Ultimate Temptation

~Chapter 12~

Damien looked at his twin brother's face as the carriage rocked gently back and forth. His blue eyes were ablaze with anger at being forced to attend the homecoming party of the Demonia princess and he knew the same anger would be visible in his.

Two years ago, they had been told by their father that they were betrothed to the princess to strengthen the alliance between both kingdoms. It hadn't come as a surprise that the alpha king would use his sons as a power-gaining tool.

Now they had been forced into tuxedos and portaled to an unknown land to see the unknown bride for the first time. Since Darius already had someone he was seeing, the duty of marrying the princess in a year's time would probably be shifted to him.

He pulled the curtain open and gazed at the green hills which raced past as the horses picked up speed. He could just make out their father's carriage a short distance at the front.

"I bet she will be one spoilt brat with absolutely no manners, pampered and sheltered..." Darius said, breaking the silence.

"...with acne running wild on her face", Damien finished and they both burst into fits of laughter."What if we are forced to fight for her hand? ", he asked worriedly.

"Father wouldn't do that, knowing I have Layla", Darius replied, shaking his head.

" Do you love her?"

"No, but she's fun to be with. At least until I find my mate."

Damien nodded with understanding. He and his twin were of the same wolf,each completing the other so they could read the other like a book.

Anticipation welled in the pit of Damien's stomach as they were ushered through the castle's gates. He was curious to see what the princess was like. He hadn't heard much about her since they were realms apart, but she couldn't be as bad as they had imagined.

Right?

The ballroom was a grand beautiful hall with mahogany wood flooring which gleamed and sparkled as light from the crystal chandelier danced on it. The walls were painted cream and gold with white patterns, swirls and designs. The ceiling was also painted cream, with more golden swirls. Damien was stunned as he ran his hands down the railing of the elegantly split staircase. They definitely had better architects in this realm.

The queen was at the foot of his side of the staircase, while the king was at the other end. Both welcomed the guests. Hoping the queen didn't recognize him, he curtsied respectfully and was walking away when she pulled him back.

"Damien, right?" She asked and he resisted tearing his hands from hers. He hated sudden contact, but his wolf told him she was no threat.

"Yes?"

"I can't believe I recognized you. You were a scrawny boy last time I visited your father", she said, her grey eyes sparkling. He was about to reply to her when another guest arrived and her attention shifted.

Damien smiled politely as he excused himself. He had no time to build family relationships, at least not now.

He took a glass of scotch from a passing server and downed it in one go. The burn of the liquid down his throat was like a balm on his restless soul. Taking another full glass, he found a seat in a far corner of the room where he still had a nice view of the ballroom. He could see Darius had attracted a pool of wanting ladies who had formed a semi-circle around him. All varying for his attention.

Typical Darius, he thought inwardly.