Page 30 of Daman
“Whatever.” Daman curled his body inward, as if shielding himself. From me. From the world.
And I’d thoughtIwas guarded.
“What’s so special about the winter solstice?” he asked, finally meeting my gaze. “I know why some cultures find it important. It’s seen as a rebirth of the sun, when days start getting longer. But why’s it so special to your clan? We’re getting married tomorrow because it’s supposed to be good luck or something, right?”
“The solstice symbolizes the arrival of winter,” I explained. “Ice dragons are more powerful during this time. It rejuvenates our life force and strengthens the magic in our veins. A wedding on this sacred day is thought to bring good fortune.”
“If it’s so sacred, wouldn’t you rather marry someone you actually loved?”
The question reminded me of the conversation I’d had with Kyo on the beach the first day we’d ever spoken to each other. He had said people should marry for love, not out of duty or obligation. I had disagreed.
I still did.
“I believe marriage can serve a variety of purposes,” I said. “Some marry because of their devotion to each other, and some people, like us, do it for more political reasons. Both have merit. Regardless of the reason we were brought together, I pray the solstice blesses our union. We make a good match.”
“Wow.” Daman scrutinized me. “Only you could say something like that and sound like you were rattling off a mission report while doing so.”
I cocked my head at him. “What do you mean?”
He surprised me by smiling a little. “You’re such a straight shooter, Warrin. Everything about you screams soldier, from the rigid way you carry yourself to the almost mechanical way you speak. You’re disciplined and strong. No doubt about that. It just makes me wonder if you would’ve ever found someone to marry on your own if not for this alliance.”
“No. I wouldn’t have.”
“How do you know?”
“Because marriage was never something I sought for myself,” I answered. “My life belongs to my king. To my people. Being a soldier is all I’ve ever known. I’ve been conditioned from a young age to sacrifice myself if need be, to toss aside anything that doesn’t benefit the kingdom.”
“That explains so much.” Daman tipped his glass back and finished off his drink. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and pinned me with those captivating green eyes. “Our marriage is just another order for you to follow.”
“Isn’t it the same for you?”
“Yeah. I guess so.” He peered into his empty glass and sighed. “I wouldn’t have gotten married either if not for this alliance. A loveless marriage was inevitable.” His gaze flickered over to the table, where Castor and Kyo sat with their heads pressed together, voices low and smiles on their lips, fingers linked. “That kind of happiness isn’t meant for someone like me.”
My sternum ached, and I had the sudden urge to pull him into my arms, to comfort him. But I didn’t. I couldn’t.
I’d never comforted anyone before.
“I’m tired,” Daman said, standing up. He swayed a little before catching himself on the mantel above the fireplace. Was he drunk? “I’m going to bed.”
“I’ll escort you to your room.” I rose from the chair.
“No. Stay.” He squinted at the door and swayed again. “Fuck. That shit didn’t fully hit me until I stood up.”
“Vodka does that, D,” Bellamy said, getting up from the table and coming over. “You added a shit ton of ambrosia too. Need my help getting into bed?”
“No.” Daman shook his head. “I can do it myself.”
Bellamy frowned at me. The concern on his face—and on the faces of the men at the table—was proof that Daman’s brothers cared about him. Even if he refused to believe it. Or perhaps Envy didn’t allow him to.
Despite him refusing my offer to escort him, I walked behind Daman as he left the parlor. I dreaded the thought of him stumbling on the stairs and snapping his neck. Even if he and the other Nephilim brothers couldn’t die from an injury like that, it would still hurt him.
“I know you’re following me,” he said once reaching the staircase. He glanced back at me, his eyes glassy. Brown hair hung over his brow, and his lips parted. He was so beautiful it made my chest ache. “I thought you were supposed to follow orders, not break them.”
“I can’t let you wander off alone in your current state.”
“So honorable, Prince Warrin,” Daman muttered. His usual fluid movements and light-footedness was absent as he ambled up the steps.
I stayed close to him just in case he stumbled. I was so close I could feel the heat coming off his body. It made mine heat in response, and I swallowed the sudden tightness in my throat. The small gap between our bodies closed when he reached the top of the stairs and missed the last step, falling backward.
