Page 104 of The Demon King's Destiny

Chapter 27

“Do you think my sisters and I should return to Sanctus Femina?” Evelyn pondered out loud, resting comfortably onher lover’sbare chest.

As soon as Hale departed,Marrokquarantined them both to their bedchamber. He’d yet to make good on his promise of a spanking. In fact, he’d been uncharacteristically gentle in their lovemaking this evening.

“No. Some of the rogues wouldn’t care if it was sacred ground. They cannot think rationally and would risk the wrath of the Goddess, likely not even able to consider it. Plus, Theron said you needed to be here. Maybe he saw Dmitri attacking the temple or intercepting you from there. Whatever it was, he was insistent you remain here.”

“Dmitri might never be found, Marrok. Is this how we will live if his body is never recovered?”

“It’s not how I want to live, either, my sweet. It’s only been a matter of days. Let’s let it play out a little longer before we worry about the rest of our lives, alright?”

“Alright,” she agreed, her warm breath blowing across his skin.

“What’s bothering you, Evelyn, aside from the obvious?”

“Nothing.”

“Damnit, Evelyn,” he cursed, sitting up and pulling her with him. “No lies, remember?”

“It’s a truly inconvenient skill you demons have,” she huffed. “For future reference, when a female responds to your inquiry with the wordnothing,it means she doesn’t want to talk about it. How did you know, anyway?”

“I pay attention and I could feel it through the bond. Furthermore, if you don’t want to talk about it, use those words. Exactly.”

“And you’ll drop it?”

“Not a chance.”

“You’re impossible!”

“As are you.”

Evelyn covered her face, close to laughing at their absurdity. He could feel her concern, but he had no way of knowing what had her in turmoil. She wouldn’t want him to conceal anything from her, leaving her to worry and draw false conclusions.

“No hiding, Evelyn,” Marrok commanded, pulling her hands down.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. “Alright, Demon King, you win. You want to know what’s bothering me?”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”

“You haven’t talked about it.”

“About what?”

“Don’t be obtuse. Melena. The memories? Aside from analyzing facts about the brotherhood, you’ve said nothing about how you feel. I know this has shaken you to the core, Marrok. You must feel something about your wife’s actions.”

“Latewife,” he staunchly corrected.

“Yes, your late wife, the one who took her own life. The one who was manipulated by your uncle and by her cousin. The one you loved dearly.”

“Did I? Or did she manipulate my mind into forming an attachment?”

His eyes had grown hard, his jaw set. He’d been holding in whatever he was feeling. Evelyn could sense his tumult through their bond and she thought talking it out might help him navigate his emotions. He obviously had a lot of resentment towards Melena right now.

“Marrok, she was in a difficult spot. You know this. You know what Brennen would have done if she’d refused to play his game. I think you need to forgive her. I don’t think you’ll get past this if you can’t.”

He stood from the bed, pacing. “You want me to forgive the person who helped Brennen find you? Who knew you were only a child, yet promised him information he demanded to obtain your identity and did nothing to stop him from reaching you?”

She grimaced. “I know it sounds terrible, but there was more to it. You’re just too angry to see it.”

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