Page 53 of The Princess and the Demon

AMON

Ipace nervously as a small army of lesser bustles about, setting up the dining room. I watch as they bring platters upon platters of food in, decorating the table.

It was far too much food for any one person, but I wanted to impress Elora.

A couple of demoness lesser make their way in with pots of jasmine, and I instruct them to place the plants in the middle of the table.

A few candles are lit and scattered down the center, casting an ambient glow.

It’s perfect.

When I am sure everything is in place, I pace in front of the large fireplace. I sent Balail to help her get ready and threatened her within an inch of her life if she so much as laid a claw on her.

Elora should be here by now.

I shove a hand through my hair, adjusting my vest. Growling, I turn and start to walk towards the entrance of the room, ready to go check on her, when I hear footsteps coming down the corridor.

I freeze as Balail rounds the corner first, meeting my eyes instantly. The expression on her face is unreadable.

Elora rounds the corner a moment later, and my heart stutters.

She’s utterly breathtaking.

The cream gown she’s wearing hugs her small frame from bodice to hip. The sleeves are sheer, and tight to the wrist, and the skirts fall away to flow freely around her legs.

Her silver hair had been brushed until dry and fell in loose waves around her shoulders and down her back.

Her eyes find mine and time stops.

Everyone and everything falls away. It’s just me and her. Even from this distance I lose myself in her lavender depths.

I don’t realize I’m moving until I’m taking her hands in mine, and time comes crashing back down around me.

I drink her in before clearing my throat.

“Elora.”

My voice is thick with desire, and I clear my throat again.

“You look lovely.”

I bow to her, raising her hand to my lips. I hold her gaze as I brush them over the back of her hand.

“Thank you.” She whispers.

Her lips part and her cheeks redden, and it takes everything I have not to pull her to me and devour her.

She dips to me slightly, and I lead her to the chair next to mine, pulling it and gesturing for her to sit.

She sits gently, smoothing her skirts and pushing her hair over her shoulder. My fingers itch with the desire to help her, if only to have an excuse to touch her.

When she looks up at me again her eyes widen slightly, and I know she can see my desire for her.

I sit next to her, adjusting my vest and reaching out to grab a decanter of wine. Reaching for her glass, I turn to question her with my gaze. She nods, and I pour her a glass.

“Thank you, for inviting me to join you tonight.” She says softly, taking the glass when I offer it to her.

The liquid is a rich amber, and I watch her throat work as she takes a few sips.

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