Devin raised his head and looked into those grey eyes again. The young Queen, his mate, watched him emotionless.
- Let me introduce you to my friend, Nickolas. He is a leader of rebels.- Cassiu's voice broke the silence. It seemed like no one noticed what was happening between Devin and the woman on the throne.
Demetria blinked and forced a smile on her lips.
- I would like to thank you for your help.- She spoke, and every word was piercing Devin's heart. Her voice was sweet as if she had stolen it from angels. Her scent was twirling around him whenever she moved.
- We should be the ones to thank you, Your Highness.- Devin glanced at his father, who was beaming with pride.
- Let's call it even. Please enjoy the party.- The young queen replied politely, and her attention returned to Devin. Nickolas bowed deeply and stepped back, ready to mingle with other guests.
- Young warrior, I would like to talk to you.- Demetria said before Devin could follow his companions. - In private.- She added, pointing to the door behind the throne.
The young man nodded, unable to speak. Instead, he watched her rising from her seat. Demetria moved with a grace he had never seen before.
Eyes of everyone were fixed on them, making it impossible to reject her offer. Devin let out a sigh and followed his mate.
- Is everything okay?- Kaitlyn asked, concern filled her voice.
- Yes, mother. I will be back in a moment.- Demetria replied without turning around.
Devin glanced at Cassius, who was narrowing his brows.
- How can I assist you, Your Highness?- He asked as soon as the door closed behind them.
- I do not want to make a spectacle in front of everyone.- Young woman replied, facing him. - Do what you need to do now, without the witnesses.
- Apologies, my Queen, I do not know what you are talking about.- Devin replied, looking at the floor to avoid those grey eyes that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
- You do not need to lie to me. We both feel the same. We are mates, but you are not fond of that. - Demetria spoke openly, and he could not ignore her anymore. Devin raised his eyes, expecting sadness, anger, or any other emotion, but the girl was watching him calmly, with a gentle smile on her lips.
- I am surprised.- He decided to offer her a half-truth.
- You are scared and disappointed. I can see it in your eyes, no matter how hard you try to hide it. Please continue to reject me so we can move on with our lives.
Devin gasped, his lips parted. She noticed every emotion that flashed on his face. But instead of being angry, this young woman accepted it.
- I... I...- Devin opened his mouth, but his mind went numb.- You are right; I am scared.- He finally mustered a few words.
Demetria tilted her head, and an amusement flashed in her eyes.
- Because of who I am? Which part repulses you more? Me being a queen or the fact of whose daughter I am?
Devin could not believe his ears. This woman was reading him like an open book. Were his feelings so evident?
And yet she was not angry, only understanding.
- Both, I guess.- He mumbled under his breath.
- Well, that is unfortunate because I can't do anything about those things.- The girl replied, shrugging her arms.- What I can do is accept your rejection with dignity. It is nothing new for me.
Devin glanced at his mate, stunned, processing her words. What does she mean by that?
- I do not get it.- He said, earning the angry growl from Grimm.
- Our mate was already rejected, you idi*t! Don't you dare do it again. - His beast hissed in his mind.
- Were you...?
Demetria nodded.
- I was. In that case, my whole existence was a reason as, at the time, none of us knew my real identity. But when he found out, he happily sold me to my father. Your reasons made more sense to me.
Devin shivered when Grimm growled again in his mind. His beast was boiling with anger, and for the first time, he shared those feelings.
- I didn't know. - Devin whispered, and Demtria giggled.
- How could you know? We have met a few moments ago.
The young man blushed, embarrassed by his statement.
- Act like this, and our mate will beg us to reject her, or she will do it.- Grimm sneered, and Devin blocked him. It was not a time for such comments.
- I understand that in your eyes, I am th the daughter of a monster. The Dragon King defiled those lands, every place, with his cruelty. - Demetria waved her hand, pointing to their surroundings. Devin had no choice but to agree with her.
- I will dedicate my life to proving that blood is the only thing we have in common. - The girl continued with a sad expression.
- Do not punish our mate. She is not her father, just like you are not yours. Then you would be a wiser man. Our mate is special. We are blessed to have her. - Grimm spoke in Devin's mind. The young warrior smirked.
- Blessed or cursed?
Another growl resonated in his mind.
- Blessed. You should be honoured to be mated to Demetria. Rejecting her will be your biggest mistake.
Devin had no other choice but to block his beast again. It was apparent that Grimm was ready to accept Demetria here and now, but this decision could be made only by the human. Whatever Devin would decide, he would be the one to live with the consequences.
The young man glanced at his mate. Demetria stood in front of him, silently and patiently waiting for whatever he had to say.
- I hated your father my whole life. Everything that was connected to him, I was against it. It is hard to leave that all behind.- Devin spoke, looking straight into her eyes.
- I understand. Even if all of that was spared me, thanks to my mother's action, my time here showed me more than I wished to see. I was here for a while. This was your life for years. - Demetria replied, the gentle smile returned to her lips.- Let's not waste more time. If you want, I can carry this burden and reject you. All you need to do is to accept it. I, Queen Demetria...
- Wait!- Devin said quickly, and the girl looked at him with curiosity. - Let us know each other better before we make a decision. As you said, I see you as your father's daughter, which is unfair. His shadow can not hover over our lives forever. I want to figure out who you are without blaming you for his sins.
Demetria gave him a puzzled look, but then she smiled widely.
- I can work with that. Besides, who knows, maybe when I know you better, I will decide that you are not good enough for me.
Devin admired her for trying to lighten the mood after this unpleasant conversation. At the same time, some unknown weight was lifted off his shoulders. His mate did not seem offended by his words. She almost looked relieved.
- Should we go back to your guests? I am sure many of them would like to talk to their new queen. I can't be this selfish and keep my mate only for myself.- Devin said, offering his arm to the girl.
- Hold your horses, warrior. We are not mated yet. Until then, you can address me, Your Highness.- Demetria replied, ignoring his hand and rushed to the door.
Devin stayed in his spot, stunned by her words. Maybe, after all, he offended her?
His mood changed when the girl glanced over her shoulder. Her lips curled into a smile, and she winked at him.
- Are you coming or not, almost mate?
Devin chuckled, following this mysterious woman.
Maybe his father was right, after all? He should not dwell on his past.
Together, they joined the party, where people enjoyed their time.
The new era was starting right now.