Page 42 of A Heart Disguised 1

And if I leaned back just a little into the duke’s embrace as we rode, well, I could always blame it on the uneven terrain. Or perhaps the lingering dizziness from my earlier panic. Yes, that would do nicely as an excuse.

As we approached the castle, its spires looming ever closer, a small part of me wished the ride could last just a little longer. Despite the disastrous start, this morning had turned into something… magical. And not just because of the healing.

I chanced a glance over my shoulder at the duke, only to find his eyes already on me. He smiled, a warm, genuine expression that made my breath catch.

“Thank you,” I said softly, hoping he could hear the sincerity in my voice. “For everything.”

His arm tightened slightly around me in response. “The pleasure was all mine, little dove. All mine.”

13

Darius

It had been several days since the disastrous yet oddly endearing horseback riding incident, and Darius found himself in an unfamiliar state of anticipation. He stood in the courtyard, waiting for Robin to join him for their planned afternoon stroll through the city. The demon lord couldn’t help but reflect on how quickly Robin had become a constant presence in his thoughts.

At first, Darius had attributed his fascination to mere curiosity about the boy’s audacious scheme. But as the days passed, he found himself increasingly drawn to Robin’s quick wit, endearing clumsiness, and that infectious laugh that seemed to brighten even the gloomiest corners of Argentum Keep. It was… unsettling, to say the least. Darius, the formidable Duke of Shadowmere, was not accustomed to such feelings.

He was pulled from his musings by the sound of approaching footsteps. Turning, Darius saw Robin emerging from the castle, accompanied by Meredith and Russet. Perched on Robin’s shoulder was Starling, her iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight.

As Robin drew closer, Darius felt his breath catch in his throat. The boy was a vision in a pastel-blue dress that seemedto float around him like a summer cloud. His long hair cascaded freely down his back, catching the afternoon sunlight and creating a halo effect that was almost ethereal.

But it was Robin’s face that truly captured Darius’ attention. Those bright-green eyes, always so expressive, were now enhanced by thick, dark lashes that fluttered delicately with each blink. His cheeks bore a subtle rosy hue, and his lips drew Darius’ gaze like a moth to a flame. Painted a vibrant cherry red—a bold departure from the usual subtle tints Robin wore—the rich color made his lips look impossibly full and inviting, a temptation Darius found increasingly difficult to resist.

Darius had grown accustomed to seeing Robin in light, barely there makeup over the past days, but this… this was different. He had never imagined that a boy in such striking makeup could be so utterly enchanting. It was a revelation that both intrigued and unsettled him.

Behind Robin, Meredith gently held Russet back, the dog whining softly at being separated from his master. Starling took flight from Robin’s shoulder, soaring into the air.

“Your Grace,” Robin said with a curtsy that was far more graceful than his previous attempts. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long.”

Darius cleared his throat, suddenly aware that he’d been staring. “Not at all, dove. You look…” He paused, searching for a word that wouldn’t betray the depth of his admiration. “…captivating.”

A blush deepened the color on Robin’s cheeks, creating a charming contrast with his bold lip color. “Thank you, Your Grace,” he replied.

Darius offered his arm to Robin, trying to ignore the way his pulse quickened when those cherry-red lips curved into a shy smile. “Shall we?”

As they made their way to the waiting carriage, Darius couldn’t help but notice the appreciative glances cast their way by the castle staff. A mix of pride and an unexpected surge of possessiveness welled up within him. He found himself drawing Robin closer, a subtle claim that didn’t go unnoticed by the more observant onlookers.

The carriage itself was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, befitting the Duke of Lunaria. Its sleek, ebony exterior was adorned with intricate silver filigree that seemed to shimmer and dance in the afternoon light. The Lunarian crest, a crescent moon embracing a star, was emblazoned on the doors in polished silver. Four magnificent white horses, their manes braided with silver thread, stood ready to pull the grand vehicle.

As Robin ascended the small set of steps into the carriage, Darius followed close behind. The interior was plush and luxurious; rich, midnight-blue velvet cushions lined the seats, embroidered with silver constellations that mirrored the night sky. Crystal lamps hung from the corners, ready to illuminate their journey should it extend into the evening.

Once settled in the carriage, they set off for the city. The smooth suspension made the ride feel as though they were gliding on air, a noticeable difference from the cobblestone streets below. As they passed through the castle gates, the sprawling cityscape of Lunaria unfolded before them.

The afternoon sun bathed the city in a warm light, making the white stone buildings glow. Spires and towers reached toward the sky, their pennants fluttering in the gentle breeze. The famous silver mines that were the lifeblood of Lunaria could be seen in the distance, their entrances marked by elaborate archways.

Closer to the city center, the streets transformed into a vibrant mosaic of color and movement. Market stalls lined the thoroughfares, their awnings a riot of reds, blues, and greens.The scent of freshly baked bread and exotic spices wafted through the air, carried on the breeze that ruffled the leaves of the carefully tended trees lining the main boulevard.

Despite the breathtaking vista before him, Darius found his gaze continually drawn back to Robin. The young man’s excitement was palpable, his eyes wide as he took in the sights beyond the carriage window. Every gasp of delight, every widening of those bright-green eyes, every smile that graced those cherry-red lips was a sight more captivating to Darius than any cityscape, no matter how familiar or grand.

The way the sunlight caught in Robin’s pale hair, creating a halo effect, or how his delicate hands pressed against the window in childlike wonder—these were the visions that truly held Darius’ attention. Each innocent reaction stirred something warm and unfamiliar in his chest, a feeling both exhilarating and unsettling for the demon lord.

“Oh, look at that fountain!” Robin exclaimed, pointing to an elaborate structure in a small square. “The water looks like it’s dancing!”

Darius chuckled. “That’s the Siren’s Cascade. Local legend says that if you toss a coin into it and make a wish, it will come true… but only if your heart is pure.”

Robin’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Well then, Your Grace, I suppose that rules you out, doesn’t it?”

For a moment, Darius was taken aback by the teasing jab. Then he let out a rich laugh that surprised even himself. “Touché, little dove. I see your wit is as sharp as ever.”

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