Chapter 1: The Prince and the Demons
Princess Evelina of Eldoria stood at the grand balcony of the royal palace, gazing over the kingdom that stretched endlessly beneath the darkening sky. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting an orange glow across the shimmering lake, its surface catching the light like a reflection of her own heart—one that had long been promised to another.
She had never thought of being engaged to King Aldric of Cindrall as the union of hearts, but rather some sort of a contract-a marriage born out of necessity, forged in the hot fire of political alliances, leaving no room for love, no place for desire. Yet, Evelina couldn't help but wonder if that would ever be hers to give away.
With a gentle hum of excitement, murmurs erupted among the guests as the demonic emissaries arrived, a moment that was to seal the fate for Eldoria's future. These were demons who had been dreaded throughout the lands and whom one would never imagine being summoned for the protection of the kingdom against looming threats. They were shrouded in mystery; their beauty, power, and cruelty were whispered about in every nook and corner of the realm. Evelina had heard the stories, but she couldn't help but focus on the duty that lay ahead—the weight of her future as the kingdom's queen.
"I can't believe they're actually here," whispered Lady Isabella, one of Evelina's closest confidantes, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and fear. "The demons. I've heard their king is the most terrifying of them all. Handsome, yet ruthless."
Evelina turned to her friend; their eyes met in the reflection of the glass on the balcony. "Do you really think they're as dangerous as they say?"
Isabella shivered, hands folding tightly at her chest. "Some say they care little for human lives, kill without hesitation. Yet there's another rumor he's their king and can make anyone fall in love with just one look.
"How absurd," Evelina laughed low in her throat, yet a shadow of doubt quivered in her breast at the thought. "He is probably a conceited coxcomb like all the rest.
With one mighty, screaming creak, the grand hall doors opened onto a procession of demons. Suddenly-like a hard weight filling out the room-and it was impossible to look away, their presence. They were as tall, beautiful beyond possibility, with something almost unnatural about the way they moved. The whole crowd made an impression but only one drew Evelina's breath. Him.
Kaelen.
The moment their eyes met, the air in the room shifted. Evelina's heart ran a rapid rhythm, and for an instant, she couldn't catch her breath. His eyes glowed deep red, piercing through the crowd to lock onto hers with an intensity that was almost predatory. To most people, he was a demon-a monster-but not to her.
His was a beauty that belied comfort: dark, tousled hair framing a sharp, chiseled face, the broadness of his shoulders filling a room with undeniable weight. He didn't just have physical appeal; it was as if he drew life forces from the people surrounding him, bending the energy in the room to his whim. Yet, despite everything, Evelina couldn't shake the feeling that she had never felt such a pull before.
"That's Lord Kaelen," Isabella whispered, her voice barely audible. "He's the Demon King's right hand. And. the rumors are true. He's irresistible."
Irresistible? Evelina tried to shut out the inexplicable sense of connection that threatened to overwhelm her, forcing herself to look away. She was promised to marry King Aldric, a man she should not be looking at with anything but political interest for her kingdom's sake. She could not-would not-be distracted by a demon.
But as Kaelen's gaze flickered back to hers, a cold shiver ran down her spine. There it was again. That strange, undeniable pull, as though something was calling her to him.
The night blended into a fog that Evelina was only remotely aware of. She attempted to concentrate on the banquet, joined in the rounds of laughter and chatter, but her mind would not let him go-to Lord Kaelen. His eyes red, that disconcerting presence. It wasn't as if she could remove him from her mind.
"Your silence is out of character for tonight, Your Highness," a voice pierced her musing. It was Aldric beside her, a wrinkle in his brow indicating concern.
Forcing a smile, she clutched the rim of her glass. "Tired, Aldric. Just so. overpowering today."
He regarded her for a moment more before continuing to speak. "You're afraid of the demons? I've formed an alliance with them; you have nothing to fear.
Evelina gave him a small, reassuring smile, though her mind remained elsewhere. "I'm sure you're right," she said softly, though she could feel the emptiness in her own words.
Yet, as the night progressed, she had this funny feeling that something was altered, something in her having shifted the instant her eyes had locked with Lord Kaelen's. And in the depth of her heart, she knew that this was to be but the beginning of a far blacker, perilous journey.