Devil In The Details

What happens when the Lord of Death gets assigned Lucifer's daughter as his personal intern? Chaos....

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

Lucifer made a mistake when he forced Astaroth to marry his daughter Yara. What started as a way to get rid of a child that he found more of a pain than a blessing and a way to put a thorn in the side of someone he considered an annoyance turns out to be his own doing. A visit to Odin and the head of Mirmir reveals a secret that had been held from the dawn of time. What is to come will change everything both Astaroth and Yara have ever known.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

20

Chapter 19

The search for Yara's mother begins....

Smoke swirled along the gold inlaid floor, climbing curling and climbing the marbled walls, and seeming to creep ever closer to the couple at the center of the room.  Lighting flashed through massive windows across a deep indigo sky, lighting everything up before plunging it into an almost inky blackness.  There was a thrum that could be felt, making the room feel alive around them as they waited to be greeted.

“Who has entered Vahala, the realm of Odin, the Almighty Allfather?  State your name and reason for your visit, or you shall meet your DOOM!!!”  A loud voice demanded. It was deep and echoed off of all the walls around them making Yara’s ears ring, and she could feel the vibration of it within all of her being.  Her hand entwined with Astaroth’s tightened and her other one gripped his elbow as she pressed against him.  Whoever it was sounded angry, and she was not prepared, nor dressed, for a fight.  Astaroth seemed relaxed, and she hoped that meant that whoever it was could still die by his powers. “Oh for fuck’s sake Mordgud, Odin’s expecting us. You know damn well who it is, too. I swear if you loose Garm, and he ruins another pair of my shoes, I'm going to be seriously pissed.”  Astaroth rolled his eyes and the sarcasm was thick in his voice, before he looked over at Yara with an annoyed but apologetic look.  The look of confusion and fear on her face just made him sigh.  Leave it to Mordgud to start things off on the wrong foot.  “I’ll explain later,” he mouthed over to her.

“You know, Astaroth, you take all the fun out of things.  Do you know how long it is between visitors up here?”  The goddess stepped into view, the smoke that had filled the marble and gold room dissipating as she did.  “Don’t worry, after Odin’s response last time Garm greeted you, I wasn’t about to let him loose this time.”  The beautiful goddess, with her inky black curls that seemed to reflect a deep blue in the light, tipped her head and  grinned.  “And who do we have here?” Mordgud leaned closer as she regarded Yara, her eyes studying the beauty next to Astaroth.  From the way the female was clinging to Death, she had to be someone special.  Normally Astaroth was reticent to let anyone touch him, let alone almost climb upon him. That she hadn’t dropped dead yet meant Astaroth liked it, interesting indeed.

“This, Mordgud, is my wife, Yara.  Yara, the goddess Mordgud, guardian of the bridge to Hel and Valhalla.”  Astaroth made the introductions.  Seeing the surprised look on Mordgud’s face, he grinned more. “I take it the news of the wedding hasn’t made it up here yet?” There was a bit of a smug smirk as he asked the question.  This meant that when they showed up in other places, the surprise would also be the same.  Perfect.

“Not at all!  I will have to speak to father about this.  Welcome to Valhalla, Yara.  I apologize for scaring you, I did not realize that Astaroth would not have warned his guest that he is well known here.” Mordgud bowed to the couple.  “Now, please, follow me, I’ll guide you to mother and father.”  The goddess smiled brightly before turning to lead them from the room and down a bright hallway.  Oh there were going to be some broken hearts in the whole of the underworld when this news got out, and she couldn’t wait to be the one who spread it.  Such news was hard to come by anymore.  She couldn’t wait to tell Hel! 

support banner @cafekitsune

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

19

Chapter 18

After a rocky night, morning brings surprises....

Fingertips danced over the soft skin of Yara’s upper arm. She was still deep within the confines of sleep but Astaroth had awoken hours earlier. His mind kept turning over everything that had happened since his wife had first walked into his office with the information that she was to be his new intern.

Astaroth did not do relationships. He did not do emotional entanglement. Yet, here he was doing both with the woman in his arms with her head resting on his shoulder. Not only that, but he felt a protectiveness and possessiveness over her that he had never felt towards another. Never was he one to share someone he was with, but his reaction should they stray was simply to remove them from his life. Watching the men in the club lust after Yara had awakened feelings within Astaroth that were completely foreign.

How could one simple demoness have so affected him? He did not believe that she was deceiving him, but he wondered if Lucifer had done something. Was there an ulterior motive? Maybe who Yara’s mother was would shed light on what was going on. It was not like suddenly Death would change after being the same since the dawn of time. Yet, perplexingly, he had.

*****

Hours later, Yara awoke, stiĺl finding it hard to believe that Astaroth hadn’t rejected her or left her during the night. His acceptance and the vow he had made the night before were unlike anything she had expected or experienced before. There was a part of her that kept being afraid that this was one of her father’s illusions and it would disappear before her eyes.

As the couple were relaxing together and enjoying the morning breeze in the tropical island mansion that would be their new home, others were finding that their access to the two of them was no longer as free as it once had been. This did not go over well.

Lucifer was enraged. He’d already tried to send messengers to the island, but they couldn’t make it through the numerous wards erected by Astaroth. By creating his own island, Astaroth had created a pocket dimension connected to Earth, it technically didn’t exist ON Earth, and he was the creator and ruler of it. So, in order to enter it, you had to have Astaroth’s permission and only one being in all of creation did: Yara.

It did not take long for Lucifer’s displeasure to reach Astaroth’s office in Hell. His employees were used to dealing with the demon king and knew that there was nothing he could do to them. They answered him with dismissive tones and threw him out of the office, something that enraged him more. He had forgotten that the only reason he'd been able to entrap Astaroth in this whole scheme was repayment of a debt owed.

That Lucifer was apparently having a royal temper tantrum in Hell amused Yara no end. Astaroth had shown her the text messages and videos he’d been sent from friends of theirs in Hell. They really could not have asked for a better wedding present than him losing his mind over not being in control of the situation in the slightest. When he found out where Astaroth was taking her next on the “A&Y World Tour Honeymoon”, there was no doubt that Lucifer was likely to become even more apoplectic. Not that there was anything he could do to separate them after where they were about to go. Lucifer was a demon with no more power than a lesser god, and they were about to visit one of the major ones to have their marriage blessed. No matter what was in that cursed contract of his, after this day, it wouldn’t be worth the time that it had taken Lucifer to come up with it.

*****

“Are you ready for today’s adventure, Papilio?” Astaroth looked over to where she was finishing getting ready. She seemed calmer than she had been before and he hoped that their conversation the night before had set her mind and some of her worries to rest. Later, when things were calm and settled, there would have to be more conversations.

“I might be able to answer that if you told me where we were going!” Yara was laughing as she looked over at her husband and stuck at her tongue. He absolutely refused to tell her where they were going and it was driving her absolutely insane with curiosity. He promised her that she would enjoy it far more than their venture the previous night. At first she hadn’t been sure if he had been joking or if he had been serious.

“We, my beautiful wife, are going to find out who your mother is.” He sauntered over and leaned against the door frame as she froze and looked back at him through the mirror. It was clear that she was in shock, and not quite sure if she could believe him. “Who it is that is going to tell us, that my darling, is a surprise. One you’re not going to find out if you do not get that lovely posterior of yours into gear and finish getting ready.” He winked at her with a sly smile forming.

“You’re serious?” She looked at him skeptically through the mirror, still so surprised by all that Astaroth was doing and had done. The events of the previous night were still confusing to her, but that he had already arranged for them to take the first step in finding out who her mother was completely shocked her. There was nothing about her husband that made sense to her.

Astaroth chuckled and walked up behind her, placing his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. “I have no reason to tease you with something like that. Of course, I am serious. Plus we are going to have our marriage blessed by a full godhead and ruler of a pantheon. So, you finish getting ready and I’m going to scry my friend.” Kissing the side of her neck, he gave her a wicked smile in the mirror and then turned to leave the room, leaving her speechless.

Less than twenty minutes later, she was ready. Astaroth was grinning, his plans coming together beautifully. If he could have Odin sanctify their marriage, then there was nothing Lucifer could do to break them apart, Yara could relax. Odin also had Mimir’s head, the strange oracle, and that was who he hoped would be able to tell him where they could find Yara’s mother. If not who she was, then at least someone who could help them find her. If this didn’t work, he was going to have to go to Delphi, and he hated having to fuck around with the Greeks.

Support banner: @cafekitsune

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

18

Chapter 17

The conversation continues...and a revelation happens..

“Which is?” Astaroth queried with a touch of hesitancy in his voice, wondering what his wife had in store for him now.  A zoo’s worth of animals on the island? Another island paradise to hideaway in? A mountain one this time?  A baby?  Primus Sator forbid!

Taking a deep breath, since she felt kind of foolish for asking, but that seemed on par for the course of the evening, “Could we try a first date again? Maybe just the two of us? You know, since I ruined this one.” Yara looked away from him, trying to keep the tears from building in her eyes.  The thought of how to ask, or even how to plan it on her own, had been what was keeping her awake.  She wanted to have a romantic time with her husband.  She wanted to show him she wasn’t a lost cause.

If Yara had been trying to hide how nervous she was to ask that question, she failed spectacularly.  Astaroth was impressed she wasn’t physically trembling in his arms when she asked though, as bad as her voice shook and cracked.  That was tempered with pride in her for being able to actually get it out instead of hiding her thoughts like she had a habit of doing. Her looking away didn’t bother him, he’d rather her look away and be able to speak her mind than them keep tripping over one another.

Gently, he used two fingers to tip her chin so that she was once more looking at him in the very low light.  “Do you mind if I change it a little?  Make it so we both have a better time and are more relaxed?”  His fingers gently caressed the edges of her face as he looked at her adoringly.  There were mistakes that he had made that he didn’t intend on making again. He was learning he rather enjoyed having his wife in his arms, and the sound of his name rolling of her tongue. “Whatever you want, but I just…” Yara paused as she nodded, she honestly didn’t care.  It could be a completely different type of night, she just wanted a second chance.  He already meant something to her, and was beginning to mean a whole lot more, she didn’t want to drive him away or to actually look at someone else longingly because she was an emotional mess.  The thought of that was killing her, even with his promise that it would be just the two of them.  “I just want a special time for us, and not to ruin it this time.”  Her head pressed firmly against his chest, her eyes closing.

He tsked her, shaking his head slightly, before kissing her forehead.  “You did not ruin it, Papilio.  You learned that you are cared for, and will never be abandoned or rejected.”  He held her tighter and sighed.  “Life is not an all or nothing, with me, not for you.  We will learn one another, and things will get easier.”  Another kiss was placed on her forehead, as he tried to figure out how to better comfort her, and also wondered why it was that her upset troubled him so deeply.  This whole relationship was a new experience.

“Dinner was amazing, but you know that the rest was not what you had envisioned, or what we could have had.”  There was an undercurrent of sadness and remorse to her voice that displeased him. There was no reason for it.  Yes, she had misunderstood the situation, but she had not done anything to purposely ruin the night. Her sitting there silently was the exact opposite of how he would have expected her to react to seeing someone flirt with him, and assuming he was receptive.

“True, but such is life.  So, we shall have a second date.  I do want to keep my wife happy. I wouldn’t want her eyes or heart to wander to someone else.  After all, she is becoming very important to me.” The seriousness of the conversation gave way to a slight tease in his voice. 

“Asti….” She scoffed and lightly thumped his chest with her hand, looking up at him like he’d just told her that Lucifer was a fluffy bunny. Still, she had not missed his last statement, and it hit her deep.

“I do love it when you say my name….” That wasn't a lie, which the deepening of his voice and the darkening of his eyes gave credence to. There were even times he wished she said it more.  He had to be losing his sanity, but for the moment he didn't care.

“Astaroth…” Yara’s voice lowered and became husky, his name becoming an almost purr that reverberated against his neck before she placed a soft kiss there.  To find out that she had an effect on him emboldened her, and gave her a newfound sense of satisfaction.  The woman at the bar might have been more seductive than she was, but it was clear that she hadn’t affected Astaroth.  If Yara was able to with just his name, well that was definitely a bonus in her favor.  

“Keep doing that and I might keep you in bed all day tomorrow, Papillio.”  His own voice lowered as well, his wife's seduction working fully on him. Even tired after an emotional evening, he would not refuse her.  Not with the new feelings taking root in his heart, and how enjoyable their first encounter was.

“Is that a threat or a promise, love?”

“Both.” Astaroth kissed her lightly, enjoying the tease and seduction of the moment. Fingers sinking into her dark locks, he pulled her closer for a deeper kiss before pulling back to look into her eyes.

“Te amo, Astaroth Anthas, Mortem meam.” (I love you, Astaroth Anthas, my Death.) Yara slipped into Latin as easily as she breathed. For some reason, saying the words in that, instead of Demontongue, was easier. The admission that she had already fallen in love with him, since the moment he had learned all about her past, yet had not pushed her away like the others, terrified her. She had handed him the instrument of her own destruction. 

For a full beat, Astaroth was convinced he'd translated what she'd said wrong in his head.  There was not a possibility that she could feel the same for him. He knew her doubts and fears, her insecurities; but he also knew that after their conversation earlier, she would not say such things lightly or in jest.  His belief, once more, that the Fates were involved in whatever was transpiring, seemed confirmed. 

Yara had felt like she couldn't breathe, maybe her heart didn’t even beat, while she waited for him to say something.  Once she had said it, it was too late to take it back and the expected rejection was causing her to want to run from the bed and the room. Even though she knew he would not be cruel or mean, that almost made it worse. He would be kind in his denial of mutuality.

The last thing Astaroth was going to do was leave Yara wondering his reaction to her admission.  Rolling over so she now was the one on her back, and he was looking down into her soulful eyes that he adored, he gave her his answer. “Te amo, Yara Anthas, amica mea papilio et amator animae meae.” (I love you, Yara Anthas, my darling butterfly and lover of my soul.)

Her eyes searched his for any sign that he was just placating her, her heart trying to escape her rib cage as it thundered inside. If he had not been so close, his eyes capturing hers with their intensity, she would have sworn she hallucinated those words, those words that no one had said to her before in her life; and they came from the only man that would ever matter to her for the rest of her life,

Astaroth truly loved her. Her, the daughter that no one wanted. Death loved. In some way it was poetic, but in every way it was perfect. As they came together once more, sealing their bond and their love, both felt whole for the first time in their existence; like they had truly found the part that was missing.

*****

On Olympus, Clotho sat back from the pool and looked over to Atropos with a smirk. Both Fates had worked hard for this day, this hour, this minute. More was coming, some dark, some light, and a lot bloody. Lachesis came with the wine and goblets and they looked over at the twelve tapestries with threats binding them. It was coming together. Soon the Primus Sator would summon them, and it would begin....

banner: @cafekitsune

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

17

Inability to sleep leads to a sweet conversation..

Even with his solemn vow to the Primus Sator and Astaroth’s arms around her, sleep eluded Yara.  Every doubt and fear she ever had of being abandoned seemed to play out behind her eyelids when she closed them.  No matter how much she tried to put the woman at the bar out of her mind, when she started to drift off to sleep, she would see Astaroth embrace the other woman instead of walking away from her.  Her heart would clutch, her breathing would hitch, and she’d once again discover that as still as her husband was, he was not asleep.  His arms would tighten around her, and once more he would whisper reassurances to her that she could relax and that her mind was just playing tricks on her.  To have someone reassuring and caring for her was a foreign experience, and it only added to the weight of the guilt that seemed to press in on her from every direction

There was little Astararoth could do to quell all that weighed upon his wife’s mind, and if nothing else kept him awake, that did.  While it had not been his initial choice to marry her, nor would she have been his choice even the day before, he now understood the logic of the fates.  Few truly wanted to be close to him for who he was, it was rather what he could offer or do for them.  He was no less alone in creation than she was, even if the reasoning was different.  However, he had shown her who he was behind the mask and that was what she clung to, not all of the physicalities, the power, or the station in the universe.  For this reason, the owed debt to Lucifer had turned into a repayment that was more a gift to the two of them, than a punishment for perceived wrongs.

“Astaroth?” Yara finally softly said his name, sensing once more that he was not asleep.  Her fingers had been making slow and lazy circles on his chest for a while, thoughts turning over in her mind.  There was something about the feeling of his skin under her fingertips that was also addictive, causing her to desire the physical contact with him in ways she had previously not with others.

Astaroth’s larger hand covered hers, stilling it.  Maybe if she got out whatever was on her mind, they would both be able to rest.  “Hmm?”  His head tipped slightly to look over at her in the dim light. Even mostly enveloped in shadows, she was stunningly beautiful.  How she could not see even a glimmer of that befuddled him.

Her breath faltered as her nerves started to grow again.  Every time that Yara thought she had them under control, they would swell back up again to almost overwhelm her.  Sensing that her husband was now looking at her didn’t help.  She knew that he wasn’t judging her, but it still made her nervous.  “Thank you.”  Her voice was soft, so quiet it was barely more than a whisper against his skin. She was grateful that she did not have to be loud for him to hear her.

“For?”  His brows came together as he tried to figure out what she was thanking him for now. Astaroth wondered if there was something he had missed that she was referring to, since nothing had changed since they had retired to bed. Was she once more going to thank him for not abandoning her? Or again for not being angry about the nightclub? It made him a little uncomfortable how much she had done both.

“Everything.” Fingers separating to allow his to slide between hers, Yara gently held his hand as she answered.  “Just…everything.” A tear fell off of her cheek, landing on his chest. She still did not understand why she was so nervous and upset once more.  What was wrong with her?  He was holding her, his voice was soft and affectionate, and she knew that he would not judge her, yet her heart ached and burned.

Kissing her forehead softly, Astaroth felt his heart clutch at her words.  There was nothing that she needed to thank him for, and he had repeatedly tried to tell her that.  He hadn’t done anything that she didn’t deserve, nor that a true husband would not do.  There was little doubt that her life under Lucifer’s thumb had led her to not understand either of those facts, certainly not what to expect from a marriage to a god.  All he could do was hope one day she would see that he did genuinely care for her.  “Yara, you are my wife.  You owe me no thanks for anything.  You know that you are now stuck with me for the rest of eternity, so you may wish to hold that thanks until you fully know what you have gotten yourself into.”  His arm around her back tightened to hold her more firmly against him, and gently rub her side. Another kiss was placed against her forehead, his eyes closing as he held it in place a beat longer than normal.  She was stirring things in him, making him feel things, and he had no clue how to tell her that.

A light and breathy chuckle fell from her lips.  She had seen him with Lucifer and his priest, the fire and the fury that came with his anger, that she could handle.  He had held her when she cried, comforting her aching heart.  He might not love her, but it was the closest she’d ever come in her entire life, and it was a long one.   Even if he never did, she was falling in love with him, and she would never ask more than he was giving now; because what he had already given her was far beyond what she could have dreamed when the contract had appeared before her.  “I have a pretty good idea. I watched you stare down daddy, remember?”

“Darling, you don’t have the faintest clue.” Now it was he who laughed.  She really did not.  It had only been a few days that Yara had known him.  He might have let her see who he was under the surface, but she truly did not know what becoming his wife would entail her facing from others, not just from him.  While Lucifer and the priest had been hateful because of her, there would be those who would be just as nasty due to who he was as well. Not to mention those who would wish to cause her physical harm. 

It was his hope that he would be able to protect her from the worst of it.   He knew the mental and emotional scars she already bore from living as Lucifer’s daughter, he did not wish to add to that.  He would shield her as best he could, but inevitably she would feel the brunt of it all. When that happened, it was Astaroth’s supreme hope that she would not turn and blame him, but rather that they could unify against any mutual foes together.  The love he had for her already was starting to form, and the thought of her rejection of him caused an ache unlike any he had known.

Yara’s eyes rolled at his answer, thinking she knew what he was referring to.  They had argued when they had first met in his office, he had almost killed her father's priest for disrespecting her, they had stood side by side in Lucifer’s office, and when she had wanted to run from the club due to her own insecurities, he hadn’t allowed her to.  While Astaroth may not realize how much she was reading him, she was.  That didn’t mean the voices in her head, that had been created from many millennia of her father and her father’s men deriding her, would be gone overnight.

After a brief pause, she gave a short hum, then asked:  “Well, then, I have a favor to ask if I am entitled to certain things as your wife.”

[cljordan-imperium]

Not a new WIP, but an existing WIP with changing faces. Astaroth & Yara from @devil-in-the-details-ay are getting these new faces. I am a writer who is inspired by senses, and I have to have faces for my characters. I had lost the connection w/the previous faces and it was making it hard to write the stories, so we went face shopping and BOOM...meet the new Astaroth and Yara, Lord & Lady Death.

[cljordan-imperium]

Not a new WIP, but an existing WIP with changing faces. Astaroth & Yara from @devil-in-the-details-ay are getting these new faces. I am a writer who is inspired by senses, and I have to have faces for my characters. I had lost the connection w/the previous faces and it was making it hard to write the stories, so we went face shopping and BOOM...meet the new Astaroth and Yara, Lord & Lady Death.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

16

Yara touched a nerve insinuating that Astaroth would look for a loophole to get out of their marriage, will that finally get her talking or will it get worse?

“Asti, please, don’t....I...I don’t know how to handle this…I’m scared..” Finally she admitted it, a bit muffled since his finger hadn't moved. One tear making a slow trek down her cheek.  She’d been afraid of losing him before, but now it was utter terror.  She was messing up and now she’d gone and made him mad.

From shushing her, as he saw that his words had finally broken through the wall she’d put up and getting her to say what was wrong, to cupping her cheek and wiping her tear with his thumb, Astaroth’s expression and voice instantly softened.  “Of?”  He thanked whatever deity had helped  him this time silently, and also the Fates. 

“These women are confident and seductive, goddesses and succubi. I'm a mess, in all ways.  The woman you were talking to today annoyed you, but what about next time?  What if your mind changes about wanting this to work? What if you no longer want me?” her voice dropped in volume and was strained for her next words, “just like everyone else has in my life?”  Her voice trembled and cracked, her whole body began to tremble, and more tears escaped the confines of her eyes where she'd been trying to hold them in making small rivers as they traversed her cheeks.

Now it was Astaroth’s turn to sit mute and consider his response, consider it very carefully.   He wished for something stronger than the demon's brew he had, which he finished in one swallow now, to give him a moment to think of something to say.  Some day he was going to kill Lucifer, but he was going to do it excruciatingly slowly and painfully. There was no reason his wife should suffer like this, doubt what he’d said, what he’d vowed.

“Darling, this is not the place for this conversation.” In an instant they were back in the cabin on the beach, on the couch. Yara’s flowers from earlier were in a vase on the table.  “Now, this is better.” He sighed and tightened his hold on her hand slightly.  “Yara, I don't know how many ways I can say the same thing till you understand. I thought we had agreed, that you understood.”  He now knew what the problem was but he had no idea how to fix it. “Together.  We’re going to do this, TOGETHER.  Always. No other way.  No one else.  You and me.  What happened in the past with anyone else is irrelevant. I can’t undo who I have been with.  From now on, there is only you.  We are TOGETHER.  I vow it to the Primus Sator.”  He knew what he’d just done, and hoped she would not make him regret it.

Now her tears flowed and she tried to pull away, to flee like she always did. She wanted to hide till the hurt in her chest was gone.  The problem was, he wouldn't let her.  His grip on her hand was tight, and he was holding her face with his other hand. She was trapped.  Trapped with someone who just like her father, her brothers, her mother, any friends, and every lover, would throw her away when he no longer had a use for her. Trapped with someone that she didn't want to lose.  Trapped with someone who was starting to mean something to her.  Trapped with someone who...had just made a vow that hadn’t sunk in yet.

“Everyone leaves!” Her voice shook almost as much as her body, and her eyes dropped to the middle of his chest. “Before tonight I was able to delude myself that..” She took a stuttered breath and tried to continue, “that we could do this and you would want it to work.  That somehow we could figure it out and you’d be happy with whatever we came up with. Seeing women I could never compete with in any way, ready to take my place…it made me feel all unsure and unsteady again.  I always end up alone, Astaroth.”  Her eyes slowly rose to look at his. “I realized how easy it would be to lose you. How you had options that were far superior to me.  I can't compete or compare.  You know I'm an emotional mess.  Why would you choose that?” Her voice broke, she licked her lips, then bit down on the bottom one.

 “Did you hear what I just said?” His voice was quiet.  He now understood she was battling demons he couldn’t fight for her.  He’d given her a weapon, but she hadn’t picked it up.  Astaroth wasn’t sure that she’d even noticed it.  He had to get her to pay attention to what he’d said, not what she’d expected him to. 

“You said that we were going to do this together.  I know.  I know that’s what you said, but your mind could change. Women who are gorgeous and easier to deal with could offer you a different life.  You could find someone that you have a connection with that is stronger.”  Yara was fighting hysteria.  At the moment she was winning, but she wasn’t sure how much longer that she could hold out.

“What exactly  did I say?  Repeat it?”  Astaroth tried to will her to remember.  To have heard the words.  The vow he made was unbreakable.  He’d made it full well knowing that.  He also knew there was a fuck ton more going on than either of them knew, and he trusted the Fates a lot more than he trusted Lucifer’s machinations.  If they allowed the wedding, then there was a reason.  

“You said we’re going to do it together.  You and me. No one else. Just us.  We can’t change the past, so we’re going to ignore it.  Just you and me, together.”  Yara was reciting it, her head alternating back and forth with her sing-song voice, changing the words a little as she went.  Astaroth nodded along as she did, waiting for her to get to the part that he hoped she would realize how much this all meant to him.  When she paused after the last part he wasn’t sure if she hadn’t heard, hadn’t realized, or was thinking on it.  Then her eyes went wide as she looked at his, and he knew.  “You...you..Asti..you swear… to the Primus Sator…the Creator?” Her brows started coming together, a mixture of shock and incredulity coming to her face.  “Really?  For me?  For us?  You’re sure?”  Her eyes searched his face.  Was she understanding him correctly?  Had he thought about this?  “You can’t take that back...Asti! You can’t!”  Her eyes searched his.  What was he doing?

“Yes, really.  For US.  I know exactly what I have done, my Papilio, and I damn well meant it.   I do not know what it is that truly brought us together in this, but I intend to find out.  You can work with me or against me, but you are now stuck with me.  Sorry!” Astaroth smirked amused, looking into her beautiful green eyes, and realizing that he was falling in love for the very first time.

banner by @cafekitsune

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

15

A night that was supposed to be romantic is taking a wrong turn....

There had been an ache first in his chest that had told him something was wrong, an almost burning that seemed to grow the longer he stood at the bar.  A pull of hurt that grew and twisted, it had no reason for being, and that confused him, briefly distracting him from his anger.  Then he looked over towards Yara for a moment just to see how she was doing since he had been gone for longer than he had anticipated or intended to be.  Her posture gave it all away, making the ache suddenly make sense to him.  It was through their bond and caused by her upset.  Whatever had bothered her earlier had gotten worse, and he had a feeling that Argona had not helped it.  Turning away from Argona without another word, he strode purposefully towards his wife without another word to the succubus.

“Come, we are leaving.” He gently touched her shoulder, his voice matching the softness of his touch.  Astaroth wasn’t upset with her in the slightest, and he didn’t want her to misinterpret that he was.  “You are sitting here looking dejected on what I had hoped to be a fun evening out for us, Yara.  I am sorry for whatever has upset you.  I’ll call the car and we can go back to the cabin and talk.” His expression was soft, as was his voice, but his eyes were studying her meticulously.   

“Don’t you need to finish your conversation?”  Her voice was a little cold and a lot distant.  Yara looked everywhere but at him, uncomfortable,and if he had not been supernatural, her voice would have been too quiet for him to hear. It was all she could do not to cry as she shifted in the chair a little.  The last thing she wanted was him feeling sorry for her, pity was worse than anything.  “I don’t want to ruin your evening, I’ll be fine.  I always am.”  She swallowed, fighting her emotions that were having a full fledged war within her.

“It is finished, and I’m not going to leave my wife sitting here looking and feeling dejected in order to talk to anyone.” His brows drew together, not understanding her discomfort and avoidance of him.  He hadn’t done anything that he could think of to hurt her, or upset her.  Jealousy or insecurity he could understand, but now he was confused.  Was this part of that?   Was he misunderstanding her reaction?   He wanted to support her, but how?

“I'm fine. There is nothing wrong.  You do not have to end your conversation with your friend due to me.” She wouldn't look at him, and her voice was anything but convincing.  If she met his gaze, he would see the lie plainly in her eyes.  At least looking away from him kept it hidden for a few more moments.  Actually saying that she knew that he’d prefer to be with anyone in the club but her, would break her.  Her father forcing the marriage had been the ultimate punishment on her.  Not because Astaroth was cruel, but because he wasn’t.  However, he was male.  A male that she was quite sure wasn’t oblivious to the fact that many beings in the establishment were lusting over, and most of them would be a better companion for the evening, or for any time, than her.

“Yara, what is wrong?” He waived over a waitress; he needed a drink badly.  He took one of her hands gently, still not understanding why she wouldn’t even look in his direction.  It felt like they’d gone all the way back to the beginning again, even farther back than the beginning honestly, and he was starting to become frustrated. “You’re lying and I know it.  I’m not going to stop asking until you give me a real answer.”  For the moment he was able to keep his voice calm, but it was a war that he did not know how long he would be able to win.  Her avoiding answering was causing his frustration and anger to rise, and it was not like he’d ever had to contain it before.

“Nothing.  I said I'm fine.” Still not looking at him, her chin lifted, and she ordered a blood wine when the waitress came.  “You don't have to stay sitting, go finish your conversation.  I believe the alluring blonde is still over at the bar.”  Now there was an undertone of bitterness that was so palpable in her voice that a deaf being would even have felt it.  Yara tried to pull her hand back that he’d taken, but of course he wasn’t going to let that go either, much like the conversation.  Once more she swallowed down her emotions and tried to put up walls.  Somehow she found that far harder with Astaroth than with anyone in the past.  After their previous conversations, the way he had treated her, and the way she had hoped things would be, it now felt like she had been a fool and that stung.

He ordered a demon's brew, neat. After the waitress walked away he leaned in and spoke right next to her ear. “Fine, I will not argue with you here.” His fingertips caressed her upper arm.  “I was not having a conversation, I was waiting for the bartender and being annoyed by the bitch of a blonde.  If you want to be mad at me for that, I can't stop you.  However, you’re not getting rid of me.  So, be mad.” He kissed her neck just below her ear then sat upright. His breath had been hot against her neck and ear, fanning out with each word.  

Astaroth could have said everything sitting up and she would have heard him.  He could have refrained from touching her.  The kiss was not needed since at the moment she was doing her best to attempt to pretend he wasn’t there.  However, he knew one thing: sometimes you had to gently push someone to pull the truth out of them.  It wasn’t something he’d ever done often, but he knew just enough to be able to do it.

She felt a wave of desire flow through her for him when his lips met her skin. There was no doubt that he had known just what he was doing.  He wasn’t fighting fair, but then neither was she by not saying anything.  She guessed they were even.  “I'm not..” Yara looked down, as he took her hand now in both his and laced their fingers. “What are you doing?” Now her head turned to look at him, brows drawn together. What WAS he doing?  And WHY?

Smirking, he leaned over until their foreheads were touching as he replied, “not allowing you to push me away because you misread a situation.”  When she tried to pull her hand back a second time, he held tighter between his two. “I brought YOU here to have an enjoyable night.  If you wish to ruin it, I won't stop you.  I, however, will also not argue with you. I’m not leaving your side, and I am still going to show the only woman here who I care to be with, the affection she deserves.”  Pulling her hand up, he kissed the back without breaking eye contact.  “Together.”

She sat blinking at him without saying anything.  What kind of game was he playing? Why did she feel so confused?  There were new emotions and feelings flowing through her and she didn’t know how to handle them.  Everything was so overwhelming.  The words of Lucifer battling the words of Astaroth now in her head.  Astaroth’s actions battling her father’s words of foretelling. 

While he waited for her to say something he was glad their drinks were delivered.   He needed the strong demonic liquid to help him deal with whatever set this round of emotions off.  He was perplexed by her behavior and feeling suddenly closed off from her. Why did she suddenly think that he was looking to be with someone else after they’d had this conversation.  They’d agreed.  This had been covered.  Did she not trust him?  What had he done to deserve that?

“Asti, I…” suddenly she felt unsure again and her head dropped away from his; so that her eyes were looking at her lap, “I mean you don't have to…”  She sighed, and her jaw worked.  Why had coming here made her feel so off balance suddenly? 

“Have to what? Act like we're married?  We are. Act like your husband? I am. Act like I like you? I do.  Act like I care?” He reached over and took her chin gently to turn her face to look at him. “Papilio, we may not be madly in love with one another, but I do care about you and want you happy. I’ve told you that before, I don’t know why any of this should come as a surprise.  I wasn’t flirting with that female, if that is what you think, and there isn't anyone else here I want to spend time with. I don't know why you're now feeling insecure, but I am yours.” Astaroth leaned over and softly kissed her cheek.  He was starting to understand, remembering what she had told him about things Lucifer had said.  This was their first time in public.  Maybe a place with fewer people would have been better.  A wine bar instead of a nightclub.

“Only because you are being forced.” Suddenly her voice was colder, she was fighting tears and she didn't know why.  She was trying to put on her millennia old mask of indifference and condescension but it wasn’t working. “We both know I'm not the one in this bar you'd be with if you had a choice.” Her eyes again swept the women lusting after him, then could not meet his afterwards.

His eyes followed hers and he sighed. “I cannot help how others look at me.  Just like I can't control the men who are ogling you.” They quick whip of her head, to look at him, told him she hadn't even noticed. She had been so caught up in her own jealousy and insecurity that she had not noticed anyone paying attention to her.  He found that intriguing.  She had been afraid of losing him.  It had never occurred to her that there were others within the bar that would have been glad to take her away from him.  It still bothered him slightly that she was taking her insecurity out on him, even if he was beginning to understand.  “Why are you getting upset at me for what they are doing?” Astaroth wasn't sure where this patience was coming from, but he was thankful for it.

“I'm not.” Yara protested. “I just know how this goes.” She saw one of his brows raise so she continued with how her thoughts went.  “Once you find a way out of…” a finger landed on her lips very softly, but it was the darkening of his eyes that gave her pause more than that.  She knew that look.  She’d seen it during their wedding.  She’d seen it with her father.  This was anger.  Deep, dark, anger. The fact that what she had started to say evoked that emotion so strong and deep told her one thing: she was very, very wrong.

“I have not, nor do I plan to look for a way out of this. I have tried making plans for the future with you today about the house.  We will be visiting someone who can tell us about your mother.  Do not finish that sentence if you truly want things to work out between us, even if just as friends in this arrangement.  Because if that is what you truly think of me, then there is no future of anything but resentment and discord.” He was angry but trying not to lash at her the way he normally would at someone who insulted him like that.  A temper tantrum from her was the last thing he fucking needed. 

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

14

The first half of their date went well...but how will the rest of it go?

Being Death, Astaroth had a permanent invitation to the top floor Immortal VIP Lounge of the club, so that is where he led Yara.  Maybe getting out of human eyes, where they didn't have to be quite as careful, would help her relax.  This was supposed to be a romantic evening for them, and while dinner had gone well, somehow the mood had changed.  In their conversations, they both had revealed that “normal” relationships had not been a thing for either of them, but it was something they desired trying with one another.  He had hoped this would be the start of her relaxing and trusting him more.  Whatever had upset her since then, he would fix it.

As they reached the lounge, Yara tried to relax, let go of the jealousy and insecurity,  and just enjoy the time with Astaroth.  It wasn’t like she’d never been to a club, or with someone that was the object of desire; neither of them were firsts for her.  However, the person she was with hadn’t been her husband before, and she hadn’t cared if they wanted to be with someone else.  Questions came to her mind,  causing old and deep seated fears to rise once more to the surface.  No matter what had been said by them before, they hadn’t been the ones to choose each other, they were just trying to make the best of it, right?  He was being sweet to her, and romantic, but that was all, right?  Was it just because they were stuck together?  Now that there were others obviously interested in getting his attention and being with him,  would he choose someone else for the night? Could she stop him?  Were they really in this together?  TOGETHER...

Astaroth didn’t miss that something was bothering Yara.  The look on her face said that while she was there in body, her mind was somewhere else completely.  He looked around the lounge, not seeing anyone from Hell at all, there wasn’t even anyone from Heaven.  Could it be someone from her past that was upsetting her, or bringing up a memory?  He was getting worried something else was wrong, that maybe he had done something wrong that he wasn’t aware of.  “Papilio, what is bothering you?  Please tell me, so I can help” 

“Sorry, nothing…I’m fine.”  She tried to put on a smile and her fake mask that she always wore. Yara failed completely at both, and Astaroth saw straight through her.  The problem was she didn’t know how to express to him what the problem was without sounding like a fool.  How did she tell him that she was falling for him after such a short time and was jealous? He obviously wasn't jealous over her,  not that she could see anyone paying her attention.  She was a DEMON.  Demon’s didn’t fall in love.  Not like this.  Did they?

Now he was even more bothered as he looked at her.  After all they’d shared, now she was choosing to hold something back?  What could suddenly be so major that she wouldn’t share it after everything that she had shared?   Maybe if he gave her a minute, whatever nerves or upset had happened could calm down.  Forcing her would just make him like her father.  “I’ll go get us some drinks.  Why don’t you sit here, and enjoy the music and view of the dance floor below?  We can go down there in a little bit if you want.”  He kissed her temple softly and headed to the bar.  Maybe she’d decide to tell him what was wrong when he got back.  

As he was standing at the bar, waiting for the bartender to finish with another patron, Astaroth felt a hand on his arm.  Thinking it was Yara, he looked over with a pleased grin on his face, and was surprised to see a familiar face, but not one he wanted to see, standing there. Argona, a succubus that he had hooked up with a few times, but that had been the farthest thing from an actual relationship, had somehow found him on the one night that he wished for any female other than Yara to leave him alone.  From the look on her face, she was wanting to rekindle their past affairs, something that even if he had not been married to Yara,  made him recoil at the thought. Her body moved in a seductive  motion meant to elicit desire, and in the past it might have. Now, it did not. Now it made him want to make her drop where she was standing, in her impossibly high heels; however he knew the owner of the club, and did not want to create bad blood.

“Is there something I can assist you with, Argona?”  One brow rose as he looked at her with a rather indifferent expression, his grin gone. His voice was flat, completely lacking effect.  Whatever reaction she had expected from him, this was NOT it.  He hoped that she would get the hint and leave.

Back at the table, Yara saw the captivating woman in a dress even smaller and more alluring than hers, approaching Astaroth in a clearly seductive manner.  When the woman laid her hand on his arm, and her further seductive movements after she was acknowledged, but he didn’t pull away; there was an ache that started in her chest that she didn’t like. Then the doubts started even louder in her head, and for some reason those doubts came in Lucifer’s voice now.  Did she really have a claim on him?  They were only married because of the contract they'd been forced into. Why would someone like Astaroth look at someone like her? What could a Lord like him have in common with her?  WITH HER?  And then there was the sound of her father’s laughter that almost made her teleport herself straight out of there without a thought as to where she'd even go. 

She kept reminding herself that they had agreed that they would not have anyone else besides each other. So that would include one night stands from a club, right?  He had seemed concerned that she was upset, so he wouldn’t entertain another woman in front of her, would he?  Yara felt so unsure and she hated it, she hated the laughing and taunting voice of her father in her head.  Astaroth was starting to mean something to her, and that scared her because that meant losing him would hurt. Her head started to swim and she felt queasy, panic started to set in and she wanted to leave.

Back at the bar, Argona was smirking at Astaroth seductively.  She was not one to give up easily, especially when she had her eye set on someone specific.  Her voice came out soft and seductive, like velvet against his ears.  “I think you know just what I want, my Lord.  Why don’t you and I get out of here and we can reconnect like old times?”  She was running her hand over his forearm, letting her fingertips caress the back of his hand.

Now Astaroth did pull his arm away, he did not like her assumption of familiarity.  Not that he could say exactly why this was, other than his blooming affection for Yara.  It wasn’t like he had not been in situations similar many times in the past, and done just what she was suggesting.  Then he saw the black band on his finger, the lights from over the bar hitting it and throwing back green sparks, and he couldn’t help but see those impossibly green eyes of Yara’s and it was like it sparked a fire in him.   “I’m married.”  His voice was cold and hard, he held up his hand so that she could see his ring, the one he had crafted himself to remind him of Yara’s eyes, and it had worked like a charm.  “I have no need or desire to leave with you.  I am quite content with the female I came with.”  His smile tight, voice sarcastic.

Argona was not deterred.  Instead, she saw his rebuffing her as a challenge. “You know as well as I do that marriages of our kind mean very little.  I don’t believe you want nothing to do with me.  You always did enjoy our time together, so very much. Maybe she’d even like to join, you might both enjoy.”  Her smug look didn’t falter as her chin lifted, and she reached out now to run one hand over his bicep.  “Stop. Touching. Me.” Astaroth bit out in a low growl through gritted teeth.  He was tired of her arrogance and her disregard for his marriage to Yara.  Yes, it may not have been by choice, but his respect of it was.  They had agreed to things, they would make the best of their marriage, TOGETHER.  Together meant not fucking others, especially not arrogant bitches like Argona.

Yara saw the continuing conversation, and the woman’s continuing touching, and her head dropped in defeat.  She couldn’t muster anger, for some reason the hurt in her chest was too great.  Lucifer’s words over the years just seemed to echo in her ears louder and louder.  The woman was far more beautiful than she was, and it was clear there was some kind of friend or acquaintance of Astaroth’s.  Why would he choose her?  She was loud.  She threw temper tantrums.  She was a child that not even her mother wanted.  No one wanted. She was a female that her father had to force someone to marry because none of the Princes or Dukes of Hell had come courting.  No one would ever love her, no one ever had.  Her father had told her often enough, and it was setting in that maybe he was right.  As she sat there with the thoughts echoing louder and louder, trying not to cry, and trying to decide where the best spot to teleport out would be, so Astaroth could enjoy his evening; Yara didn’t know that he saw her and somehow he knew.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

13

Yara took the time to pick the perfect “little black dress” out of her extensive clothing wardrobe.  It barely covered her ass, and if she leaned over at all, it wouldn’t.  Was there part of her that had chosen it to see if it would make her husband jealous?  Possibly, but she also loved the way that it hugged every inch and curve, and never failed to garner attention.  As she looked at it now in the mirror, she couldn’t help but smirk, anticipating Astaroth’s reaction.

Astaroth, for his part, had on one of his expertly tailored black suits with his customary white shirt and black tie.  There were times he almost called it his uniform; but if one must have a uniform, he thought it was one that was not half bad.  It was also true that he had been told by his wife that the combination looked especially nice on him, so there was that consideration as well.  He would be losing the tie and jacket, most likely, before they went to the club, but the dinner was more formal, and he wanted it to be special for Yara.

Yara did receive the appreciative perusal from Astaroth that she had anticipated, when she had stepped out from her dressing room.  She could almost feel the weight of his eyes as they took in every inch of her form; a weight that she had come to like, but never failed to bring a blush to her cheeks.  The slight smirk on his lips told her that he was already having thoughts regarding activities for after they returned to their beach cabin once their night was over.  Since they would be in the presence of humans, they would be better behaved than if they had been in Hell, or even just amongst other immortal or even just supernatural beings.

At the appointed time, Astaroth teleported them to a location near where the car was going to pick them up to take them to dinner.  Just appearing in a restaurant with regular humans did tend to draw a bit too much attention, and that was never a good thing.  Better to start in a location designated for teleportation usage and then arrive by car service, the way humans did.  It helped one to blend.  Although, he could not help but to think that with Yara on his arm, blending might not be exactly what they’d be doing.

Even though for humans the restaurant he had chosen had a massive wait list that required getting reservations almost a year in advance, of course Astaroth had a table waiting for them when they arrived.  The benefits of being the living embodiment of death were limitless, something he intended to show his new wife over the coming days, weeks, and months.  Never having to wait in line anywhere was one of those benefits. Few people were willing to disappoint a being that could literally end your existence on a whim.  This was something that Yara would now get to experience as well as the Mistress of Death, and the one being in creation that Astaroth would bring about death for, without her even having to ask.  He was becoming quite fond of his wife.

Beautiful pink roses had been set up at the table, with a delicate purple butterfly on one, for Yara.  It was a touch that he could see she appreciated from the pink tinge that flared to her cheeks as they approached, and the way that her hand tightened on his.  He had to admit the way that her smile brightened, causing her eyes to crease at the edges, pleased him, and caused his own to broaden as well.  Spoiling her and bringing about that natural blush to her cheeks were something he was finding himself enjoying far more than he could have anticipated.

The Chef’s Tasting Menu along with the Sommelier’s Wine Pairings were what Astaroth had pre-arranged for them to enjoy for the evening.  No menu choices having to be made removed a complication from things, and also helped things to be more relaxed. While Yara had not yet seemed to be very picky with her food, forgoing having to make that decision on the first night of their honeymoon did seem to make things go smoother.  He wanted the night to be special for her, and one for her to remember fondly.  He had gathered that she really had never been courted or been out on what most people would call a traditional date.  This, to him, was a travesty that simply had to be remedied.  So, this would be the first of many such nights, when he would show her what his idea of an evening should entail.  Just because he was Death did not mean that he could not enjoy the finer things in life, and do so with a woman, he was becoming more and more fond of, as his companion.

Each course presented to them was decadent and perfect.  The wine was sublime and was savored along with the dishes that were expertly prepared.  In the lull between the courses, there were small touches and intimate glances exchanged between the couple.  None who gazed upon the couple could doubt the affection that was growing between them. The conversation was light and positive, not once during the entire meal did Yara feel self conscious.  Both believed that they had never experienced a meal so perfect previously.

Astaroth had chosen a nightclub that catered to both immortals and humans to visit after dinner.  It was only a few blocks from the restaurant, so they chose to walk rather than take the car again. The driver was given the flowers, Astaroth’s jacket and tie, and the time it was anticipated that they would be ready to leave the club.  Then, with Yara’s hand in the crook of Astaroth’s arm, the couple headed down the block towards the club.  Anyone watching would not have thought they had been together less than a week, it was as if their pairing was perfection...or maybe destiny.

Yara had been to many different types of clubs before, but never WITH someone.  Her visits were normally to pick someone up for the night when an itch needed scratched.  As they walked in, she felt a wave of self consciousness and jealousy at the way other women looked at Astaroth then would sneer at her.  Her grip on his arm grew tighter, laying claim to what was hers, but she completely forgot to put on the mask of smug ambivalence.   While self consciousness was not a new feeling, jealousy was.  Never before had she worried about the attention of a male she was with being diverted to another female.

The tightening of her hold on him had Astaroth looking over to his wife.  He had not missed the lustful glances of both human and immortals of many kinds on her.  He was smug and gloating just a little to himself that he would be the one taking her home, and possibly enjoying every inch of her, if she’d let him.  So, when he saw the look on her face, he was a bit concerned and perplexed.  Yara rarely allowed insecurity to show, except when they were alone together, yet it was clear on her face now.  Something had her intimidated, but he could not determine what.  Possibly there was someone in the club?  His hand covered hers, and he gave her a reassuring look and wink.  Whatever was the problem, they would get it solved and not let it ruin their evening. 

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

12

*****

A short time later, a contract appeared on Lucifer’s desk. He looked sideways at it, wondering where it had come from and the meaning of it appearing. As he reached for it, he recognized it. So, Astaroth and Yara had fulfilled all the requirements. A muscle in his jaw began to tick. This was not the end of things, not even remotely. This was just the beginning. Astaroth had just made an enemy, and he was a powerful one.

Hours later, Astaroth watched relaxed in a hammock as his bride slowly walked through the ankle deep water of their cloaked private island that he’d created for them just off the Maldives. It had been her choice of locations to honeymoon in, but she still had nerves and was trying to become accustomed to his attentions to her. He had a feeling that the attention of other women to him, even human women, might make her even more insecure. Just based off the scant conversations they’d had, he had discovered that her father and brothers had done quite a number on her self confidence. That was something that he intended to remedy, starting on this very vacation.

Yara could feel Astaroth’s gaze upon her, but it did not make her uncomfortable, rather the opposite was true. The more that she felt him watching her, the more it gave her a deep sense of warmth, safety, and being cherished. Whenever she’d look back over at him from where she was watching the small fish, shrimp and crabs scatter as she stepped, she would find his gaze one of affection and a heat in it of lust that she did not mind, in fact she was coming to like quite a bit.

It was not as if Yara had been a virgin when she married Astaroth, but the way he looked at her was unlike any male had previously. It would have been hard for her to describe how exactly he was different, just that he was and that she enjoyed that difference immensely. That he was very nice to look at did not hurt these feelings at all. If her father had to force her to marry someone, she could not think of any other within the realm of Hell that he could have picked that she would have enjoyed more.

“What is it that is on your mind, my beautiful Papilio, that has you smiling so? And what is it going to cost me?” Astaroth teased Yara. He loved the sound of her laughter and the way her smile lit up her whole face, especially when he was the reason for either one of them.

“Do I have to have a reason to smile now, Asti?” She could tell from his tone that he was teasing her, something that she was still getting used to. She wasn’t sure that anyone had before. If they had, it had been so long ago that she could not even remember it. He seemed to be enjoying doing so, as long as she laughed or smiled about it. If it upset her, he would apologize, another new thing she was learning about. She was used to being the one giving apologies, not accepting them and they made her a little uncomfortable.

“No, but you tend to have one. For that reason, I am curious.” His eyes remained on her, enjoying the lovely sight of her tanned skin glistening in the sun with nothing on. Another bonus to a private and cloaked island with just the two of them, no clothing. For a demon, she was a bit demure. He figured it had something to do with the wonderful relationship with her father and brothers. Yet another thing he was looking forward to getting rid of in her brain.

A soft blush rose to Yara’s cheeks as her eyes briefly dropped again to the water where she splashed her feet a little as she walked, then back up to Astaroth. “Maybe I just like the way my handsome husband looks at me, and it makes me smile.” She could feel the heat growing on her cheeks again.

Stretching and extricating him from the far too comfortable position in the hammock, Astaroth sauntered over to where his wife had paused in the water, a rather smug smirk firmly in place. He could not deny that her answer pleased him greatly. “Is that so? I will have to make sure while we are here, Papilio, that I look at you as often as you like and for as long as you like then. I cannot deny that I also enjoy feasting my eyes upon you.” His hands landed lightly on her hips then slid over her smooth skin to find purchase on her lower back as he gazed down into her eyes he swore had changed colors since they arrived at their destination to now match the teal of the sea around them.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, Asti.” A soft chuckle fell from Yara’s lips as her eyes closed for a beat before opening again to meet his as a smile formed and her cheeks pinked while her hands lightly skimmed the warm skin of his biceps. She had come to love the feel of his skin under her fingertips, and his fingertips over hers. “Maybe this is where our home should be, A true escape from everything, everywhere, and everyone.” One of her brows rose as she made the suggestion. They both agreed they did not wish to reside in Hell, Earth wouldn’t be so bad. The island was perfect, especially since Astaroth had created it, so they were the only ones to ever have been there or know about it.

The corners of his eyes creased with his smile as he pulled her even tighter against him, he did like the way that she thought. “Not even a week married and you are already thinking like me. I cannot deny liking that fact.” There would no doubt be disagreements in the future, so he would enjoy the commonalities as long as he could. “Would you like to move the entire mansion out of Hell, or design one of our very own here that is unique?” His brows rose in question just before his head dipped to brush his lips over hers. The latter option had just come to him, and it was his preferred option if she asked. No history for either of them, and there was something about that which appealed to him.

“You’d build an all new one?” Her brows drew together slightly as she gazed up at him, her hands stilling on his shoulders. “We could completely start fresh here with things that were just ours?” Was it too much to ask that was what he had in mind? She hated that she kept finding herself jealous whenever she thought of his past. It was not as if she did not have one, and she felt foolish for wishing he did not. The difference was that there was no one in her past that could compare to the way that he treated her, the way he looked at her, and the way that he made her feel; where as she was a mess and she was sure that there were others in his past who were not.

“Together. Wasn’t that what we said from the beginning, Papilio? I think it would only be fitting to once more make our home something we do together.” His lips lingered on hers longer now after seeing how her eyes had lit up at his response. He still didn’t know why he enjoyed surprising and delighting her quite the way he did, but he was not going to argue with the feeling it gave him. Yet another reason they would soon be going to visit an old friend of his for some answers. “You were concerned before about who had been in that bed with me, now no one will have even been in the whole house.” His expression softened as his forehead came to hers.

“I like this idea.” She gazed up into his gorgeous eyes as her lower lip caught between her teeth. “We can make it completely ours.” Her eyes sparkled in the afternoon sun. She couldn't remember a time she'd been quite as excited. Once more she was thankful for her new husband.

“Tomorrow we can start the planning. Tonight, I would like to take my bride to dinner and dancing to celebrate the start of our happy partnership.” His fingers gently caressed the side of her face before tucking some stray locks of her hair behind her ear. They had never had anything akin to what could be considered a formal “date” and he thought that their honeymoon was the perfect time to embark on one. “Do you have something you think would be appropriate, Papilio? Or do I need to take you shopping?” Astaroth smirked as he gazed down lovingly at Yara. He truly cared not which her answer was. Whatever she wore, he was sure that he would appreciate her in it.

For her part, Yara was surprised at his suggestion, but not upset at all. Her husband wanting to be seen out with her amongst the humans and other beings actually gave her butterflies and brought a blush to her cheeks. It was a rather new situation for her, but one that she was looking forward to. “I do have something that I hope you will like.” Yara’s teeth caught on her bottom lip. “If you don’t, I’m sure we can quickly find something more to your liking, Asti.” She was all but glowing as her hands ran across his broad shoulders before burying themselves in his thick, black hair to pull his head down so she could once more capture his lips with her own.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

11

“I see that I was able to change your mind on that damn stickler of an issue we had, Mrs. Anthas.” Astaroth had to tease Yara, who lay in his arms now on their bed as they relaxed and just enjoyed spending time together.. His fingers lightly stroked her bare upper arm. Yes, the Fates had definitely blessed him.

“Well, you were very convincing, Mr. Anthas.” Yara lightly chuckled as her head tipped back to kiss the underside of his jaw, his beard tickling her nose. “I can see now that I will always lose in an argument or negotiations. I guess the saying that there is no cheating death is very accurate.” She let out a light laugh as their fingers laced where her hand had been laying on his chest, fingers making small circles over his skin. His seduction earlier had been a little surprising, but she could not deny that she enjoyed the result of it. They were acting like a legitimate married couple and that still confused her some.

“Papilio, I think you know better than that.” His head turned and tipped down to look at her, his lips finding hers for a brief kiss, his smile never fading. “Besides, you only seemed to argue the first time it came up. I just tried to show how enjoyable it could be if you changed your mind. Death can’t be cheated, but he does compromise and convince.” His nose slowly ran along hers when their lips parted, his brilliant hazel eyes never leaving her emerald ones of her as he did. She was truly captivating to him on so many levels, a unique creature in his long life. THere was no doubt that there was more than just a forced marriage going on between them, and he aimed to find out exactly what and why.

“I might have seen the error of my ways.” A soft blush rose to her cheeks as she gazed up at him with something like affection glistening in her eyes. What had the Lord of Death done to her? How could she be falling in love with him? Demons didn’t fall in love did they? “Maybe we both are educating one another on a few things. You are never too old to learn, after all.”

“Count it as many of the wonderful things I intend on showing you, love. It seems you have been denied some very pleasurable things, I must remedy that. I do look forward to seeing what you have in store to teach me.” His arm around her tightened as he felt like his heart was swelling and its rhythm chaning. Something was different about his wife, something that he was going to find out what it was. She was NOT a demon, no matter what she had been told. It was possible that Lucifer was her father, but her mother could not have been a demon, Astaroth knew these things. He had spent time and even enjoyed dalliances with full demons, and he knew that that was like. Yara was unlike anyone he’d engaged with. What a gorgeous and glorious enigma to solve, and it was all his.

“Oh, and what other things do you intend on showing me, Asti?” A pleased smile formed on her lips as she continued to gaze up at him. She wondered what exactly he had in mind. After the past two days, she couldn’t deny she was looking forward to whatever it was because he had already shown her that she didn’t need to fear him or his affections, his love. He was so different from any other male that she’d ever met, and she had met many.

“Now, I can’t tell all my secrets, now can I?” An amused smirk raised the corners of his lips as he looked down at his wife and found the more that he gazed at her, the deeper she seemed to worm into his cold heart. Maybe it wasn’t even so cold anymore now that she was finding her way into it, interesting. Others had tried to enter his life and capture his heart and failed, and yet this female in his arms had done it without trying in the slightest. In fact, she was nervous and timid, afraid of rejection constantly. The beautiful fates certainly had been playing with his tapestry.

“I might be able to give you a few hints, though.” A soft kiss was dropped on the tip of her nose, as his voice became far more smooth. . “Like, what it is like to go up and visit Heaven. It is far more beautiful than down here. *I* am still welcome up there, Death is neither good nor evil, and I’m technically a lesser god. There are also other pantheons we can visit. Death is not just owned by one.” Astaroth couldn’t help but smile thinking of taking her places he doubted she’d ever gone before. The shrines on Olympus, the true temples of Egypt, Valhalla, just to start.

“You said that to father, but I don’t understand. You’re saying the one who created both you and him didn’t kick you out?” Her brows knit together some, what she was understanding from him conflicting everything that she’d ever been told. Her father had been very clear that all in Hell had been once in heaven and were kicked out and no longer welcome. Rebelling had caused God to be enraged and cast them all into Hell to separate them from his Heavenly Realm. There would be no reconciling or second changes, he was firm on that. It made sense that they called him “father” since she knew how her own could be, even if none of them were truly related.

“The Creator only kicked out those who rebelled against him. He has a major thing for following orders, you see. I didn’t rebel, I had no reason to, I didn't want to rule a whole realm and I also was not jealous of mankind. So, I’m still welcome there and on Earth. No angelic forces have ever hunted or attempted to hurt me if I ended up in the same place as one; and now they will not hunt you either. You are well and truly protected, my darling Papilio. I will ensure that nothing ever happens to you.” His hand gently slid down her side to pull her tighter against him. As it did, he had to think that the feel of her skin under his fingertips could become a definite addiction. One more thing about her he found fascinating, never had a female of any kind called to him as his wife did, and he knew it was not simply because of their bonding. What was it about the tiny female?

“But I’m forbidden from going up there because of my father,” she eyed him suspiciously, trying to figure out what he wasn’t telling her. Could what he was saying really be true? Could they really live somewhere other than hell? Yara was almost afraid to hope. She knew she could go to Earth, and had many times; and figured that was where she and her new husband would move to. However, she had never even dreamed of going to Heaven. That had to be strictly forbidden. Didn’t it?

“You are not your father. Add that to the fact that we are now married and bonded. I think you are now allowed, my darling.” There was something deliciously enjoyable about watching the shock settle in over her lovely features. The fact that he was pretty sure that she was only half-demon, if even that, if that, meant that she would have been able to go before. Only those considered who had actually been part of the rebellion were truly forbidden. “Besides, who is your mother?” He really did wonder, and had never heard from anyone.

“I..I don’t know.” She gave a small shrug and looked a little sheepish. “Daddy never told me. Said she dumped me with him and took off . I’ve only ever known my step-mother, and she’s as fond of me as Daddy is. Why?” Yara’s head tipped a little as her brows furrowed seeing that deep “one” line form between her husband’s brows that meant he was thinking about something.

“Because I don’t think you’re a demon, at least not a total one. You have a different feel to you, Papilio. I can’t say for sure what it is, but I know exactly who will. We'll make a visit after our honeymoon.” He grinned, loving that he was going to be able to reveal something to her that she hadn’t known before. This marriage really was going to be an enjoyable adventure.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

10

"So, the Maldives, Bahamas, or Greece?" Astaroth’s lips caressed the curve of his wife's ear to ask her preference of honeymoon destinations after he teleported them from Lucifer’s outer office to their living room.  "Or would you like me to create our own private island?  Clothing optional, just my staff," he moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back flush against him gently, "no one to disturb us until we are ready to deal with people." He kissed the curve where her neck and shoulder joined, inhaling her soft scent.  "All the time in the world to get to know each other." 

"You're trying to distract me from that visit, Asti." Yara’s voice was breathy as the attention he was paying her began to affect her.  "And you are doing a good job of it, maybe too good."  She let her head relax back against his shoulder, bringing her arms to rest over his.  His type of distraction was one she would welcome, happily. 

"My beautiful Papilio, I have multiple goals. Distraction is but one of them." His voice lowered in volume and timber.  "This trip will not only be one of discovery about one another, but also a time for you to become confident in all that you are to me."

"I am to you?" Yara didn't move.  She was suddenly confused and wondered if she had missed something, or was misunderstanding him.  Obviously she was his wife, he was obviously seducing her,  and they were working towards something like friends or partners, but was there more?

“Wife, partner, very skilled apprentice it seemed,” each word was followed by a kiss upon the soft skin of her neck, the last one delivered with a devious smile upon his lips as well.  “Hopefully, eventual lover.” Astaroth pulled her tighter against him, leaving no doubt as to his attraction to her. He knew he could have been more demanding and forceful; but seduction was more his style to begin with, and since they were now bound, it behooved him to make her desire him rather than force a thing.  “I am sure that you will become more as the days pass, my lovely Princess.”  His lips ghosted over the skin of her neck, paying attention to each inch and detecting each stuttered inhale and the increase of her pulse with each breath he let dance across her skin.

A warmth and vibration seemed to start in her chest and spread as he explained his meaning.  Never had she felt so desired, in all ways.  It still confused her how her father, who had made it abundantly clear his disdain for her, had somehow arranged this marriage to someone who very much wanted her.  Could her aunts, the Fates, have something to do with it?  Could her mother?  How had this happened?  Did it really matter?

“Asti, if you keep talking like that, you may never be able to get rid of me.  I may just forever be taking up room in your bed and your closet.” Her voice was almost a purr, and Yara was only partially teasing him with her words.  She was falling for him and she knew it. Even as she tried to fight feeling anything, she was and it scared her to death.  Caring about someone, loving them, it made you even more vulnerable.  In a life that had never been soft or kind, being vulnerable was the last thing you wanted to be.

“If you keep responding like that, I won’t want to.” His arms tightened around her.  Astaroth had held many women in his long life, for many different reasons.  Some as he ended their life, others romantically, others still as simple lust and passion enveloped them, yet she was the first that he had embraced to provide comfort and ease the pain of something, even if there were additional motives.  “I’ll have to find another way to bind my beautiful Papilio to me besides the rings on her finger.”  His left hand slid out from under hers, his fingers running over the wedding set on her own hand.  “I’m sure I can find many delightful ways.”  He could not keep the grin out of his voice as he laved more attention on her neck, only serving to increase his own desire for her at the same time.  Yes, being married to her was going to be quite enjoyable if it was like this.

Yara pressed her whole body back against Astaroth, letting out a deep sigh as her desire for him and his touch grew.  “You have proved so far to be able to find such ways.”  Her voice was breathy and she did not even attempt to hide the desire in it.  “And it seems your distraction could lead to fulfilling the last condition of the contract if you keep that up.”  It had been after they got back that she realized what Lucifer had been referring to.  It was the part that had caused their misunderstanding in Astaroth’s office.  She had seen it, he hadn’t…and it had gone from there, it was only now that she realized this.

Astaroth’s eyes closed.  So, that was the last condition.  And, they had already had the conversation over it, which he now understood all that had happened in his office.  “Yara…I expect nothing…I will demand nothing…I will force nothing…” his lips ghosted over the skin of her shoulder and neck as he spoke, “but I don’t want to have to try to fight your father for breaking the contract, nor will I deny my attraction to you.”  Honesty seemed the best route at this point.  It wasn’t like she couldn’t tell at this point he did desire her carnally.  “I won’t let you go…”

Yes, her aunts definitely had a hand in them coming together.  There was no other explanation. Turning in his arms, she brought her lips to his softly, savoring the feel of him. “I might be changing my opinion on our discussion yesterday.”  Her fingers lightly played with his hair just above the collar of his suit jacket.  “You will have to let me go though.” A teasing smile flitted across her lips as his brow rose in confusion. “Unless you want your suit ruined to get it off of you.”  Slowly her nose ran along his as her lips once more made their way to his.

He couldn’t help but chuckle against her lips.  It seemed that his wife was going to be an endless source of surprises.  First she somehow figured out how to remotely eliminate someone, then the way she had stood up to Lucifer, and now the desire that was glowing in her eyes was such a reflection of what he knew was showing in his own.  

“I might be willing to let you go for that.” Astaroth’s voice was deeper, a slight rasp entering it born of desire. His hands now gently roaming her back, still holding her to him. “I do want to keep my Papilio happy after all.” Foreheads together, he couldn’t help but look down into her gorgeous emerald green eyes as he teleported them from the living room to the bedroom.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

9

“If one of those issues is a divorce, I can guarantee you that I will not be giving one.  I’m sorry, Astaroth, you are stuck with her.”  Lucifer grinned.  His daughter might have on a mask of indifference and smugness, but he knew the insecurity that lay within.

“Oh, now THAT is NOT one of the issues.  In fact, I do have thank you for what I assume was to be some kind of punishment for one or both of us.  We are both extremely happy with this arrangement and have no desire to seek a divorce now, or anytime in the foreseeable future.” Astaroth gave his father-in-law a cocky grin and brought Yara’s hand up to kiss the back of it before placing it back on his arm.  His eyes never left Lucifer’s and the seething rage within the King’s gave him joy.  “So let me make one thing clear to YOU, Lord Lucifer.  If you, or any of your cronies, try to come between us, I will have no qualms in expeditiously ending your life with great satisfaction.  You wanted this marriage, now *I* do.”  He felt Yara’s hand tighten on his arm, his hand atop hers gently squeezing reassuringly.  As he had thought, her smug exterior was just a mask of her true feelings.  She wanted him to stay calm, which he had no inclination to do.  Lucifer was about to learn his place, one way or another. “I will remind you, Lord Astaroth,” Lucifer’s voice dripped venom as he said the other male’s name with derision, “that your, so called, wife is still my daughter and I will treat her as I see fit, as shall my staff.  You reside in MY kingdom, sir, and therefore will not dictate to me how I will behave.” The condescension was so heavy in Lucifer’s voice and demeanor it hung in the air like a blanket on the entire room. He was grinning with a bit of smug satisfaction, something that was about to change.

“I’ll remind you Lord Lucifer,” Astaroth matched his condescending tone and smug visage, “that unlike YOU, I do not have to live in Hell.” Yara saw her father’s jaw clench and wondered what her husband meant, something that he quickly clarified.  “Remember that I am NOT on our father’s bad side like you and some of the other Lords here are.  I left of my own accord because I had more friends here than there.  I can choose where I live.  Here, there, or even Earth. You, Lucifer, have NO power over me. None.”  Astaroth’s smirk became cocky and condescending, he was enjoying this.  “And, dear brother, now this is true of my wife.  She is not my “so called wife”, she is my WIFE.  Full stop.  No further clarifications required.  So, your daughter or not, my WIFE will be respected in Hell or there will be consequences.  I will not tolerate anything otherwise” 

“Maybe you should move out of Hell then, Lord Astaroth.” Lucifer was barely containing his temper now and Yara actually took a step back from her husband.  He knew why and did not take offense. “I do hope that you fulfilled all the fine print of your contract though, or your marriage to Yara will be nullified.  Then she is back to being MINE and I have many ideas on how to welcome her home.”  

The grin on her father’s face sent icewater coursing through Yara’s veins, yet she did not move and her smug expression did not falter. It was a mask she’d perfected over centuries.  It was not hard to keep in place now.  She had read that damned document several times and her mind was racing over what could have been left out, she would figure it out.  There was no way she was going to give up Astaroth, not after just a taste of his affections.  The thought of more developing and her father trying to destroy it was almost enough to drive HER to violence.

Astaroth wondered what he’d missed in the contract.  He didn’t know, but he’d damn sure find out when this was over.  There was no way in Heaven, Hell, or Earth that he was letting Yara go, and definitely not so her father could toy with her.  “I assure you, that will not happen.  Touch her and you will regret it.  Your minions touch her, YOU will regret it.  She gets a papercut, and I will blame you.” He took a step forward.  “Your priest ruined our wedding for no reason other than to be an asshole at your order.  He barely left with his life.  Know that next time I will not be so merciful to one who disrespects her.  You thought that you were sending her to me to die, but you were wrong.  Just accept it.  You don’t have that power.”  By the end of his statement, there was a growl undercutting his voice.  He was barely restraining himself.

“You can kill her or I will,” now Lucifer showed his hand and for one split second Yara’s mask faltered before it was back in place.  While Yara was in shock, the sound that came from Astaroth was one of pure, unadulterated rage. The look on Lucifer’s face said he had not anticipated that reaction, and he took a step back. Yara could not see the look on her husband’s face, but she had to imagine that his demonic visage was coming through for her father to even show the slightest modicum of respect and possibly fear.

“No one, not you or any of your people, will lay a hand on MY WIFE.”  Astaroth started to stalk toward Lucifer who was standing his ground.  It was clear in Astaroth’s voice that he was barely containing himself and speaking through clenched teeth.   “I don’t care what you WANT, it is NOT going to happen.  I will eliminate any threat that comes near her, including you and the consequences of that can be damned.  You cannot kill her, Lucifer.  You forget one thing. I. AM. DEATH.  *I* decide if she can die and I said NO!” The air began to literally vibrate and hum in the room, one of the powerful men was about to unleash literal Hell and Yara was not sure which one of them it was. 

Lucifer and Astaroth were almost nose to nose, the anger rolling off the two males was almost palpable in the air around them.  Yara watched from a few feet away, feeling more and more ill as the seconds passed.  Which one of them would blink first, she wasn’t sure.  Very few had stood up to her father, but she’d never seen anyone as enraged at him as her husband currently was.  That Astaroth's anger was over her touched a part of her deep inside that no one ever had before.  Why he was being like this confused her, other than their discussion yesterday regarding how they would make the best of what they had been forced into, and that meant taking care of one another.

Just then she caught movement to the side out of her peripheral vision.  Eyes snapping in that direction, she saw one of her father’s minions with a cursed blade heading to the two males who were currently facing off.  There was no way that this was a good thing.  “I wouldn’t if I were you.”  Her voice came out almost a purr, but it was full of warning as well.  Astaroth was facing off with her father, she wasn’t going to allow some minor demon of her father’s to threaten in him in any way. Not that she doubted that he could defend himself, but his attention was otherwise occupied. The minion demon scoffed and rolled his eyes at her warning.  Of course he would blow her off, she was Yara, Lucifer’s daughter.  In her father’s world she was of no consequence.  She wasn’t of that world anymore though, as her husband kept reminding her, she was now the Mistress of Death.  It seemed like a good time to make that clear.

Reaching out her hand, she waved it rather dismissively with the intent to end the demon's life. She wasn't sure how the whole command over life and death worked, but she surmised it had to be something like her other demonic powers. It was worth a shot. If it didn't work, she'd just have to kill him another way. 

The demon with the blade suddenly made a choking sound then dropped mid-stride.  “I told you not to…” Yara smirked and watched as both her father and husband’s heads snapped to look at the dead minion that she’d just dropped.  She lifted her chin with a smug smile, hiding the fact she was actually completely stunned it had worked.  If it hadn’t, she would have had to do it manually, which she WAS ready to do. 

It seemed like it was just a blink till Lucifer was now in her face.  “Just who do you think you are to come into my office and kill one of my demons?  Explain yourself!”  He demanded, his hot sulfuric breath caressing her face as she saw Astaroth approaching them slowly over his shoulder.  The look on her husband's face was malevolent, ready to strike if Lucifer made a wrong move.  It emboldened Yara to address her father as she had never before.

“Daddy dearest, you should know.”  Her grin was nothing short of malevolent as well, no warmth in it whatsoever.  “You arranged the marriage after all.”  Her head tipped to the side as she regarded him.  “I’m the Mistress of Death now thanks to you,” Yara leaned her head forward towards him slightly, “and if you ever have one of your minions threaten my husband again, I’ll drop you, not him.  Capiche?”  She winked, leaned back, and crossed her arms over her chest with a cocky smile.  One thing her father hadn’t taken into account was that she was the oldest of his children, which meant if he died…she’d be Queen.  She knew it, she feared it, but at the moment, she had literal DEATH ready to defend her.  No matter how scared she was, it did give her strength.

“I think you two need to leave, NOW.” Lucifer had reached the end of his ability to control his rage.  He was sure that if he unleashed it on Yara, as he wished to, that Astaroth would make him suffer for it. Why the Lord of Death was so enamored with his daughter, he could not understand.  There were none of his own demons who could even stand her.  What he wished to happen would, just later than he had anticipated.

"We will." Astaroth answered as he walked around Lucifer to the side to come up next to Yara. "Don't forget my warning.  I will not give it again, nor will I be lenient. And it appears you now also have a warning from my wife, which if I were you, Lucifer, I would not take lightly. I fear you have no clue what you've done, which delights me greatly." Stepping next to his wife, he wrapped his arm around her waist and gently guided her to the door of Lucifer’s office.  As firm and hard as her expression might seem, he knew the emotions beneath were neither.  The tears and the ache she had shown him the night before were fresh in his memory, and when they were alone once more he would ease them once more.

@saltysupercomputer - and here it is!!

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

8

Astaroth and Yara go to visit Lucifer...

The next morning, Astaroth took time in dressing.  He wanted everything in perfect order when he went to see his new father-in-law.  He and Yara had spent the night in the same bed, in fact she’d been curled up with her head on his shoulder.  Normally he did not like actually sleeping in the bed with another person, but there had been something about being wrapped up with Yara that had been different.  They had chatted about nothing serious until they were both almost drifting off.  Now having her in the next room as she too prepared for the visit to Lucifer’s felt a touch strange, since she had walked into his office the previous morning they had rarely been apart for more than a few minutes.  Now, he hadn’t seen her for over an hour.  Was he actually becoming honestly fond of the demoness? A slight smile formed on his lips as he continued to ready himself.

In the next room, Yara was a mess of nerves.  She was going to see her father for the first time since he had literally thrown her out of his office.  The memory made her chest clench, but the tenderness of Astaroth the night before seemed almost a balm to that ache.  The Lord of Death was such a mystery to her, he was nothing like she’d heard.  While she had been overly emotional through most of the previous day, he handled everything with calm except for her one outburst and everything with the priest.  Even then, it had only been when the priest truly stepped over the line that he had lost his temper.  

As Yara finished her hair, her mind rolled back to the previous day and her wedding and then evening with her now husband.  None of it had gone how she ever could have anticipated, but when she thought of her husband she had to smile.  Her father would definitely be surprised when they showed up in his office later.  She never expected the protectiveness that Astaroth showed, she doubted that Lucifer had either.  He was too used to the men around him treating Yara as dismissively as he did.  To think that someone could treat her with respect and tenderness, it would never cross his mind, let alone from one of the Lords of Hell.

She had just about put the last finishing touches on her ensemble when she again looked up into the mirror to check her jewelry and saw Astaroth behind her in the doorway.  He was fully ready, leaning up against the door jam, arms crossed over his chest, just watching her.  “I hope you’re not going to be disappointed if I keep you waiting from time to time.” She teased, her eyes meeting his through the mirror.

Pushing off of the door frame, he slowly stalked towards her like a predator after his delectable prey.  “I think I can handle it.  I have my own ways to get back at you, darling.”  Astaroth gave her a wink, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.  “I’m coming to rather appreciate the effort that you are putting into getting ready.”

“Is that so, Asti?” Yara asked as she turned in his arms to look up at him properly this time.  “I would hate to disappoint the Lord of Death after all, have to keep appearances up and all.” There was an undercurrent of tease in her voice, and her smirk was one of mischief. 

“It is, Papilio.”  Astaroth kissed the tip of her nose then just brushed his lips across hers, so he didn’t disturb her makeup.  He had already sent gifts to his cousins, the Fates, for pairing him with her.  There was no way Lucifer could have made him this lucky on his own.  Maybe he’d let everyone in the King’s office live, maybe, as a wedding gift to his new father-in-law.

“Butterfly?” Her head tilted, eyes narrowing slightly, as she looked up at him. It was an interesting nickname.  She guessed that hers was too short to shorten any further, and he had made a good choice.  She liked it.

“You are fragile in your being, even if you hide it, my dear Yara.  Yet, you can cause great disturbances when you decide to flap your wings.” He winked at her.  “And, of course, you are a thing of beauty to be handled delicately and with great care, which I intend to.”

“You seem to be able to constantly surprise me.” She blinked back tears.  Sometimes she wondered if she was a demon, as easily as her heart was touched.  Surely by now Lucifer would have told her if she were not his child.  “I love the name,”  Raising up on her toes a little, she brushed her lips over his this time, once more preserving the lipstick and ensuring he didn’t end up wearing it.

“My gorgeous butterfly, I think we should go visit your father now.  I have a few thoughts for him.” Astaroth’s eyes darkened from their normal placid Hazel to a greenish brown, almost an olive.  Something swirled in them that made Yara’s breath catch, she’d seen it the day prior when the priest had upset him.  Suddenly she felt his fingers brush against the side of her face.  “Worry not, Yara, I hold no anger towards you.  Now you will get to see how I react when someone messes with someone I care about.  Remember, you are my wife, the Mistress of Death, and a Lord of Hell now as well.”  A grin that held a tinge of malevolence formed on his face before he kissed the middle of her forehead.  “Now, let us go visit your father.”

****

“Lord Lucifer,” one of his staff stood at the door to his office waiting to be acknowledged.  Lucifer waved a hand in the air to beckon the male in.  He had no clue what the demon wanted, but he had matters to attend to, so he hoped it would be fast.  “Lord Astarath and Lady Yara are here to see you.  Do you want them sent in?”

“Together?”  Lucifer inquired, surprised that they would be.  He expected one of them to be dead by now, hopefully his daughter.  When the other demon nodded, he sighed, of course it would not be that easy to get rid of her.  “Did they say what they wanted, other than to see me?”  He really was curious.  If they were there to beg for a divorce, he was going to enjoy disappointing them.  He doubted Astaroth was, the prick was too proud to do such a thing.  But his daughter, now she would come in and throw a holy temper tantrum he was sure.

“No sir.  They just arrived and Lord Astaroth did the speaking.  He said he had a couple of matters to address with you.  Lady Yara is with him, and they are still wearing their rings, sir.”  The demon was trying to head off any further questions and get the fuck out of that office as quickly as possible.  He’d been in hell long enough to recognize when Astaroth wasn’t happy, and did not want to be on the receiving end of it.

“So be it, send them in.” Lucifer’s eyes rolled as he pushed back from his desk and stood.  Maybe he could get rid of them in a few minutes and this would all be over with.

The demon closed the door and a couple of minutes later, it opened once more and in walked his daughter and son-in-law.  Lucifer was surprised, they looked like an honest couple.  Yara’s hand was lightly on Astaroth’s forearm, with his hand on top of hers.  There was no missing the narrowing of his daughter’s eyes when she saw him, or the revulsion on her face.  Lucifer had to hand it to her, the way she kept her chin lifted and her mouth silent was impressive.  Astaroth looked the same as always: calm, collected, reserved, and dark.  Lucifer could swear his eyes were lighter, but currently they were a dark mossy brown, and his jaw was set.  With his black hair and full beard he was very imposing, Lucifer actually respected him. “Good morning, I assume there is a reason behind this visit.  I was not expecting one from the two of you quite so soon.”  Lucifer inquired.  His voice held hesitation, he was unsure of what was going on, and that was never something that the King of Hell liked.

“There are a couple.  Neither of them good.” Astaroth added nothing more for the moment.  He was trying to decide how best to broach the subjects he had in mind.  He looked at Yara out of the corner of his eye and noticed that since they entered she had assumed a rather smug visage.  It made him proud of her, she wasn’t cowering under Lucivers intense scrutiny of them.

“If one of those issues is a divorce, I can guarantee you that I will not be giving one.  I’m sorry, Astaroth, you are stuck with her.”  Lucifer grinned.  His daughter might have on a mask of indifference and smugness, but he knew the insecurity that lay within.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

7

“We need to talk,” Astaroth had had enough of trying to figure her out.  He wasn’t angry or upset, but he was confused.  “We need to get some things out in the air and understood, Yara, please. I don’t want you more upset, but for things to work between us, for this to work, we need to talk.  Can you do that?”

Yara swallowed hard, then nodded.  Pulling back slightly, she looked up at him.  “Yes, and I agree we do.  I think it would help us.”  Her lips thinned some, while she agreed that didn’t mean she was looking forward to it.  “Can we get something to drink first?  I don’t care what.  I just…I need something to drink.  Tea, coffee, water, bourbon…I don’t care.”  She shook her head and gave a wry laugh.

“Of course.  Let me call down and have them bring up all of it.  We might be talking for a while and our wants might change.  Might as well start with it all.  Let’s go over to the seating area.”  Astaroth gestured to where there was a small sectional, table, and a chair set up near some floor to ceiling windows that looked out over his gardens and a small lava pond.  The view was at least nice if there was a lull in conversation with one of them needing a moment to think, or digest something the other had said.

Nodding, Yara headed over, Astaroth’s arm still around her waist.  It was surprising how fast she had grown accustomed to his touches and affections.  She sat down on the sectional and got comfortable, then waited as Astaroth called down to his staff to have the drinks and some snacks brought up for them.  She was a little nervous about exactly what he wanted to talk to her about, but at least he did not seem upset or mad.  There were many things that they needed to work out, so it was not like it was a surprise for him to want to.  However, with her history with her father and his minions, it was not exactly like talking was ever a pleasant experience.

Once everything had been set up on the coffee table in the seating area by one of Astaroth’s staff, he sat next to Yara and took her hand gently in both of his.  This wasn’t an easy conversation to have and he wasn’t sure where to start, so he decided to be direct.  Looking in her eyes with a soft expression, he decided to just express what was on his mind.   “Yara, you came into my office yesterday cocky and condescending.  I’ve heard stories of your attitude, and your tantrums are legendary around Hell.  Yet, you come in there today and everything about your demeanor is different, except for the blow up over what you thought I meant by touching.  I need to know who it is that is going to be spending time with me. I honestly don’t want to wake up tomorrow with the woman who was in my office yesterday and who I have heard so much about. I want honesty, which is the real you, Yara?”

Yara closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  She knew eventually it would come to this.  At some point they would get here, but she hated that they were already.  Having to answer that question meant having to open up her greatest pains and her worst fears. Opening her eyes once more, she reached forward and took one of the glasses of water with her free hand. It was after several sips that she set it back down and turned to face him.  “What you have seen today is the real and true me.  The other is the protective shell I put over this to try and act like Daddy’s words and actions don’t hurt, and those of others do not get to me. If I’m the bratty Princess that everyone expects and I act like my brothers do, then maybe he’ll love me.  Only, my brothers get respect when they act like that, I get told I need to grow up and find a husband that can control me.  If I show any weakness, Daddy and my brothers pounce like lions on a baby gazelle.  So, I hide the true parts of me and just show them what they expect to see.  That way the barbs they throw are at a false image and not tearing down the real me.  It’s harder to hurt me if they don’t know the real me.”  Her eyes fell to their joined hands, where he was gently stroking the back of her hand in a comforting manner.  It almost broke her that someone was being so soft, especially a Lord of Hell.  No one was soft to her.  She’d never had a mother, and Lucifer had never shown her affection of any kind.  That Astaroth did confused her greatly.

“Before I came to your office today, I threw one of those tantrums.  I stormed into Daddy’s office. I threw my fit and demanded that he change the contract. He told me he didn’t care, kicked me out, and literally slammed the door in my face.”  A tear slowly started to run down her cheek, which Astaroth gently wiped away with a gentle brush of his fingers.  “By the time I got to your office, I had no fight left in me.  I was so hurt and raw I couldn’t even find the armor I normally wore to be cocky and make you think that it wasn’t bothering me.  I was too much of a mess from realizing not only did Daddy not care, he never did.  The misunderstanding was the most venom I could muster, and anyone that has seen me blow up in the past would tell you that wasn’t even a ripple in the pond of my emotions.  I was just so gutted and destroyed, and I don’t know why.  What kind of demon am I?”  Once more she looked down at their hands as she felt a pain in her chest like a knot being pulled tighter and tighter.  It made her lean forward and scrunch her eyes a little, bringing her free hand over the ache and rubbing it with the heel of that hand.

“Yara, you don’t have to say more, sweetheart.”  Astaroth released her hand with one of his and gently ran  it over her back trying to comfort her.  “You are now the Mistress of Death, you will be respected and you ARE cared for.  You are my wife.  No one will disrespect you in my presence and not feel my wrath.  I will take care of you.  That kind of treatment is in the past.  I know that it will take a while for that pain to heal, but know that you won’t experience it again.”   He hated feeling helpless, but it was not like he could go striding into Lucifer’s office the next morning and kill him.  Well, he could, and then chaos would break loose in Hell and it would not be a good time to be alive for anyone.

Yara looked up and over to Astaroth, “why do you care?  You were forced into this just like I was.  You could just wa…” She was cut off by a finger on her lips from the male trying to comfort her, who she seemed to be trying to push away.  The thing was, she wasn’t.  She was scared, terrified to the core of her very demonic soul.  It was hard not to draw back into herself and close off from everything and everyone.  Only Astaroth’s personality and unexpected reactions to her kept her interacting and open.

“Today, you came into my office calm and other than our misunderstanding I have no reason not to want to make this work.  Neither of us is going to tolerate the other having someone else in our lives.  So, why would I not want to get to know you and make this some kind of relationship instead of being alone and perennially pissed off?  We may never love each other, Yara, but we might become friends, good friends, or something else that we define.  We might enjoy one another’s company, going out and doing things together.  We were getting along before the priest showed up.  I saw how he affected you.  I’m not one of your dad’s lackeys.  I’m Death, but I’m not purely evil.  I have no reason to want to punish you or cause you any additional pain.” His eyes showed his understanding and his brow was creased with worry.  “Unless the problem is that you would rather be alone, and it is me who you see as the problem.”  He started to sit up more straight and pull his hand away.

“NO!” Both her hands went to his that had been joined with hers, clinging to it as her breathing started speeding, and she had to swallow hard before she was able to talk.  “Asti, I…I’m so used to the way Daddy and his men regard me, I just, I don’t understand you.  I want to, I just don’t right now.  I don’t know how to interpret your actions, I don’t know how to read your moves.  I don’t know how to anticipate what you’re going to do, or say, or think.”  She sighed, sniffing as tears once more started to slowly make their way down Yara’s cheeks. This is why she let no one close, she always messed things up with them because she was a mess.

It was all becoming clear to the Lord of Death watching her and listening to not just her words, but how she said them. “That will come with time, Yara, and we have plenty of that.  We do not have to figure it all out tonight.  I just want to always see the real you when it is just the two of us, and you always respect me regardless.  If you want to talk to your father’s men like they are dirt beneath your feet, that is fine, but not me.  You don’t have to bow down and worship me or act like I’m your King, but talk to me like you did earlier today in my office.  I will do the same to you always, and if anyone tries to talk down to you, they will face my anger immediately.  The priest today only lived because he had been specifically sent by your father.  Normally he would not have.” Astaroth’s hand that had been on her back rose to her shoulder to pull her close against him.  “We’ve said we’re in this together and that is what I want. You are not alone.”  

“I want to work together too.  I guess I’m just kind of a mess right now, I tend to be when I’m by myself where no one can see.  Not quite the Princess you thought you were getting, huh?” Yara’s lips thinned as she swallowed then gave him a sheepish half smile.  There were more tears threatening to fall in her eyes, and she was fighting hard not to let them.

"No, you are not at all what I expected, Yara.” Astaroth gently kissed her temple.  He was beginning to feel the stirrings of general affection for her.  How deep it would go genuinely intrigued him.  “You are far better than even my highest expectations, and I am so much happier than I expected to be with the situation.  So, please relax and know that you are safe to always be yourself and speak your mind and heart around me.  I will never make you feel less or intend to harm you." He held her tighter and also gently squeezed her hand as he lightly kissed her temple again, as if to putt an exclamation point upon his words.

“You are also nothing like I had heard or expected.  I guess we both got surprised, and in a good way.” Yara leaned into his warm embrace, still a bit surprised at how he was treating her.  She decided to trust him, something she rarely did.  If he was lying, then it would hurt.  If he was telling the truth, then she may have found her safe harbor in the storms that her father and his minions created in her life.

“Yes, we did, and now let’s get some sleep.  We have a busy day tomorrow.  Honeymoon somewhere not in Hell to plan, and I would like you to accompany me to visit your father.”  He saw confusion and upset start to cloud her beautiful features.  “Feel free to be the bratty bitch you are known for, as long as you are a sweet kitten for me.”  He kissed the tip of her nose.  “I don’t plan on being friendly to him.  You do not have to either, my darling wife.  Remember, always, you are now the Mistress of Death.”  He grinned.  She would learn her place at his side, and when she did, he was going to love watching those in Hell react.  He already was sure of this.

One of the fates must love her, that was all that Yara could think as she beamed at her husband.  This felt like too much a dream someone like her shouldn’t be having.  Demons didn’t get this kind of perfect.  Then again, she wasn’t too sure that what her husband was, WAS a demon; not that it mattered one single damn to her. “I’m sure if I forget you will only be too happy to remind me, husband of mine.” A light chuckle fell from her lips before she pressed her lips softly to his for their first goodnight kiss.

[devil-in-the-details-ay]

@saltysupercomputer @blind-the-winds @late-to-the-fandom @writingmaidenwarrior @aziz-reads @toribookworm22 @jessica-writes22 @outpost51