Page 18 of A Heart Disguised 1

Darius withdrew from the connection, his heart racing. He found himself both amused by Robin’s clumsiness and aroused by his unconscious sensuality. It was a potent combination, one that left the demon lord feeling off-balance in a way he hadn’t experienced in centuries.

“You seem flushed, my friend,” Ignis’ voice broke through Darius’ reverie. “The walk too strenuous for you?”

Darius shot his friend a withering look. “Hardly. I was just… considering the day ahead.”

Ignis raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing him, but chose not to press the issue. As they continued their tour of the city, Darius found his thoughts continually drifting back to Robin, to the sight of his bare chest in the morning light, to the innocent sensuality of his movements.

The bustling streets of Lunaria provided ample distraction, with merchants hawking their wares and street performers entertaining the crowds. Yet Darius found his attentionwavering, his mind repeatedly reaching out to connect with Starling’s consciousness.

It was during one such moment of distraction that Darius witnessed a scene that would be seared into his memory for days to come. Robin had snuck away from the caravan, finding a secluded stream for a much-needed bath. Through Starling’s eyes, Darius watched as the boy shed his cumbersome gown, revealing his slender form in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

“Oh, how I long for a proper bath.” Robin sighed, dipping a toe into the cool water. “With hot water and scented oils… lavender and rose petals floating on the surface.” He paused, a shadow crossing his face. “I wonder if I’ll be allowed such luxuries in the demon lord’s castle… that is, if I’m not eaten first.”

Robin laughed nervously, the sound carrying a hint of genuine fear. “Though I can’t imagine I’d be very delicious. I’m all skin and bones, hardly a morsel worth devouring.”

As he spoke, Robin waded into the stream, the cool water causing him to shiver. Goosebumps rose on his skin, and Darius found himself captivated by the sight. Water droplets clung to Robin’s body, catching the sunlight and making him appear to shimmer like a mirage.

The boy’s hair, now free from its braid, clung to his slender shoulders and back. As Robin ducked under the water and resurfaced, rivulets ran down his chest, drawing Darius’ gaze to the pink nipples that had pebbled in the cool air.

Darius felt a surge of desire so strong it nearly broke his concentration. Robin was ethereal, a vision of innocent beauty that stirred something primal within the demon lord. The contrast between the boy’s delicate features and the strength evident in his lithe muscles was intoxicating.

As Robin began to wash, his hands moving over his body with practical efficiency, Darius found himself entranced. Each movement, though innocent in intent, seemed charged with an unconscious sensuality that set Darius’ blood aflame.

It took every ounce of Darius’ considerable willpower to withdraw from the connection, his breath coming faster than usual. He blinked, finding himself back in the bustling streets of Lunaria, Ignis looking at him with concern.

“You seem distracted,” Ignis observed as they paused to watch a street performer breathe fire. “Is something amiss?”

Darius shook his head, struggling to regain his composure. “Not at all. Just… contemplating the changes coming to Lunaria.”

Ignis grinned, elbowing Darius playfully. “Ah yes, your bride’s arrival. Nervous?”

“Hardly,” Darius replied, but inwardly, he felt a turmoil of emotions. Desire, anticipation, and a strange protective instinct warred within him. Robin’s fear of being devoured bothered him more than he cared to admit. He found himself wanting to reassure the boy, to show him that life in the demon lord’s castle could indeed include lavender-scented baths and other luxuries.

As they continued their tour, Darius made a conscious effort to engage with the city and its people, determined to push thoughts of Robin aside, at least for now. However, as the day wore on, he found it increasingly difficult to maintain his focus. Even as he attended to his duties—meeting with city officials, inspecting the new wing of the library, and sitting for a portrait commissioned by the city council—his mind kept drifting back to the boy who would soon be his bride.

When night fell, Darius retired to his private chambers, dismissing his servants with a wave. As soon as he was alone, he reached out once more to Starling, curious to see how Robin was faring on his last night before arriving in Lunaria.

What he saw made his heart clench unexpectedly. Robin was in the throes of a nightmare, tossing and turning in his small bed in the carriage. Through Starling’s keen hearing, Darius could make out the boy’s whimpers.

“No… please… don’t eat me…”

When Robin woke with a scream, Darius felt an unexpected pang in his chest. He listened as the woman, whom he had come to know as Meredith through his constant observations, comforted Robin.

“Oh, you poor dear,” Meredith cooed, stroking Robin’s hair. “Was it the demon again? Don’t you worry, I’ve got a foolproof plan for escape.”

Darius leaned forward, intrigued despite himself. Over the past days, he had learned not only Meredith’s name but also those of Bernard, her husband, and Russet, Robin’s loyal canine companion.

“We’ll disguise ourselves as traveling minstrels,” Meredith declared, miming playing a lute. “With Russet as our dancing bear and Starling as our magical singing bird!”

Darius couldn’t help but chuckle at the old woman’s imaginative, if impractical, plan. He had grown oddly fond of Meredith’s protective nature and fanciful ideas, even as they were aimed at thwarting his own plans. The nursemaid’s devotion to Robin was evident, and Darius found himself grateful that his bride-to-be had such steadfast support.

Yet as he pictured the absurd scene of Robin and Meredith disguised as traveling minstrels, his amusement quickly gave way to frustration. The persistent rumors about his monstrous nature were clearly causing Robin genuine distress, and Darius found himself increasingly bothered by this fact. It wasn’t just the boy’s nightmares; it was the constant fear, the wild escape plans, the trembling he could see even through Starling’s eyes.

A newfound determination settled over him. He would dispel these myths, show Robin the truth of who he was. The challenge of winning over his frightened bride appealed to Darius in a way he hadn’t anticipated. It would require patience, subtlety, and perhaps a gentleness he wasn’t sure he possessed. But as he watched Robin through Starling’s eyes, comforted by Meredith’s presence, Darius knew it would be worth the effort.

As dawn broke, Darius watched as an exhausted Robin prepared to enter Lunaria. Dark circles marred the boy’s beautiful face, and Darius felt an unexpected urge to comfort him. With reluctance, he broke the connection with Starling, knowing he had duties to attend to.

Rising from his bed, Darius began his morning routine, his movements precise and efficient despite the distraction of his thoughts. As he dressed in his formal attire—a kaftan of deepest black adorned with intricate gold motifs that seemed to shimmer and move in the light—his mind wandered to Robin. How close was the boy now? Had he entered the city yet?

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