Page 30 of The Princess and the Demon

“Have a wonderful day.” I say as she turns towards me.

The demoness says nothing, but a moment later she’s gone, and I’m left alone.

Silence impregnates the space save for the crackling of the fire, and I sigh, laying back on the bed heavily.

I glance over at the window, and the bleak sky makes me feel a tug of sorrow at my situation.

I wondered if I’d ever see the sun again.

Refusing to shed any more tears, I turn away from the window, laying on my side facing the wall. Closing my eyes, I fall into a restless sleep.

Amon

I pace, my skin tingling with unease. I wasn’t sure if leaving Elora with Balail was the best idea, but I didn’t really know what else to do right now. There weren’t any other lesser I could trust enough to be around her.

All the lesser I employed in my realm were sworn to a certain standard, and they knew if they fucked up, they were out. I didn’t tolerate the behavior that came with being a lesser demon.

Still, I didn’t know if I could trust Balail. Hell, I didn’t even know if I could trust Elora.

I turn to a tapestry on the wall of my chamber, pulling it back to reveal a hidden door. I open it, and the musty air assaults my senses. I hadn’t used this passageway in a very long time.

Peering through the darkness of Elora’s room, I sigh. This was why I insisted on the master chamber. I knew I could get to her quickly if anything went amiss.

I wasn’t sure I was ready to face why that was suddenly a priority to me.

My jaw ticks.

Something in me shifted when her blood met mine. I had taken part in many blood bonds over my existence, but this was something entirely different.

It unsettled me, and I wasn’t easily unsettled.

She’s just a human. I remind myself, closing the door and letting the fabric fall back into place.

Eventually our bond would fizzle out, and the bargain would be moot. Or she would pass away here, and I would be released either way.

Patience wasn’t exactly my strong suit.

Turning back towards the fire, I run a hand through my hair.

Still there was something about her. The way she smelled, the way she looked at me through those long dark lashes…

I scoff out a breath, plopping into my chair.

I refused to be undone by this tiny human female.

9

ELORA

Stretching and yawning, I open my eyes. My first glance is at the window, only to see that the sky is no longer grey, but the deepest black I had ever seen.

Realizing I fell asleep in my towel, I grasp it, pulling it around me as I sit on the edge of the bed.

I look over at the gown I tossed aside. It’s a deep blue, and I finger the fabric. It was soft, and I reach over, pulling it over my head.

I stand and let it fall around me. It was a little too big, but the tie at the waist cinches the gown tightly. I hum in appreciation at the large bow the ties create in the back.

It was lovely otherwise, with long sleeves that sat off the shoulder and ivory lace details on the bodice and skirt.

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