Well, not exactly Eddie's Strong Suit

"So, hmm, no, you're not a knight. What are you, Mr. Eddie Hawk? No, you haven't formed any unions with any other house. Hmm," Bella paused, pursing her lips.

"A running back? Number seventeen?" I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Are you certain you are not being insulted?" She asked, raising her eyebrow just slightly.

I nodded. I went to speak, but she seemed to be mulling things over in her head. So I went back to pancakes. Admittedly, Gemma's cooking was excellent, as long as they weren't cursed or anything. Seemed smarter to see where she was going with this whole name thing than to try and ask questions.

"Hmm, running back, that sounds so stupid, but seventeen is not an honorific," she said, taking a bite. "It does not remedy the problem at all! So vexing!"

"Seventeen is more of a nickname," I said. "It was really just so the coach could tell us apart on the field and signal us quickly."

"Like an army unit identification! Splendid! Then that solves it!" she said, beginning to hover and float over to me. She stared at me for a moment before her cheeks got puffy and red. "Kneel, knave. Gosh."

I moved from the chair and dropped to my knee. "Like this?"

She sank a bit, all the while never moving her limbs. "It is satisfactory," she said as a club appeared. It went into her hand and seemed to drag her hand into position more than anything else. She placed the stick on my shoulder. "In the name of the seven, and the eternal mother to us all," she paused, moved the stick to my other shoulder. "And in the name of desire and all its pursuits. I declare on the authority of Belphegor," she moved the stick to the top of my head.

This can't be good! This can't be good! But interrupting her now was probably the worst possible option! Agh. Let her do her thing, then ask her what I need to know, then get out of here. That is the plan. That is the plan!

"I name you Sir Seventeen, a Knight of Hell," she said. The stick vanished. "There, that is much better. Your nickname has been upgraded to a proper title. Am I not resplendent with generosity?" She smirked, then just stared at me.

"Lady Bella, I-

"Yes, yes? Don't be afraid. You are a Knight on my side in Hell. Yes, I know it was a bit quick, but I have a good feeling about you. By all means, say what you wish to say," she said, smiling and, after a moment, looking to the side.

"I just have many questions," I said, rubbing my hair as I looked up.

She seemed to deflate? Her smile vanished for sure. I couldn't get a read on her personality at all. "Questions? I suppose it is my duty to respect your position, but before that, is there some reason you deny me a proper thank you?"

"Oh, well, thank-"

"Spare me lies, human. That much I will demand of you," she sat down, and the fork began eating pancakes again. She paused and let out a sigh. "Sir Seventeen, what do you wish to know? I want to complete my duty so I may leave. I grow weary of this atmosphere."

Weary! She just woke up; all she did was eat and talk! Ugh, well, fuck, what was most important first! "Yes, just, well. About last night. How you did something to me-"

She seemed slightly more interested. "Yes, I remember, you were thinking she looked nice, but kept stopping yourself from doing anything sexual. I didn't want you to fail to touch her tits. So I helped. You heard me whisper about her tits, did you not?"

Wait... those weren't just... "I did hear that thought, but I didn't realize they were yours, B... Lady Bella," I said.

"Oh yes. Humans can't hear a Lord or Lady like myself, but when you touch the book, we can get around this by mixing our words into your mind; it makes our voices sound like your mental voice. It is where the expression the devil whispers comes from, but it is such an absurd concept. It isn't any different than actually speaking to you! Did my precious Gemma not tell you we can't speak directly unless you become a demon?" she asked, rolling over and looking down at me.

"No-"

"No? Hmm, very unlike her. I suppose she has been rather tired of late. I know she is... hmm. Is it worse than I realized?" She paused, rubbing her chin. "Well, this is why I possessed her body; was this not obvious. Well, this and pancakes. Gemma is my Lady in Waiting because she is such a good cook. She makes such delicious pancakes! You wou-"

"No, no, not any of that, I mean, why would you make me have sex and betray my lover! That's just evil Bella-"

"Ugh!" She seethed as she turned to face me, coming straight at me.

"Lady Bella, I meant Lady Bella. Apologies."

She stopped just as our noses touched and let out a sigh. "You have been so rude. I have yet to hear any gratitude, but if nothing else, I finally understand that you seem to be under some mistaken impression that I harmed you? Let us clear that up," she said. The Moorhelfer came to her and hovered with her. "Yes, there was no mistake. Feel it, yes, that pull? That magnetic-like pull only happens from those who resist doing what they want."

I couldn't deny the feeling. My right hand was closer, and I could feel the tug on it. Similar to if Chrissy was pulling on my arm playfully. "I don't understand," I said.

She got close again and this time kissed me. Oh fuck, it felt a lot like before when I first touched the book, like a dizzying haze? I stumbled back with my arms shaking. "I kissed you because I wanted to. I like what I like, is that not a simple matter? That is how life should go, it is humans and others that seem to muck it up. Eternity does not mean I wish to spend all time looking into all things that could be true, so I don't worry about the things I don't want. I find people who worry too much and let them loosen up and be themselves! You got the wrong idea! I just want to help people respect themselves!"

"Respect myself! But I respected myself just fine," I asserted. "Not betraying Chrissy was important to me."

"Hmmm.... you say that, but humans lie. Lie more often than breathing. You were willing to lie the moment you understood what I wanted, and why should I believe you know that you claim I have slighted you? My magic only compels you to do what you want to do, and you fucked my precious Gemma. I really don't get why or even how that is a grievance? You clearly want your partner but she wants you and for you to deny yourself?" Bella shuddered like she was looking at a skunk.

"I guess it isn't a demon custom but we humans-"

I suddenly felt weak and fell to my hands and knees.

"I wasn't done yet human. All demons were once human, so do not lecture me on what it means to be human. Human that was an adult without a title. My father would have.... well. Nevermind that. You enjoyed fucking my wonderful Gemma, that much was clear. Surely there is some partner who wouldn't mind you being your true self? Find who you love as themselves and who loves you as yourself in return. That is the respect. All this hiding shit that represses you is all nonsense. Well, fine. Speak, defend your claim human," Bella said.

"Even Gemma thinks your wrong," I said, painting as I worked myself back to my feet.

Her face twitched. "That... you dare? But... Hmmm..." she paused with her teeth scraping. "You're implying my precious Lady in Waiting would lie to me? Make your accusations carefully, for I do not take kindly to false witness against mine."

"I can't say she lied. I wouldn't know what she has told you, but she told me she did something she didn't want to, because of your curse." I paused to help place emphasis on my next words. "Lady Bella. You mean that to be an example of respect?"

She was huffing and exhaling harshly through her nose. "Hmm. I... Urg.... Well...." she paused and the room began shaking as she stared at me. Suddenly it all stopped with a blink of an eye. "This requires a proper investigation. I shall enlist several officers of Hell to make sure all data is collected objectively and will be analyzed by the Queen Mother herself. This should be an acceptable offer?" she asked.

"Hell investigating Hell sounds biased and unfair to me!" I said. "We should get some angels-"

"Hahahaha," she just began laughing. "Our sworn enemies would not be willing to participate in such a thing! But, you do bring up an interesting point. I shall ask that non-demons be asked to view and collect evidence in the element of fairness. Does this meet your standards better?"

What was I even doing! All I really wanted was for her to leave me alone! But uhm, I didn't think that was happening anymore. "That sounds better. Assuming you don't lie," I added.

She scowled. "Sir Seventeen, then let me help you with this worry. In the name of Belphegor, I invoke my right to demand a non-demon Knight of Hell to serve an enlistment once per decade. I shall task you to act as one of the data collectors. This should help put your mind at ease."

"Wait a moment. I didn't even want to be a knight for you!" I shouted.

Her scowl just deepened. "You say that now! You infuriating human! You don't ask me to stop. You don't ask me to withdraw the honor! You bask in the privilege of asking me questions! But now, when I ask you for something, you try to claim you're innocent! I shall listen to this no more for today! You shall be paid for your work, and I shall compensate you for any damages that you have suffered because of my actions before and during the investigation if you prove your case."

She grabbed me by the neck. Fuck she was strong. Like, it was different than before. I could move just fine, but her grip was just like an iron claw; it was worthless for me even to try and get away. She then kissed me.

Wait, words?

Acedia! Spread it to anyone by touch for one hour, but spread it to anyone loved til they sleep.

Acedia? What did that mean? She was right that I could hear those words in my own mental voice. My vision felt like it got blurry for a moment but then I realized Gemma was kissing me. Bella was gone?