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I’ve been living with Kazrith as his fake wife for just over a week now. One might think staying with a demon is a nightmare, but truthfully, it’s been quite the opposite. Most certainly a far cry from how the xaphans depicted this race as gargantuan brutes.
I sit by the window, reflecting on the peace I’ve been granted under Kazrith’s protection while awaiting action on our plan to rid the world of Zathex. There’s no need for a xaphan as useless as him, anyway.
I gaze out to the sea, spotting the brink of Glebe in the far distance. The xaphan haven of New Solas lies beyond that continent.
I wish I could forget about that wretched place, but how can I when my father is still there?
“I miss you, and I hope you’re doing okay without me.”
My solace is broken by a polite knock at the door. I turn and stand just as it opens, Kazrith stepping inside.
“Oh, wow,” I say a little too loudly at the sight of him.
He dons a dress shirt, its top buttons undone to show off just a glimpse of his chiseled chest. The glimmer of the red sun reflects off of his shining cufflinks. The sound of his heavy footsteps bounces between the walls, courtesy of his black boots wrapped around a pair of well-fitted trousers.
I swallow hard, knowing good and well that I shouldn’t be staring like this. But I can’t help it. With each passing day, I find him more attractive, but it kills me inside to know that nothing will ever happen between us.
Nothing physical, anyway.
“You look good,” I say, hoping he doesn’t see my cheeks blushing the same shade as the red sky. “What’s the occasion?”
“I’d like to dine with you tonight in the banquet hall. I’ve already requested the cooks prepare a meal if you’ll be my guest.”
“Oh, of course!” I answer, surprised at the gesture. “Let me change into something nicer. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
“I’ll see you out there,” he says with a smile.
Fuck, he looks hot. I should match him. Maybe there’s something I can wear in the closet.
When I find the perfect silk black gown, I wonder if Kazrith had it put there on purpose. My skin grows hot at the thought of him picking an outfit for me. I fan myself as much as I can during the changing process.
All the while, I keep pondering. Is this a date?
I draw a deep breath to calm the heat inside me, then I make my way to the dining hall. The table stretches almost lengthways across the entire hall, lined with aromatic dishes.
A candelabra sits close to where Kazrith is seated, its flame dancing erratically. Candles are also lit on various stands and nearby shelves, casting a warm, intimate glow over the room.
Upon my entry, Kazrith rises from his chair.
“You look marvelous,” he says with sincerity, a handsome smile stretching across his lips. “I knew the gown would look excellent on you.”
So he did pick it out!
“Thank you,” I say.
He guides me to the seat next to his, pulling it out for me.
“I’d prefer it if we don’t have to shout across the table,” he jokes, a rumble of a laugh coming from his muscular chest.
Corin approaches as Kazrith takes his chair, filling our glasses with an orange wine from a silver decanter. Once our first course is plated, the servant makes himself scarce.
I look around to see if there’s anyone else here but it’s just Kazrith and I. I can’t help but smile at that.
“This is a lovely set-up,” I comment, pulling the glass of wine closer. “I suppose I owe you yet another thank you. My stay here has been nothing short of accommodating.”
He mimics me in picking up his wine.
“There is no need to keep thanking me. By now, I’m starting to consider you a friend, Hanna. After all, we united over a common cause.”
