"One of your guard officers slipped off to the Eighth Circle before returning," Cruciata lied, knowing that her father's sorcery could make any falsehood seem like the truth. "He told me everything. He said he was opposed to a former human marrying the Archdiablesse, so he wanted me to know my bride was free as soon as possible. He then left to rejoin you in the confusion."
"Our guard officers are permitted to open portals..." mused Astaroth.
"What's the Archdiablesse?" Rachel asked Maisy.
"I am," said Maisy. "It's my title as the heiress to the Ninth Circle and all of Hell. It's a bit like being Prince of Wales."
Michael examined Cruciata's face for a moment. "I'm not detecting falsehood in her eyes. On the other hand, I saw nothing but loyalty in Beelzebub's eyes when I demanded to know if he was giving aid to my brother's rebellion."
"The whole thing was practically his idea!" Lucifer laughed.
"Point is, I can't tell if she's lying or not," sighed Michael. "Her story makes sense considering political strength of the hardliner faction in Hell. Demons like Adrammelech or Nergal might very easily go rogue and try to force a marriage between my niece and Cruciata. The guard could be compromised... or she could be lying through her Carrionfly teeth."
"I assure you, the guard officer acted without my knowledge or my father's," Cruciata said glibly.
"What do we do?" Lilith asked her husband and king. "We can't kill her or even lock her up without evidence, but she's a security risk."
"And the daughter of an archduke can't be executed or imprisoned lightly," said Astaroth. "Especially not one as well-connected and politically savvy as Beelzebastard."
"We could send the secret police to tail her," suggested Lucifer.
"You mean the secret police captained by Beelzebub's drinking buddy Nergal?" Lilith asked snarkily, her forked tongue flicking in and out as she spoke. "Bad idea."
"She should at least be forbidden from leaving the Eighth Circle until Michael and I can get to the bottom of things," said Baal.
"Good idea, Commander," Lucifer nodded. "Lady Cruciata Carrionfly, I hereby place you under house arrest in your father's palace until further notice. I promise you will find it a comfortable prison."
"I only hope Pava can keep me entertained," Cruciata sighed, opening a portal to Beelzebub's palace.
"I hope she's not on the honor system," Rachel remarked.
"Of course she isn't," said Lilith. "Any portal she tries to open to a location outside of her father's palace will fizzle out until Lucifer changes his mind."
"Good!" Josh said firmly. "I know a liar when I see one."
"We'll soon discover what is and isn't true," said Baal.
"Until then, maybe we should bring my wife down as additional protection," said Michael.
"That's a lot of angels in Hell at once," Lucifer said, stroking his goatee. "A lot of the nobles won't like it."
"They'll just have to grow up and get over the rebellion," Lilith scoffed, knowing that those same nobles had tried to talk Lucifer out of marrying her.
"Parthenope IS a skilled warrior," said Baal. "I saw what she did to the Iron Knights."
"Who?" asked Rachel.
"Michael's wife, better known as Joan of Arc to humans," said Penemue.
"She's an angel?" asked Rachel. "But I thought she was burned at the stake by the English."
"A flesh puppet of her was burned at the stake by the English," Michael clarified. "I took the actual Joan to Heaven and married her once she became an angel."
"God sent Michael to choose Joan as the one to free France from England's unlawful occupation," Penemue explained. "He fell for her HARD. On the night God sent him to rescue Joan from the English jail, he asked her to marry him. She said yes, was taken to Heaven, became an angel, and took the name 'Parthenope.' It means 'voice of the maiden,' a fitting name for the inspirational Maid of Orleans."
"Not that she's much of a maiden anymore," Lucifer snickered. "She and Michael have given me two nieces and a nephew."
"Can I send for her, brother?" Michael pleaded. "Rachel nearly died today. She needs all the protection that she can get, and this HAS to be more politically palatable than taking her and her mother to Heaven or sending down a whole squad of my celestial soldiers."
"You may be right, Michael," Lucifer admitted. "If God agrees, you can invite Parthenope to help out."
"Thank you, brother!" Michael smiled. He flew off to call God and Parthenope.
"I can't believe we'll be meeting Joan of Arc!" gasped Atargatis.
"I'm more excited to have you back, sweetie!" Maisy cheered, pulling Rachel into an embrace and peppering her with kisses.
"It's very much something to celebrate," Lilith smiled. "You know, I believe the assassin promised you a party. I think I'll make sure you get a party! I'm throwing a grand festival to celebrate your survival, Rachel... with plenty of security, of course."
"Are you still interested in a little demonic revelry?" Astaroth asked Atargatis. "Fair warning, there'll be more sex and drinking in one night than you've probably experienced in your entire life."
"I think I'm good with that," Atargatis answered after a pause. "After all, me being there would appall my ex-husband!" She and Astaroth shared a good laugh at that.
Michael, Penemue, Josh, and Remeila shared a bashful look. "I... I think we'll opt out, Lilith," Penemue said for the group. "But thanks for the invitation."
"You're missing out," Lilith said with a wink, "but suit your pure, wholesome selves."