Page 43 of A Heart Disguised 1

As they ventured deeper into the city, Robin noticed something peculiar. Colorful banners and garlands adorned many of the buildings, and there was an air of excitement among the citizens that seemed to go beyond the usual market day bustle.

“Your Grace,” Robin said, his curiosity piqued, “it looks as though the city is preparing for some kind of celebration. What’s the occasion?”

Darius’ expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. “Ah, you’ve noticed. The city is indeed preparing for… a change.”

“A change?” Robin pressed, intrigued by the vague answer.

“Yes,” Darius replied, his tone carefully measured. “A significant one. But let’s not dwell on that now. There’s much more of the city for you to see.”

Robin sensed there was more to it than Darius was letting on, but he didn’t push further. Instead, he allowed himself to be guided through the festive streets, all the while wondering what kind of change could inspire such joyous preparations.

The streets became more crowded as they approached the market square. Darius helped Robin out of the carriage, acutely aware of the warmth of Robin’s hand in his. They began their stroll through the bustling area, where vendors hawked everything from exotic spices to intricate jewelry.

Robin’s enthusiasm was infectious. He darted from stall to stall, exclaiming over colorful fabrics, inhaling the scent of freshly baked bread, and marveling at the craftsmanship of local artisans. Darius found himself seeing the familiar sights through new eyes, enchanted by Robin’s wonder.

At one point, Robin became enamored with a display of delicate glass figurines. As he leaned in for a closer look, the voluminous skirts of his gown brushed against the table’s edge. Startled by the unexpected resistance, Robin instinctively stepped back, his heel catching on the hem of his dress. He wobbled precariously, arms windmilling as he fought to regain his balance.

The sudden movement sent vibrations through the table, and several glass pieces began to teeter dangerously close tothe edge. Robin’s eyes widened in horror as he realized what was happening, but his attempts to steady himself only made matters worse as the unfamiliar weight of the gown threw off his center of balance.

Darius moved swiftly, one arm wrapping around Robin’s waist to stabilize him while his other hand deftly caught the tipping figurines. The vendor, who had been watching the scene unfold with mounting panic, let out a relieved sigh.

“I’m so sorry!” Robin stammered, his face flushed with embarrassment. He bit his lip, clearly struggling to find words that wouldn’t betray his secret. “I… I suppose I’m not as graceful as I should be.”

Darius found himself smiling, charmed by Robin’s flustered state and impressed by his quick recovery. “No harm done, dove. Though perhaps we should admire from a safe distance for now, hmm?”

Robin nodded gratefully. As they continued their walk, Darius noticed the reactions of the citizens around them. Many bowed respectfully as they passed, but their eyes lingered on Robin with undisguised curiosity and admiration. Whispers followed in their wake, speculation about the beautiful young woman accompanying their demon lord.

A mixture of pride and protectiveness swelled in Darius’ chest. He found himself drawing Robin closer, his hand resting possessively on the small of Robin’s back. The gesture did not go unnoticed; he saw several disappointed looks from young men who had been eyeing Robin appreciatively.

Then Darius felt it—a familiar presence at the edge of his awareness. Caelum. His brother was here, somewhere in the crowd, watching them. Darius resisted the urge to scan the area, knowing it would be futile. If Caelum didn’t want to be seen, he wouldn’t be.

As Robin chatted animatedly about a display of exotic flowers, Darius’ mind wandered to his wayward brother. When had Caelum arrived? And how had he managed to evade his escorts this time? It was a familiar dance between them—Caelum’s penchant for independence clashing with Darius’ protective instincts.

“Your Grace?” Robin’s voice pulled him back to the present. “Is everything alright? You seemed lost in thought for a moment.”

Darius offered a reassuring smile. “Just contemplating the mysteries of the universe, dove. Nothing to concern yourself with.”

Robin raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the explanation but choosing not to press the issue. Instead, he pointed to a nearby alley. “What’s down there? It looks like there might be more shops.”

Indeed, the narrow passage was lined with smaller, more eclectic boutiques. Darius guided Robin into the alley, grateful for the relative quiet after the bustle of the main square.

As they explored the quaint shops, Darius found himself increasingly distracted by Robin’s proximity. The scent of his hair, the warmth of his body so close, the musical quality of his laugh—it was all becoming overwhelming. As they entered a narrow alleyway lined with boutique shops, Darius sensed Caelum’s presence fading. He knew his brother would find him when he was ready, allowing Darius to focus entirely on the moment.

They paused in front of a shop window displaying intricate jewelry. Robin leaned in, admiring a delicate silver necklace adorned with a teardrop-shaped emerald.

“It’s beautiful,” he murmured. “It reminds me of the forests back home.”

Darius watched Robin’s face, entranced by the way his green eyes sparkled with admiration. Without a word, he entered the shop, emerging moments later with a small, elegantly wrapped package.

“Your Grace, you didn’t…” Robin began, his voice trailing off in astonishment.

Darius silenced him with a gentle smile. “I wanted to,” he said softly. “May I?”

Robin hesitantly nodded, a mix of anticipation and nervousness flickering across his face as he turned around. Darius carefully lifted the necklace, the silver chain cool against his fingers as he draped it around Robin’s neck. As he did so, his fingertips grazed the warm, delicate skin at the nape.

The touch was electric. Darius found himself mesmerized by the gentle slope of Robin’s neck, the way it curved gracefully into his shoulders. His fingers lingered, tracing the path of the chain, relishing the silky smoothness beneath his calloused hands. The urge to explore further, to caress and even to press his lips against that inviting expanse of skin, was almost overwhelming.

Robin’s breath hitched, a barely audible gasp that sent a thrill through Darius. He could see the rapid pulse at the base of Robin’s throat, a telltale sign of the boy’s heightened state. As Darius fumbled with the clasp, taking longer than necessary, he caught the scent of Robin’s hair—an intoxicating blend of lavender and something uniquely Robin.

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