Page 54 of The Demon King's Destiny

“Only what?”

“I dreamt of him. With you.”

Oh dear Goddess above, her cheeks flamed.Evelyn was almost afraid to ask. “Doing what?”

“Dancing. Same as the vision, but this time I could see you more clearly. You looked happy. He, ah, was looking at you rather intensely. It was not a platonic sort of look, or the look of a stranger. I think the two of you weretogether. A couple, possibly.”

The strain on Evelyn’s shoulders disappeared. A tiny jolt of excitement zapped her belly. It was unlikely Nora was having random dreams of Marrok. It had to be a vision of the future.

“You don’t seem surprised, Evie. In fact, I think you look relieved.”

“I am.”

“Why?”

Evelyn wasn’t ready to share the details of her nocturnal life. She trusted Nora would keep her secret, as would Eden. She lacked the heart, however, to put her sisters in a position to keep a secret from their father, who would only worry, or worse, intervene.

“Why wouldn’t I be relieved? Demons can be dangerous. If he was courting me, then I have nothing to worry about now.”

Nora’s face said she wasn’t convinced. Evelyn blew out the breath she’d been holding when her sister shrugged and let the discussion die.

* * *

“Step forward, Melena.” Brennen’s voice echoed across the stone floor.

Evelyn’s mouth tightened. She hated his voice, how he allowed his dark magics to scrape against others. Brennen was a plague on the demon kingdom.

Her fingers itched, one thumb brushing against her scabbard.Her scabbard?She didn’t carry a sword. She quickly realized she was dreaming, inside Marrok’s head again, reliving his past.

Had he thought to draw his weapon in this moment? Such would be suicide here in the hall. He stood to the left of the king’s throne, dozens of royal guards were positioned behind and to either side of Brennen. It looked like a room where the king would hold courtor perform royal ceremonies.

Hundreds of demons stood below. Rows and rows of black and white heads of hair turned to the back, following a figure moving up the aisle.

A tall female moved forward, approaching the dais. Her silky white gown clung to her like a second skin. Evelyn couldn’t help but notice the swell of her bosom and curve of her hips.

She’s stunning, Marrok’s thought whispered in her mind. Reluctantly, she had to agree with his reaction.

Evelyn didn’t like the growing need within Marrok. He wanted to jump in front of the she-demon and shield her from Brennen.

When the female reached the bottom step, she kneeled, bowing her head. Her long, black hair, fluid as water, fell forward. Marrok wanted to touch its softness. He wanted to touch other things, as well, and Evelyn had to fight to keep his ruminations at bay.

She felt queasy. Why was she being forced to experience this part of his life? She didn’t want to relive his attraction to others, or his time with past lovers.

“Well, then,” Brennen hummed. “Your father was right. You are quite spectacular. He’s boasted of your talents and beauty for so long I simply had to see for myself.”

Marrok growled in Evelyn’s head.

“Thank you, my lord,” Melena replied to the floor.

“Where are my manners? Rise and let us gaze upon your splendor.”

The female rose gracefully. Her bronzed skin stood out against the white of her dress. She held herself with poise, her movements regal.

Her chin lifted, meeting Brennen’s stare with her large, almond eyes. They were the color of whiskey with sparkles of amber, shining like jewels on either side of her slender nose.

Evelyn would have thought the she-demon completely unaffected if not for the slight blush growing on her cheeks, visible despite her tanned complexion.

She could feel Marrok willing Melena to give nothing away. Brennen would prey on any weakness, any insecurity, and Marrok felt oddly protective of the female.

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