The Demon and the Healer - Chapter 14- You are mine!

I was able to calm down.

It was not my father or my mother. My maid was dismissed and my friends abandoned me. In this situation where my mind was practically whirling with countless thoughts, it was a stranger who provided me the warmth I never sought but when introduced a sense of belongingness emerged from deep inside my heart.

In his embrace, the silence prevailed between us, the closeness to someone else’s heart and the silenced consolement I was served with was everything I guess I could have asked for.

I never knew that despite being standing on such high status and as an announced hero of the world, there would come a time when I would feel lonely to the point of embracing a near stranger in such a state, but here I was….enwrapped in Ray’s arms with our breathing synchronized and body warmth by now entirely blended to make it seem we were one.

Under normal circumstances, the bashful side of mine would have kicked in at the moment but I accepted the situation remembering all those things Mother said, the allegation that Grace raised, the suspicious looks from the people around, and most importantly…my father.

I have lived to make him proud. Since my elder brother was a waste to be called a noble I always shouldered my responsibilities despite not being asked and tried to fill the gap in my parents’ heart. But now…even after hours of contemplation and so many tears, I concluded that I no longer would become the same person I was for them.

I do not hate them since my perception toward Demons before the great raid was something that could be explained as everything around hatred but now that I know the truth of our side as well, things have changed. However, no one else knows such facts and even I request Ray to show those memories which initially altered my insight of demons, I was sure those people and even my father would regard those vile creatures nurturing in the royal army as nothing but someone who accomplished their goal differently.

When I told my comrades about it some time ago they made an expression that they already were aware of such reality which made me both shocked and helpless.

Was it my denseness that has kept me out of society or is it that I am too soft to be really called a warrior?

Regardless, now that I have been blamed for having a secret affair with a demon I no longer desire to live to my name nor I was obliged to uplift my father’s dignity anymore.

“Have some water. You have been raining since earlier.” Ray said in a low tone which might by literal meaning have sounded that he was fed up with me, but I knew he wasn’t. I was not good at face reading but those eyes of his…somehow I feel that is my domain of evaluation where I could never go wrong.

Ray sat up, not entirely, with his back leaning on the wall as he summoned a goblet. For some reason, even though I was no longer entrapped by him, I found myself weak enough to not move a single bit at all. Just made myself comfortable on his lap before I let him rehydrate me.

In between my gulps, I felt his intense gaze lingering on me before I turned my eyes only to find him looking at me with some strange emotions….umm…is he angry?

I was right since his following words affirmed my hunch, providing me with more confidence in my face-reading abilities.

“It would take me minutes to turn this empire into ashes and behead every single of those who dared to badmouth my woman.”

If in the past, then I might have chastised him or might have begun to panic all around the place but right now my mind didn’t drift toward the more concerning matter rather…

“‘Your woman’? When did I become yours?”

Finished up drinking I asked him with my brows raised and a flowery sensation dancing in my belly. I have forgotten how long I have felt this kind of sensation…at least this was far better than being a robotic doll that works only upon orders.

“You are not? I thought laying naked with a man already means you could not become anyone else’s bride.”

This cheeky bastard…despite trying to show his innocence in the matter like he was just stating the fact I could sense the hidden smirk behind that facade.

He’s trying to play it nasty but I was not some regular woman to get trifled with either.

“Well, I wonder if a single mistake would matter to those who have been after me since childhood~”

Yup…his muscles tensed at that remark. And this time he was not able to resist the urge to narrow his gaze at me, exposing the annoyance he felt by my words.

However, I was not prepared for the sudden embrace he locked me in nor the tight hold he encircled around my waist like I was his possession. Before even I could yelp in surprise, I found our bodies pressed against each other to the point where I seemed to be absorbed in him. His breath tickled my face sending a strange shiver down my spine..of excitement?

What in the seven heavens is wrong with me and my preference?!

“Threaten me again and I would mark you entirely in my color. No corner of your body would remain maiden and what you would only be able to think is me, understood?”

That feral growl and the seriousness of his words which made me believe instantly that he might do what he just say made me speechless. I was not able to refute and could only continue to stare into those charming eyes of his eyes with my droopy gaze.

Really, I need to do something about this growing new side of mine…

******

Back in the Emperor’s chamber now only certain people could be seen currently wearing similar kinds of expressions.

The two Emperesses were trying to calm their husband who was currently going through a strong headache. The prime minister was discussing something with Gail mostly related to how they should proceed from hereon. Grace was with Helios, as both of them silently sat side by side.

Helios really was lucky to get such a friend as hers who was consoling him for hours and had yet to leave his side even for a moment. In this kind of situation, the warmth Grace provided with that embrace they were locked in some moments ago was very much needed.

The surrounding people marveled at the heartwarming sight before they continued discussing the prospects of this unwelcome situation.

“I think it would be best to keep the Princess locked up for now and see how things go, my lord. That demon might be strong but not like we are helpless either.”

The attention was gathered toward the bespectacled prime minister who spoke up in regards to Charlotte and how to hunt down the last danger looming over peace.

“But weren’t we hopelessly hearing his conditions just because the strongest person in the court was beaten up that easily?”

Glain’s poisonous words brutally assaulted the hero however he didn’t lift his head and clutched Grace’s hand to stop her from lashing out at the assassin.

What Glain just said, despite being bitter, it was the truth. Helios had the chance, he was healed, he had the support of so many soldiers, he was on this side of the veil… everything on the hero’s side yet…

“So what do you suggest hero?”

The heavy voice of the Emperor resonated in the room drawing every gaze toward him, providing Glain the chance he needed to propose the best strategy he has came up with.

However just as he was about to come up, a certain blinding light summoned just over Helios making everyone pull up their guards. However, when the figure of a certain entity emerged out of the illumination, everyone including the Emperor fell to their knees.

At times of despair, a deity has descendent to help her children through this thorny path…

******

A/N: – Drop a comment~