Page 95 of The Demon King's Destiny

“M-my apologies!” Caleb stammered. “Melena will be discreet. She is my heir. I’m sure Brennen knows we serve his interest, and his interest only.”

The air in Marrok’s lungs halted. Melena did know she was next in line after Caleb. She’d been in league with them from the start, or at least complicit with the group.

She’d been complicit with Brennen, as well. This meeting had to have occurred before the day Marrok met Melena, if she was being introduced to Brennen.

Marrok’s uncle had used his words carefully that day in the throne room when he’d announced she was a gift. He’d implied it was the first time he’d met the female he’d heard much of from her father.

“Gentlemen. Let’s move on from such topics. Rise, Melena, and join us at my table.”

Melena straightened and moved to the chair Brennen had pulled out for her. The others took their seats, as well, and Caleb gave her a meaningful glower.

“So, Melena. Caleb tells me you’ve seen something I won’t like. I’d like to hear it straight from the source.”

“I’m not sure what Caleb told you, my lord. He neglected to inform me he’d spoken to you.”

Brennen planted both hands on the table and licked his teeth. “Don’t play coy with me, female,” his low voice groused. “You saw Marrok would take the throne. I want to know when.”

“My visions don’t reveal time. I only know they are future events.”

He continued licking his teeth in that disgusting way he did.“Very well. Tell me what you can.”

Melena folded her hands atop the table. “I saw him with his saatus. He called her hiswifeand his …Queen.”

“It could have been a term of endearment,” Brennen guessed.

“Not when she was sitting on the throne next to his. I’ve had many random pieces thrown at me. From what I could gather, once he meets her, he will take the throne.”

Brennen growled and Melena held very still. He was known to be impulsive and he didn’t like the answer she gave.

“Are you able to see at will?”

“Most of the time.”

“Caleb told me he’s run through different scenarios with you already? Of decisions I may or may not make?”

“Yes, my liege.”

“Then tell me, love, if I give you to Marrok, without conditions, what will happen?”

Her swift intake of breath was unmistakable. Marrok supposed she hadn’t expected the question. Her eyes darted to Caleb and Marrok could pick up on the heavy dose of betrayal she felt towards her cousin.

Demons couldn’t lie without detection. Melena would have to tell Brennen the truth. Resigned, her eyes closed.

Marrok felt power as it built from inside Melena, clicking and whirring like the insides of a clock. Her spine straightened, held stiff by the magic. If she could call forth visions at will, she was far more powerful than she had led him to believe.

She’d never shared this part of herself with Marrok and he’d never pried. The only time she’d spoken of her visions were when she’d been adamant they would never produce offspring together.

When Melena slumped, she was breathless.

“Well?” Brennen prompted.

She head shook in disbelief. “We,” she gulped, “will marry.”

Brennen clapped his hands with delight, laughing wickedly. Both Caleb and the vampire relaxed their posture.

“Oh, my dear. This is far better than what I had originally planned. What a surprise you are. Marriage?! Who would have ever thought it could have been so easy to keep my nephew from his saatus? You are going to be perfect for this. Absolutely perfect!”

His snigger reminded Marrok of a depraved madman who just discovered he’d gotten away with murder and planned on doing so again.

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