Other plans

The gasps from the crowd felt louder than the sound of leaves in the wind. Dyvian held my hand against his chest, and I couldn’t pull it away, even if I tried.

My heart was beating fast, and my thoughts were a mess, but his touch seemed to calm me. The discomfort I felt earlier disappeared, like it was never there.

Even though I hated that he said I needed him to feel better, I couldn’t help but feel a strange happiness inside.

Prince Theo’s shocked expression mirrored my own. His lips parted slightly as though he wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Around us, whispers and gasps broke the silence, the entire scene drawing all attention to Dyvian and me.

“What—what are you doing?” I managed to stammer, my voice barely audible, even to myself.

Dyvian smirked more broadly, his red eyes glimmering with laughter and something much darker. "Avaris, do not look so surprised," he said in a low, playful voice. “You’ve called out to me countless times. Did you think I wouldn’t come for you?”

Called out to him? My thoughts scrambled for answers, but all I could find were fragments of dreams—nightmares, perhaps—filled with a shadowy figure and an overwhelming sense of dread.

“Release him at once,” Prince Theo finally found his voice. He stepped forward, his brows furrowed in a rare display of anger. “This behavior is uncalled for, Your Highness.”

Dyvian turned his head slightly, finally acknowledging Theo’s presence, though his grip on my hand didn’t loosen. “Ah, Prince Theo,” he said with a lazy, dismissive tone. “Always so proper. Don’t worry—I have no intention of harming your little protégé. Quite the opposite, in fact.”

I did hear one of the soldiers whispering earlier that Prince Theo and the Third Prince of the Empire had met before and judging by the daggers the two are throwing at each other, it was very obvious that they don't get along.

Theo’s glared intently at Dyvian. Even I could feel the fire in his eyes. “Avaris is under my protection. If you have any grievances, address them with me.”

Dyvian chuckled, a low, velvety sound that sent a chill down my spine. “Grievances? Oh no, there’s no grievance here. Quite the contrary.” His eyes flicked back to mine, and his smirk softened into something almost... fond. “Avaris and I are connected in ways you wouldn’t understand.”

The cryptic statement sent another wave of whispers rippling through the soldiers gathered and the people from the Grand Dukedom.

“Let me go,” I finally managed, clearing my throat. I have some explanation to do to Prince Theo and I'm not even sure where to start.

Dyvian tilted his head, studying me for a moment before releasing my hand. “As you wish, for now,” he said, stepping back slightly. “But we will talk soon.”

Before I could respond, Dyvian turned and addressed the gathered people. These people are mostly the people sent from the Grand Dukedom to welcome the arrival of the envoys sent by the Empire.

“I am here on behalf of the Emperor,” he announced. “Our purpose is to strengthen the ties between the Grand Dukedom and the Empire. Let us proceed with formalities.”

Everyone quickly fell silent, bowing their heads in deference. Theo glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable, before stepping forward to engage in the formalities with Dyvian.

I stood there, my eyes shifting to Dyvian as he exchanged words with Prince Theo whose face had turned rage from gentle. They must really not get along well just like I've heard.

Just when they were talking, I saw Dyvian's eyes shift to me, pointing his finger at me, his usual smirk on his lips. I don't know what he had told Prince Theo but the latter shook his head instantly, passing me a look with a crease visible on his forehead.

"Avaris is coming with me," Prince Theo uttered as he looked at me. He walked towards me, and I fidgeted with my fingers nervously. "I won't ask how you two met but this is the Grand Dukedom, your Highness. This is not the capital."

I've hardly heard Prince Theo speak to anyone in such a manner ever since I knew him. He doesn't seem to please with Dyvian.

"Maybe we should ask Avaris instead, Prince Theo," Dyvian said, also walking towards me. "Avaris, would you like to come with me or would you follow Prince Theo? Make the right decision, Avaris."

Inside, my thoughts swirled in a chaotic whirlwind. As much as I don't want to be in the same space as this demon, I knew there was nothing I could do.

I'd tell myself I'd pay for the consequences of my actions and yes, I was willing. But there is something about Dyvian, something dangerous, something alluring and it makes my heart palpitate in a way I don't understand.

I glanced at Prince Theo, parting my lips. I could see the look of victory on his face. He knew I'd choose to go with him.

"Your Grace," I bowed my head. "I would like to go with His Highness."

But I have other plans.