Page 28 of The Princess and the Demon

The demoness pouts for a second before scoffing and turning to glare at me. “As you wish, master.” She bites as she portals out of the room.

Amon regards me silently.

“Well, she seems…pleasant.” I say, looking down at my hands.

Amon stifles a smirk, clearing his throat. “That is Balail. She is my servant and will attend to you. Anything you need or want, you have only to ask for it and it will be provided.”

I blush as I wring my hands, looking up at him through my lashes. “I do have one request,” I start. “I have to use the washroom.”

8

ELORA

After a breakfast of dried fruits and boiled eggs, Amon guides me through what seems to be a castle-or at least that’s what I assume I’m in. The corridors are large with ornate stone carvings and archways above them.

The air is crisp, and I stave off a chill by running my hands over my upper arms. Amon glances over at me, doing a double take before speaking.

“We will find you more suitable clothing. It can get quite chilly, especially at night.”

The rest of the walk is silent save for the clicking of his clawed feet echoing through the corridor. After a turn, Amon pauses in front of a large wooden door.

“These will be your quarters. You’ll have everything you need in here. Meals will be brought to you three times a day unless I request for you to dine with me.”

He reaches for the latch and pushes open the heavy wooden door. It groans as it swings open, and I walk past the threshold, taking in my new room.

There’s a large bed on a podium to my right, the linens draped in such a way that the bed is obscured from the doorway. To my left is a smaller marble fireplace, the fire within already roaring welcomingly.

Two twin wardrobes made of rich mahogany line the wall next to the fireplace, and a large bay window envelops a small round table with two ornate chairs.

I run to the window, peeking through the curtain and gasping with delight at the view below me.

“There’s a garden?” I ask, placing my hands against the glass. It doesn’t seem large, but the green grass and colorful flowers bring a sense of relief to my soul.

The sky isn’t blue, but rather a deep grey, almost as though rain was on its way.

Amon walks to stand next to me, his hands clasped behind his back. “It’s not easy to get things to grow here, but we managed. I’m sorry to say you won’t see the sun.”

My excitement fades only slightly, but I turn, grinning up at him.

“This is lovely, thank you.”

Amon nods curtly before walking to a lone tapestry against one wall. “Behind this tapestry is your washroom.” He states, pulling back the heavy fabric. I lean in to spy a decently sized claw foot tub, and a wash basin against the other wall.

The lighting is ambient with sconces scattering the walls.

A full-length mirror stands in the corner, and I gasp at my appearance. My hair is a mess, and my dress is wrinkled.

Amon chuckles, letting the fabric fall back into place.

“I imagine you’ll want to freshen up.” He says.

Balail appears a moment later, looking less than pleased.

“Yes?” She snaps, her hands moving to her hips.

“Elora will be needing a bath.” Amon states, his eyes locked on mine.

The demon sighs and sashays to the washroom, flinging the tapestry to the side. Amon takes a step closer to me, and his leather scent assaults my senses again.

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