Chapter 388: Costuming
I had Sassy in my head, linked to Meira, the entire time Pagomaris and her squad of beautifier demons ruthlessly tugged and stuffed us into a new set of clothing.
You'll both be fine, he sent. There shouldn't be opportunity for a fight at this point, as long as you are in the banquet. Don't accept any offers to wander off and don't agitate anyone. He sighed. I know that's a lot to ask of you, Sydlynn, but I'd like to deliver you to your mother in one piece.
I scowled as Meira giggled. So you don't think anyone will step up? That was a big relief.
Not during the banquet, he sent. As long as you don't push it, it's kind of frowned on.
Good to know. I felt my shoulders unknotting as Pagomaris firmly gripped my head and stogged it into some kind of fur hat. I felt immediately itchy and wished I could get away with swatting her.
For all I knew, she'd like it.
Now, my demon cat went on as if I weren't being turned into some kind of overly feminized Sasquatch, if you are challenged, accept right away. No hesitation, no fear. So be prepared just in case.
And my tension was back. Lovely.
Strike first. Meira sounded more than a little bloodthirsty, though I supposed her attitude was a good thing under the circumstances.
Exactly. His thick, silver tail thrashed once. Nice outfit, by the way.
I glared at him. Shut it, smartass cat.
If Meira's fur-clad legs, arms, head and shoulders were any indication of what I was wearing, I'd had enough.
I spun with a snarl on Pagomaris, jerking the fur hat from my head and throwing it on the floor. "I want clothes," I snapped. "Not a costume. Now." Offending body coverings followed the hat, now a pile of crumped white fur on the polished stone while Meira followed suit with a wicked grin on her face.
Pagomaris gripped her cheeks in both hands, aghast. "Your Highness!"
"I mean it." I shivered a little in the barely-there underwear she'd forced me to don, though at least I'd been allowed to change behind the screen her little people seemed to carry around with them everywhere. "Normal. Or as normal as you've got."
Sassy's laughter in my head almost made me snap.
As I was saying, he went on as Pagomaris nearly wept, clapping her hands at her servants, sending them scurrying for something suitable to my taste, your opposition won't expect you to be ready since neither of you has experience.
I beg to differ, I shot back. I've been in lots of fights. That helped me feel a little better. I'd been through a hell of a lot and managed to survive. Surely I could handle a demon or two considering the firepower I had at my disposal.
I remind you, Sass sent, stern and almost harsh, no use of other powers. Only demon. Unless you want to be put to death?
Oh crap. Gotcha.
Slash attack, Sassy sent. Take out their shields first then work from the bottom up. Most don't expect you to attack their foundation right away. They'll be going for your core, so duck and take out the feet.
You did this a lot. Meira's eyes lit up at the sight of the new clothes coming our way. I looked them over as Pagomaris held up what looked like a one-piece red pantsuit. Yes, it had some kind of crystals stuck all over it, but at least it seemed I could move in it. I sighed and nodded to her, bringing a smile back to the aide's face.
I did, Sassy sent. But remember, I was a champion. It's likely my methods have been studied and incorporated into current fighting techniques.
I wanted to chastise him for his arrogance, except I knew he was right.
Damn it.
That means you really can't help us? I winced as Pagomaris and her horde of helpers slid me into the suit. It hadn't looked skin-tight when she held it up originally. Though it covered my whole body, there was not a thing left to the imagination. Seriously?
I didn't say that, Sassy sent. There are no rules against having power support if you can convince another demon to help, but it never happens. Surprising? Not. I'm closely connected to both of you, enough I should be able to guide you if things go wrong. Oh yes, this outfit is so much better.
Maybe I did want the fur back after all. But when Pagomaris lifted a further piece of clothing from the hands of her servant, I changed my mind. The poncho-like shape was so sheer it seemed to ripple as though alive, crusted with its own wealth of jewels along the hem and neckline. It shuddered its way over my head, falling to my feet, tickling my toes. The sleeves brushed my fingertips and, for the first time, I actually smiled back at Pagomaris with genuine happiness.
"This," I said, "is perfect."
Meira was admiring her own, a pale shade of cream. She looked amazing in it, the shimmering covering almost making her body seem blurred.
As our feet were slid into boots with four-inch platforms, hair and faces adorned with more jewels, I remembered Darin Mavore, the arrogant witch whose shields I'd shredded back at the first of term when he'd used his magic to grope me.
I've done that shield attack before, I sent to Sassy, sharing the experience with my sister.
Yes, he sent back. Exactly. Just remember you're not dealing with some stupid young witch. The demons who challenge you are powerful and experienced.
Meira's lips formed a grim line and I reached out in sudden concern to take her hand while activity went on around us.
It'll be okay, Meems, I sent.
I know, she sent back. But I'm ready to fight if I have to.
Hayle witches. Man, we were so stubborn.
I'll be right here, I sent.
Meira's eyes snapped with anger. I can take care of myself. I'm not a baby, Syd.
Whoa. Where did that come from?
I know, I sent. I just... okay.
My little sister was growing up. Damn it.
I leaned in and hugged her when her angry expression didn't fade. I know, I sent with love wrapped around it. But we have to be here for each other, watch each other's backs. That's all I meant. I need you here for me, too.
She softened immediately and hugged me so hard I could feel her heartbeat. I love you, Syd.
You too, Meems. We parted as Pagomaris and her brood backed off. Are we ready?
I turned to the aide and repeated the question out loud. The aide clapped her hands, had a mirror brought forward. It was huge, not the slim piece of glass I expected, but a triple-wide sheet two girls struggled to hold up. It threw back our reflection and, for a moment, I caught my breath.
This was us, my sister and I? These two shimmering demons, light catching on gems, throwing light at every breath? Meira looked so much older than her ten years.
And me? I looked like a princess.
Time to act like one.
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