TBTT 19. As close to 'thank you' as he can get

[moonshadows]

Joshua is leaning against the wall when the door opens, having been there long enough to catch his breath but not long enough to have gotten bored yet. Tessa is walking under her own power, he is pleased to note. She still looks like she’d been pushed too hard, but she’s absolutely radiating joy and – is the Warlord smiling? No, but he certainly looks pleased, which is equally baffling.

Judging by the frantic impassive glances the guards are throwing around, Joshua is not the only one to think so.

“Bring my demon to her chambers and report to my office immediately.” The Warlord makes a halfhearted effort to growl the words, but they almost sound more like a purr.

When Joshua does not start moving immediately, his adoptive niece rolls her eyes, grins, and starts walking without him. The guards follow, forcing Joshua along with them. No one says anything on the trip back. The guards give him unfriendly looks as soon as she slips inside the door, so he leaves for his Lord’s office with his curiosity unsatisfied.

The Warlord is waiting impatiently when Joshua slips through the door, one hand held out for the amulet, which is surrendered and promptly returned to its usual place around the bigger man’s neck.

“Are you angry with me, my Lord?” Joshua asks quietly.

He seems to be thinking about it, rolling the idea over in his mind. “No,” he says finally. “You spoke truly, and bravely. I value that. Was there any difficulty in getting what I specified?”

Joshua rolls his eyes. “Only in that my mother kept going on about how she thinks you’re mistreating Tessa. She’s…a bit over-protective,” he continues hurriedly. “She means well, but she still thinks of Tessa in human terms. I got to hear a stream of nagging about how she’s sure Tessa’s wasting away without home-cooked meals and that the cookies will ruin her appetite before dinner.”

He frowns. “Tessa’s favorite baked treats are…baked by your mother?”

“Oatmeal-raisin cookies, fresh from the oven. They should still be warm.” Driven by a sudden impulse, he adds, “If you check the security feed, I’m sure you’ll be able to see how much she enjoys them.”

Even though Joshua half-expected it, he is still surprised to see the Lord’s aborted turn to the screen on his desk, and the brief look of – yearning? – before he turns resolutely back to his underling.

“There will be time for that later. Right now, while my-“ he pauses, considering words. “-good mood lasts, I wish to discuss with you the best way to publicly introduce the world to my tame demon. My goal is to eventually have her accepted place be at my side, and without any illusions.”

The way he paused before saying ‘good mood’ makes Joshua wonder what exactly happened in that ‘training’ session – and if he really wants to know. “Is your intent to make her presence a show of strength, my Lord?”

“Do I want to flaunt her as a weapon? No.”  He gives Joshua an unnerving grin. “I will not hesitate to use her as such if the need arises, but I do not wish to tip my hand like that just yet. No, I want what you had – a well-controlled curiosity.”

“In that case, I suggest you arrange a brief tour to introduce her to your ministers, and let the ministers know that you have a tame demon. That’s what I did, only with my bosses and co-workers since, obviously, I don’t have any ministers. Just let them know that she exists, then give them time to get used to that. Keep it all very casual.”

“Excellent. You may go. Oh, and Joshua?”

Halfway to the door, Joshua freezes. “Yes, my Lord?”

“I trust you will continue to speak honestly and bravely should the need arise. I am aware that I can be…” He trails off, searching for the right words. “I am aware that sometimes, I need to hear it,” he says finally.  The first buzzing stings of irritation and familiar anger scrape across his psyche, and he can feel his expression twist into a glower. “Go,” he snaps suddenly. “ My good mood is fading.”

Joshua goes.