Page 21 of The Demon King's Destiny

He hid his wince at the mention of marriage while his demon perked up. His palms scrubbed his face.

“It is not so simple.”

“Isn’t it?”

“No. Things in Imperium are not as they were. Each faction is facing its own difficulties.” His intricate network of merchants and spies kept him abreast of the happenings in their world, and what was happening wasn’t good.

“I’m aware of the Northland’s dying forest.”

“Many are. What do you know of the Eastland? Or of the Southland?”

“The vampires are secretive. They do not readily share information. Everyone knows that. I’ve not heard of anything amiss in Sundari.”

It was true. The vampires, who lived in the Eastland, in the Kingdom of Prajna, kept to themselves for the most part. Though, just like the other factions in Imperium, they did do business from time to time across their borders.

Tricky demons in the Southland were awfully nosy and had ways to extricate information. They were, quite literally, mind readers. Beings without strong mental shields were easy prey to the demons.

Marrok took news of the Burghard’s dying forest in stride. He’d even palleted the reports of Gwydion’s draining magics.

When the details of the Prajna’s lack of matings and zero birth rate hit his ears, he knew. He knew beyond all doubt the sufferings around Imperium weren’t isolated. He simply didn’t know what to do about it.

“What’s going on in the Sundari Kingdom?”

“Nothing for you to worry about.”

“Let me guess, you have it under control?” she huffed.

“No, not yet.”

She was surprised at his admission. Both because she believed he was more than capable of handling his kingdom and also because she hadn’t expected him to admit he didn’t have control over things. Yet he was still holding something back.

“You’re not going to tell me the details, are you? You can trust me, Marrok.”

A flaring pain cut across his forearm. He lifted it and saw blood swell to the surface.

“Not tonight. I must return. Immediately, it seems.”

Evelyn gasped. “What’s happening?”

“Someone’s trying to wake me.”

“By cutting you?!” she screeched.

“Drawing blood is sometimes the only way to be released from dreamwalking.”

“That’s so barbaric.”

“Says the female holding me hostage.”

The corners of her mouth turned down. “If I’m holding you here, I’m not doingitpurposefully.”

Marrok reached out and stroked her cheek. “I believe you.”

The contact, as fleeting as it was, reinforced his control. The transitory snippets of madness had been gone since he’d cusped her chin.

See? She is the answer. Marrok ignored his demon spirit. It wasn’t the time to claim his mate, but maybe she could keep him centered, help staunch the spreading sickness inside him long enough for him to find the solution for his people.

If he could dreamwalk to her at will, touch her skin when he did, it might work. His saatus might be able to buy him enough time. It would be easiest to gandeste if she willed him to her while he did the same.

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