The Dark Prince

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty One
Rowan and I stood next to each other, but did not speak a word. Aiden stood a little bit in front of us, but he kept sending back worried glances. The fae will be here any minute.

I allowed a quick glance in Rowan's direction. His gaze was straight ahead, his jaw clenched. His stance was perfectly balanced and straight, ready for a fight if necessary. He's the Dark Prince through and through today.

We haven't talked about yesterday. I have things to do before he can forgive me, anyways. Saxons ring burned a hole in my pocket. I need to find a way to get him alone.

Before I could think much more about it, a portal began to appear before my eyes. I rubbed my sweaty palms on my leggings and forced myself to stand tall. They need to see a queen worth fighting for when they step through that portal. And that's what I will give them.

Saxon was the first one to step through. No surprise there. His eyes found mine immediately. He smiled brightly in my direction, and I smiled back. I ignored how tense Rowan was beside me. I'm not going to pretend that Saxon and I aren't friends.

Lily and Liam followed directly behind him. My grin got impossibly wider at that. Lily came running at me, springing herself into my arms. I laughed and pulled her as close as humanly possible. Liam walked at a much slower pace toward me, but I saw the smile he fought to hide.

I placed Lily on the ground and motioned for Liam to join the hug. He hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding to himself and allowing himself to join the embrace. I smiled and gave him a tight squeeze. I kissed him on the crown of his head before letting go.

About 7 people came after that, all people that I either vaguely recognized or have never seen before. Each look much less built than the demon counterparts standing beside me.

Then someone I did recognize came out. Jeremy. His eyes landed on mine instantly. We shared a small, sad smile. He looks the same, except for the way he stands. He's slouched more than he used to be. As if a part of him is missing. My heart broke at the sight. He looked away then, joining the others.

They all stood behind Saxon, their arms crossed over their chests in a formation that they had to have planned. I forced myself not to laugh. Instead, I stood forward and spread my arms wide.

"Welcome to Daemonium."

Saxon bowed low, and the others followed suit. I tried not to shift uncomfortably. I don't think I'm ever going to get used to that.

When they stood up, neither Rowan or Aiden said anything so I took it upon myself to lead them to their rooms. According to Rowan, they are all staying in the same hallway as us. I know there's enough rooms in the mansion for all of the guests to have their own, but I think the king wanted them in the same hall as Rowan so that he could keep an eye on them.

"So, I'm not sure who all of you are. Would you like to introduce yourselves," I asked as we walked into the mansion.

"I'm Dasher," one of the taller men with a buzzed haircut informed me.

Another one spoke up, who looked almost identical to Dasher. They had to be brothers. "Dylan."

A younger guy with curly hair smiled shyly in my direction. "Brody, your highness."

One of the girls with cropped hair tilted her head in my direction, her eyes analyzing my every move. It took her a few beats before she answered with, "Veronica."

The only other girl, with long hair pulled back into a braid, smiled in my direction as she told me her name was Bailey.

The other two men told me their names were Victor and Sam. By the time they had all finished introducing themselves, I had made it to the hall.