Page 123 of The Demon King's Destiny

“What are you talking about?”

“Melena. I know that memory bothers you. Big royal wedding. Bride coming down the aisle to her smitten groom? I’ve replayed it over and over and the more I do, the more I see how blind I was. She didn’t look at me. Not once. Her eyes were on the throne. She walked down the aisle to Brennen, under his command. I hadn’t been her choice.”

Evelyn opened her mouth and he clamped his hand over it. “Let me finish.”

“Okay,” her muffled voice tickled his palm and he pulled it away.

“I want to be someone’s choice. I want to be your choice, Evelyn. I know you think she cared for me, and maybe she did. You’re right about how bleak her options were.Nevertheless, she didn’t choose me for me, and I have to live with that.”

It didn’t hurt as much to admit aloud as he’d anticipated.

“The more I think about it, the more I don’t really care what her reasons or motivations were. It happened and, while the truth of it did hurt me, it wasn’t as painful as it should have been, not if what we had was real.”

“I’m sorry, Marrok.”

“Hold that thought,” he said. “I have to tell you I think you were right. I have to forgive her. Not because I can’t move on if I don’t. I have to forgive her because her actions led me to you. Hell, I should probably be kneeling at her tomb and thanking her for the gift she’s given me.”

Evelyn grinned shyly. He thought she was a gift.

“I understand your aversion to the idea of an actual wedding, but I would like one. Walk to me down an aisle. Choose me. It can be small, just us and your family. I only want to have this one thing from you. To make our own memory.”

“You’re really quite romantic, you know that?”

“Don’t tell Danil or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Evelyn shook her head, chuckling, as Marrok slid back down beside her. “Please?”

“Did you just ask nicely?”

“I did.”

“Then how can I possibly say no?”

Marrok took her mouth hungrily, his tongue demanding entrance. He stole her breath as she stole his. He broke the kiss and nuzzled her cheek.

“Could you repeat all of that because I wasn’t really paying attention?” she asked innocently.

Evelyn watched Marrok. It took him a second to catch on to her devious jest. A roguish grin slowly broke across his face.

“Oh, little mate. You just keep adding to the infractions, don’t you?”

“I think I recall you saying you were looking forward to spanking me?”

“I did say that, yes.”

“Then it’s a good thing I love you enough to give you want you want.”

His nose skimmed her temple and down to her jawline. “Say it again,” he whispered.

“I love you.”

“And I love you,moj draga. For all time.”

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