Page 29 of The Demon's Discovery
“Well done,” I praised, loving that she’d used her backbone during the discussion, though I was sure it had been at some risk to herself. I was not surprised they didn’t require her complicity.My patience where Henrik was concerned had been thoroughly exhausted, and I’d never met this Lord Feiser, but I was already done with him as well. “How soon?” I asked, my quietness a mask for my fury, not an indication of calmness.
The thought of her being paired with anyone aside from me in such a way provoked my inner demon like nothing I’d ever felt before. And that in and of itself was problematic for several reasons.
“He just said he’d return for me when the final arrangements had been settled. It sounded like soon, though. Months? Like he was already later in coming to claim me than he’d hoped.” She sagged. “I’m so sorry for dumping all of this on you. It’s neither your concern nor your responsibility.”
I reached for her hand. “I’m happy I was in the wrong place at the right time when we first met. It’s a habit I hope to continue, in fact.” She mustered the smallest of smiles, and I forced myself to breathe over the swirling heat of my anger. “I’m certain there’s a way for me to help with this situation, I only need to know what terms were laid out so I can best respond.”
She took in a deep breath, the faraway stare in her eye communicating that she was debating her words. “I don’t know about the terms. The ring though, I don’t understand what’s happening there. It’s not too tight, but it feels all wrong.”
“It is, Dragonfly. Completely wrong.” It looked like a cheap ring, by appearance alone it was more insult to her than gift. But there was definitely something more going on. It was unique enough, however, be useful to me in finding out who had made it. I considered several options—some more self-serving than others—to solve this once and for all. “There is always another option. Don’t fret over this, Greta. I will help you find a solution.”
She brightened, but a thread of suspicion clouded her joy. “You would be willing to do that? You hardly know me.”
I couldn’t help but smile. She had grown used to people trying to keep her down, to make her feel small. I couldn’t wait to see her truly blossom under the praise and encouragement she deserved. I craved it, in fact. So much, that I palmed her cheek, barely containing a groan when she turned her face into my hand. I rubbed my thumb along her cheek, blood surging at the simple touch.
“I know you well enough to say with certainty that you’re a wonderful addition to d’Arcan in any capacity. You’re passionate, knowledgeable, and not afraid to fail. It’s the perfect combination. Along with that, it goes without saying that you are welcome to become a full-time resident here at the earliest possible time. As for the other part… I’ll speak to Henrik. I too am curious what this Lord Feiser has brought to them. Going purely off social conventions, I have reason to feel slighted, after all. You and I have an arrangement already in place. I’ve shown my intention with you and should have priority. They’ve shirked proper protocol by accepting his offer.” Her brow pinched and she pulled away. The loss heavy in my chest, I let her go. “Please understand that I don’t necessarily believe or agree with any of that, Greta. But I have to play the game they believe they are moving all the pieces around for.
“You are here of your own free will, now and always. If you should choose not to return, I would accept that. In the meantime, I will defend your right to be here first and above any kind of marriage contract they made without your consent or knowledge. As for the ring itself… I’m happy to help you try whatever it takes to remove it.”
She opened and closed her mouth several times before committing to what she wanted to say. In the end, she settled for a simple “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m sorry again for crying all over you.”
I chuckled. “Don’t be. I spilled wine on you, a few shed tears are nothing in comparison.”
Mood lifting, but high emotions having taken their toll, she yawned behind her hand, then reached up to rub at her neck and shoulder. “Lara’s favorite wine is awful, isn’t it? Though you didn’t have to go so far as to throw it on me to get rid of it.”
I laughed outright at her poking fun of our first meeting. “Truly terrible wine, I’ve never tasted the like.” I watched as she began to relax, thankful I could be there for her. Beyond thrilled she’d made it to my door today, I resolved to keep her here. “Do you trust me?”
She searched my eyes, and I resisted the urge to pull her flush to my body again as she worked through whatever she needed to. Finally, she gifted me the words, “Yes, I trust you.”
I settled for taking up one of her hands and pressing my lips to her knuckles, wishing it were her cheek, her forehead, her mouth. “We’ll figure this out. I promise.”
I meant it. She was mine, and I was going to make sure she allowed me to keep her.
Chapter 13
Vassago
Afew days later, I was already seated at the table with Lilith’s grimoire when Henrik strode into his den.
“Ah! Mr. Feland. I thought I saw your carriage arrive. I’ll be with you in just a moment.” His eyes barely grazed over me, he was so wrapped up in his own self-importance. I could feel the arrogance rolling off his skin from across the room.
He swaggered over to a table covered in liquor bottles that was near the desk where he normally kept the book. He poured himself a drink from the decanter before offering me one. I declined.
It took him several long seconds after opening up the desk to realize I’d already retrieved it, that it was in fact open on the table in front of me. I nearly burst out laughing at his comically wide eyes as he turned around slowly, probably frantically thinking up an excuse as he did so. Relief and shock were evident in equal measure as he spotted the large book in front of me.
“How did you?—”
“You should be more careful with your valuables, Henrik. Can’t have just anyone walking in here and taking them as they please, can we?”
“Mr. Feland, I swear, nobody has ever?—”
I waved my hand, stopping the bluster before it could truly get going. “It’s alright, Henrik. I’ve watched you open that contraption at least a dozen times. It wasn’t hard for me to figure out the right combination to get into it myself. Besides, this book is leaving with me today.” He opened his mouth several times but made no sound. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him squirm, and wished I had more cause to make it happen. “You should retrieve your wife. I believe she’ll want to be here for this conversation.”
“What conversation is that?”
