Page 14 of A Heart Disguised 1

As Darius approached, he took in the familiar sight of his old friend. Ignis’ fiery red-gold hair was swept back from his forehead, revealing striking amber eyes that seemed to dance with an inner light. His sun-kissed skin practically glowed, and the intricate, swirling markings that adorned his arms and neck seemed to shift and move of their own accord.

The effect on the room was palpable. Human servants cowered in Ignis’ presence, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and awe. Even some of the demon staff seemed intimidated, giving the grand duke a wide berth.

Ignis’ face split into a wide grin as he spotted Darius, revealing perfectly white teeth and slightly elongated canines. “Darius, you sly old serpent!” he boomed, his voice echoing off the stone walls. In three long strides, he closed the distance between them and pulled Darius into a crushing embrace. “Getting married and not even inviting your best friend? I’m wounded, truly wounded!”

Darius allowed himself a small smile as he returned the hug, though with considerably less enthusiasm. “Ignis. What an… unexpected surprise.”

Ignis pulled back, holding Darius at arm’s length as he looked him up and down. “Well, you don’t seem to be under any enchantments or mind control. So, tell me, what madness has possessed you to suddenly take a bride?”

Darius sighed, already feeling a headache forming behind his eyes. “Perhaps we should continue this conversation in private,” he suggested, noting the many ears straining to catch every word of their exchange.

“Ha! Still the same old Darius, always so serious.” Ignis laughed, slapping Darius on the back with enough force to stagger a lesser being. “Lead on, then. I’m dying to hear all about this mystery woman who’s managed to ensnare the infamous Duke of Shadowmere.”

As they made their way through the keep, Darius could feel the eyes of every servant, guard, and courtier following their progress. Ignis’ presence was like a bonfire in a dark room—impossible to ignore and potentially dangerous if one got too close.

They arrived at Darius’ private drawing room, a comfortable space lined with bookshelves and furnished with plush chairs and a low table. As soon as the door closed behind them, Ignis sprawled into one of the chairs, his long legs stretched out before him.

“Now then,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “pour us some of that excellent whiskey you always keep hidden away and tell me everything.”

Darius moved to a cabinet, retrieving a crystal decanter and two glasses. As he poured the amber liquid, he considered how much to reveal. Ignis was a friend, yes, but he was also a powerful demon lord with his own agenda.

“It’s a political arrangement,” Darius said at last, handing Ignis a glass before taking a seat opposite him. “Nothing more.”

Ignis raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his whiskey. “A political arrangement? With whom? Last I checked, there weren’t any unmarried demon princesses or duchesses of sufficient standing to warrant such a match for someone of your rank.”

“She’s of Aethorian nobility,” Darius admitted, swirling the liquor in his glass. “The marriage will help solidify our rule in this realm. It will show the humans that we’re committed to integration, not just conquest.”

“Ah, so she’s human, then.” Ignis nodded, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Well, well. The mighty Darius, taking a mortal as his bride. I never thought I’d see the day.” He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Tell me, have you seen her yet? Is she at least pretty? I know how you appreciate beauty in all its forms.”

Darius felt a flicker of irritation at Ignis’ tone but kept his face impassive. “I haven’t met her yet,” he said carefully. “But as I said, it’s a political match. My personal preferences don’t enter into it.”

Ignis threw back his head and laughed, the sound rich and booming. “Oh, come now, Darius! Surely you don’t expect me to believe that? You, who once bedded twins just to see if the rumors about their stamina were true?” He shook his head, still chuckling. “No, my friend, I think there’s more to this story than you’re letting on. A human noble, no matter how high-born, is still quite a step down for a demon lord of your status.”

Darius sipped his whiskey, using the moment to gather his thoughts. “Things are different now, Ignis. We’re not in the demon realm anymore. Here, we have responsibilities, expectations to meet.”

“Responsibilities!” Ignis scoffed. “Don’t tell me you’re going soft on me, Darius. Next, you’ll be telling me you’re eager to meet this human girl.”

The look Darius shot him could have frozen hellfire.

Ignis held up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. Political marriage it is. But tell me this—what happens when your new bride discovers your… particular tastes? I can’t imagine she’ll be too thrilled about sharing you with others.”

“She won’t have to,” Darius said flatly. “As I said, this is a marriage of convenience. What I do in my private time is my own affair.”

Ignis whistled low. “Cold, my friend. Very cold. But I suppose that’s why they call you the Shadow Duke, eh?” He drained his glass and held it out for a refill. As Darius obliged, Ignis’ expression grew more serious. “In all honesty, Darius, how do you feel about this? Marriage to a human… it’s not something to be entered into lightly. There will be consequences, both here and in the demon realm.”

Darius’ jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “It wasn’t my choice, Ignis. King Azrael decreed it, citing the need for better integration and to soften my image among the humans. But you’re right, the implications are… significant.”

“And what of our world?” Ignis pressed. “You know as well as I do that there are factions back home who won’t take kindly to one of our highest-ranking lords binding himself to a human.”

“Let them object,” Darius said, a hint of steel entering his voice. “It’s done. We’ll deal with the consequences as they come.”

Ignis studied him for a long moment, then nodded. “Well, you’ve always been adaptable. I just hope you’re prepared for what’s coming.” He grinned suddenly, the serious mood evaporating as quickly as it had come. “So, when do you get to meet this mystery bride of yours? I’m simply dying of curiosity.”

Darius hesitated. “Soon, I expect. Lord Aldercrest has two daughters, but I’ve yet to be informed which one I’m to wed. I’m still waiting on some… intelligence to come in.”

“Ah, I see.” Ignis winked knowingly. “Doing your due diligence, are you? Well, don’t let me keep you from your investigations. I’ll just have to content myself with meeting her at the wedding.” He stood, stretching his impressive frame. “Speaking of which, I assume I’m invited now that I’m here?”

Darius sighed, knowing there was no way to refuse without causing offense. “Of course. I’ll have rooms prepared for you.”

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