Page 68 of The Crown of Nyx

Ivy glanced at the vampire warily before turning to the demon. “If they want reassurance, then that’s what you owe them.”

The demon cocked a brow, lips twisted in amusement. “Owe them?”

“Yes.” She crossed her arms, her certainty clear. “You held them captive. And they are my mates. They have every right to feel uncomfortable with the idea of me spending four weeks a year here.”

He raised a brow, clearly amused. “Would you have preferred six months? Persephone took that deal and enjoyed her time.”

I could imagine Ivy narrowing her eyes, though the brief impression I got from her end of the bond told me she was curious. Not about his offer, but by the mention of the name.

Ivy shook her head, dropping her arms. “Enough. We don’t have time for this, do we?”

The demon king chuckled under his breath. “I suppose we don’t,” he murmured. His arms went behind his back, and he straightened, somehow appearing taller. “Alright. The deal we struck. What do you wish to know, mates of the Queen?”

“Why four weeks?” Kingsley asked, moving to stand behind Ivy. “Why one for every season?”

The corners of the demon male’s lips twitched as he considered the question. “The Queen of Nyx must visit the Underworld to protect the balance,” he replied, eyes drifting over eyes. “I’m sure you’re all aware of that.”

I bristled, but I kept my mouth shut. If Ivy felt our annoyance, she didn’t show it, but she did release a calming energy down the bond. It was sweet, and it definitely had the required effect.

“The Queen must spend, at minimum, one week a year here in the Underworld. And that week is usually filled with meetings. A ball or two. And a tour to the seven Houses of Sin. But I have noticed in my many years as King, the time spent in the Underworld is growing less and less. It used to be months, then weeks, and now only seven days. It is simply not enough.” He motioned to the window, where the sky had gone from red to an inky, dark purple. “I cannot leave. My life is forever tied to the throne of hell. To the fields. Faery can exist without a monarch. But we cannot.”

Maybe it was me, but I could tell he missed something. That this wasn’t the whole truth.

“Four weeks to keep the balance,” he finished, dropping his hand. “Four weeks to do everything that would have been done in seven days. Is it too much toask that the Queen give her most loyal creatures more of her time?”

Immediately, I could tell through the bond that Ivy felt some sort of guilt. More because she knew he was right. And even I could admit, it was a fair request. The demons were known as the Queen’s most loyal subjects because of the first Queen’s mate. His devotion to her had influenced the demons, and they carried that love to this day.

Maeve turned to look at Ivy. I couldn’t read her expression, but had a feeling they were discussing things quietly. After a moment, the vampire sighed. “Is there any other reason?”

Clearly, I wasn’t the only one suspecting an ulterior motive. Maybe the Luna Prince had a good point.

If the demon was uncomfortable with the question, he didn’t show it. And he didn’t appear to be slighted by it, either. “I want to strengthen the relationship between the Queen and the Underworld. Is that a crime?”

Not unless you want something else from Ivy—something she can’t give you.

Finally, Grey shook her head. “Four weeks to strengthen ties, then. And what happens to Ivy if she does not make it?”

“And why wouldn’t she?” the demon asked, head cocked.

Ivy sighed. “So many reasons, Damon. What are the consequences?”

I wasn’t sure if I felt uncomfortable by the fact that she referred to him by a nickname, or if it was because of the ease in which she spoke to him. She was exasperated, but was it because of our situation, or because she wanted to hurry with the deal?

“Those weeks turn into months,” he replied, amused. “And I know you won’t want to leave your island for fourmonthsout of the year.”

I clenched my jaw to stop myself from growling.

“That’s fine with me,” Ivy replied, lifting her chin in defiance. “What about rescheduling?”

My girl and her schedules. I couldn’t help but smile as my chest warmed with pride.

The demon, on the other hand, looked surprised. “Reschedule?”

“Yes.” Ivy crossed her arms. “Chances are, something is bound to come up. What if I’m, say, in labour the week before my journey here. Should I be expected to travel with a newborn? Or what about the children? My sisters are young, and they have milestones. I fully intend on being there for every graduation. To see them off at each and every school dance or cheer in the stands at their games. I will not let them down. So yes, reschedule. I want that worked into the deal.”

Beside me, Kingsley coughed into his fist, while Archer grinned widely. Nash remained still, his expression blank, like he could care less.

I hadn’t forgotten about his words to Kingsley and Archer about Ivy. How he hadn’t asked for a mate, and that was the last thing he wanted. Knowing damn well that the only way Ivy would survive this battle with Dante—the only way she would be able to maintain her control over the throne—would be to complete all her mate bonds and reach full power.

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