Page 33 of A Heart Disguised 1

For a moment, they stood like that, intimately close. Darius could feel the rapid beat of Robin’s heart, the warmth of his body through the layers of his gown. Robin’s scent, a mixture of flowers and something uniquely him, filled Darius’ senses. From this vantage point, Darius was acutely aware of how small and delicate Robin seemed in his arms, the top of his golden head tucked just under Darius’ chin.

“Th-thank you, Your Grace,” Robin stammered, his face a brilliant shade of red as he tilted his head back to meet Darius’ gaze. The movement exposed the pale column of his throat, and Darius felt a sudden, primal urge to lean down and—

Darius reluctantly loosened his hold, allowing Robin to step back, though he kept one hand at the small of Robin’s back. He glanced at Ignis, noting the gleam of delight and curiosity in his friend’s eyes.

“Robin,” Darius said, his voice softer than usual, “allow me to introduce Grand Duke Ignatius of Solarys. Ignis, this is Robin Aldercrest, my… betrothed.”

Robin’s eyes widened as he took in Ignis’ imposing figure. He attempted to curtsy, a feat made nearly impossible by the squirming puppy in his arms and Darius’ hand still at his back. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace,” he stammered.

As Robin dipped into his awkward curtsy, the already loosened top of his gown slipped further, revealing more of his pale shoulder and collarbone. Darius’ eyes widened in alarm, while Ignis’ grin broadened, his gaze appreciatively taking in the unintentional display.

Oblivious to the wardrobe malfunction, Robin continued. “I… thank you, Your Grace. I must admit, I’m surprised to learn that you and His Grace are friends. You seem so…”

Darius, unable to bear the sight of Robin’s exposed skin being ogled by his friend, hastily reached out to adjust the gown. His fingers brushed against Robin’s bare shoulder as he tugged the fabric back into place.

Robin jumped at the unexpected touch, his face flushing a deep crimson as he finally realized what had happened. “Oh! I’m so sorry, Your Graces. This gown is terribly uncooperative.” He fumbled with the neckline, trying to keep it in place while still holding Umbra.

“No need to apologize, little one,” Ignis said, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “It was quite a charming view.”

Darius shot Ignis a warning glare, which only seemed to amuse the grand duke further.

Ignoring his friend’s ire, Ignis let out a booming laugh that echoed through the corridor. “Please, call me Ignis. Any betrothed of Darius is a friend of mine—wardrobe malfunctions and all.”

Robin blinked rapidly, clearly taken aback by Ignis’ boisterous demeanor and casual dismissal of the embarrassing incident. “I… thank you, Your Grace. I must admit, I’m surprised to learn that you and His Grace are friends. You seem so…”

“Different?” Ignis finished, his grin widening. “Oh, we are. Light and shadow, fire and darkness. But opposites attract, as they say. Darius and I have been thick as thieves since we were but demon spawn.”

Ignis’ eyes roved over Robin, a mixture of amusement and appreciation in his gaze. “Tell me, little one, how are you finding life in the castle? Has our brooding duke been treating you well?”

“Oh, um,” Robin stuttered, shifting Umbra in his arms. The puppy chose that moment to lick his face, causing Robin to giggle nervously. “His Grace has been very… accommodating.”

Darius felt an uncharacteristic surge of possessiveness at Ignis’ prolonged attention to Robin. The way Ignis seemed to enjoy Robin’s presence and openly ogle the boy irked him more than he cared to admit. Darius wondered if Ignis had realized Robin was male, though knowing his perceptive friend, he probably had.

“I believe it’s time for dinner,” Darius said, his voice carrying a hint of warning that only Ignis would recognize. “You must be famished after your… eventful walk, my dear.”

Robin’s eyes widened, a hint of panic flashing across his face. “Oh, Your Grace, I… I’m afraid I’m not presentable enough for dinner yet.” He glanced down at his rumpled gown, a blush creeping up his cheeks. “If you’ll excuse me, I should change into something more appropriate.”

Ignis chuckled. “Nonsense! You look positively delightful. Doesn’t she, Darius?”

Darius cleared his throat, fighting back another wave of possessiveness. “Your comfort is paramount, Robin. If you wish to change, by all means, do so.”

Relief flooded Robin’s face. “Thank you, Your Grace. I won’t be long.” He gave a quick, awkward curtsy to both demons before hurrying away, Umbra still in his arms. Russet trotted after him while Starling circled once before following.

As Robin disappeared around the corner with his animal companions, Darius turned to Ignis, his golden eyes narrowing. “You’re enjoying this entirely too much.”

Ignis’ grin widened. “Can you blame me? Your little bride is quite… entertaining.”

Darius bristled at the wordbride, wondering if Ignis had indeed figured out Robin’s true gender. “Just remember, Ignis, Robin is under my protection.”

“Of course, of course,” Ignis said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I wouldn’t dream of interfering with your… arrangement.”

11

Robin

Iburst into my bedchamber, my heart racing as if I’d just outrun a pack of wild wolves. The adorable little black pup I’d found during my stroll squirmed in my arms, while Russet trotted in behind me. Starling fluttered in last, a shimmering streak of blue-green against the dim corridor.

“Ugh!” I groaned. “I can’t believe I ran into them! This castle is enormous—what are the odds?” Of all the corridors in this labyrinthine keep, I had to stumble upon the duke and Grand Duke Ignatius.

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