"When you were first named Duke of Stehlmore, the crown was sent a report so that we could review and approve the appointment. Everything was most impressive, Your Grace. You were far above your other suitable siblings for this role. That you have defeated such a wide and varied number of beasts was especially important. Life married to a Prince of the Blood is not for the faint of heart, after all. We knew that you had faced a demon on your own, and that twice you've had to endure purification. Recovery from those ordeals cost you roughly two years of your life..."
"Yes," Kristof said. He scrubbed a hand over his face at the memories, scraping over stubble that was tipping over into the start of a beard. Exhaustion washed over him abruptly, aches flaring. "It was not a pleasant experienc
