The Demon and the Healer - Chapter 9- Her plight!

[Charlotte’s POV:]

“Are you enjoying the date, Charlotte?”

“Ah, yes. I like it very much.”

I lied.

As the eldest daughter of my household and a responsible princess of the empire, I couldn’t turn away from the duties that my father delegated to me. He wanted to chain down the hero with the empire that was why he wanted us to be married.

As his obedient daughter which I have been until now, I was not able to refuse his request to marry Helios. But in actuality, I had mixed feelings about this.

I…never saw Helios in that light ever before. I always thought of him as a younger brother even though mostly he took care of me and the other teammates. He indeed is a good friend and an irreplaceable existence in my life just like my family and my other comrades are but that doesn’t change the fact that Helios was nowhere near my potential love interest.

Political marriages were not new or foreign. People wed their children to strengthen their footing or gain something out of the connection. Even my mother became the empress out of obligation not love.

I understood why Father wanted Helios as his asset who would not leave the empire in the future as well even if the purpose of the hero has already been fulfilled a month ago. To put it simply, Father was insecure about Helio’s strength to turn over the throne in the future which was why he wanted to keep a close eye on him, concluding my unnatural and abrupt betrothal.

But actually, I was feeling slightly repulsive because of this decision even though I have yet to say a single word against my father. Apart from the fact that I don’t hold Helios in that regard, there was something else which for the first time has implanted the seed of reluctance in my conscience.

And that was the Demon General I have yet to answer.

His name is Ray. I… I gave him that name.

Calling him a demon or just ‘you’ was getting a little inappropriate even more when he was so considerate and kind toward me.

The glint of joy in his eyes when I gave him the name made me somehow happy as well…even though the first time I saw Ray I had nothing but hatred inside of me.

Even though I only spent a day with him, I was able to get comfortable in his company. Before I knew it, his lap became my throne and the warmth of his arm around my waist became the soothing blanket that I never sought but never rejected as well.

Apart from the demonic world which Ray has seen with his bored eyes, Ray was an entirely innocent and curious being. I couldn’t believe he didn’t know what fireworks were. When I told him how colorful flashes dances across the sky, his eyes got filled with complete childlike innocence.

He was too adorable at that moment.

There were many words exchanged between us. Many conversations which began with my anger turned to confusion and in the end, I was wailing because of the actual truth I was unaware of. Ray never got annoyed by such a nuisance side of mine and always comforted me earnestly.

The thing which makes him different was that he was not a person who liked my face or my status. There were far more beautiful and charming female demons and even a succubus in the demon army who was after Ray as he showed me through his memories, was not able to sway his interest.

When I asked what made him interested in me, his honest reply was…

‘You make my heart race and your smile is lethal enough to nearly claim my life. If I have ever felt so helplessly drawn toward anyone then it’s you, woman. ‘

Those genuine words…took my breath away.

I was not able to think or say anything for a couple of minutes and just stared at his ruby-red eyes In a pure daze.

Fascinated? I think I was at that moment.

He wouldn’t have let me go, with that behavior he had toward me…or should I say possessiveness? I-I don’t know or don’t want to think about it either, since surely it would dye my face red.

He proposed the world to me, and in return to be by his side. I was not sure of the credibility behind his words but then it was a fact that Ray was hopelessly in love with me. That made me…a little happy at the realization.

But I couldn’t have given him any response right at that moment. It would have been repulsive of me to give him a response right away. I might have regretted it later so I asked for some time. It took me some time but I was able to explain to Ray how important it was for me to think this through since this was something related to my whole life.

I told him, once I make up my mind I would return to him and answer his confession. But here I am…on a date with another man.

I feel I am kind of cheating on Ray…

But going against my father, and the whole empire was not something I have even dreamt of before. So to seek that person whom I have only met just for a day. And not to talk about his interest in me stems from the fact that I make his heart race. But what if I suddenly lose that charm and Ray abandons me if I decide to accept his proposal?

There were many conflicts swirling in my head for a month now and I still have no idea what I should be doing.

Be obedient and marry Helios, and remain the pearl of my father’s eyes or follow my heart and get to know Ray better in order to see where I actually belong.

I was uncertain…my heart was in pain even I don’t know why.

Tomorrow is the declaration of my engagement where hundreds of nobles would gather and I would officially get into a relationship with Helios. But is it really what I want?

“Hey, Charlotte.”

I was pulled out of my daze as I heard Helios’ slightly shaky voice before I saw his fork which previously was feasting on his meal has halted. About me, then I have no idea when did I stop eating.

I looked at him, with a questioning look, before Helios maybe slightly embarrassed as he was, asked something out of the blue.

“About this whole marriage thing…you are not against it right?”

I didn’t have to ask whether Helios was actually willing to get wedded to me or not since it has been some time since I got to know that Helios loves me. My friend and my late comrade’s wife Lily told me how I have been oblivion about Helios’ affection toward me. But for some reason that didn’t get any reaction out of me.

I wonder why. When Ray said he loves me, I definitely blushed. Did my preference bend toward a more fierce-looking wild type of guy who behaves authoritatively? The reason I was self-doubting now is because, unlike Helios who has been an epitome of a gentleman persona, Ray seemed more…overbearing and aggressive and adorable at times as well.

Other than my plight, Helios asked whether I was against this marriage, but did not ask whether I want to get married to him or not. Maybe, he have already realized that I was bound by just obligation.

“No, I do not have anything against this betrothal. My every action has always been for people’s sake so this might prove to be the last of my take toward my servitude.”

Was I harsh here?

Probably I was since the light in Helios’ eyes faded a little and grief vividly flashed across his face. I knew it was given that putting the word obligation indirectly toward this marriage was nothing but showing my reluctance and how helpless I am in this.

But somehow this whole wedding thing is making my stomach churn and heart wrench. I don’t know why or what reasons I have to feel this way. It’s just there and I could not help but feel sorry for the fake promise I made to Ray.

He must be waiting for me right? He must be all lonely in that room, right? Will he…come searching for me even though outside the veil every demon gets exponentially weak?

I had many reasons to think that I would not see Ray ever again but in the depth of my heart…somehow I have a feeling…that even for once I would meet him before I become someone else’s.

I just have a feeling and for the first time, I selfishly hope this feeling becomes reality.

*****

Far away from the empire, on the other side of the veil inside the demon king’s castle sat the same demon general who has been on her mind ever since she left him behind.

Even for a blink, the said demon has not left the memories of Charlotte to fade away. All he could think was her and even a month has passed the feeling he has felt toward her was still raging like a newly opened wound. Her absence stung like a blanket of hell flame has been enwrapped around a charred body. Not being able to see her smile makes him anxious. Not being able to gaze into her oceanic eyes makes him rethink whether he did the right thing by letting her go.

But now, there was no time to wonder what he should do or whether he should comply with her request to give her time since Charlotte was feeling nervous for a certain reason. And the demon who had his eyes all over the plain knows the very reason for Charlotte’s uneasiness.

With a small smirk spread across his lips, Ray—yes, that was his name now—muttered under his breath while gazing at nothing but the face that appeared in his mind.

‘It seems…you finally have made your mind…woman… ‘

*****

A/N: – Drop a comment ~

This chapter was mainly a monologue of the heroine which would build the foundation. As I said this story will be short and the next one would include the main event of engagement.

I hope this doesn’t seem too fast-paced. Comment your thoughts.