He went over the list in his hand, double checking that everything was running smoothly. As much as Ronnek protested, Altazar insisted they continue with the Presentation Ball. After all, Queen Eveleen wasn't going anywhere. Altazar smirked as he thought of their new queen. She was beautiful and intelligent with nerves of steel. Bonus facts, she could speak their language so even the demons that couldn't speak human dialect felt at ease around her and she had a genuine interest in their territory.

  He had spent more time with her than the king lately as he was forcing himself to stay away from the woman and she seemed perfectly content with that as well. The work she was doing was incredible and he still couldn't believe she could read the ancient language. Had he not seen it for himself when he delivered it to Ronnek each night he would have thought his king a liar.

  It wasn't just him though, everyone who had been around the queen spoke of how she was all they could wish for in a human queen. Hell, even in a fellow demon queen. The staff had come to adore her in the weeks she had been there and Altazar wished Ronnek would see what they all do. She was a far better match for him than the princess would have been. By now the tension and the way they avoided each other was too noticeable to be quelled and those within the castle knew the truth.

  This queen was not chosen by their king. Now they were aware that she had fooled the king and taken the place of the real marriage candidate. And…they didn't give a single toss. Most had voiced-never within earshot of the king-that they were glad Eveleen was the one who came to them. Altazar wholeheartedly agreed and once more wondered if there was anything he could do to help the fools.

  "I still can't believe the king's foolishness! How can he ignore the queen’s feelings like this!?" The whispered hiss reached his ears as he passed a storeroom and he stopped at the clear anger in the woman's voice.

  "I know! Have you seen her lately? She looks exhausted. All she does is study in the library from dawn to dusk. I thought for sure they…they at least liked each other."

  "Based on what I saw, they more than like each other. I can’t believe I got caught on that blasted carpet… so many times I've cursed myself as I know something happened after and I feel like it's my fault for interrupting. Especially as the king looked fit to kill."

  "Fit to kill you say?" They both startled and turned to see Altazar smirking at them. He leaned towards the kitchen maid and purred.

  "Tell me exactly what you saw that night, my pet."

  _____________________________________________________

  Eveleen sighed and leaned back from the volume she was translating. This one was more historical than the others she had read and was on loan from the Arcanian Temple. Ronnek had requested to have it transported to the castle so she could look over it. They had been reluctant until she had proven she could translate it and promised to create a copy for their archives as well.

  She looked down at the book and traced her fingers delicately along the words written there. "Dragons only took one mate their entire lifespan. The mate they bonded with was their soul mate and should one perish the other would surely follow from heartbreak." She unconsciously reached up to cover the mark at her neck and sighed again, but from frustration. Both at herself and the brute that had her in such a state.

  If she stopped working on translating for even a second she would remember that night and the utter humiliation that followed. Even now she knew that if he came looking for her, her body would betray her. She still got flutters in her stomach when she remembered how it had felt to be kissed so passionately. His display of strength when he had held her up against the wall still made her insides melt and she let out a soft groan, burying her face in her hands. How could she still desire him when he was so infuriating!?

  Her anger would also flare when she remembered the last words he had spoken to her. Further regret he had said! She was very aware of their unusual circumstances but there was no denying the attraction sparking between them. And…she didn't regret anything. After opening herself up like that, letting her guard drop completely as she gave into the fire that burned between them of course she had reacted violently.

  Logically she knew he didn't want her and it was the bond controlling his actions, but her wounded pride wouldn't see reason. As foolish as it sounded when she admitted it to herself, her feelings were hurt. She couldn't reason why, just that they were and she wanted an apology that would never come. She was thankful that he wasn't seeking her out anymore as she worried her resolve would weaken if he touched her again.

  "Your majesty. Forgive the interruption." Eveleen looked up to see a familiar face over these last few weeks. Dariux was the guard assigned to her by Altazar, which she had tried to respectively reject. He had explained that he wanted her to get used to having one. And no matter her circumstances with the king, she was still currently the queen and they couldn't risk something happening to her.

  Dariux usually stood outside the library, despite her trying to get him to sit inside or take breaks. She felt guilty having him stand there all day, but he insisted it was good endurance training. Seeing him come inside the library before sunset was rare and she wondered at what had caused it.

  "Would you like to take a break, your majesty?" He asked and it caught her further off guard. It was the first time he had even asked that, usually it was Altazar trying to get her to take rests throughout the day. She shook her head,

  "I'm fine Dariux. I should get back to this."

  "Well…" He started to say but stopped, rubbing the back of his head. His brown hair fluffed out at the action, making his horns disappear.

  "The truth is I was hoping to stretch my legs for a bit. I know I said this is good training, but I didn't sleep well and so I'm going drowsy out there." He said, turning his face away from her so she only saw a hint of a blush to his tan skin.

  "You can take a break Dariux I'm-"

  "Not while you're in here. I know I have no right to ask this, but I need a favor from you just this once." He mumbled and she thought he looked guilty for some reason. She sighed and thought about it.

  "I suppose…a quick walk through the garden won't put me too far behind." She had to smother a laugh at the way the male practically sagged with relief as he came to pull back her chair. She accepted his arm and followed him towards the garden. As they made their way through the castle, they passed several servants who stopped them to speak with her.

  Eveleen made sure to listen to each one, remembering the names she could and insisting the others remind her until she did. She had been surprised at the warm reception she had received. Even now when surely they knew the truth about her, they continued to treat her as the queen. She only wished one more demon could be so warm…right on que her mind searched for him and she sighed again.

  "Your majesty?" Dariux asked at the sudden sigh.

  "A quick turn. Then I have to get back." She whispered, more to herself than the guard beside her.

  _______________________________________________________

  Ronnek growled in frustration again, throwing the book in his hand across the room. Nothing! Not a thing on how to break a bond. He was losing his damn mind. If he stopped working for even one second he would start to think of her. Of her reactions to his touch and how he knew if he sought her out again she would meet his passion with her own. ‘If she’s not still burning with rage.” He thought and sighed, running his hand over his face.

  At first he had avoided her because he wasn’t sure how to apologize for that night without getting attacked again. Then, he just couldn’t find what he was apologizing for as he came to realize he didn’t regret what happened. That realization had startled and terrified him as that meant he had wanted to hold her. And so he had continued to avoid contact with her out of sheer desperation as his two halves warred with each other on what to do about his mate.

  So whenever he got a moment in between his duties, he would do his own research. Hoping he could find a way to sever the ties he had with that blasted witch and her intoxicating lull. He growled again as the moment of silence allowed his mind to torture him again with an image of her, this time in his bed with open arms, begging him to join her.

  He needed some air. He had been forced to leave the castle grounds more and more lately as distance was the only sure way to prevent him from giving in and seeking her out. That and he had grown rather tired of the looks he was receiving from his staff. Altazar had offered him no support when he voiced the way he was being made to be the enemy.

  “Then stop acting like one sire. Maybe if you would do what we’ve all done, you’d see why the staff is irate with you.”

  “Do what, exactly?”

  “Get to know her.”

  Ronnek growled again and threw open the balcony doors and spread his wings to take to the skies, but a faint sound stopped his motion. He looked down and searched out the source. Then he saw her, no one else had hair that set fire to the air around it. He felt his breath catch as it had been some time since he had seen her. She was never outside the castle-hell she was hardly outside the library. So why was she out in the garden and with…Ronnek’s eyes narrowed at the large male walking beside her. He recognized the guard immediately and vaguely recalled Altazar mentioning assigning the demon to his queen.

  Dariux was an excellent knight and was a good choice for the queen’s personal guard, but even so Ronnek felt his blood boiling. The sound he had heard that stalled him was her laugh. Something he had yet to hear and this other male had done something to entice the sound from her.

  He continued to watch them, his hands gripping the balcony so tight it was a wonder that the stone didn’t crack. He watched as the two continued to walk beside each other and even from this distance, he could see how at ease Eveleen was. Her body seemed relaxed and comfortable around the other demon. Dariux stopped walking suddenly so Eveleen was forced to stop as well to look back at him. Ronnek saw red next and leapt from the balcony.

  ______________________________________________________________

  Eveleen had to admit, the fresh air was very soothing and maybe she had been cooped up for too long. She looked up at Dariux and smiled,

  “Thank you for making the excuse to get me out here.” She said and he startled before looking down at her in surprise. She laughed at the dumbfounded look he was giving her, not being able to hold it back.

  “I do appreciate you making it feel like a favor, but I also know from the time we’ve been around each other, that you would never admit to being unable to do your job properly.” Dariux stopped walking, rubbing the back of his head again as he laughed.

  “Forgive me your highness. I was asked to convince you to get out for even a short time by Altazar. He insisted that I get you out of the library today or it’d be my head.” He said and she chuckled again, guessing that Altazar had threatened him with some awful chore around the castle.

  "He seems rather forceful from what I've seen, but he keeps the castle running smoothly."

  "Yea. Love him, but my cousin can be a complete nightmare when he gets an idea in his head. There's no stopping him." Dariux sighed and Eveleen laughed again. At the sound Dariux grinned as well. Then he turned to the side and reached for a white rose from the bushes that lined the path. When he turned back to her there was a faint hint of a blush at his ears as he ran his nail along the stem, surprisingly removing the thorns with ease.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  "I do feel bad for tricking you though. I took advantage of your kind heart and for that I truly apologize." He reached out and placed the flower into her hair.

  "We're all just worried about you, you're highness. We just wish-" He stopped suddenly as he whirled around and took a defensive stance with her behind him. She couldn't see what had put him on guard, but the minute she heard that low growl, she knew who it was that had surprised them .

  Dariux also startled as he straightened once he recognized Ronnek. He opened his mouth to speak, but Ronnek moved before he could. He grabbed the demon by his collar and tossed him away from her, sending the man several paces back the way they had come from.

  "What are you doing!?" Eveleen shouted as she made to go to Dariux to see if he was okay. The action made Ronnek growl low as he caught her wrist and pulled her back to him, trapping her up against his body. Then he shot a threatening glare at Dariux, who had managed to regain his footing.

  "Keep your hands off my mate or I'll make you regret it." He hissed and Dariux surprised her by growling back in defiance. She felt Ronnek stiffened at the sound and his wings unfurled slightly as if to make himself appear larger-not that he wasn't already compared to the other male.

  "Then maybe you should treat her like your mate and stop neglecting her feelings." Dariux challenged and Ronnek’s eyes narrowed as he took a step towards the demon and Eveleen knew if she didn't intervene Dariux would be trampled. She didn't think shouting would work so she did the first thing that came to her mind. She placed both hands against his cheeks and whispered,

  "Ronnek." His gaze immediately met hers and she saw first surprise, then quickly the heat at her calling his name in Draconian took over his red orbs, turning them a dark crimson. She felt an answering shiver run though her body. She looked back at Dariux.

  "Dariux. I need a moment to speak with…the king. Return to the castle." She said and saw him start to argue, but she gave him a look that stopped any words he had been about to speak. Instead he only bowed to them and turned to head back for the castle.

  Eveleen watched him walk away, waiting for when she was sure he couldn't hear them. It must have irritated Ronnek further as he let out another soft growl and pulled her up against him, dipping his head to her neck. She gasped and whipped her head back around.

  "Stop watching some other male when I'm in front of you." He growled and she hated how the possessiveness in his voice thrilled her. He began to place soft kisses along her neck and she let out a strangled moan as it set fire to her blood, but she desperately needed to fight against her reactions. It was as she feared, her body was still reacting to him and if she let him continue she'd only open herself up for more hurt.

  He took in a deep breath and let it out in a soft sigh, some of the tension leaving his body as he hugged her tighter.

  "I've missed you." He whispered and she scoffed, pushing against his chest, needing distance between them. He pulled back, looking surprised at her struggling. She got free-most likely because he let her-and took several steps away from him.

  "What did you come out here for?" She asked, glaring at him as her anger began to boil. At both of them, even after what he had done, what he had said to her. How could she still look at the demon and think he was one of the most magnificent creatures she had ever seen? His prowess and strength called to something dark within her and she desperately wanted to reject it.

  "I saw you with that other male and how he thought he could freely touched my mate when I-"

  "You sure like to throw that word around when it's convenient for you." Eveleen spat and he startled back, but she continued before he could respond.

  "You call me your mate only when you're angry that someone else is speaking with me. But when it's just you and me I'm witch or regret." She hissed, the stinging in her chest tightening her throat and she felt tears form in her eyes. She turned her back to him, not wanting him to see just how hurt she was by his actions.

  "You don't see me as your mate. Hell you don't even see me as a friend, just some intruder that's useful. I understand why you don't want me here and I know the part I played in that, but I can’t change that, and I wouldn't. Each time you do these things to me, I lose my mind. So please, stop acting like you want me when you'll only regret touching me each time."

  "But I don't." He whispered, and he was so close. Having moved up behind her while she was talking. She looked up at him, upset that the tears were slowly falling down her cheeks despite her attempt to hold them back.

  He lifted his hand up and she flinched away. He stilled for a second, then sighed and slowly placed his hand against her cheek, wiping at the tears with his thumb.

  "I thought about that night so much. And I've realized I don't regret it. The only thing I regret right now, is that I'm the cause of these tears." He whispered, reaching up with his other hand and mimicking the motion, wiping at the tears on her cheek.

  "I'm sorry Eveleen. I wanted to seek you out to tell you that, but couldn't find the words. You and I just seem to spark everytime we are near each other and I feared you would throw an entire bookshelf at me next time." He grinned and despite everything she laughed. His eyes softened at the sound and took his hands from her cheeks, but let them slide to her upper arms.

  "How about this? Let's make another deal between us. Just as you said before, I don't see you as a friend and you sure as hell don't see me as one…

  "But maybe we can go back. Before all the confusion and words. Let's start over and try to become companions while you stay here. Will you accept my apology and work with me towards friendship?" He asked and she hesitated, wondering if she could do what he said so easily.

  She looked up into his eyes and thought she saw worry in his crimson orbs. She could forgive the words spoken as she knew the emotions that had fueled them. Her fear was she was already physically attracted to this demon, what would happen if she began to learn more about him. Could she stop her heart at just friendship?

  "I will accept your apology if you will accept mine. I'm sorry I tricked you and put you in this position, but I will keep my other promise to make up for that." She smiled at him then,

  "And I promise to only throw small objects when you're acting like a jackass." She teased and he laughed, just as he had in the hallway that night and the sound eased some of the ache in her. Although she was still worried about her heart wavering, she had to admit, she did want to know more about this creature. Friendship sounded much better than being at each other's throats all the time afterall.

  __________________________________________

  Altazar hummed from his spot, watching them from the tree branch he was sitting on. He was grinning like a maniac. So the maid had been right, his friend was crazy about the woman and didn't realize it. Or was just actively denying it for some prideful reason.

  He owed his cousin a favor now as this had gone better than planned. He didn't even have to trick Ronnek into seeing the pair together. It had all happened naturally and Ronnek’s protectiveness of his mate was all the answer Altazar needed. Ronnek may not see what they all did, but Eveleen would be a good match for him. She didn't shy away from his temper and had managed to calm his violent rage with just one touch.

  He knew it would take time, but with their agreement to at least start being cordial with each other there would be progress. He relaxed as his part was done. There would be no more manipulation from him as he wanted this to also happen naturally. And he was confident it would.

  "Now to find the best bottle of mead I can as an apology for almost getting my cousin killed." He chuckled and teleported from the tree.

  ______________________________________________

  Ronnek felt lighter after his conversation with Eveleen in the garden. Since then he had been going to her in the library each day to see what she had learned. He was heading there now to get her to take a break for a meal. Which they had also been having together each day.

  The air about them was no longer charged with tension as they only argued about her research now. He chuckled as he thought of how she wouldn't hold back from correcting him when he said the wrong thing. Her work hadn't produced much beyond what they already knew. The magic had weakened over the years with each generation, but there was no definitive clue yet as to why.

  "So your ability to teleport and the small magic I've seen the staff perform is what's left of your inherent connection." She had explained, saying that if they could restore the magic the demonfolk would be even more affluent than even the Elven clans.

  "It's strange. They keep mentioning this thing called 'Ragnorazik' but I can't figure out what it means since it doesn't translate to anything else." She had mused, a tiny frown forming between her brows. He had been tempted to smooth the spot with his thumb, but had managed to resist.

  He sighed suddenly at the thought. Just because the hostile tension was gone, didn't mean all the tension had dissipated. He still fought against the urge to hold her close and the need to claim her had certainly not lessened with their new meetings.

  His bond was still pulling at him and it was a struggle at times to treat her like a friend. Not that he didn't enjoy her company, but he had come to enjoy it too much. Her intelligence intrigued him and he found it was easy to relax around her, he genuinely enjoyed her being beside him. Talking with him freely, her guard dropped as she didn't hide her emotions or thoughts from him.

  He found his heart wavering and it frightened him as he still very much loved Odette. He had thought about it the other night while walking Eveleen to her chambers and the urge to kiss her had washed over him as memories of the feeling flooded his thoughts. He had almost given in when her words from the garden had hit him.

  It wasn't fair to her if he let his desire rule him when his heart belonged to another. And it was then he realized that yes, despite how he enjoyed Eveleen's friendship, she was not truly his mate in his heart. So he held back and wished her a simple goodnight.

  He reached the library, seeing Dariux standing guard as usual. And as with each meeting the two tensed and glared at each other. He still didn't trust the male around Eveleen as the loyalty he displayed could easily be a youngling's infatuation. And it seemed Dariux hadn't forgiven his earlier treatment of the queen.

  But as per usual upon Ronnek’s arrival, the guard bowed and left. It had been Eveleen who had assured him that he could leave her to Ronnek. Claiming she was perfectly protected with him around and the demon deserved the rest. Dariux had shot him a look that was clear between the two males.

  'But who will protect you from him?' Ronnek wanted to deny that, but with his inner struggles acknowledged it was a valid concern.

  He opened the doors and watched as she continued to write notes without noticing his presence. He smiled softly as it was always this way when she was deep in her work. She wouldn't realize the castle was on fire if she had found something interesting. He chuckled and it was that sound that alerted her to his entrance.

  "Oh Ronnek. Is it that time already?" She asked and her gentle tone sent a wave of warmth over him. He hadn't realized before how her guarded attitude before had affected him. Now she smiled at him without thought and her stance was at ease whenever he came near.

  "Indeed. If I don't fetch you for dinner then you will remain here until morning." He teased and grinned at how her cheeks blushed at the truth in his words.

  "It's not entirely my fault. I think I found something." She said and the excitement in her voice drew him closer. He indicated that she continue and she pointed at the passage she had been translating before.

  "Remember that word I could translate before?" She asked and he nodded. She looked up at him and there was a fire burning in her eyes.

  "That's because it's a name. Or more specifically it's the name of a ritual site."

  "Ritual? For the dragons?" He asked and she nodded, happy he had guessed correctly.

  "For what or where I haven't found the answer yet. So it's like adding a piece to the puzzle and discovering you have a hundred more to go unfortunately." She said and he chuckled.

  "It's still further than we've gotten in the last hundred years. But if there's still more to discover it can wait until tomorrow. If I don't get you down to eat, the staff is sure to come looking for you." He teased, offering his hand and she laughed as she took it. The sound did strange things to him as he had begun to seek the sound out more often. Her laugh was like the sweetest song to his senses and the only sound that was more enticing were the moans she’d let slip when he had kissed her. Again he smothered a groan as his mind and body were now in sync with the desire for this woman.

  He led her down the hallways listening as she mused over the possibilities of this mysterious ritual. Ronnek watched her as she greeted any servant that approached them and it amazed him how she was able to remember little things. A sprained ankle, a sick relative, Eveleen made every effort to connect with those around her and he was beginning to understand why they had turned on him.

  She had already become an ingrained part of the castle and he saw how protective everyone had grown over the woman. They were growing to love her, and the thought stabbed him with guilt as she wouldn’t be a permanent part of their lives. Unless she chose to stay in the territory once they were no longer bound to each other…The thought of her leaving left a sour taste in his mouth and he had to reason with himself that it was what he still wanted. He looked down at her and watched as she laughed at a joke and responded in Draconian. Right?

  __________________________________________________________________

  Eveleen sighed and stretched back in her seat. She was still desperately trying to find what this ‘Ragnorazik Ritual’ was, but nothing was jumping out at her. She knew it was a ritual performed by all dragons at some point in their lives, but there was nothing specific yet as to the nature of how it was performed or why. She looked around the library and smiled, it was more like a home to her now and not a prison or an escape from a certain demon.

  At the thought of Ronnek she had to place a hand to her heart that began to thump loudly against her chest. She had been right in her worry about how being closer to him would affect her emotions. Now that she was learning more about him and his kinder side, she was no longer just physically attracted to him. He was something of a mystery to her as well. She would often watch him from the corner of her eye when he stayed behind in the library with her.

  It wasn’t just his large frame that made him dominate a room. His intelligence and commanding aura was impossible to ignore and she could see how the people deeply appreciated his leadership. It was probably a breath of fresh air after the ruthless ruler that had been here before. She had yet to broach that subject, but she was very curious on how he had become king. She decided to let that lie for now as she also appreciated his presence. Although, appreciate seemed like such a mild word to how she felt when he was near.

  She had often felt the desire to reach up and stroke his horns when he leaned over her seat as she explained something to him, remembering how he had reacted before. The moments would halt her thoughts and she would just sit there until he turned those eyes on her. Everytime she met that heated gaze, she felt her insides melt as she remembered how he had looked at her before. This ‘friendship’ was becoming torturous as she forced herself to hold back. Knowing if she gave into her desires and tried to reach for him, Ronnek would reel back immediately and they would be back to how it was before their truce.

  She wasn’t the queen, the mate, the woman he truly wanted. All the physical pull for him was the bond that she knew he was still researching. She had accidentally seen it when he had come for another book. Catching the title ‘Everything About the Bond’ had stung worse than she thought it would. She knew that he was hoping to break the bond between them as it was not what he wanted, but she had foolishly begun to hope he was growing to care for her.

  Eveleen sighed and rose from her seat, deciding she wanted a break sooner than normal. She was debating on what to do as one part of her wanted to seek out Ronnek to see what he was doing, while the other half wanted to escape to a quiet place where he wouldn’t find her. The answer came unexpectedly as the door to the library opened and said demon walked in. Her breath caught as his smile widened when he met her gaze and she felt her heart flip as it wished it was because he felt the same excitement when they met as she did.

  “Eveleen, I hope you standing means that you’ll be able to take the rest of the day off.” He said and she tilted her head in curiosity.

  “Perhaps, is it something urgent?”

  “Not exactly where you’re concerned, but I wanted to see if you would be interested anyways. I’m getting ready to go inspect the local schoolhall and thought the younglings might enjoy meeting you. They’ve never seen magic so I was hoping for your help.

  “They tend to hang on me as soon as I arrive and it makes inspection take longer. So I could use the help.” He finished explaining and she laughed,

  “So basically, you’re taking me as a distraction for the kids so that you can get your job done.” He laughed as well and nodded.

  “Alright. I’ll go with you and act as your shield to the little ones.” She laughed and noticed how his eyes grew darker as a recognizable heat began to seep into their depths. She had to swallow at the sight and repeat her mental mantra that she didn’t want to ruin the fragile friendship they had. So she turned her eyes away first and as soon as she did, she heard him clear his throat as if also realizing the dangerous line they were toeing.

  “Let’s go then.”