[Scorching Depths]

"...It's certainly an effective deterrent." Braon agrees, slightly disheartened. Not only did Sekhmet already know about them, she knew them by name. If Sekhmet was expecting her to find malcontents the demon queen couldn't, she was certainly starting at a disadvantage.

Fortunately, over the next several weeks, Braon does seem to show a certain adeptness for this kind of work. She grew up among schemers, and didn't have any particular trouble sussing them out once she regresses to that mindset.

Though that seems to come with trouble of its own. Braon quickly loses any respect for the palace staff, or the palace itself. Sekhmet and others will keep finding nonsensical markings in various places, usually doorframes, most of which seem to be singular Infernal characters with no rhyme or reason to them. The cleaning staff will keep running into "accidents" in the hallways and rooms, scorch marks or broken brickwork or candles that swear profusely at passersby. And of course, more singularly rude concerns like boot scuffs on the tables and half-eaten foodstuffs tucked in out-of-the-way places. Sekhmet's new inquisitor, it seems, is not a particularly good houseguest, even when they're working together.

Then again, Sekhmet might find it difficult to argue with results.

"Sorry to interrupt." Braon says as she walks brazenly into Sekhmet's bedroom, without any regard for what she might be interrupting. She's leading a succubus in what appears to be an elaborate weave of ropes and thin chains, who looks mildly disappointed that she's only being detained. "This is Gossamer. Say hi, Gossamer."

"Mmm mphm."

"I caught her skulking around the kitchen with this." Braon produces a vial of sweet-smelling pink liquid, turning it over to Sekhmet for her inspection. "'Liquid Love', she called it. Said she was going to try to slip you some in your wine."