Queen of the Damned Part 4

The Archangel Council.

The current leaders of all of Heaven.

Stationed high within the floating metropolis that is Paradise, the capital district of Heaven, was the Archangel Citadel, the towering residence of Heaven’s eight archangels: the honorable Michael, Archangel of Justice; the wild Gabriel, Archangel of Strength; the traditional Raphael, Archangel of Virtue; the wise Metatron, Archangel of Valor; the stern Zadkiel, Archangel of Wisdom; the young Jophiel, Archangel of Unity; the compassionate Barachiel, Archangel of Hope; and the blind and beautiful Ariel, the Archangel of Peace.

Over a millennium, they were the highest ranking generals in the angelic armies during the long, disatreous Heaven-Hell War. Unity and honor was how they commanded. Their unification was enough for the celestial many called God to bestow leadership over their world during his extended leave. Tonight was time for another one of their evening meetings. All were present. Each gathered around in their seats. Each dressed formally in glimmering robes. Even Gabriel, or Gabi as her siblings called her, was dressed in a much elegant tuxedo than her usual jacket and jeans get up. As long as it wasn’t a dress. She always hated dresses.

“It is settled then,” Metatron said. “Zadkiel, Gabriel, and I will attend Elysium’s Festival of Illumination while Michael and Barachiel will meet with the delegates of Jannah. Are there any other matters to discuss?”

“I have one,” Mike spoke up. “I think it is time that we procede with developing new relations with the demons of Hell.”

Raph, his younger brother, groaned. “You’re gonna start this again.”

“I, for one, agree with Michael,” Barachiel then spoke. “If we really want to strengthen our relationship with the demons, we should start with opening communication with their king.”

“We may have to delay those communications,” Ariel said, her finger tapping her chin. “I’ve learned from a reliable source that Lucifer has fallen ill.”

Gabi chuckled. “Are you sure he’s not faking it?” she said. “He has a habit of doing that in the past.”

The Archangel of Peace turned her head to Gabi. “According to my source, this is no act. He is indeed ill.”

“Then we shall wait until his health as returned,” Zadkiel muttered.

“There is another we can speak to.”

Jophiel looked at her confused. “Who?” the younger angel spoke. “Legion?”

Ariel shook her head. “Legion is not the one in charge. Lucifer’s wife Carmen—if I remember her name correctly—is taking command as acting ruler of Hell, for the moment.”

Whispers were thrown around the council. “A mortal?” Raphael grimly scowled. “In command of demons?” the gears in his prosthetic fist crunched together. He was about to break off his arm rest.

Barachiel chuckled. “Well, these are strange times.” the other members of the council found his comment amusing, chuckling themselves.

“I say we take control of that ceasepole.” Raphael growled.

Zadkiel glared coldy. “We have no jurisdiction over the demons or the Inferno!” the Archangel of Wisdom corrected his fellow councilman. They knew it was true.

“And such an act would violate our treaty with them.” Jophiel added. That statement was true too. Another war with the demons was something neither party could afford. Not after the destruction their conflict had caused.

Worlds gone. Civilizations decimated. Scars unhealed. The Council dared not make any motion that would lead them back into war.

“Michael,” Metatron spoke this time. “You are more familiar with this mortal woman. Do you believe that she can handle this task on her own?”

Mike kept silent. He knew Carmen was a great woman, and an amazing parent and wife. But she has no experience in leading the demons. He never saw her in the Inferno, giving the demons any orders. That was always Lucifer’s duty. Carmen’s was to her home, family, and career. Now she was going to have to act as devil, standing in for her sick husband. The Archangel of Justice wondered if he should ascend into Earth or the Inferno, providing guidance for his sister-in-law, easing some of the stress that can come from leadership. But he remembered that she was not alone. Legion and Lilith were there. They’ll guide her. And Scrugs was there too, as an assistant to them guiding her.

“I say,” he finally answered. “that the only course of action we take is to have faith. Don’t let her mortality fool you. Carmen Gravely is a strong, capable woman who can handle any task. She’ll do was needs to be done for the demons.”

“Then perhaps with her,” Ariel then addressed. “she can help with opening communications with the demons.”

Everyone directed their gazes to Ariel. She had a smile that was a devious as a demon. “Do you have something in mind, Ariel?”

Ariel nodded. “Actually, I was just thinking that we are long over due in giving a formal congratulations to Lucifer and his wife on their marriage.”

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