Page 88 of The Princess and the Demon

“You would’ve made such a worthy match.”

The words echo in my mind. I don’t understand what he meant by that, but I worry at my lower lip as I contemplate the statement for the thousandth time today.

“Hello, Elora.”

A familiar voice startles me, and I turn with a gasp.

My stomach lurches into my throat.

Allocer stood on the walkway, his hands in his pockets. A second passes before I run to him, flinging my arms out to wrap around his waist.

“Allocer!” I cry.

He lets out a grunt, but then his arms wrap around me in a warm hug.

We hold each other like that for a moment before he wraps his hands around my upper arms to hold me at arm’s length.

“It’s so good to see you.” He says before he pulls me back in for another hug.

“I wish it were under better circumstances.” The words are softly spoken, and I pull away to look up at him.

My stomach sinks and I frown, pulling my robe around me tighter.

“What do you mean by that?” I ask warily.

When Allocer doesn’t respond right away the dread within me takes hold. “Allocer what’s wrong?”

He regards me a moment more before reaching for my hand.

“Is there a place we can talk?

I look down at my hand in his and nod, not sure how to feel or what to think. If he’s here, in my garden, in Delyra, it couldn’t be good.

“Follow me.” I say, leading him from the garden.

I place a finger to my lips to hush him as I listen at the glass doors leading into the main hall. This late the castle is quiet save for one or two servants.

I crack open the door, listening for movement before I gesture for him to follow me. Turning to look over my shoulder, I frown.

He wasn’t there.

I look around me, wondering if maybe he’d gotten past me somehow, but suddenly the air shimmers and I can make out a faint outline.

“I’m here.” He whispers. “It’s glamour. No one will know I’m with you.”

I hum curiously, reaching out with a hand. When my hand meets the fabric of his vest I jump slightly.

It was off putting to hear and feel someone but not see them.

“This way.” I finally say as I lead him to the library. As we pass the threshold I pause. I hadn’t stepped foot in here since my return.

The smell assaults my senses and I let out a small sigh. Grabbing a candelabra, I take the stairs two at a time, stopping to grab the key out of its compartment on the bookshelf.

I hand the candelabra to a now-visible Allocer as I lean over to fit it into the lock. The door unlocks with a clunk, and I push the door open, ushering him inside. I turn to make sure no one saw me enter before closing the door behind us.

Once in, I turn, placing the key on the table. Allocer sets the candelabra on the table before he pulls a chair out for me, gesturing for me to sit.

I take the offered seat, watching as he pulls out a chair, turning it to face me.

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