Page 49 of Dark Captivation

“You were worried about me?” She looked at me with sweet doe eyes as she took a bite of her sandwich.

I sat, dragging the chair closer to the table. “I hadn’t seen you in hours. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t...” I cleared my throat, trying not to seem too clingy. “…injured.”

She adjusted herself in her chair. A hint of lust stained her cheeks red as she seemed to remember last night. She covered her mouth, clearing her throat. “I may not be a demon but us wolves are strong enough to handle anything you can throw at us.” Her words rang of a playful challenge and she winked at me.

Was she telling me to go even further with her next time? My inner beasts relished the idea. She’d better not tempt me too much or she might bite off more carnage than she could manage. This little minx was confidence and trouble all wrapped up in a pretty package. That excited me beyond words.

We ate lunch together, Ferina plied Sunny and I with dirty jokes. They started out sloppy and incomprehensible but slowly started getting funny as she sobered up. Sunny, a great sport, laughed from the first drunken joke. I loved how she always humored my sister.

We’d almost finished eating when my assistant, Sam, marched in through the door like the wind, stomping toward us with his full attention on his clipboard.

“Okay, you're almost done with lunch, great.” He skimmed the table before flipping to the next page and ticking something off with a pen. “Today is the day you’re all booked to go and meet the children in the homework center of the city community center. You’ll be playing games with them, reading them stories and getting to know them. This will allow the people of Demon City to get to know the royals a bit better, and really improve your public image.”

“What’s wrong with their public image?” Sunny asked, before casually sipping her juice.

“Well, some misinformed demons view our king and princess as being a bit cold, and reclusive and far removed from the lives of the ordinary citizens.” He whispered that first part so low it was hard to hear him before blurting, “That's what we’re trying to change!”

“Was that today? I totally forgot.” I changed the subject back to the community center, dabbing the sauce from my lips, finishing my water.

“I forgot too.” Ferina massaged her forehead with her fingertips, her face twisting in pain from an alcohol induced headache.

“Don’t worry Princess Ferina, I've already arranged a driver to take you. Just have a glass of water first and you'll be fine.” Sam said dismissively and flipped through several more pages.

“A community center. Sounds interesting. I’ve never seen demon children before. Well, except you of course, Malek. I wonder if they’ll be as rambunctious as you were.”

“They’ll be like little angels,” I assured. “Discipline is the highest priority in the Demon City school system.”

She leaned back in her seat, her head dipping as she seemed comforted by my words. I wanted her relaxed for the meet and greet. She needed to get to know the people of the city a little better if she was to be accepted as their queen. Spending time with some local children will portray the image of her as a kind and caring woman that the citizens will be sure to love.

As soon as the heart tattoo was full, I’d finally propose to her. It was true that I had already asked her to be with me always, when we were younger, and she accepted. But it wouldn’t truly be official until I properly proposed to her as a man.

Then once my armies had conquered the world, I could be truly worthy of her. I will make a perfect world for my bride and only then I will be worthy enough to call her my wife.

Livy choked on the dry last corner of her sandwich and started hacking.

“I’m okay.” She washed it down with OJ.

I laughed inwardly. She made even the most ungraceful acts look graceful. I loved everything about her, most of all I loved the rumble in my chest every time her beautiful emerald eyes graced me.

Elias, one of my intelligence officers, darted into the room and whispered something into Sam’s ear. Something dark was scrawled all over Sam’s face.

Elias left and Sam and I exchanged glances. Something was wrong.

“Unfortunately, it seems there’s a slight change of plans.” Sam placed the clipboard under his arm clasping his hands. “Princess Ferina and Lady Sunny, you’ll both be going to the center as planned. However, something urgent has arisen that needs the king’s attention.”

“I hope everything’s alright.” Sunny pried, her body posture perking up.

“There’s a small commotion in the army barracks. A fight broke out and they need a good talking to from their king, to remind them how officers in the royal army are to conduct themselves.” He laughed like it was no big deal.

Promising to meet up with them as soon as possible, I wished Sunny and Ferina a good trip to the center. I left the dining room with Sam. We made a shifty escape into the hallway outside the dining room.

“What’s really going on, Sam?” I demanded once we were too far for the women to hear.

He stumbled over his sentences. “Intruders. Three of them. In the northern woods, just within the city’s border. They’ve already killed seven border guards and…” he looked away hesitating.

“And?”

“They’re saying the invaders are massive and savage beasts, yet they’re highly skilled and adept at evading capture, even from our most well-trained warriors,” he explained.

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