Page 37 of Sold to the Devil
That's when I notice Mattheo is still staring at me, frozen. The idiot hasn't moved an inch. His mouth is slightly open, his eyes still wide.
“It's rude to stare, you know.” I roll my eyes, but the small smile tugging at my lips betrays my amusement.
He blinks before clearing his throat and turns on the shower, finally regaining his composure.
“Yeah, sorry,” he mumbles.
I laugh and brush my hair. I decide to put it in a high ponytail because I don't want it to bother me during the day. I do my best to ignore Mattheo, who is now completely naked, as he slips under the water.
I clear my throat and grab my makeup, trying not to look at the shower stall. I apply mascara and a little eyeliner because I like how it looked when Nancy did it for the party. I apply red lipstick and spray on my trusty cherry perfume. I place my wand case on my right thigh and slide the wand inside. I take one last look in the mirror, feeling satisfied with my appearance.
Mattheo gets out of the shower and gets dressed as well. We brush our teeth and return to the bedroom. I put on my shoes while he does the same.
“We have the same schedule. A gift from Stevens,” he explains,and I nod.
It's a relief not to have classes alone, Mattheo can show me around the monastery grounds. I remember that Professor Stevens is also a disciple of Darkvis, having heard my father mention him multiple times when he returned from meetings with the Dark Mage. This explains why he arranged for us to share a room with Mattheo, even though the dormitories aren't supposed to be mixed.
On the other hand…
“Wait, how does Theo know you're my fiancé?”
“What?” He frowns, confused and surprised by my sudden question.
“Yesterday at dinner. He called you my fiancé. Does that mean everyone knows?”
He nods as he puts his books in his bag. I copy him, making sure to take the same ones he takes. I don't want to get reprimanded for not having my things with me on the first day.
“My father announced the news to his most loyal followers. Theo, Enzo, Cameron and Arthur's fathers are part of his inner circle. The boys sent me a congratulatory letter when they found out. It was the day after you arrived at Leroi Manor.”
He hesitates for a few seconds as he closes his bag.
“They know you're destined to rule by my side when I become the next Dark Mage. You're their future queen, in a way. That's why they respect you and accept you so easily.’
I frown as my stomach clenches at the word 'queen'. What does that mean?
“Queen?” I dare to repeat, confused.
He throws his bag over his shoulder and turns to me. His eyes are full of tenderness as he gazes gently into mine.
“Yes. I don't know what other word to use to describe the role you'll fill when I take over as leader of the disciples after my father's death,” he shrugs.
My breath catches and I shake my head, not wanting to accept what he says.
This is insane.
“But you said I am just a surrogate for your heir. I don't understand how I could become your queen. It makes no sense. A surrogate mother isn't meant to rule. Besides, you also said your father would probably kill me once the baby was born, so-”
He interrupts me by cupping my cheeks.
“Okay, first of all, I'm sorry I said that nonsense, angel. You're not just a surrogate for my heir, and my father won't touch a single hair on your pretty head, understand?”
I nod, still uncertain but somewhat reassured by the determination I see in his eyes. Satisfied, he continues.
“Second, you're going to become my wife, so obviously you'll rule by my side, my angel. We will make every decision together.”
My lips part and my eyes widen as I marvel at his words and the emotions swirling in his brown irises. Does he really mean what he just said?
“I really mean it, my angel.”
