Page 84 of The Demon King's Destiny

“Good. Now let us go to our evening meal. All this drama has left my belly empty.”

Evelyn laughed. “You’re always suggesting food.”

“I’m always hungry,” he clucked and she laughed again.

* * *

“Shall I stable the horses, Sire?”

Marrok dismounted and shook his head. “Get them watered for now, Favin. We may have to ride out again, sooner than we’d like.”

“Very well.”

“Shall I accompany you or go with Favin?” Danil grunted hopping off his horse. “Don’t figure you need me to hold your hand, but I will.”

“Go with Favin.”

“Right-i-o, my liege,” he sang and sauntered off towards the stables.

Marrok didn’t know how Danil could be so chipper after eight hours in the saddle—and that was only from Gwydion to here. It was a two-day ride from the peninsula just to reach Gwydion’s border with few stops.

He stretched his back and rolled his head around his neck. He needed to bathe. He needed to eat. And he needed to find his mate. He was hoping she was here, though, he had planned on coming here no matter what. Theron’s message had been too alarming to ignore.

“Welcome, King Marrok!” Theron’s voice echoed from the top of the stairs.

The older male’s bright irises, filled with shades of purple and silver, stood out starkly against his weathered skin. Even from twenty paces away, Marrok could easily see them.

Marrok jogged up the steps and inclined his head to the priest. “Theron. I came as soon as I was able.”

“Of course, of course. Come, you’ve spent too much time on your steed. My stable boys will take care of your companions. We’ve much to discuss.”

“Thank you.”

Marrok followed Theron. Instead of heading to his study, he took him into a large sitting room. A table was already set with refreshments and he realized just how parched he was.

“Your timing is perfect, Theron.”

Twinkling eyes met his and a hand clapped him on the back. “Of course it is.”

The priest took one of the chairs and gestured to the other. Marrok thought the male looked older. His long grey hair was now showing strands of white. Though his face still held mirth, as it always did, it also looked tired.

“Is everything alright?” Marrok asked, sliding into the chair opposite Theron.

“It will be. Goddess willing.”

Marrok waited for more, but Theron said nothing. Instead, he filled them both a glass of water and then uncorked a bottle of wine.

“Please,” he nodded at the food. “I have already eaten. I can hear your demon stomach eating itself. Refuel while we chat.”

Marrok filled his plate and Theron relaxed into his seat, sipping on his wine. He waited for Marrok to start eating before speaking.

“Thank you for coming so quickly. The past couple of weeks have been trying for all of Imperium, though, many are unaware.”

“I’m aware, generally speaking, of the issues.”

Theron lifted one eyebrow. “Such as?”

“Power drains in Gwydion. I had reports the scents of magics on the elementals had diminished to the point my informant couldn’t pick up on them unless he was close.”

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