Angelica found herself unable to put the book down, not for any sort of magic spell, but the information contained on the pages fascinated her. One of the first things she discovered was that the different types of demons were recognized by demons the same way as angels and humans.

Beast demons were in most ways on the same level as any other animal in Ryall. While some showed faint signs of childlike intelligence, most acted entirely on instinct, and had no concept of a structured society. Some demons even domesticated and kept certain breeds of beast demons as livestock the same way a human would keep a horse or a cow. Beast demons also seemed to breed rather slowly, and live an exceptionally long time.

Stunted demons were by far the most numerous of demons, and seemed to be beasts that had taken on a humanoid form. Most stood on two legs and could talk and cast magic on the same level as a human. Stunted demons like to cause trouble for humans, but anything short of a large group working together could easily be defeated by the Choir.

Humanoid demons appear in every way to be human except for one or more of a pair of horns, leathery wings, or tail. Some had additional “demon” marks such as scales or fur on limited parts of their body. The real distinguishing feature of a humanoid demon was their talent with magic, which is claimed to be the strongest of any being in Ryall. Humanoid demons tended to use this power to compete against each other and thus the most powerful would rule. Methods of showing off one’s power were wide and varied, but an unsettling number involve humans in one form or another.

Angelica was able to talk about many of the topics she found with Dusty, mostly while they were working on his swordplay and dancing over the next several days. He seemed happy to be able to tell her what he could, as well as adding in his own observations and opinions. She even found Dylan happy to give his own opinions.

Then one day Angelica was unable to find Dusty in any of the normal places, though she found Dylan easily in the library.

“He’s gone this day every week,” Dylan replied to her query. “I’m a little surprised he didn’t mention it to you.”

“So this isn’t like the other times you two leave?” Both Dusty and Dylan tended to leave the mansion several times a week, usually for part of the day. They never told her for what they were leaving, but they had taken to telling her when they would be gone, and they were almost never both gone at the same time. She assumed at least one of them wanted to be around at all times to watch her.

“I have never asked.”

“I suppose I can fins something else to do then.” Angelica was about to turn to the door when an idea struck her. She looked over at the demon who was searching the bookshelves. “How about I teach you to dance?”

“Me? I already told you of my two left feet.”

“Even people with two left feet can dance.” She switched on the radio sitting on the table where Dusty did most of his work. He tended to turn it on any time Dylan was not working on his compositions, to have some music playing in the background. A lovely instrumental piece floated from it.

Angelica strode over and took Dylan’s hand. He protested for a moment, but then allowed her to lead him to the open floor in front of the fireplace.

“This is an easy dance.” She stated. “It’s used for a variety of reasons, sometimes before the dance to a new song is known, or by someone who needs a bit of a rest, or people who can’t dance well. It’s just step with one foot, and bring your other foot to it.” She demonstrated. “The only things you have to worry about are not stepping on your partner’s feet, and not running into anyone or anything else. Now come on, let’s try it.” She took his left hand into her right, and put her other hand on his shoulder. “Now put your other hand at my waist.”

He did so hesitantly.

“And now you dance.” She prodded after a moment.

He stepped out with his right foot, and she followed. His movements were stiff, but she followed along patiently. She could feel Dylan trying to move with the music.

“So, have you written any pieces besides the one you’re working on?” she asked after a moment, hoping to distract him from watching his feet as they moved.

“A few.”

“Are they all violin pieces?”

“Mostly, it is my instrument of choice, though I am hoping to get a piano some day.”

“I think the violin sounds much prettier, but then a lot of the songs on the radio recently have started incorporating as many instruments as possible. The songs are pretty, but sometimes I miss the simplicity of a solo.” His eyes were on her, and she looked away with a slightly blush across her cheeks. He’s a demon. “Does Dusty know how to play?”

“He does, though he doesn’t enjoy it quite as much as I do.” The demon tripped slightly. Angelica helped him steady himself. “How about you, do you play?”

“I took some harp lessons.” Angelica admitted.

“Took? It sounds like you didn’t enjoy it.”

“My hands were…too heavy. Or at least that’s what the teacher said. But about that time they discovered I was an excellent dancer, so my lessons in dancing increased.”

“You do seem to have a natural grace. And how did you come to learn to use a sword? I did not think that was a normal lesson for a noble lady.”

“A few of the guards taught me. They were always assigned to keep me out of trouble, and I guess they figured as long as I was in sight, they were doing their job, even if it meant teaching me the sword to keep my happy. Of course my father wasn’t happy at all when we found out, but then I’ve never let him keep me from doing anything I wanted.” She frowned. “In fact, I’ve never let anyone keep me from doing what I wanted, at least not until now.” She glanced at Dylan. The contented face he wore quickly slipped into a mask of neutrality.

“Is there something you need? You only need to let me know what it is, and I will do my best to-”

“Why do you keep me here against my will?”

“You are my guest.” He smiled.

“I am a prisoner.” Angelica pulled away from him. “I am no more a guest than you are a human.”

“If it makes it easier for you to think of yourself as one, then you can do so, Princess.” Dylan bowed. “Though I suppose this means the dance lessons is over. A pity, I was enjoying it.”

“What do you want from me?” Angelica demanded.

The demon’s attentions were back on the books, and he refused to acknowledge her questions, so she stormed from the room.

Since Dusty was not back by nightfall, Angelica took her meal to her room, still mad at Dylan she was not about to spend a dinner alone with him. She was getting into a book when there was a knock on her door.

“Who is it?”

“Dusty.”

“Oh, come in.”

The door opened and Dusty moved into the room.

“Welcome back.”

“I apologize for not informing you I would be missing my lesson. It slipped my mind.”

Angelica shook her head. “It’s no problem.”

“I was able to get the parts I needed to fix your radio, though.” Dusty carried the little wooden box over to the nightstand and set it down, threading the cord back and plugging it in.

“You have electricity here?” she asked, looking at the oil lamps lighting the rooms.

“Only very little. Mostly just to run things like the radios and clocks. Master Dylan really doesn’t use any at all.” He twisted the knob on the radio and it sprung to life. He adjusted it to a station, music pouring out of it.

Angelica smiled, moving over to the radio. “It will be nice to have one again.”

“I’m glad I was able to make your day a little brighter.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“And as a thank you. I am glad to know you didn’t run from my harsh training.”

Dusty’s smile brightened. “Of course not.”

The princess laughed. “You’d better get some sleep though; we have to make up for your not practicing today.”

“Of course.” He bowed and quickly left the room.

Once he was gone, Angelica turned to the radio again, twisting the knob to the news station, a setting she had yet to hear in the library. It scratched into existence, and then was lost again. She spent several minutes messing with the knob until she was able to hear the reporter through the annoying static.

“…scrrrt engagement partrrsst early due to Prinsess Penelopessrrtttt. Younsssrt Elder Kenneth is sssssrt, but hopes sssssrt cold feet. There is no sssrrrrt-” Angelica turned off the radio in disgust. She had not been able to understand more than a few words. It was news about her sister, and her engagement to Kenneth. At least her disappearance had not interrupted anything. Angelica felt tears slide down her face before she could stop them. It had been over a week since she had come here, and life seemed to be going on very well without her.