Page 70 of The Demon King's Destiny

It should have been enough for Edward to consider. No beings of Imperium dared to mess with Fate unless absolutely unable to do otherwise. Even Marrok had learned his lesson.

He simply wanted a meeting with both Edward and Evelyn. If he could get that far, Marrok could emphatically confirm for Edward what he already knew, that Evelyn was his destiny.

“Well, are you going to open it or burn holes in it with your eyes?” Danil goaded.

“I don’t recall inviting you in here,” Marrok responded.

“Standing invitation, Sire. You said it once, some fifty years ago. I didn’t forget.”

“What a wonderfully long memory you have,” Marrok muttered as he snatched the parchment from Favin and broke the seal.

Danil quietly approached, more interested than he would ever admit. He and Favin watched Marrok’s eyes scan the lines. Neither had found their own mates, nevertheless, they were happy for their friend.

Unfortunately, if King Edward could not be brought around, diplomacy would get thrown out the window. Things hadn’t gotten that far. Yet.

Marrok lowered the letter to the desk. His expressionless face told them nothing.

“Well?” Danil blurted.

“I’ve been invited to the royal residence.”

Favin inclined his head, delighted. “I’ll make preparations—”

“No. He’ll not see me until the new moon after the summer solstice.”

“That’s six months away.”

“I’m aware, Favin. It’s just after his youngest will be married off to the Wolf King of the North. I assume he’s not inclined to let go of all his daughters until he has to. Out of respect for their familial bond, you will reply we are agreeable.”

“As you wish.”

“Thank you. I’ll be in my quarters the rest of the night.”

Marrok rose and exited his study. He hadn’t realized the weight he’d been carrying over Edward’s unwillingness to consider him a suitor. It bothered him far more than it should have.

He didn’t need to be liked by the male. Rather, he wanted to be deemed worthy of Evelyn. He’d had enough wretchedness in his life. It was time for some degree of happiness.

When he reached the stairs, he was already unbuttoning his shirt, jogging up the incline. He wanted to see Evelyn and give her the good news.

Aside from his issue with Edward, these past few months had been some of the best of his life. Things in Sundari were calmer. His kingdom had willingly jumped on board with his plan for them to find their mates and hopefully save the rogues.

Dreamwalking was now effortless. He only had to think Evelyn’s name and he entered her dreamworld as soon as he fell asleep. The nights they spent together were filled with passion and a natural state of togetherness. Being with Evelyn was easy.

Unlike Melena, Evelyn wasn’t reserved. She didn’t hold herself back where he had to constantly guess what was on her mind. She was an open book, speaking more frankly with him than anyone ever had. They discussed anything and everything.

When they weren’t talking, they were in the bed she’d made for them. Her appetite for him was staggering. When he finally retrieved her from Gwydion, he intended to lock them both away for days, reacquainting himself with every facet of her form.

Entering his chamber, he removed his clothing as he walked, tossing each item aside on the way to the bed. A soft clank echoed off the stone floor.

Crouching to lift his trousers, he noticed the chain of Melena’s necklace poking out. He’d continued keeping it in his pocket all this time. Neither wanting to wear it nor to put it away.

It had become more habit than need. Marrok picked it up and looked around the room. Finding what he needed, he strode to the desk in the corner and tugged the small handle on the front. He spared one more swipe with his thumb across the cool silver then lowered it into the drawer.

It was time to let go of the past and run straight into his future.

* * *

When Evelyn materialized in the meadow, she didn’t see Marrok. She could feel him through their bond so she knew he was near.

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