Chapter 19: The King's Command
Evelina's footsteps echoed through the vast hallways of the palace as she made her way to Lysander's study. The weight of her thoughts was heavier than ever, and though she tried to push Kaelen from her mind, his presence lingered. Every word he had spoken to her, every challenge in his eyes, seemed to be etched into her very soul.
She had no idea what it was about him, the way he made her feel so small and yet so alive all at once. Kaelen was a mystery, a force she couldn't understand but one she couldn't ignore. And yet, here she was, walking toward the man she was betrothed to, the man whose life and kingdom depended on her.
The heavy wooden doors to Lysander's study creaked open as she approached, and she stepped inside, her heart racing in her chest. The room was bathed in warm candlelight, and Lysander was seated at his desk, his back to her, studying a set of documents. His black hair fell to frame his face, while the broad shoulders were held rigid as if he had the empire up on them.
"Your Majesty," Evelina greeted him. The words sounded firm, though inside, the head was very clouded.
Lysander turned toward her, a warm smile on his lips that did nothing to ease the discomfort in her chest. There was a certain kindness in his gaze, but it felt distant, almost as if they were strangers instead of a betrothed couple.
"Evelina," he greeted her, standing to his feet. "I'm glad you're here. Please, sit."
She walked over to the chair opposite his desk, sat down, and folded her hands in her lap. She had a feeling that it was all mere formality, that all this between them had always been a matter of duty. A duty that neither of them had fully embraced, even though for years the palace had prepared for their union.
Lysander watched her closely as she settled into the chair, his sharp gaze tracing her features. He had always been attentive, but there was something more searching in his eyes today. Evelina couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, instead looking at the floor as the silence stretched between them.
"I trust you're well?" Lysander asked after a beat, his voice a little too formal for her liking.
Evelina nodded, though the truth was, she wasn't sure how she was. Between Kaelen's constant presence in her thoughts and her duties as the future queen of the empire, she felt more lost than ever. But she couldn't tell Lysander that. Not yet, at least.
"I am, Your Majesty," she replied, keeping her tone steady. "Though I've been thinking…"
Lysander raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about what?"
Evelina's voice caught. It was hard to put into words the turmoil inside of her, the confusion about everything. "About the demons."
Lysander's face clouded at the mention of the word, his weight shifting slightly as if he were preparing for something. "What about them?"
"I don't know what they want from us," Evelina admitted in a softer tone. "What they'll do once they've fulfilled their bargain with you.
Lysander's eyes narrowed. "The demons are here to help, Evelina. They've been called upon to protect our kingdom from our enemies. You have nothing to worry about." He paused, then added, "And I will not allow you to associate with them any more than necessary."
The words cut deeper than Evelina had expected, a tightness seeping into her chest. She couldn't help but feel like a pawn in Lysander's plans, just another piece to move on the chessboard. But she had always known her life would be filled with these kinds of expectations. What bothered her now was that, despite everything, she couldn't stop thinking about Kaelen—the demon with the red eyes who had stirred something in her she couldn't explain.
"I understand, Your Majesty," she whispered softly, fighting the frustration that threatened to spill over.
Lysander leaned forward, his eyes now serious. "Evelina," he said in a low tone. "You have been sheltered for far too long. I know this is a great deal to take in, but you must believe me. It does not involve us only; it does the future of our people. We marry not by love but to seal our kingdoms. It is bigger than any one of us.
She swallowed, nodding silently as the words did little to relax the knot in her stomach. She knew her marriage to Lysander had been more political in nature than personal, but to hear it spoken so bluntly was a reality little easier to swallow.
"I know, Lysander," she said softly. "I know."
The silence afterward was thick. Evelina's gaze strayed to the window; the full moon cast its silvery glow on the darkened sky. Somewhere out there, Kaelen waited—watching her, maybe. His presence could be felt even when he was not around. It was as if some unseen force drew her to him, some inexorable force that was impossible to resist, no matter how hard she tried.
Lysander's voice cut through her reverie. "I've received word from the kingdom's border. There's been movement among the rival factions. We must prepare for what's coming.".
She nodded to Evelina, though the words sounded a thousand miles away from her. There would be a battle ahead; she knew it. It was much more than just a fight for something greater than herself. Yet, somewhere deep within her mind, a little bit of her could not help but feel that there was an opposition she had to fight for-something far more dangerous than any political liaison.
As Lysander continued to talk, Evelina's mind began to stray once more. She didn't know how much longer she was going to be able to suppress the pull she felt towards Kaelen. How much longer she could fight against the feelings he had awakened within her.
The demon had already branded her in ways Lysander never would.
And no matter how much she tried to deny it, she could not longer ignore one simple fact.
She was falling for him.