Page 35 of A Heart Disguised 1

As he took my hand, I shivered involuntarily. His touch was like grasping an icicle, and I had to resist the urge to pull away. “My word, you’re as cold as winter! Do you ever need a coat?” I asked, then immediately regretted my words.Oh, brilliant, Robin. Why don’t you just ask if he’s ever caught a cold while you’re at it?

Sir Orion’s icy eyes sparkled with amusement. “A coat would be… superfluous, Lady Robin.”

I nodded, rubbing my hand surreptitiously to warm it up.

“And Sir Fenris,” the duke concluded, gesturing to a demon with wolflike features and silver fur.

I tilted my head, studying his lupine appearance. My fingers twitched with the sudden, mad desire to touch his fur to see if it was as soft as it looked. I clenched my hands in the folds of my dress to resist the urge. “I hope this isn’t rude, but do you howl at the moon? It seems like it would be terribly fun.”Oh, for heaven’s sake, Robin! You might as well ask to scratch behind his ears!

Sir Fenris’ lips curled into a wolfish grin, revealing sharp canines. “Only on special occasions, my lady. Perhaps you’d like to join me sometime?”

I felt heat rush to my cheeks at his words, unsure if he was jesting. The thought of howling at the moon with a pack of demon wolves was both terrifying and oddly exhilarating.

As I finished the introductions, I realized I’d been babbling like a brook, asking the most outlandish questions. But to my surprise, each of the lieutenants seemed more intrigued than offended by my unfiltered curiosity. I caught the duke watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite decipher—was it amusement? Or something else entirely?

I smoothed down my gown nervously, acutely conscious of the exposed skin of my shoulders. The weight of their collective gazes made me feel like a rare specimen under examination. Part of me wanted to flee, to hide away in my chambers, but another part—a part I barely recognized—was thrilled by the attention and the dangerous allure of these powerful beings.

The duke guided me to a seat beside him, his touch both unsettling and soothing my nerves. The lieutenants and the grand duke took their places around the table, their movements fluid and graceful despite their imposing presence. I couldn’t help but feel like a lamb surrounded by wolves, clutching my napkin as if it were a lifeline. My mind reeled from the introductions and the stark realization that I was about to dine with some of the most powerful beings in Aethoria.

No sooner had we been seated than servants began to flood the room, bearing platters and dishes that transformed the table into a landscape of culinary artistry. The spread before us was nothing short of magnificent—a feast fit for the most discerning of palates, demon or human.

Platters heaped with roasted meats glistened in their own juices, their aromas mingling tantalizingly with the scent offreshly baked bread. Bowls of vibrant vegetables, still steaming from the kitchen, sat alongside exotic fruits arranged like jewels on silver trays. A suckling pig, golden-brown and adorned with an apple in its mouth, held court at the center of the table. Crystal decanters filled with rich, dark wines caught the light, promising indulgence with every pour.

As we prepared to begin our meal, Grand Duke Ignatius turned to me with a mischievous glint in his feline eyes. “So, Lady Robin,” he began, a smirk dancing on his lips, “how do you prefer your steak? Rare, medium, or well done?”

A wave of heat flooded my cheeks as the memory of my arrival at Argentum Keep came rushing back. The room erupted into laughter at the jest, a sound that should have been intimidating but instead felt almost… welcoming.

I cleared my throat, determined to maintain some semblance of dignity. “Medium rare, Your Grace,” I replied, my voice steady despite the blush that lingered on my skin.

No sooner had the words left my lips than a servant appeared at my side, presenting me with a steak cooked to perfection—pink at its heart and encased in a seared crust that promised flavor in every bite. I thanked him with a nod before taking up my knife and fork with a flourish that I hoped hid my trembling hands. The first bite was a revelation, the flavors melting on my tongue. I couldn’t suppress the small sound of appreciation that escaped me.

As we ate, the conversation flowed with surprising ease, filled with wit and humor that I hadn’t expected from such powerful beings. The duke, seemingly mindful of my presence, steered the discussion toward lighter topics that allowed me to participate.

Grand Duke Ignatius turned to the duke, a mischievous glint in his amber eyes. “Speaking of celebrations, Darius, will your brother Caelum be gracing us with his presence at the wedding?”

The duke’s golden eyes narrowed slightly at his friend. “Knowing Caelum, he’ll likely show up without an invitation, much like someone else I know.” He gave Ignatius a pointed look.

Grand Duke Ignatius grinned, unabashed. “Guilty as charged. But you can hardly blame me for being excited about my best friend’s nuptials.”

“So, we should expect to see the young demon soon, then?” Sir Zephyr interjected, his midnight-blue skin shimmering in the candlelight.

My curiosity piqued, I couldn’t help but ask, “Caelum? Who’s that?”

Sir Vex, his forked tongue flicking slightly, answered before the duke could. “Lord Caelum is His Grace’s younger brother, my lady. Younger by a few centuries, in fact, due to his egg lacking in magical energy during development.”

I blinked, processing this information. “Egg? Are demons actually born from eggs?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I immediately felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

To my surprise, instead of taking offense, the table erupted in good-natured laughter. Even the duke’s lips quirked in what might have been the ghost of a smile.

Sir Thorne said, “Only some of us, Lady Robin. Most demons are born naturally, much like humans. But in rare cases, particularly with very powerful demons, offspring can emerge from magical eggs.”

“It’s a fascinating process,” Sir Orion added, his icy tone thawing slightly. “The eggs absorb magical energy over centuries before hatching. Lord Caelum’s took a bit longer than usual, hence the age gap between him and His Grace.”

I nodded, utterly fascinated by this glimpse into demon biology. “That’s incredible. I’d love to learn more about it someday.”

The duke raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps we can arrange for you to meet Caelum when he arrives. He’s quite knowledgeable about demon lore and would no doubt be delighted to satisfy your curiosity.”

“Speaking of satisfying curiosity,” Grand Duke Ignatius chimed in, his eyes twinkling with mischief once more, “I’m rather disappointed, Darius. You’ve yet to show Lady Robin your infamous collection of ancient armors.”

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