Waiting For Apricity

Chapter 9

Softly stirring

For a moment, we just stood there, the tension of the near-discovery slowly melting away, like the last remnants of a storm passing. Karlaious reached out, taking my hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring against my skin, grounding me in the wake of the chaos.

"Last night was... special," he said softly, his voice low and tender, as though he were searching for the right words.

I nodded, feeling a mixture of exhilaration and trepidation surge through me. My pulse still hadn't slowed, and I felt the heat of the night still lingering between us, like a flame that hadn't quite gone out. "I know. But I don't regret it."

Karlaious smiled, and his gaze softened with something that made my heart flutter, a quiet tenderness that made the world outside feel a little less frightening. "Neither do I," he purred back at me, his voice rich with something more than just affection.

But the reality of our situation quickly returned, the weight of it pressing down on us like an invisible force. We both knew that we couldn't remain in this bubble of tenderness forever, and that we needed to address the looming threat of Karlaious's father, King Amorphous. But for now, breakfast in the main hall awaited us—a daunting task considering the scrutiny we would surely face, especially now that the housekeeper had been so suspicious.

"Let's get ready," Karlaious said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "We have a lot to discuss with my father, but we can't do that on an empty stomach."

I nodded, the reality of our situation pulling at me. "Right. Breakfast first."

We dressed quickly, with Karlaious helping me straighten my attire. As we stepped out of the room and made our way to the dining hall, the grandeur of the palace once again struck me. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, and the air was filled with the faint, sweet scent of blooming nocturnal flowers.

The main hall was a sight to behold, with its high, arched ceilings and shimmering chandeliers casting a warm, ethereal glow over the room. A long table stretched down the centre, laden with an array of sumptuous dishes. Magical creatures of various kinds were already seated, their conversations a soft murmur that filled the space.

As we stepped into the hall, a heavy silence settled over the room, the murmur of voices fading as dozens of eyes turned toward us. Karlaious walked with a calm, deliberate confidence, his head held high, leading me past the long table toward two seats near the head. I could feel the weight of the stares on us—some curious, others tinged with hostility. Disapproval hung thick in the air, like a storm gathering on the horizon.

I focused on the space around us, on the smell of warmed spice and roasted meats, letting it ground me, though my hands clenched into fists to steady my nerves. I had never felt more out of place, surrounded by the demon court's dark elegance and piercing gazes that saw me as an outsider, an intrusion.

From the far end of the table, a figure broke away, striding toward us. He was tall, imposing, with sharp, aristocratic features and fierce green eyes that cut through the room like shards of glass. He carried himself with an air of authority that matched Karlaious's own, and as he drew closer, his expression shifted to one of barely concealed irritation.

"Karlaious," the demon greeted, his tone taut and clipped. "May I have a word?"

Karlaious's expression hardened, a spark of defiance lighting in his silver eyes. He nodded but hesitated, throwing an arm around my shoulders as if to shield me from the disapproving eyes. "Of course, Thylor. This is Apricity," he said, his voice laced with a playful snarl, though the undertone was unmistakably protective.

Thylor's gaze flicked to me, his eyes cold and unreadable, assessing me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. He didn't acknowledge me, only returned his gaze to Karlaious. "I am aware. We need to talk. Now."

A muscle in Karlaious's jaw tightened, but he glanced at me, his hand lingering on my shoulder. "I'll be back soon. Try to enjoy the meal."

I managed a small smile, a weak attempt at reassurance, but my heart pounded, and anxiety coiled in my stomach like a serpent. As Karlaious and Thylor moved to a distant corner of the hall, I strained to catch fragments of their conversation.

"What are you doing, Karlaious?" Thylor's voice was low and tight, edged with barely contained fury. "Bringing that human here? You're courting disaster."

"I'm aware of the risks, Thylor," Karlaious replied, his tone cool but resolute. "Apricity's in danger. We have no other choice but to confront my father."

Thylor's frustration sharpened, his voice a hiss. "And you think exposing her to this place is the solution? She's a liability, Karlaious."

"She is not a liability," Karlaious shot back, his voice steady but fierce. "She's important to me. I won't abandon her."