Page 24 of Daman

Warrin’s smile veered on bashful. “Perhaps you can show me some of your work one day.”

A knock came at the door.

“Your Highness?” Armen asked from the hall. “I madesbitenfor you and Master Daman.”

Master Daman? That was weird as hell. Then again, I was engaged to a prince.

“Come in,” Warrin told him.

Armen walked in carrying a tray with two steaming mugs. He handed one to each of us. I had never heard ofsbitenbefore and brought the cup up. An aroma of honey, cinnamon, and cardamom reached my nose.

“I added a dash of apricot jam this time,” Armen said. “I hope you enjoy it.”

Warrin thanked him before taking a drink. “It’s very good. Make sure you help yourself to some as well.”

“Yes, sir.” He bowed before exiting the room.

I lifted the mug to my lips and took a sip. The honey-based mixture was a burst of flavor with all the added spices.

“Sbitenis a traditional wintertime beverage in Russia,” Warrin explained. “I prefer it to tea.”

“Don’t let Alastair hear you say that. He’s a bitch about his tea.”

“It will be our secret, then.” Warrin returned his gaze to the fire and took another drink.

“He’s kind to me,”Armen had said.

I saw it now. Warrin really did care for the boy. As much as I tried to stop it, jealousy coursed through me, turning the light moment between us bitter. How fucking stupid to be jealous over a seventeen-year-old kid just because my fiancé wanted to make his life a little happier. My irrational, bitter jealousy was exactly why I needed to explain things to Warrin.

“How much do you know about me and my brothers?” I asked him, doing my best to swallow down the vile taste of Envy on my tongue. I took another drink of the hot beverage to help.

“I know you’re the sons of fallen angels. And each of you also has a special gift.”

“A gift.” I scoffed. “More like a curse. We’re the embodiment of the seven deadly sins. We’re depraved and are the personification of all the evils in the world.”

His blue eyes moved to me. “I don’t believe you’re depraved. You wouldn’t be fighting so hard against the son of Lucifer to protect mankind if you were. You wouldn’t be marrying a complete stranger to help with that war either. It’s a selfless act.”

“That’s my reason for marrying you. What’s yours?”

“The same as you. I see the threat the demonic army poses against the world, and I wish to do my part to stop it. The uniting of our families will make our forces stronger.”

The intensity of his gaze made the center of my chest warm, and I looked away. How was it he could be so bashful one second, struggling to make eye contact, and so serious the next with a penetrating stare that felt like he saw right into my damn soul?

“Okay.” I cleared my throat. “Do you know which sin I carry?”

“Envy, correct?”

“Yep.”

Warrin frowned. “Is that why you were upset about Kyo? It was your sin reacting to the situation?”

“Yeah. I don’t like being your second fiancé. I know your brother set up the engagement to Kyo. But it still eats at me.”

“I see.”

Warrin stared at the flames. And I stared at him. His quiet contemplation caused his brow to slightly furrow.

“I bet you regret choosing me now, huh? I may be pretty, but I’m a damn headache to be around.”