Angelica’s eyes opened to the same yellow canopy, and the same pounding headache, but this time, the humanoid demon sat on a chair next to the bed, watching her. She clutched the blankets to her, fear racing through her system again.

“Did you really think it would be that easy to leave, Princess?” he asked with a mocking smile.

“No more than you thought I would simply resign myself to being a prisoner, Demon,” she retorted before she realized what she was saying.

The demon chuckled, and then continued. “This room is yours to do with as you like, but you are not restricted to it. You may enter any other room you can get into, though I see little point as most have not been cleaned in many years.”

“Is it my job to clean them?” she found herself asking. Now that she knew this demon was not just going to fly into a rage and kill her, she was back to wondering why she had been brought here in the first place.

“I was not aware you enjoyed such tasks. The option is open if you like.” He shrugged.

“So that is why you brought me here,” she accused.

“No, you are my guest in this house. You will be expected to do your share of the chores, but you are not my servant. Dusty holds that title as my apprentice.”

“Guest?” Angelica asked incredulously.

“Yes, guest. Dusty has left your lunch here, if you would like it.” The demon nodded toward a covered dish sitting in the middle of a cloth-covered table. “Dinner is served at 7 in the dining hall, and that meal will not be brought to you. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Angelica looked at him carefully. After everything she had heard about humanoid demons, she was slightly disappointed. The humanoid demon was not nearly the impressive presence she had been expecting. He did not seem that strong and he seemed to be treating her civilly. She felt something about him that was somewhat familiar, but there seemed to be no malicious intent or bloodlust.

“Ah yes, and I filled the wardrobe with a number of outfits for you. I am not sure of your size, but most should fit.” The demon pulled the doors of the wooden cabinet open, showing an array of dust free clothes. “Now if you’d like to get dressed, I can give you a tour.”

“A tour?”

“Yes, it is when I show you where things, like the dining hall, are so you don’t have to stumble around until you find them yourself.”

Angelica bristled at the condescending tone. She had not been spoken to like that in years. Not since her high skilled and quickly fired math tutor had thought it the best way to make her listen to him.

“I’ll be waiting in the hall.” Dylan made his way out of the room, closing it after him.

It took Angelica a few minutes to convince herself to get out of bed, and cross to the wardrobe. Inside, as the demon had said, was a wide selection of clothing, from summer dresses, to winter tunics. She fingered a light green tunic and then pulled it from its place. Anything was better than being around a demon, especially a male demon, in nothing but her nightgown. Not that she could do much to stop him if he…she shook her head and tightened the belt. The shirt was a bit tight across the front, but she had gotten used to that since most tunics were made for men. On a lower shelf, several pairs of shoes and boots were sitting neatly beside each other. She picked out a pair and put them on, before going to the door that opened to the hallway, and stepping outside.

Dylan was standing there, and he looked her over quickly, without commenting. “Now if you’ll follow me.” He started down the hallway, and after a brief pause, Angelica followed him. “We are currently on the second floor, which is where all of the bedrooms are located. If you go either way, and turn only when you’ve reached a dead end, and follow the new hallway to the end, you will come to the stairs that lead to the lower level. To the right,” he began walking in that direction. “You will also come across the library on your left just before the stairs.”

Angelica followed after him. All of the doors they passed were closed.

“You will recognize the library by its double doors.” Dylan pushed the doors open into a huge room. “The library takes up all three floors, and has doors on each floor”

Angelica moved into the room, looking on rows and rows of books, stacked up toward the ceiling, which was a great distance above her head. Below, down a set of spiral stairs was the lounge area where she had first met the demon the day before.

Dusty was sitting at a table in the lounge, books and scrolls spread out in front of him. He ran his finger along a line in one book, and scratched something on a piece of parchment.

“You said he’s your apprentice. What do you teach him?” Angelica asked.

“Many things,” Dylan replied leading her out of the library. “History, politics, math, magic, and music. He learns extremely quickly.”

“You’re teaching him…magic. But humans can’t learn magic without the Choir’s consent.”

“Hm, I suppose I will have to mention that to him the next time he sets fire to the drapes.” Dylan looked thoughtful as he closed the doors, but there was a smile on his lips.

He was teasing her. Magic was not something that was taken lightly. Only the very privileged were permitted to have lessons, and the Choir watched anyone who did learn magic very closely.

The demon walked down the stairs. “You should recognize the main hall. That was the door by which you left.”

“Yes.” As far as she could tell, he had done nothing more to bar its opening than had been there when she had tried to escape. Of course that spell was more effective than any lock could ever hope to be.

“Down this central hall is the bottom floor entrance to the library, and at the end of this hall,” He continued to lead her forward. “Is the dining hall. I believe those are all of the most important places.”

“Do you and Dusty live here alone?”

“Yes.”

“But having no servants…”

“It is much easier than you would think, Princess. You simply need to realize what things are not necessary, and soon you’ll have time for everything you need to do.” Dylan’s manner of speech was exquisite, and he held himself very well. Were all humanoid demons like this, or was he somehow an exception? The humanoid demons they reported on the radio were all violent monsters. “Do you need help getting back to your room, or will you be okay on your own, Princess?”

“My name is not ‘Princess’, it’s Angelica. And yes, I will be fine on my own.”

“Then I will see you for dinner, Princess.”