Page 58 of Once Upon a Demon's Heart
“Alira, what if you hadn't found him that night, would it have led to his death? What if it led to yours? We can’t know everything, nor can we alter the past.” His eyes open, and my chest aches with the way he looks at me. Like I’m both something he wishes to save and care for, and an already lost cause.
I steady my heart.
Change the subject.I shake my head and blink a few times. He’s right, there’s nothing I can do, and I need to make the best of it.
I try to clear my throat. “What time is the ceremony?”
Nikolai kisses away the last of my tears and smiles down at me. My eyes widen at the sentiment. “At twilight. After the ceremony is complete, you will meet our king, and then the celebration will begin.” He hooks an arm under my legs and hoists me up back to the bed effortlessly.
I fist the sheets. “Celebration?” My tone is skeptical, wondering if this is another one of his tricks like the bonfire.
Nikolai lifts his hands innocently. “No tricks. The grand balls that are thrown for dukes are some of the most prestigious events. It’s all anyone talks about around here.” He takes the dress out of the bag, and my jaw drops. It’s the loveliest shade of pink—like pastel paintings of cherry blossoms. It glitters as if it’s gifted with magic, and perhaps it is. A simple pink dress, yet it’s the most beautiful article of clothing I’ve ever seen.
Tessa enters the room as I reach for the dress. Her smile is as mischievous as Nikolai’s.
Twenty minutes later, I’m fitted into the dress with my hair curled halfway down my back. A blossom crown is placed over my head, and Tessa nods approvingly as she crosses her arms. Nikolai stares at me with desire. I try my best not to pay attention to his wanton gaze.
“You are the only demigod who could steal a demon’s heart,” he murmurs, running his fingers through my curls so they collect more natural waves.
I offer a mild grin. “No hearts will be stolen. Especially not from Kalel.”
Tessa shrugs. “It’s not like he’s the only demon with eyes, Alira.” I lift a brow at her in the mirror. She tilts her head back and laughs. “Oh, you didn’t know? Just because you’re marrying the duke doesn’t mean a prince or other high lord can’t take you from him if they so desire. Our practices here are a little different than yours, I’m sure.”
My throat tightens. “What?” That wouldn’t happen, would it? My eyes shift to Nikolai, and he only looks at the floor to avoid answering.
“Don’t worry though, I’m sure Kalel, of all the lords, wouldn’t do that.” She tries to comfort me.
Yeah, you don’t know our history though.I flatten my lips and stare at the woman in the mirror I don’t recognize. I’ve lostweight, and even with all the beautiful things I’m wearing, I look weary and out of place.
“He would be a fool to let anyone take you away from him,” Nikolai reassures me. I offer him a small smile.
“I hope you’re right.” My tone is defeated.
Nikolai’s expression flattens, but his brows shoot up with a thought. “Oh gods, I forgot to tell you about the Krinsle.”
That doesn’t sound good.
“Thewhat?”
Chapter Twenty-Two
KALEL
King Achill tiltshis wine glass boredly as I enter his study. His appointed royal guard is flipping through a tome on one of the chaise lounges, offering me a brief once-over before looking back to the book in his hands.
“Lord Lornhelm, I was relieved to hear that you and your army returned to our kingdom safely last night.” The king’s words are formal, but they hold no weight or genuineness in his tone.
Achill has envied me since we were children. Even the wealthiest and most powerful people will loathe those who can find a fraction of happiness in nothing. I was happy with what little my mother could afford us. I enjoyed training to be an apothecary and then a knight. Achill watched from his tower and would sneak out to practice with me from time to time.
I’m only the most revered knight because he sends me out on every battle, hoping I’ll perish. Nikolai informed me a few years ago after he’d used his sight on the king. Because what better way to inspire Devicit’s army than that of the demon who came back from death?
One of my biggest regrets is telling Achill what happened that day in Florum Forest.
I narrow my gaze, thinking about it. Recounting the past with Alira damn near tore my heart from my chest. Her lavender eyes and all the misery that rolled over her expression was enough to bury a man. Did she really see me that night after the attack? I blink away the thoughts before I get lost in them.
I nod and flatten my lips. “Thank you, King Achill. I am happy to be back in my palace.”
The king stands, leaving his glass of wine on the oak desk. “Do you have the demigod in your possession?” he asks, eyes narrowing with disdain. Although I doubt he’ll have that look for long. He’s a man of vanity, I’m certain he will be smitten with her the moment he sees how beautiful she is, and that thought infuriates me to no end.
