Time: An Incredibly Long Time Ago
Place: Palace of Princess Ashtaroth, Hell "Prince Shax, your shoes!" For a fleeting instant, Shax nearly obeyed the call of his attendants, the ones who dressed him every morning so he could be presentable for breakfast with Mum. She was a princess and wanted him to look perfect at her table. Normally, he sat quiet and still while the goblin dressers bathed him, fussed with his hair and nails, and picked out the perfect clothes. But today was special and he couldn't wait any longer. Today was his birthday. He raced down the stairs from his tower and only slowed as he got close to his mother's breakfast room. Running in the palace wasn't allowed. It wasn't dignified and messed up your hair, Mum said. Shax tried to look dignified as he marched past the servants, but he wasn't sure what that looked like. He would get better at it. At least this year, he didn't have an attendant leading him by the hand as if he didn't know the way. Mum already sat in her throne-like chair in her breakfast room of black velvet and obsidian. She shone like a star against the dark background and the notion hit Shax for the first time that it was probably the point to all the black furniture and drapery. Carefully so he didn't fall over, Shax gave her a proper bow since he knew how to do that now. "Good morning, Royal Mum." One perfect white eyebrow arched at him. "Where your shoes, my princeling?" "Upstairs. Mummy, I was too excited…" "I suppose since your feet are perfectly shaped, they won't disturb the aesthetics of the room. Though I do hope you won't be barefoot all day. Calloused feet are so unattractive." She waved to his smaller chair beside him and waited for him to clamber up. There were only two cushions now instead of three to bring him up to the height of the table. "So my own little demonling, what would you ask of your mother for you birthday this year? You must consider carefully since your sixth birthday is an auspicious one." Considering carefully had taken up most of his thoughts the last month. For his fifth birthday, he'd asked for his own nightmare. Mum had given him a spark pony instead, and told him he must learn to ride first. The pony was wonderful, but made him think about how his mother might react to this request or that. "I would like my own minion, Mummy. You have lots of minions. I'd like just one because I'm still a demonling." Mum broke the top of her egg and took a dainty bite before she answered. "I see. This is an admirable wish in a young prince, to want vassals of your own. But minions are a heavy responsibility. Their appearance, their words and actions all reflect upon their liege. You must be able to control them and to discipline them. For that, I'm afraid you're still too young, my own." "Oh." Shax tried not to let his disappointment show, but a shaky sigh still got away from him. Always too young, too small. When would he be big and have beautiful wings like Mum? "Someday, I will choose minions for you." Mum raised her hand and with an elegant wave, ordered one of the imps forward. "Today, I have a more appropriate present for you. One I know will please you." The imp staggered under the weight of a strange stone box. Fancy holes were carved into the lid and the box seemed to be…squeaking. "You may open it." Mum sounded amused, though Shax didn't know why. He eased the lid back on its hinges to reveal a ball of glossy fur crouched at the bottom of the box. Shax gasped and bounced in his chair. "A hell kitten! Really for me?" "For you, my darling prince. We will start with smaller responsibilities before we talk about minions, yes?" She leaned down so Shax could plant a careful kiss on her cheek. The kitten uncurled to stare up at him with its gorgeous glowing red eyes. Shining black fur covered most of it, but its ear tufts, tail tip and paws were scarlet. "What will you call your kitten?" Mum asked in that same amused tone. Shax lifted the kitten from its box to set on his lap and feed little bits of egg. He considered the question seriously, before answering, "I will call her Mittens." (Author's note: Shax would continue to name his hellcats absurdly inappropriate things like Fluffy and Socks and Spot his entire life.)
6 Comments
An
2/13/2018 11:20:28 am
Awww, baby Shax! That's so cute, by the time I reached the part with the kitten my squeals we'r reaching ultrasound levels! I also read "spark pony" as "sparkly pony" and envisioned a pink glittery monstrosity, but I guess they are just smaller, less fiery hellish horses? Thank you for the story, I loved it!
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Angel Martinez
4/5/2018 05:32:15 pm
I see no reason why a spark pony couldn't sparkle ;) But yes, a kid demon sized version of the big scary nightmares.
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2/15/2018 02:20:36 am
Aww, so cute! I loved the request for minions, though...who doesn't want minions? :)
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Angel Martinez
4/5/2018 05:33:04 pm
Shax eventually chooses his own minion, much to his mother's irritation, lol
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missmiss
2/19/2018 12:25:02 am
And the mystery continues--who IS Shax's papa? Why do I believe it is another angel**--and not one of the fallen? Baby Shax is just too cute, of course. (**And he has dropped hints that he doesn't seem to have many of the same demon traits as his relatives. I hope he meets his papa some day)
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Angel Martinez
4/5/2018 05:34:20 pm
I'm of two minds on the subject. It would be interesting to meet his father, but preserving the mystery has its own charms.
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About The Brimstone Journals
Extra treats for our Brimstone readers, Brimstone Journals will post every Tuesday. Short scenes from characters' lives before, after or during the stories. About the Author
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