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Page 41 of Once Upon a Demon’s Heart

Chapter Twenty-Six

ALIRA

He came back to Florum for me? I stare into Kalel’s weary eyes. They break me more with each moment that sifts through us.

“You were supposed to become a dressmaker. Remember?” He chuckles sadly.

Tears prickle my eyes.

“I was going to spare you from the fate of your kingdom for your kindness. But when I smelled the deaths on you in Florum, I knew you were there in Thornhall that day. I couldn’t bring myself to kill you because I wasn’t sure what part you played in the attack.

” He pauses and brushes his thumb over my cheek.

“But then we got the letter. Something in my bones told me to accept it. So, I agreed to marry this mysterious daughter of Venus. I saw your armor and I knew you were the knight I sought after. I knew what you had done, and I was prepared to burn the kingdom to the ground after killing you in the guest room…” He clamps his mouth shut like he wants to say more on that specifically, but doesn’t.

My heart races with the truth. My jaw trembles as if I’m freezing to death.

“Then that helmet came off, and it was you .” He runs his hand through his hair, making it disheveled. “Why did it have to be you?” he murmurs, heartbreak is cumbersome in his tone.

Is that why he looked surprised in the last loop he killed me in? I saw his eyes and the emotion that flickered through him when he saw my silver hair. My chest curls. I wish many things could be different.

“I’m sorry it’s me, Kalel.” I let the tears fall from my chin.

His eyes soften, and he slides a hand behind my neck, leaning down until our foreheads are pressed together. “All I ever truly wanted was you… And the guilt of that is ruining me, little godling.” Kalel kisses me, curling his fingers into my hair as he does.

We slowly part. He stares down at me, leaving me dazed. Breathless.

He wants me? My brows knit, and a warmth coils inside my chest. He must feel this tether we have to one another, as I do. Perhaps we were always promised to one another. The gods’ doing. So why did Mercury tell me to leave? What games are they playing with our hearts?

Kalel remains mere inches from me, studying my features for a few seconds longer before he straightens and walks back to the main hall. Recomposed for the most part. It’s hard to tell if he’s still affected by the wine or not, but I doubt the blush across his cheeks right now is from the alcohol.

I shift off the wall and pat the wrinkles from my dress. Get it together. I chide myself and take a deep breath.

Kalel drags his hand down his jaw and offers me a defeated look as his eyes move up and down my body. “Sorry, I’m not sure what came over me.” We start back down the hall toward the library.

He probably didn’t mean to share that much with me. But I’m glad he did. I glance up at his fretful eyes. “You aren’t the only one ruined by guilt,” I admit with a forlorn smile.

Kalel looks at me for a few moments before he lets his expression smooth into a relaxed state. A lovely grin pulls the corners of his lips up as he looks ahead.

We walk in silence for a minute. It’s not uncomfortable. Just a bit melancholic, like the air between us is charged with our weary thoughts.

“So, tell me about your king.” I try to change the subject and lighten the mood.

Kalel lets out a relieved breath. “King Achill is the youngest king Devicit has ever had. He’s not as wise as they come, but he is generous. He wanted to spare your kingdom, so you should thank him for that.”

I nod thoughtfully.

We rise two floors before reaching the king’s private library. Two imperial knights stand posted on either side of the door and nod as we pass them. Kalel doesn’t offer his usual greeting to them. I assume it’s because he’s still a bit inhibited and is in a foul mood.

The library features a wine cellar located on the right-hand side. A dark walnut desk is placed in the center, with a glass bottle of bourbon on one corner, and maps and official papers scattered around the midpoint.

“I was wondering when you would finally arrive,” A male demon says as he steps away from the enormous lancet windows.

He must be the king. It’s evident with the crooked onyx crown that sits on his head and the haughty black feathered robe that trails behind him.

His ears are pointed like Kalel’s, but his hair is ashy like mine.

A silver that has warmer hues like frosted pampas grass.

His eyes are a deep cerulean blue that pierce through the room.

He looks at me and every cell in my body freezes instinctively. Unlike King Borlin, the demons choose their king because of their inherited powers. King Achill is not only a royal figure, but he is also the strongest demon in Devicit. I can feel it just from entering the room.

I divert my attention to the ground and try to stick close to Kalel’s side.

King Achill chuckles as he steps down to his desk and pours himself a cup of bourbon. He doesn’t let his eyes stray from me as he tilts the cup back.

“So, you are the daughter of Venus.” He smiles charmingly as he approaches me.

“Much prettier than I thought you’d be. I didn’t know demigods could be this attractive.

” The king sets his icy fingers on my jaw, tilting my head each way and assessing every angle of my face before moving behind me and letting his hand brush through my hair. Kalel shoots him a death glare.

“I’d prefer if you didn’t intimidate my wife,” Kalel says bitterly. My heart beats faster when Kalel looks at me and that tortured expression returns to his face.

“I’m only verifying that she’s of high quality.

And I’m afraid she is. Kalel, my friend, you’ll need to make sure you keep her safely tucked away in your palace.

We all saw how my poor sister tried to slay her during your ceremony.

There are likely more people willing to risk their lives to rid our kingdom of a half-god. Or even steal her away from you.”

Wait. What?

“Your sister?” I mumble, brows knitting as I look from Kalel to the king. Wouldn’t that make her a princess? Please tell me Kalel didn’t…

“Yes, Kalel killed one of only three princesses today. But our law states that it is permitted to slay any person if they are trying to harm a bride to a favored duke.” King Achill smiles, not bothered at all by the fate of his sister. Cold .

King Borlin would’ve executed anyone who dared to hurt one of his daughters. I think Borlin would likely do it for much less, considering his track record.

“I wanted to welcome you to Devicit personally. We certainly expect great things from the two of you. And I heard you were even a knight in Alzhor?” I nod. “Well, you won’t need to worry about fighting wars any longer, Alira. Your only role now will be to bear Kalel’s children.”

My stomach twists with rage. I try to keep the anger from my expression, but King Achill sees it nonetheless and takes my jaw in his hand, forcing my eyes to look up at his.

“Perhaps some of mine, as well. I did not expect you to be so lovely. And what’s this I hear about you having control over the dragons?” He speaks over my lips, coldly, as if I belong to him.

Kalel growls, “It hasn’t been confirmed.” But the look in the king’s eyes tells me he heard a very different account of events. Gods, I was worried about that.

“Imagine a royal heir who can control the beasts.” King Achill looks at me with greed in his gaze.

A pit forms in my heart. This is the path I chose. I remind myself repeatedly, but the tears still prickle in my eyes. I hate that I cry when I’m pissed off, and I can’t hurt the asshole causing it.

“Oh, there’s no need to be sad. You will be treated like a queen. You will want for nothing. What demigod gets to say as much?” He presses a kiss to my cheek that carries the scent of bourbon and books.

Kalel’s glare is like a knife.

“I won’t be sharing her.”

King Achill stops in front of his desk, shoulders stiffening. He waits a dreadful second before turning and casting a frigid look at Kalel. Something in the air grows heavy between them, and it makes sweat bead down my spine. But then the king slowly grins, and the energy breaks.

“Of course, old friend. Perhaps a few years down the line, after you have a child or two, or if you should die in battle. I’ll take care of her.”

Kalel is quick to reply. “I will not die in battle.”

Another awkward and tense moment passes.

King Achill grits his teeth and looks at me with a cold fire burning in his eyes. “Well, we’d better get down to the ball. We certainly don’t want to be late. You’ll save the king the last dance, won’t you, sweetheart?” He lifts my hand and presses a kiss to the back of my hand.

I smile uncertainly and mutter, “Yes, of course, my king. And thank you for sparing my kingdom.” I make sure to follow Kalel’s advice on thanking him.

King Achill’s eyes light up and flick an intrigued look at Kalel. “The night won’t wait for us. Kalel, go dance with your enchanting bride.”

Kalel watches the king with hesitation, but offers me his hand like a gentleman.

I cast one final look over my shoulder at the intimidating king.

He swirls his glass of bourbon slowly, staring at us as we exit.

I would hate to discover what that man plots.

The darkness in his eyes is enough to make me shudder.

I hope he wasn’t serious about the last dance.

“I don’t know any of the songs your kingdom will play or the steps,” I whisper to Kalel as he guides me out of the private library.

Kalel dips down and presses his lips to mine, pushing his tongue inside my mouth and surprising me. He wipes his thumb over my lips and grins. “ Scenting , not affection. And just follow my lead, little godling.”

“What about the kiss in the hallway?” I blurt out before thinking it over.

Kalel’s eyes widen. “A drunken kiss,” he insists, clearing his throat and sharply looking away. I don’t know if he’s aware that his ears turn red when he’s flustered. I smile to myself.

Though the way he’s holding my hand right now feels a lot like affection to me.