Page 67 of Once Upon a Demon's Heart
Wait. What?
“Your sister?” I mumble, brows knitting as I look from Kalel to the king. Wouldn’t that make her a princess? Please tell me Kalel didn’t…
“Yes, Kalel killed one of only three princesses today. But our law states that it is permitted to slay any person if they aretrying to harm a bride to a favored duke.” King Achill smiles, not bothered at all by the fate of his sister.Cold.
King Borlin would’ve executed anyone who dared to hurt one of his daughters. I think Borlin would likely do it for much less, considering his track record.
“I wanted to welcome you to Devicit personally. We certainly expect great things from the two of you. And I heard you were even a knight in Alzhor?” I nod. “Well, you won’t need to worry about fighting wars any longer, Alira. Your only role now will be to bear Kalel’s children.”
My stomach twists with rage. I try to keep the anger from my expression, but King Achill sees it nonetheless and takes my jaw in his hand, forcing my eyes to look up at his.
“Perhaps some of mine, as well. I did not expect you to be so lovely. And what’s this I hear about you having control over the dragons?” He speaks over my lips, coldly, as if I belong to him.
Kalel growls, “It hasn’t been confirmed.” But the look in the king’s eyes tells me he heard a very different account of events.Gods, I was worried about that.
“Imagine a royal heir who can control the beasts.” King Achill looks at me with greed in his gaze.
A pit forms in my heart.This is the path I chose.I remind myself repeatedly, but the tears still prickle in my eyes. I hate that I cry when I’m pissed off, and I can’t hurt the asshole causing it.
“Oh, there’s no need to be sad. You will be treated like a queen. You will want for nothing. What demigod gets to say as much?” He presses a kiss to my cheek that carries the scent of bourbon and books.
Kalel’s glare is like a knife.
“I won’t be sharing her.”
King Achill stops in front of his desk, shoulders stiffening. He waits a dreadful second before turning and casting a frigid lookat Kalel. Something in the air grows heavy between them, and it makes sweat bead down my spine. But then the king slowly grins, and the energy breaks.
“Of course, old friend. Perhaps a few years down the line, after you have a child or two, or if you should die in battle. I’ll take care of her.”
Kalel is quick to reply. “I will not die in battle.”
Another awkward and tense moment passes.
King Achill grits his teeth and looks at me with a cold fire burning in his eyes. “Well, we’d better get down to the ball. We certainly don’t want to be late. You’ll save the king the last dance, won’t you, sweetheart?” He lifts my hand and presses a kiss to the back of my hand.
I smile uncertainly and mutter, “Yes, of course, my king. And thank you for sparing my kingdom.” I make sure to follow Kalel’s advice on thanking him.
King Achill’s eyes light up and flick an intrigued look at Kalel. “The night won’t wait for us. Kalel, go dance with your enchanting bride.”
Kalel watches the king with hesitation, but offers me his hand like a gentleman. I cast one final look over my shoulder at the intimidating king. He swirls his glass of bourbon slowly, staring at us as we exit. I would hate to discover what that man plots. The darkness in his eyes is enough to make me shudder.
I hope he wasn’t serious about the last dance.
“I don’t know any of the songs your kingdom will play or the steps,” I whisper to Kalel as he guides me out of the private library.
Kalel dips down and presses his lips to mine, pushing his tongue inside my mouth and surprising me. He wipes his thumb over my lips and grins. “Scenting, not affection. And just follow my lead, little godling.”
“What about the kiss in the hallway?” I blurt out before thinking it over.
Kalel’s eyes widen. “A drunken kiss,” he insists, clearing his throat and sharply looking away. I don’t know if he’s aware that his ears turn red when he’s flustered. I smile to myself.
Though the way he’s holding my hand right now feels a lot like affection to me.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
ALIRA
As we stepinto the ballroom, music lifts the unease that the king instilled into me.
