The Codex: An Angel's Guide To Seducing A Human (25 page)

Emily

The Arena was closed by the time the blood, dead bodies, and wounded participants had been cleared away.

The qualifiers had finished, with the womanizing prince being one of the few victors. Starting the next day, and for the following few days, the tournament would begin pitting two people against each other in single combat. 
Which means I need to figure out my plan before the last day.

Everyone had left, and we were the only ones still in the whole building. It was a disappointing fight. I had hoped the prince would lose, even though the event was probably rigged to make him look good. It made sense. There was no way the city could afford to use a troll for something like this, or hope it could be defeated by a bunch of stick-wielding peasants. At least not without a lot of bloody deaths.

Narius sniffed as if someone had stolen his food and made fun of Lord Halfaya. His eyes looked unfocused, and he seemed on the verge of tears.

I squatted in front of him and poked his cheek. 
Maybe I shouldn't have knocked him out.

His brown eyes slowly focused. "Emily, what happened? Was it all a dream? Why were they cheering? Why were they so happy? The humans that died; they must have had family, friends, loved ones. Why was no one sad?” He hugged himself and shivered despite the warm air of the summer evening.

I sighed with relief. 
It might have been a mistake to change my mind about letting him go down there in the last moment. But if he’s this depressed, he won’t be able to go after the book. 
But my heart panged just watching him suffer. 
Maybe I should cheer him up just a little. Just enough for him to smile.
 I knelt in front of him and wrapped my arms around him, squeezing him as tight as I could. "It's okay, Narius."

He gazed at me, his eyes wet with tears. “What kind of angel watches a human die and does nothing?”

“It wasn’t your fault. Don't cry."

He didn’t respond.

I buried my head against his shoulder, running my hand through his chestnut hair. The smell of rosemary wafted from him and soothed me. "Narius, I have something for you." Taking my arms off him, I reached down into the paper bag and presented him with a cupcake I had taken from the guild kitchen. Peeling off the paper cup, I brought the treat to his mouth.

Narius sniffed the treat once before biting into it.

As he chewed, he brightened a little and wiped his eyes. “So this is a cake.”

Seeing him smile, the corners of my mouth lifted. “This is just a cupcake. A real cake is about a hundred times better.”

Narius took the treat from my hands and nibbled away at it. “Thank you," he murmured, spilling cake crumbs onto his armor as he ate.

Once he had finished eating, I rummaged through the pouch again. "Don't get excited yet.” This time, I took a bar of dark chocolate and handed it to him. He smiled. Without waiting to hear my explanation, he bit out a large chunk.

What little joy I had brought back vanished from his face, replaced by confusion, then with disgust as he let his chocolate coated tongue out. “Urgh... What is this? It tastes like dirt. This isn't chocolate.”

“It’s dark chocolate.”

He squirmed, his wings swaying with his body. “Ugh…so bitter.”

Anticipating his reaction, I pulled out a bar of milk chocolate and broke off a piece. I rubbed the sweet treat against my lips, coating them completely, then tossed the rest into my mouth to flavor my tongue.

I laid my hands on his cheeks and brushed my lips against his.

Narius flinched at my kiss, but instead of pulling away, he closed his eyes. The rest of his body relaxed, and the chocolate flowed from my mouth to his, driving away the bitter taste he must have felt. When the chocolate on my lips disappeared, I pulled away. His face glowed, and his breathing was rough. He looked so cute, so vulnerable. I edged closer to him and laid my hands on his cheeks. 
I want you, Narius. Why can’t I stop myself?
 "You’re blushing."

"Angels... angels don't blush," he muttered, chocolate smudged around his mouth.

I licked it off, leaving a black mark of my own on his cheek. Feeling horny at the thought of ruining his purity and unable to resist the sudden surge of lust, I kept licking him.

In response, his wings shuddered, and Narius gazed at me with confusion in his eyes. “Emily?”

I snuggled myself onto his chest and felt his pulse quicken. I reached out to the leather straps of his armor. He remained still, and by the reflection on his breastplate, I could see myself blushing.

Pulling his armor off him, I tried not to gawk as I undressed the angel, and once his bare chest was revealed, I traced my finger against his abs. His muscles were hard, his body pleasing to my eyes and touch. "Narius, you can forget about the Grimoire. Let’s just enjoy the moment."

"No, I... I can't." The softness in his eyes vanished, replaced with a hint of determination. "The Grimoire. I... need to get the book.”

I kissed him again. The will in his eyes wavered. 
This is to save him. I’m just doing this to save him. No other reasons!
 Before I knew what I was doing, I grabbed his hands and rested them against my chest. I moaned at the warmth and pleasure radiating from my heart. I pulled my lips away. "Be gentle."

Without warning, Narius shoved me onto my back. He touched my cheeks and looked at me, his eyes focused and the color in his face bright.

I held my breath, waiting for him to make love to me. 
This is it. Is it too soon? Is it going to hurt? Am I ready for this? Is he going to be rough with me? But if it's with Narius...

"No! I'm not going to ravage her!" the angel said, pushing himself off me.

The mood evaporated. "What?"

He didn't seem to even hear me. “I don’t want to look helpless and innocent either!" Narius shouted. He gripped his head, face ripening. "What next step? I thought being a mate was just being with Emily while holding her hand and telling her that I really like her."

"Hold on. Are you talking to the Codex again?" I asked, hiding my disappointment behind a straight face. 
What is wrong with me? Trying to seduce an angel after bringing him to a death match and making him cry. Am I that twisted?

Narius scurried back and clenched his fists. Inhaling and exhaling repeatedly, he steadied his breath. “I am Lord Halfaya’s servant. Duty comes first. Duty comes first.” He summoned his halberd and walked away, twitching with every step. “Duty, duty, duty, Lord Halfaya gave me a duty,” he repeated in a rapid rhythm as he climbed over the balcony and jumped off towards the center of the Arena.

Figuring what the idiot was up to, I leaned against the railings. “Narius, stop! This is illegal! And that glass is protected by a spell!"

He didn't listen. Instead, the half-naked angel landed in front of the glass dome. There, he smashed his halberd against the barrier that held the corrupted book. Sparks flew off, but the strike didn’t leave a scratch. Undeterred, Narius brought his halberd up again and slammed it against the protective bubble, over and over. The fifth time he struck the glass, an alarm rang out.

The loud wail echoed throughout the stadium and moments later dozens of men armed with blackjacks appeared. “Stop right there!” one of the Coliseum guards shouted as they ran after him.

Narius flinched. He threw the halberd to the ground, where it immediately disappeared. He took to the air and flew to me, drawing the guard's attention to the booth.

I tried to run back to the door, but Narius shouted, "Emily, we've got to get out of here!"

"Don't say my name!" I yelled back.

He landed in front of me. Before I knew what was happening, Narius placed his arms beneath my legs and neck, then carried me away like a princess in a fairy tale. 
This is so romantic. Running away from thugs... wait.
 "Hold on, Narius! This is just a simple misunderstanding. Stop! We can talk our way—"

He kicked off the balcony and flew into the air. The sound of his wings flapping drowned out all other noises. As the coliseum grew small beneath us, the now criminally-stupid angel slowed his wings and smiled. "Don't worry. There is no way anyone will know that it was us."

Narius

We walked past a huge portrait of a king whose mop of blond hair draped over his face, making him look like an ungroomed puppy. "Impossible," I said to Emily as two knights escorted us down the hall of a palace. "How? How did they know it was us?”

Emily glanced at the guards, whose plate armor clanked like those worn by Arudi's flock. She sighed. "Do you honestly think the city is filled with naked angels flying around flashing people? It also didn't help when you accepted your lost armor this morning the minute the city guard came calling and thanked them for finding it." She shook her head. “Just be glad you have your armor now and that we are in the royal palace instead of a dungeon.”

"But—"

The guards stopped in front of a glossy mahogany door and opened it to reveal a large, lavishly-decorated dining hall. Princess Yuriana sat at the head of a long banqueting table, dressed in a light blue silk dress that perfectly reflected her eyes. She peered at me with a piercing gaze over the rim of her fluted crystal glass.

The princess smiled at us across a white, silk-covered table that was covered with mouth-watering plates of food. Amazed, I examined the small paradise while the Codex whispered to me what the various items were. In particular, my eyes focused on a slab of meat called "roasted chicken," a featherless bird without its head or legs. I let out a little breath at such a majestic sight, wanting nothing more than to put the meat in my mouth. 
I should draw a picture of this with Emily stuffing herself.

Emily jabbed me in the ribs. “Stop staring at her, pervert.”

"What? I am not staring.”

"Then why are you blushing?"

Before I could answer, Yuriana waved at the knights. The guards gave us a gentle nudge forward and closed the door, foolishly leaving the three of us with all this food.

"What happened to Ciel?" I asked.

"She is in the outskirts of the Ruined Lands, accompanied by my knights who are holding a forest of potted saplings." The princess motioned for us to sit. “It is wonderful to see you two again. Please, enjoy yourselves. Consider it a small repayment for the inconvenience the guards caused."

Not needing to be told twice, I seated myself, picked up the silver fork, and skewered a small piece of meat that I assumed was the headless chicken cut down to bite sizes for convenience.

Just as I was about to put the meat inside me, Emily spoke. “Your Highness, Narius broke the law. It would be the height of arrogance for us to eat anything." She glared at my open mouth. "Drop it."

I ignored her and sank my teeth into the soft buttery wonder, the crust of the meat crunching as I chewed. Juicy oil flowed onto my tongue, sending warmth throughout my body and making my wings tingle. "Emily, you have to try this. It's amazing."

Emily furrowed her brows and sat across from me. "Not another bite, pigeon."

The princess laughed. “It’s quite all right, Lady Bryant. Food deserves to be eaten by those who would appreciate it the most.”

I nodded at her wisdom and swallowed. Then I took another piece of the chicken along with a steaming pile of potato that had been pounded into a pulp.

The taste was incredible. The bird and potato melted together like chocolate as I rolled them around with my tongue. "Do you eat like this every day?"

"Yes. I hope everything is to your liking?"

I bobbed my head as fast as I could. 
This is fantastic. I wish I was a princess.

Really? Do you want to wear a pretty dress and dance with handsome people as well?

Yes. Why not?
 I asked, chewing the pure happiness in my mouth when another question popped into my head.

"Emily, you've licked me before. What do I taste like? Chicken?"

Yuriana cleared her throat and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.

Emily reddened. She stepped on my foot under the table and gestured to a large brown piece of meat next to the chicken. “N-Narius, why don't you try the steak?"

I nodded and studied the meat. Unlike the chicken, it was cut too large for a single bite, so I speared the entire piece with my fork and nibbled at it.

Emily placed her hand against her forehead. "Use the knife."

Realizing I might have made a mistake by ignoring human eating habits, I dropped the meat and picked up the knife.

Emily sighed and relaxed. "Good. Now eat with it."

Following her advice, I removed the fork from the steak, impaled the knife in its place then continued eating in the proper human manner.

Emily groaned and covered her face with both hands. "No... ah... I don't even know anymore."

Yuriana laughed and waved her hand at Emily. “No need to be embarrassed, Lady Bryant. I am aware of Narius’s unfamiliarity with our way of dining." She wiped her mouth with her handkerchief again, and then smiled at me. “Narius, you were caught trying to steal the property of the Arena. Do you know what that means?”

I shook my head and continued to munch on the delicacy resting in my mouth. “I didn't try to steal it. The Grimoire needs to be purified before Mafis comes looking for it.”

Yuriana locked her fingers together and placed them on the table. “No need to worry about that. I was given assurances about the book's security from the party that asked me to offer it as a prize. No one will be able to steal the book."

"But I will get the book as soon as we finish eating, right?"

"No."

My teeth ground to a halt. "Why not?"

"Because I want to make a simple deal."

Emily slammed her hand against the table and eyed the princess with suspicion. "No deals." A moment later she paled and lifted her hands. "I-I mean, Princess, with all respect. I think we should leave."

Yuriana glanced at Emily before addressing me again. "One of the reasons for this tournament is to allow Prince Kale to prove himself in order for him to propose to me. I cannot allow this marriage to go through. In fact, I am already quite horrified that all I could do was kick him out from the palace and force him to stay at some inn called the 'Last Delight.'" She shuddered. "Therefore, you will fight the prince in the Arena. In return, you will receive the book. Along with a royal pardon for the attempted burglary."

An image of butchered bodies in the ring flashed in my mind. I lowered the chunk of flesh, its taste suddenly sour. “That place shouldn't exist.”

She waved her hand in dismissal. "This is an urgent matter. And as an added reward, I shall allow you the privilege to dine with me every day."

The juicy taste of the meat inside me returned. "Really? Every day?"

"As long as you emerge victorious in the tournament and ruin my arranged betrothal to that pig.”

"Why do you bother with all of this? Couldn’t you just say no?” Emily tapped her finger on the table, betraying her annoyance. "You're the princess."

“I could, Lady Bryant, but that would result in a serious dent in our relationship with the Legerents. And we need access to their roads in order to trade with the dwarves of the Low Mountain.”

Emily's hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white. "With all due respect, Your Highness, maybe you should fight the prince yourself."

Yuriana exhaled loudly, heaving her bosom.

I couldn't help but stare, wondering why she was so stressed when the idea of fighting herself seemed perfectly reasonable.

Emily glared at me, her eyes flashing with anger and her lips twitching.

“I 
should
 fight my own battles,” the princess said. “However, the King and Queen have forbidden me to duel with the prince. They believe it would only end with one or both of the royal families humiliated.”

“So you are going to use Narius?" Emily asked, the volume of her voice rising and her face reddening. "Why don’t you send one of your knights instead?”

“Because Kale would be able to publicly accuse me of treachery. I want to end our courtship, but not at the cost of our diplomatic relations. If your angel defeats the prince, there will be no one from either kingdom to blame. Many will believe the proposed marriage was too ill-fated to be carried out. It will provide me with a perfect excuse to dissolve the proposal.”

Emily scowled and rose to her feet. “Everyone knows the prince kills his male opponents like some sort of insecure bastard! Find someone else to do your dirty work. I'm not going to let Narius get hurt!"

Growing a little worried at her outburst, I rested the knife on the table. "Emily, it's all right. I—"

“Yes, I am aware of the possibility." Yuriana folded her handkerchief into a neat square, her lips twisted into a grimace. "And this is a sacrifice I am willing to make. The death of an angel will provide me with the reason to refuse him on religious grounds."

Emily kicked off her chair and pounded her fist against the table, rattling the dishes. "'A sacrifice you are willing to make'? I have had enough of this. Narius is not some tool you can use! I'm not going to lose him again, you manipulative bi—"

"I'll do it." I picked up the knife again and brought the cow back into my mouth. "I promise that I will fight. If it means getting my hands on the book."

"No!"

“Relax, Emily. I’ll beat the prince,” I said, munching on the dead animal. "I am tougher than I look."

She pounded the table again. "A gentle breeze could beat you! No. You shouldn't go through with this. We'd have better luck trying to work out a deal with the prince himself to get the book.”

Yuriana crossed her arms and smiled as if Emily's words meant nothing. “Do not worry, Lady Bryant. I have already... influenced... the tournament. Narius will only fight in the final match, while Prince Kale will have to battle his way to the top. In fact, it is entirely possible for my groom to lose long before he reaches the final round, in which case I can easily pressure the opposing finalist to forfeit and bestow Narius with the prize.”

Emily gritted her teeth. “I doubt that's going to happen.”

“Emily, don't worry. I’ll be fine,” I said, slapping my armor with the palm of my hand to send out an echoing ring. "I can handle it."

"Bloody idiot!" Emily shoved the chair to the ground and glared at me. "Do whatever you want!" With anger in her steps, she stomped to the door and kicked it open. She walked out on us, her swearing echoing down the hall.

Emily

The guards didn't stop me from leaving the palace, probably following orders from the scheming princess. 
I can't believe I ever thought she was great. Narius fighting the prince? He won't last a second.

I slammed my staff against the cobblestones of the street as hard as I could, cracking parts of the road with every step I took.

The stupid angel who wanted to sell his life followed after me. "Emily, wait!"

I kept on walking. "Do I look like I want to wait?"

"But—"

He kept up with me as I stormed off in the direction of the guild hall. "Emily, stop." He grabbed my elbow. "Please?"

I'd had enough of him. I spun on Narius and pinned him against an alley wall that smelled like vomit. “Promise me you aren't going to fight.”

He smiled and wrapped his hands around my waist. "It's all right. I won't lose."

His confidence and his steady hands threatened to make me forgive him. Grinding my teeth, I glared at him and tried to hold onto my anger. “Damn it, Narius! You almost cried just watching the fights, and now you want to be in one?”

He shook his head. "I can't break my promise."

I gripped his shoulders, making him wince. "You have no chance against the prince. Gods! What is with you angels?"

“A promise is a promise,” he muttered meekly, his wings cowering behind his back. "We have to keep them no matter what."

His words almost brought tears to my eyes. 
Damn it all.
 I relaxed my grip and took a step back, freeing myself from him. “What about your promise to me?”

Narius blushed and studied the cobblestones beneath us like they were made of gold. “It’s not like I am going to kiss the prince.” He placed the tips of his index fingers together. “Besides, if you want, I wouldn’t mind kissing you any time. Even now.”

Despite my best efforts to stay mad at him, heat rose to my face. 
Why does he have to be so adorably dumb?
 “Th-That’s not what I meant!”

He tilted his head. “Huh?”

I fought the tears that blurred my vision. “All I want... All I want is to be with you. Is that too much to ask, you stupid angel? Can't you just do things like I tell you to? Just this once?"

The idiot shook his head. “I need to do this.”

“No, you don't. It's just words. Can't you let this one go?” I wiped my tears away. 
Am I upset because Narius is going to get hurt or because it's going to be harder to get the book if Narius is this interested?

He closed his eyes and hugged me hard. “I can't. But everything will be fine. I promise."