The Court and Catalina's Fate

With that Marihem cleared her throat, “Your Highness, I have been talking to Lady Nechashia Shemed, and perhaps it would be best if she were allowed to handle this delicate situation. After all with her centuries of loyal service to Gehenna and the Abyss. Her centuries of loyal service to Gehenna and the Abyss, her wealth of experience, and her unfailing loyalty in executing the King’s orders without question make her the ideal candidate for this delicate task.”

Hekate took a deep breath, recognizing the thinly veiled insult in Marihem's words. While she had always sought to fulfill the King’s wishes, she was far from a mindless puppet who blindly followed orders. How she despised that woman.

Hearing the woman Alexis glanced up, unsure of what all was going on here, but somewhat shocked to hear that the demon woman who only appeared to be about twenty four, about the same age as Hekate appeared. Yet she had centuries of working for the King, how was that possible? Now, questions swirled in her mind: just how old could her mother truly be? Would she age like them, or remain eighteen forever?

A smile crossed the snake demon’s lips, as she glanced over to her younger half sister, kneeling next to her. A sense of satisfaction at the praise given by the Grand Vizier, finally someone was giving her this long well deserved opportunity that she had been passed over by generation after generation of younger demons to rise through the ranks. At least Marihem acknowledges and appreciates all that she does, never questioning and always following the orders given.

Belphegor glanced over to Marihem, grinning, perhaps her guidance would help his daughter finally find her voice, and live up to the potential she showed over ten thousand years ago when she first joined his court as an Aide. Then glancing towards the Aides and Alexis kneeling before them. “Very well, Lady Nechashia Shemed, how would you propose to assist the young lady who was mortally injured due to her connection with us?”

Neshashia slowly rose from her kneeling position, to stand and address the King and his court, “Yes, your highness, thank you for this opportunity. I believe it would be for the best if we pull the soul from that human’s vessel to relieve it’s pain. After putting the soul in a crystal, we can use her mortal remains as raw materials to construct a golem body for her soul to inhabit. Once finished we can place her soul in that and she may serve the kingdom for all eternity.”

Hearing this, Hekate nearly jumped to her feet, muttering under her breath, “Her family served us faithfully, and they paid the price for it. We owe her a debt for the pact we failed to uphold. Trapping her here would only add to our failure—she doesn’t deserve that fate. She is an innocent, I won’t allow her to be sentenced the same as the sinners who come here after their lives have ended.”

The smile faded from Belphegor’s face hearing the words of Nechashia, still unable to think beyond the basic concepts of their realm. He had wished Marihem would have offered her a better idea, and guidance, but no she was the same as she has always been for all this time. This is why she would never be able to grow beyond her position. Then noticing Hekate’s soft muttering, he sighed, if only she had the experience to temper her judgement, but that will come in time. Perhaps Alexis will teach her that, as being responsible for child does for most. “So you would have her end her story now, and live forever more as just another servant. My dear, I don’t think she deserves that fate, at least not yet.” Then waving a hand, “Lady Hekate, perhaps you have a suggestion, after all, you are the one who did your best to rescue her by bringing her here?”

Hekate quickly rose to her feet, giving a defiant glance to Nechashia who was standing next to her, before facing the court. “King Belphegor, Catalina Ramirez is owed a debt by our Realm, we failed her and her parents. We must offer her a choice of how she would return. And if she wishes we can remake her body, allowing her to be reborn as a demon human hybrid. That way if she wishes she may stay in Geheanna as one of our citizens or return to the Mortal Realm to find her destiny.”

At that Nechashia laughed, “Human Demon Hybrid, that is a lost art, and what self respecting demon would ever lower themselves to parent something like that. Weakening their bloodline with one like that.”

Hekate growled as she turned to face Nechashia again, “I know the spell, and have used it before, after all my daughter is a result of it. So I would advise you never to disrespect her again, snake.”

At that declaration Nechashia’s and Marihem’s eyes grew wide, how could this child know that, must less use that spell. Nechashia glanced to Marihem for guidance but she had leaned in and was whispering something into Belphegor’s ear.

The King glanced over to her, “Yes, Marihem, I already knew, after all I am the one that gifted her the sacrifice’s body and soul.”

Marihem stepped back confused, how could his highness not have warned her of this development, as his most trusted advisor, shouldn’t she have been made aware, and is that how Aiwass knew about the child before her. She would have to get to the bottom of this at once.

Belphegor then turned back to his Aides standing before them, “Yes, that does sound fair, Lady Hekate, but would you be willing and able to take on the role of mother to another child? After all of those present you are the only one that has ever cast that spell. Oh and someday you will need to reveal how you learned of it, I am sure it will be an interesting tale.”

Hekate quickly dropped to one kneel, bowing her head deeply, “Yes, Yes your highness of course I would. For Gehenna and you I would do anything.”

Alexis blinked as she could just watch, the memory of her own transformation going through her mind, and all she had encountered since that day. So would that mean she would be getting a sister? What would that mean for her role in Hekate’s plan, would she even still be needed? And if not, what is her purpose? Would she just be cast out? Biting at her lower lip, as she began to shake, she was just finding herself developing feelings and accepting this new family and now, and now what? A single teal forming in the corner of her eye, as she just stared at the floor.

Belphegor nodded, “Then so be it, make the preparations that you need, I have the young lady already resting in status in the Cathedral, and you may start the process when you are ready. Please just inform us, as I believe some of the court may be interested in observing the process.”

Then rising from his throne to stand before all, “You are all dismissed for now, my court please continue to prepare for our delegates, and we will be meeting again before their arrival this eve. Lady Hekate, see to your preparations, and do not neglect my granddaughter—she needs you now more than ever.” Then glancing to Nechashia he sighed softly his voice reassuring, “Thank you for everything Lady Nechashia, I am glad you stepped up today and I hope to see more of this side of you in our future.”

Stepping from the raised platform he made his way to a door to the side of the room leading to his private quarters, allowing the others to take their leave as well.