Page 38 of The Princess and the Demon

Giggling, I sit up, wrapping her in my hands to place her on my shoulder as I stand and walk back towards the castle.

12

ELORA

The next few days breeze by fairly quickly. I’d gotten Amon to agree to let me keep the little drakeling, which I’d lovingly named Nyx. Her dark blue scales and black eyes made me think of a book I’d read once on Greek deities.

He’d helped me put together an enclosure for her but had said that if I wanted her to thrive, I would have to ensure she got outdoors quite a bit.

I’d put my hands on my hips and laughed at him. Why he thought I’d ever stay indoors long enough for that to be an issue was beyond me.

Nyx went everywhere with me, and I loved her. She spit little sparks at Balail whenever she came to tend to me, and the demoness would pester her in return. I think it was safe to say they didn’t really care for each other.

Amon on the other hand was always getting drakeling love when he was near, and I’d swear if Nyx was given the choice between me or him, he’d win every time.

I’d roll my eyes and call her a sucker, to which she’d toss her little head and squeak her little roars. She was adorable, and I was thankful to have something to keep me company.

I’d insisted on helping get the library in order, and when Amon tried to order me to stay out I’d given him hell. I was more than capable, and I’d help where I could. I was here to stay, anyway, and had nothing better to do with my time.

Amon had finally acquiesced and stomped off mumbling and growling, hands clenched at his sides. In the process of pulling that room together, I’d met Amara. She was a lesser demoness, and I found I enjoyed her company quite a bit.

She was sweet, and funny, with light pink skin and long white hair. She had two tiny horns that were barely noticeable above the gentle waves.

We became fast friends, and I found out that her mother was a succubus. She had never been to the human realm, however, and had been employed by Amon for a long time.

I had requested from him that night that she attend to me instead of Balial, to which he agreed, and I was thankful to him.

I’d made it very clear right away that Amara and I were friends, she was not my maid. We spent a lot of time together when she wasn’t taking care of her other duties around the castle.

A few times I’d noticed Amon watching us while we were in the garden from his study window, hands clasped behind his back. Amara smiled one afternoon as he turned and walked away.

“You know… I’m pretty sure there’s something going on you’re not telling me.” she says with a smirk on her face. I set Nyx in the grass, and the little drakeling takes to turning circles, her little wings spread wide.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, frowning.

“Oh come on, Elora. You’re going to tell me you don’t notice the way Amon looks at you?” She reaches out and pokes me in the shoulder, biting her lower lip.

I shoo her away and tsk.

“Ohhh, come on. He doesn’t look at me any differently than anyone else.”

I say the words but the knowledge that she’s right sends a flip of anticipation through my stomach. Of course I noticed.

And if it was that obvious to others…

I scoff, holding out a small berry for Nyx to reach for.

I can’t help but glance up towards his study window to see if he’s standing there.

“Just like that, ok-no. Look.” I sigh and lower my bow as Amon stands next to me, drawing the string on his bow up and back towards his cheek. He straightens out his arms, glancing over at me to make sure I’m watching.

“Shoulders back and straighten your stance, you’re hunched when you draw the string.”

I attempt again to pull the string and struggle to get it past the draw.

Amon growls. “Stop. You’re going to hurt yourself.”

I complain audibly and drop my arms in defeat. “I’m never going to get it.” I’m frustrated, and I know he can tell.

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