The Touch of Demise │18+

52: Counting Cards

GRACE

At the second meeting with the Houses, it was Kallum who said: "without your help, we would have never been freed. We thank you. On behalf of Arden, we would like to offer the following treaty. Outlined are trade and political agreements that each House has agreed to. Additionally, Regent Caspian from House Taurus would like to offer his services to fix the canyon within your territory."

Regent Caspian nodded. "I wield Earth capabilities. It's the least I could do."

Grace looked at Adalind. Everyone praised Demise for breaking the curse, but Grace fought as well. And Adalind, she was the reason they all sat here today. Whether Grace liked to admit it or not, Demise cared not for the fae; he didn't care about breaking the curse to free the fae. He put his people first.

Adalind broke the curse. She was the one who crushed the amulet. She could have taken all of Arden as Ophir had. She could have had it all...and yet...she destroyed it. She freed the fae, not Demise. Very little praise was offered to the faerie woman.

But Grace bit her tongue and swallowed the sourness that coated her throat. They all revered Demise. But her? She was simply the doting wife.

Demise must have sensed her mood change because he glanced at her, his hand squeezing hers. She threw on a fake smile.

"Additionally, we offer a final appreciation; a celebration."

She couldn't help but notice Adalind's hand climbing to her throat as if she was making sure nothing was there.

Within three weeks, Grace was a gown next to her mate in House Libra. Hundreds of people, lycanthrope and fae, danced on the dance floor. They grew fond of one another. For the first time ever it seemed that the lycanthrope and fae would grow fond of one another.

Demise took the flute glass from Grace, his brows downward. "How much of this did you drink?"

Grace grinned ear-to-ear. "Just half."

"Right," he sighed. "Dance with me before you start forgetting your name."

"Demise, I don't get drunk that easily." She allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor where he kissed her hand. She bowed to him and he did the same before they gently began to sway. Everyone around them moved together in the choreographed waltz, but not them. They were in their own little world.

"Perhaps on our alcohol, but that is fae alcohol. It's stronger."

"How much stronger?"

He kissed her nose. "Let's just say you won't remember this night."

"But I loved this night," she whispered. "I never want to forget any night with you."

That sweet grin on his face didn't waiver. His eyes wandered to the crown on her head. "I love seeing you in our regalia."

"I promised you I'd wear it one day. I just had to feel like I earned it."

"That is what you fail to understand. It wasn't something you had to earn, it was your birthright. Plus," he chuckled. "Some would say you earned it by being with me at all."

She rolled her eyes as he brought her closer to him. "Someone asked me if I was 'with child' yet." The way she said it reminded Demise of an elder from home. He grinned at her overly-eccentric accent.

"What did you say?"

"I said I was, and then took a very big sip of wine. You should have seen his face," she giggled.

"Toying with the fae is considered rude."

"And asking me whether or not I am with child is considered, what? Their right to know?" He pushed her to spin before bringing her back into his arms.