Page 14 of Daman

I walked inside the study and shut the door behind me. Wood crackled in the fireplace, both lighting the room and warming it, and tall windows showed the clear blue sky and snowy trees. My brother stood beside one of them and turned to me.

“Have a glass of wine,” he said, holding up his own glass.

“No, thank you.”

“Ah. Yes.” Nikolai walked over to an armchair in front of the fire and sat down. “I forgot you don’t drink.”

“It dulls the senses.”

“Surely you’ll partake in a glass or two at your wedding?”

“Perhaps.” I propped my sword against the side table before sitting in the chair opposite his. My weapon remained within reach just in case I needed it.

“Speaking of your wedding, I’ve just received news that your betrothed is on his way here.”

Daman would be at the castle soon? That dipping feeling from earlier returned to my stomach. It was more of a fluttering now. I couldn’t make sense of it.

“You don’t look pleased.”

I lowered my gaze. “Forgive me. I’m very pleased with the arrangement, Your Majesty.”

“Warrin.” Nikolai grabbed the thin decorative pillow beside him and smacked me on the arm with it. “Stop with the formality. I’m your brother. We used to run through the snow together and try to pummel each other to death with snowballs. Hell, I pushed you from a tree, and then you gave me a bloody nose.”

“We were boys back then. You’re the king now.”

“But I’m still the same person I was before our father passed. I’m still me, little brother.” Nikolai took a drink of his wine, the dark liquid swirling in the glass before settling again. “No one can deny that you’re the most disciplined among us. The most honorable to both your clan and your king. But when it’s just you and me, the formalities aren’t necessary.” He blew out a short laugh. “If I need to declare that as an official order, I will. Don’t call me Your Majesty again, or I’ll hit you again with this pillow.”

“Very well.” He had taken the throne roughly six months ago, and it was something we were both still trying to get used to.

“Good.” Nikolai smiled, pleased with himself. That smile fell a bit though. “I want to apologize.”

“For what?”

“For throwing you into this wedding. First with the water dragon and now with the Nephilim.”

“An apology is unnecessary. Arranged marriages have forged many alliances over the years. I’m honored to be of service to our clan.”

Nikolai looked at the fire. “Yes. You’re right. I want to ensure the Nephilim’s loyalty to us by having one of them marry you, and they’re known to be powerful. It will be a good match, one that will serve us even after this conflict with the son of Lucifer has passed.” His blue eyes moved to me. “Yet, it pains my heart more than I expected.”

“Why?”

“You’ve never taken a lover, Warrin. You’ve cast aside all desires and dedicated your life to being a soldier. As your king, I’m pleased that you agreed to the marriage. But as your brother, I’m saddened that this is not a thing you would have ever chosen for yourself. I feel like I’ve placed chains upon you and forced you to stray from your intended path.”

I thought on his words a moment. “My intended path is to serve my king. To serve my people. And that path has led me here. So don’t worry over me, Kolya.”

Nikolai’s expression softened at the diminutive form of his name. “Kira wished for me to tell you that your uniform is nearly finished. She’s quite pleased with it.”

Queen Kira adored fashion, though her passion went beyond merely buying clothing. She designed it. As the head of the armed forces, I had wished to wear my officer’s uniform to the wedding. She had taken it upon herself to tailor it for me and add special touches fitting of the occasion.

“She didn’t need to go through the trouble for me.”

My brother scoffed. “You’re a prince and will dress like one for your special day. Now.” He rose from the chair. “You should wash up from your training and make yourself presentable. Our guests will be here soon, and I’ve told the cooks to prepare a feast to welcome them.”

I stood up as well and sheathed my sword before exiting the study. On my way to my room, I was attacked.

“Got you!” Milena exclaimed after pouncing on my back. She dropped back to the floor and looped her arm through mine. Her silvery-blonde hair was cut into a pixie style, which, given her mischievous nature, fit her perfectly. “Beaten by your little niece again.”

“You didn’t beat me. I smelled you hiding behind the corner before I even reached it. Too much perfume. Still trying to seduce Lev, I see.”