Page 47 of The Demon's Delight
“Good night, Seir.”
His tail wrapped around my ankle, like it had back in the ruins, his arm resting over the curve of my hip. It was comfortable. Familiar. The burn in my chest finally eased up. I realized that as impossible as it seemed, I was happy.
Wondering what I was supposed to do with that, I drifted to sleep, lulled by the sound of the rain, safely wrapped up in my demon’s wings.
Chapter 22
Hailon
“Hailon, come try these on!” Seir was positively vibrating with excitement and had been since we stumbled into Manvil around midday. To say we were both grateful to have arrived somewhere with a wealth of amenities was an understatement. I could also feel how close we were getting to Ravenglen with the shift in the temperature and season. This placefeltmore northern and much more like home than previous towns.
We’d immediately found the nearest tavern and eaten a full hot meal—double servings for Seir—before starting a slow circuit through the bustling shops. I already had two new tunics, a pair of trousers, and a skirt, as well as matching underthings and socks. I had no clue where we were going to store everything, but he was undaunted by such details and kept magically finding space for things in his pack. It probably helped that I wore several of the items out of the shop.
“The boots I have are fine,” I argued, terrified of the price tag on such fine craftsmanship.
He scoffed and brought the footwear to me, earning a scowl and wary eye from the cobbler who ran the shop. “Only withthreepairs of socks. Look, aren’t these lovely?” He held up the pair of supple leather boots, his smile wide. “This pair is perfect for you.”
“Is it? How so?” I chuckled, taking the boots and allowing him to tug me by the hand back to the little store. The cobbler finally relaxed once we were through the door.
“Well to start, this rich honey tone will look lovely with your eyes.” Seir gently pushed on my shoulders, and I sat on the wooden stool. “Then there’s the higher arch, and these toggles along the calf.”
“It’s antler,” the cobbler provided helpfully. “The toggles, that is. Elk, if I’m not mistaken. The leather too.”
Seir knelt on the floor directly in front of me and pulled my foot to his thigh. Heat flared violently through my body. It was a simple gesture but certainly a meaningful display to anyone looking on.
“This really isn’t necessary. I can take off my own boots.”
“I know you can. Let this prove once and for all that I’ll happily get on my knees for you any time the situation calls for it, Moonflower.”
He winked and pulled off the oversized boots, setting them to the side. Next were the socks, which he replaced with a single pair of new ones, a burgundy set I’d fallen in love with immediately for their softness and color.
My blush only deepened the more he fussed. His fingertips lingered on my ankle and calf as he settled the sock over my leg. Then came the boot. His thigh was once again the prop as he slid the leather over my toes and forced my heel down into the sole.
His smile was slow and heated as he checked the fit. I didn’t miss the twinkle in his eye when he glanced up at me long enough to wink again. Then he dipped down and pressed his lips to my knee before repeating the process. His shenanigans would have been hindered by the pair of trousers I’d been wearingwhen we first arrived in town. Lucky for him, I’d changed into the long skirt at the clothing store.
“Seir,” I chided, exasperated.
Things had shifted significantly between us since our time in the ruins, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about how little I minded. The more boldly he flirted, the more I melted, even if I made a front of scoffing at his efforts. It was so unlike me, but I couldn’t even find the will to fight it. It was nice to be cared for. I hadn’t had much of that in my life.
“Wiggle your toes around, make sure they’re not too tight.” He ignored my scolding tone completely. On went the second boot, and he was offering me a hand while still on his knees so I could stand and walk around. Even on his knees, the top of his head came to just below my ribs.
“You need a job, mister?” the cobbler asked, arms crossed as he watched us from near his workbench. “Seems you have a knack with the more persnickety customers.”
Seir beamed at the compliment. “Only passing through, I’m afraid. How much for these? We’d be happy to trade you the other pair as well. They’re good quality and fairly new, just not well-fitted for her.”
The cobbler made a show of considering it, then the two engaged in some polite haggling as I silently marveled at how good the boots felt on my feet. They might have been the best ones I’d ever owned. I hated that he’d been so right.
“Deal,” Seir finally said, getting to his feet to shake the man’s hand. He rattled the poor cobbler’s whole arm, making him stutter in shock.
Seir gathered up our packs, shoved the old pair of boots and the appropriate amount of money at the cobbler, and we were back on our way. He threaded his fingers into mine, sending another skip through my heartbeat. We were in a very busy area, but it felt like he might be doing it for more than just that reason.
“This is fun! I haven’t been able to do this kind of thing in a regrettably long time.”
“What, go shopping?”
He nodded, looking around for our next stop. “Yes. There are markets in He—” He paused, the crush of people dense and too much attention on us to be comfortable speaking so openly. He dropped his volume and continued. “There are markets where I live, but nothing like this.” He stopped, head swiveling as he scanned the wooden signs above shop doors.
“What are you looking for now?” I asked with a chuckle, his buoyant mood infectious. I’d had a good meal, had spent more coin than I’d ever seen at any single time in my life, and could almost guarantee a night in an actual bed was in my very near future.
