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I depart on my second carriage ride with Kazrith as we journey to his home in the city outskirts, further along the coastline. He explains that this port city is called Ximos and it’s always bustling with activity no matter the time of day.
As we move away towards the nearby hills, the roads become less occupied and frenzied, allowing some breathing room for me to take in the beautiful nature of Ikoth. Almost all of the bushes and trees are blackened, some of them even appearing charred. Kazrith informs me that it is simply the way they grow and that it’s perfectly normal for Ikoth. Wildfires here are also much more common, but flames carry lots of usage here.
I cover my face as Kazrith talks, trying but failing to stifle an exhausted yawn. The combined effects of my escape and the passage to the demon continent have begun to catch up on me.
My eyes are as heavy as anvils. It is becoming difficult to keep myself awake.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude,” I say.
“Worry not,” my fake husband replies with an amused smile. “We’re coming up to my residence now. Have a look.”
I pull the interior curtains fully back, watching a gated property come rocking closer. Maybe it’s my tiredness, but I can’t believe what I’m seeing is all Kazrith’s.
The carriage enters through a shiny gate, passing underneath an archway. The gate clangs shut behind us.
“I don’t like having visitors,” he says. “Hence the gating.”
“I must be special,” I joke.
“That you are.”
The pathway is lined with a neatly trimmed hedge on either side. Flowers I’ve never seen before sprout out of them—red, pink, and orange in hue.
Statues of the wildlife are spaced evenly apart, almost looking like guardians of the property. Beyond the low hedges are gardens, where I see demons at work.
“I have a team of staff working for me. Servants, gardeners, and such. Makes the upkeep here possible, especially when I’m out traveling on business.”
I want to stroll through the gardens and spectate their beauty, but I don’t feel like overstepping my chances here. I mentally note to bring it up at a later stage, when I’m more comfortable with being considered the lady of the household.
The structure of his home is the pinnacle of his property. It’s a two-story building, its exterior decor a grandiose display of wealth and luxury.
Two balconies jut out from the second floor, no doubt giving an excellent view of the gardens and the city. Sitting along the rooftop are more delicately carved statues.
The entrance is a monstrous set of dark doors with a knocker shaped like an ur’gins’ claw.
“You seem shocked,” Kazrith comments low, staring at me with narrowed eyes.
“You never told me you owned such a luxurious home.”
“I’m a businessman,” he says simply. “And I take pride in my residence. After all, I’ve got to have something to show for my work, do I not?”
“I knew you had money, but I didn’t imagine this.”
He holds his smile as he opens the carriage door. After helping me down, he tips the driver and guides me to the door.
It opens as we approach. A demon appears in the vast doorway, smiling at the sight of Kazrith, then dropping ever so slightly at me.
“Corin, it’s good to see you.”
“Likewise, Master Kazrith. I see we have a guest?” the servant says, his last word spoken unsurely. Perhaps he thinks I’m a slave.
“This is my mate, Hanna,” Kazrith speaks proudly. “I met her in New Solas, and we decided to marry each other on a whim.”
“...Love works mysteriously,” Corin remarks slowly. But then he dips his head. “Welcome, Hanna.”
I bow my head and return the greeting, eager to get on the servant’s good side.
“I shall have the master bedroom prepared for two then,” he says.
