thing he needed was for someone to come around and try and blackmail his brother or try and coerce him in anyway.
The same could be said of Asmo. Asmo was also as pleaser. That fact that he wasn’t married off already was in and of itself a miracle. He did have Mammon to thank for a lot of that, mostly being by Asmo’s side for the duration of most parties. They did tend to draw the same crowds and stuck together usually, which made keeping an eye on them easier. But that didn’t mean they were always together, and Lucifer had 4 other brothers to check in on. So there had been plenty of times that Asmo has snuck off with someone away from the watchful eyes of his older brothers. As a Prince it was even more critical that he be careful who he got involved with, but he was young and foolish. He fell in love so easily, so he could be persuaded into a dark corridor even when he absolutely had been taught better. Not only because of the safety risk, but because of his reputation, and just as importantly the reputation of the person he was with.
If Asmo was found alone with a woman, she could trap him into a marriage before he could even blink. All she would have to do was say he compromised her and that would be it. If they’d been alone together, then Asmo would have no proof that he didn’t. Being alone with the men wasn’t any better. They could be dangerous, or deviants. They could be trying to manipulate him to get a title. They could try and blackmail him, or any other number of things. There were devious people out there who would do anything to get what they wanted. And if they could manage to get a marriage to a Prince, even a 5th born Prince, they’d take it.
Lucifer had to keep his brothers safe. That was why he was so over-protective all the time. And now with all this marriage talk, he’d have to be even more so. Who he decided to let into his life, would be in his brother’s lives too. Not just as family but as a fellow ruler of their Kingdom.
He was getting another headache.
“The whole point of the Ball is to find him a Mate stupid.” Asmo said and Mammon turned on him.
“Hey! Don’t act like I didn’t help plan the whole thing with ya. I know what it’s for.”
Lucifer threw back his drink, stepping forward to break up the fight before the eye gouging started. “If you both can’t act like grown up’s then you’ll have to leave. I don’t allow children, or childish behavior in the study. You know that.”
“You could always go play with Luke?” Solomon offered grinning.
“Oh, I’m sure he’d be thrilled to have more company. He’s having a tea party with Beel and Belphie in the parlor right now I believe.” Simeon said helpfully.
Lucifer couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up. Not from their comments, well, not JUST from their comments, but from his brothers faces. Mammon looked offended and like he wanted to say a million different retorts but couldn’t settle on one, so he just was standing there like an idiot with his mouth open. Asmo looked horrified. Like being called a child and told to go play was the worst thing that could be said to him. Funny, since he’d been called way worse by their brothers before. Maybe even as recently as earlier this week if Lucifer had to guess.
When neither of them said anything more Lucifer nodded. “Okay, good. If we can get back on topic, please?”
“What, about your upcoming love life?” Solomon teased. Lucifer glared at him.
“Should Luke be saving all of you a seat at his tea party? Because I’ll send you out to him as well. You are not immune.”
Simeon held up his hands in a friendly ‘can’t we all just get along’ gesture. “Alright, alright. We’ve had our fun, but it’s time to be serious. Come on Asmo, tell us about the Ball.”
“Well first of all it’s going to be the most fabulous Ball any of you have ever been to, so jot that down.” Asmo said smiling. He sat up from the floor and pulled a notebook off the other side of the table. “It’s going to work like any other coming out party. There will be several different guest lists of course.” Asmo opened his notebook and flipped through. “People who we have to invite out of obligation, Married couples, Singles, Potential Matches, Potential matches approved by me, People to avoid at all costs, People not to invite- well that one isn’t needed anymore,” After each one he listed, he flipped another page until he paused to scratch out the last one.
“Wait, what’s the difference between approved by you and a regular potential match?” Solomon asked trying to peak over Asmo’s shoulder to see the list.
Asmo turned to him grinning but closed the notebook. “They’re the one’s I think will be the best fit for him, for….a number of reasons, all very scientific and complicated, I don’t want to bore you all with it now, suffice to say, you’ll like them when you meet them at the Ball, and yes I’ve built in time to your schedule to meet them.” Asmo addressed the last part to Lucifer who held out his hand.
“Let me see your list.”
“No!” Asmo held his notebook close to his chest.
“Why not?”
“Because ya need to meet them first then make up your own mind. If ya know in advance, then you’ll just make snap decisions about them without givin’ anyone a chance.” Mammon said and Lucifer hated to admit it, but he was right.
If Lucifer knew who was on which list it would put him on alert and he’d feel more pressure, more then he was already feeling. He lowered his hand nodding. “Fine. So, essentially, it’s two parties? One for potential marriage candidates, and the other just as an expensive get together for everyone else?”
“Funny ya say that cuz-”
“Yes, that’s right.” Asmo said cutting Mammon off and shooting him an annoyed look. “Unfortunately, big brother you must invite certain people to these things, just for politeness’ sake. Besides, it would hardly be the casual setting you’re going for if it was only people you might marry.”
“That might not be to bad for next time though? Smaller group, once we’ve thinned out the herd, so to speak.” Simeon said
Lucifer nodded, “About that, we can narrow that down too. I’m looking for a Bride. So, any Men you may have had on that list you can cross them off now, don’t even bother wasting their time or mine.”
“But it will double your chances of meeting someone suitable if-”
“I’m marrying a woman Asmo end of discussion. Do as I said.” He said and maybe a little to harshly because Asmo looked a little hurt by his outburst. There was a pause where no one said anything.
Simeon scrunched his eyebrows together, “Lucifer, may I speak with you privately for a second?” He asked placing his cup on the table and rising.
“Can’t it wait until after?” He asked and Simeon didn’t even look at him as he started moving toward the door.
“Now, if you please?” He posed it like a question, but his tone made it perfectly clear it wasn’t a question. And that tone was never good. It was rarely ever directly at Lucifer, but when it was, he knew he’d done something very wrong.
He waved at Asmo, “Continue filling Solomon in, we’ll be right back.” He followed Simeon out of the study and into the hallway, but he had to many brothers to stay there for any length of time if they were going to have a private conversation. He gestured to the parlor which was just down the hall so they could get back to the study easily. No sooner had the doors closed but Simeon turned on him.
“I’m not going to yell. But firmly ask you, what in the 7 realms do you think you’re doing?”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” Simeon said and crossed his arms. “I hope you’re not doing what I think you’re doing. Not after we’ve come so far.”
Lucifer shook his head. He had not had enough coffee for this. “It has already been a long day, so are you going to tell me why you’re mad, or make me guess?”
Simeon pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. Lucifer took offense to that, he wasn’t like one of his brothers, or a child. He wasn’t deserving of the disapproved father look.
“Simeon, what?” He demanded.
“Lucifer, we have been friends almost all our lives. I’ve seen how long you struggled with your sense of self. I won’t watch you ignore who you are again all for some sense of duty. Especially since it is unnecessary to do so. We’ve spent years making sure our kingdoms would allow our children to grow up feeling accepted for who they are. Loving whoever they wanted. What kind of message will it send if you’re not honest now? For your BROTHERS? For LUKE? If you backtrack now, isn’t that like saying you think it’s wrong? Don’t you think that might hurt them? Specifically, someone like Asmo, who is the most sensitive to you?” Despite his earlier assurance, he was starting to raise his voice. If Lucifer let this train spiral Simeon may very well start yelling at him.
Lucifer held up his hands, “Whoa, whoa Simeon stop. I’m not backtracking on anything. I’m not saying I’ve never had those feelings, or that they’re wrong. Not at all. I’m just saying I’m looking for a Bride. I need a wife Sim. Someone who I can have children with, who I can pass down my Kingdom to.”
Simeon looked skeptical, “So you’re not going to suddenly say you don’t find men attractive? Or that dating them was just a phase?”
“Of course not. I won’t lie about that to anyone.” Lucifer was firm on that “I have dated both men and women in my past. Everyone knows that. Being King, my life has been very public so the few times I have tried dating it was for the whole world to see.”
“I just…I don’t want you to feel like you have to hide who you really are ever again. It would be bad for you Lucifer; you were miserable when we were younger. I never want to see you like that again.” Simeon’s concern was genuine and one of the reason’s he was Lucifer’s best friend. No one else understood him as well as he did.
“Going with a bride now isn’t backsliding, or lying about who I am. It’s getting married. You only get one spouse. I’m the oldest, I have certain responsibilities the others don’t have.”
“But you’re limiting your search, because of this sense of responsibility. Your true love might be out there, but you’ll miss out because you’re not even willing to take the chance. You’re playing only one side, because you think you have to, just like before.”
“My true love might also be the first girl I dance with. We don’t know. I may not even have a True Love. Not everyone ends up with what you have.”
Simeon shook his head. “I don’t believe that. You’re to good a person not to have a true love.”
“I’ll settle for a girl who is a good fit for this Kingdom. Hell, someone who can handle my brothers is already going to be hard enough to find.”
“That’s why you should allow men as potential Mates too. You may find a Husband better able to handle all of your brother’s shenanigans.”
Lucifer shook his head, “You found your Queen a long time ago Simeon. Maybe I just need to find mine now.”
Simeon walked over to him and put his hand on his shoulder, he looked sad, defeated. Lucifer hated that look. Especially knowing he put it there. “I just want you to be happy, and I think this is wrong. I feel it in my stomach. Limiting your search is a mistake.”
“I appreciate your council on this, and more importantly,” Lucifer reached over and pulled Simeon into a hug. “I appreciate that you care about my happiness.” He let him go. “But my mind is made up. When you guys are eyeing up my potential Mate, and I know you’re all going to do it, everyone should only be looking for Brides.”
Simeon finally nodded but didn’t look happy about it. “If that’s what you’ve decided, you know I’ll support you. However, I reserve the right to change my mind at any time, or say I told you so if this all blows up in your face.”
Lucifer laughed and patted Simeon on the back, “As any good friend should.”
“Fine, now let’s rejoin your brothers and Solomon before they go through everything without us.” Simeon said and Lucifer agreed, they hadn’t been gone long, but it didn’t take long with Asmo.
And Asmo and Mammon together? They could do so much damage in literal minutes. Throw in Solomon who liked to stir the pot to make him crazy just to see what would happen? Yes, they should get back. Lucifer opened the door and was honestly surprised one of his brothers didn’t come tumbling through from eavesdropping. They started walking but Simeon stopped and threw a hand out to stop him too.
“Wait, one more thing. This…choice, it’s only for yourself, correct? You’re not expecting your brothers…”
“No. No absolutely not.” Lucifer shook his head already knowing where this was going and stopping that thought cold. “I told you, I have certain responsibilities they don’t have. They’re all free to marry anyone, man or woman.”
Simeon smiled, “Anyone?”
“Well, anyone I approve of first yes.” Lucifer nodded.
“There it is. Knew there had to be a catch.” He laughed and pat Lucifers shoulder affectionately.
“Don’t make it sound like I’m unreasonable, you’d not let Luke marry someone without checking them out first.”
Simeon gasped and covered his ears dramatically. “Don’t even joke about that! He is way to young for us to even be THINKING about that yet.”
Lucifer had the feeling that even when Luke WAS old enough to talk about these things Simeon would still only see a baby to young to be taken away from him. Maybe Lucifer SHOULD give Simeon one or two of his brothers, if for no other reason then for Simeon to have someone else to dote on then Luke. Take some of the attention off the poor kid.
When they rejoined everyone back in the Study it was to find Mammon sitting at Lucifer’s desk with the bottle of Brandy in his hands pouring another drink. Oh, he was so skinning his brother for this. But more interestingly was Asmo sitting on the couch next to Solomon with his notebook open between them. Solomon was laughing at something they’d said and Asmo was smiling. He walked further in the room intent on seeing the notebook, but Simeon had to ruin their arrival.
“We’re back!” He announced.
Solomon snapped the notebook closed and turned his head, “Welcome back.”
“I thought we weren’t able to look at your notebook?” Lucifer asked Asmo.
“No, YOU’RE not allowed to look. I asked very nicely, and Asmo agreed to let me have a little peek.”
Asmo nodded but turned on the couch to glare at Lucifer, “But he’s under a sworn promise not to tell you anything. So don’t even try anything.”
Lucifer said nothing, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. He’d try and get something from Solomon later. He might tell him something, after all they’d been friends for years. But then again, if it was funnier NOT to tell him, he wouldn’t tell him anything. He really could never tell with Solomon. With Simeon, he knew what he was getting. With Solomon? He wasn’t always sure.
He walked over to his desk and pushed Mammon’s feet that were on his desk off and snatched the Brandy decanter out of his hands. His brother squeaked, having just realized he was there.
“Luci! I didn’t hear ya come in.”
“Clearly. Get up.” He said and Mammon jumped out of his seat and moved to go stand by the fireplace.
Simeon returned to his seat and picked back up his own cup of brandy and took a sip. “What did we miss?”
“Nothin’ much.” Mammon said, gesturing to the table. “Just sayin’ we’re getting all the responses to the invitations.”
“Almost everyone is coming! It’s going to be fabulous.” Asmo said and opened his notebook again to jot something down. He leaned over and showed it to Solomon who smiled and nodded. Asmo grinned and closed his book and placed it on his lap primly. Great now it wasn’t just Mammon and Asmo he had to worry about. It seemed Solomon and Asmo would be two he’d need to worry about too. Was it everyone’s joy in life to torture him? Their fun always had to come at his expense?
“Am I allowed to know who is coming at least?”
Asmo waved him off, “Don’t worry about the details. We have everything all taken care of. All you have to do is worry about what you’re going to wear.”
“I’ll wear what I always wear to these things. For the real special occasions?” Lucifer said because, honestly, that was a given.
“No! You can’t just show up in your same Royal Suit you wore for Mammon’s birthday. That thing is so old Lucifer. You need something new. Something more stylish. We’re trying to attract people not turn them off.” Asmo pulled open his notebook again. “It’s okay, we have a week. I can design you a new outfit by then. We just need to get the tailor in here to get your measurements and get the materials and if me and him work the next few nights we can have something spectacular ready in time.”
“Don’t worry about it Asmo, what I have will suffice. The woman I marry will have to know what she’s getting into. I’m not a flashy person. I don’t want to send the wrong impression.”
Asmo shook his head still scribbling, “Nonsense. I’ll make you an outfit so YOU, you won’t believe it.” He stood up still writing. “Mammon, grab the invitations and the list, we have a lot to do.”
Mammon walked over to the table and started gathering everything up into a pile.
“You didn’t really explain anything.” Lucifer said and pulled out the invitation from his pocket. “We should at least look at them together so I can know exactly what this Ball is going to look like?”
Asmo looked up and squeaked, almost dropping his book. He maneuvered around the table and up to Lucifer and before he even knew what he was about to do snatched the invitation out of his hand.
“Hey!” Lucifer protested but Asmo stuffed the Invitation into his book and backed away, snapping at Mammon, who finished picking all the papers up.
“Don’t worry about anything Big Brother! We have it all handled. Trust us!”
“I really don’t.” He said.
Asmo smiled and backed up until he was even with Mammon then got behind him and started pushing him out of the room.
“Dontcha worry bout’ nothin’ Luci, We got everythin’ taken care of.” Mammon said as Asmo pushed him out of the room.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Lucifer said and wondered why Asmo was so set against him seeing the invitation. Asmo said he’d wanted the guests to be a surprise as to who was a potential mate but he could know who was coming couldn’t he? He’d have to try and find put more later.
Over In the Devildom
Diavolo had been laying upside down staring at his ceiling for the better part of a half hour, trying to think of something to do. He was bored. So bored he was going out of his mind. But nothing seemed entertaining enough to engage. Reading seemed trivial, he’d read every book he owned and going to get new ones just didn’t really excite him. He could go horseback riding but the effort that would take just seemed like to much at this point, besides, he’d already been everywhere within riding distance, and it was all unexciting. He could go find a guard and practice some sword play, but they always let him win so what was the point? He couldn’t think of anything fun to do, he was so very bored.
“Mail for you, My Lord.” Barbatos said walking into the room and cutting off his depressing thoughts.
He sat up and held out his hand, intending to trash 90% of it. They were probably all pleas to join them for some garden party, or asking him for his resources or blah, blah, blah. So very boring. That was why Diavolo didn’t go to these functions. They weren’t interesting enough to entice him. He preferred to travel secretly. Just him and Barbatos, going out and seeing things where no one knew his name and no one would ask him for anything. He knew it was dangerous, but that’s what made it exciting. They’d seen so many new places that way. But this? When he HAD to come home and deal with business, his trades and alliances? Boring. Necessary of course. But so boring. He flipped through his letters and paused when he came across a pink one with swirls along the edges. Interesting, certainly different then all the other white ones, certainly not boring. He tossed the others to the side and turned it over in his hand. An invitation to a Ball, but….something else too. He opened it up and read on
To His Royal Majesty Diavolo, King of the Devildom
The honor of your presence has been requested by
His Royal Majesty Lucifer King of Lamentation
On the Evening of October 31 Seven P.M
You are invited to participate in a once in a lifetime event as His Majesty will
Be entertaining guests with the intention of finding a suitable Mate with whom
To share his life. Although you are quite the mystery, you would be a truly stunning candidate and our hope is you will respond promptly in the affirmative of your attendance.
Yours Truly,
King Lucifer of Lamentation
Diavolo held the invitation out and couldn’t help but grin. There were a few things here. The first being, there was no way King Lucifer wrote this. Diavolo had gotten many, MANY correspondences from the man over the years and they were nothing like this. So, he probably had some one else planning this, so it was a very big possibility he didn’t know Diavolo had gotten this invitation. Because there was no way King Lucifer would want him as a Potential Spouse. So, the second was, he was probably supposed to get a regular invitation, so he could say he’d sent it, and Diavolo could shoot it down, like he always did.
Oh, but not this time. No, this seemed INTERESTING. This could actually be FUN. Diavolo showing up as a potential love match? He could have so much fun here.
“Barbatos.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
“Please send back our acceptance for the Ball, and set me up a meeting with the Tailor.”
“You’re going to their Ball?” Barbatos asked only mildly surprised. The man was good with keeping his emotions mostly hidden, but this was a big chance. Big enough to break even his cool cover.
“It’ll be fun!” He jumped up from the chair and clapped his hands, getting very excited for the coming weeks. “Now, what does a Potential Mate even wear?” He ran off to get things ready with Barbatos trailing behind him. THIS was exactly the kind of thing he’d been looking for. Something different to shake up his monotonous life. This Ball was going to change everything.