-Atlas
I have no clue how much time has passed while I pretended not to observe Leila's every move. So many men have asked her to dance since then and each time she took their hand with a bright smile on her face. She didn't even blush a little or lower her gaze when they shamelessly ogled at her face, her lips, even her cleavage.
None of them seemed to care for the fact that she's a demon that -even if she looks nice and friendly- probably could set them on fire in their sleep. All it took was a pretty face to make them forget that we have nothing in common with creatures like her. Not only we do not share their values, they go directly against ours. Maybe they just never cared, not like I do.
She didn't spare me one glance throughout the night and I'm aware I only have myself to blame for that.
My father is sure our people need this alliance, considering more and more of our men are dying at the hands of the mermaids. Since Leila is not first in line for the throne, our marriage won't unite our factions, but it is a promise to help eachother in case of an attack. If marrying this girl really is what's best for my people, then I must do it. That means I have to make things right with her first.
She might be a demon, but she's still a woman.
Leila has just finished dancing with a noble man. Now she stands on her own on the corner of the dance floor, so I take the opportunity and make my way towards her.
"Can I have this dance?", I hold out my arm to her.
Leila blinks twice, taken aback at first. Her almond shaped eyes quickly peek down at my extended arm. Then, she just nods, taking my hand. Her skin is weirdly warm for someone who isn't as used to the cold as we are and I wonder if it's because of her powers. Demons, unlike us, possess the ability to create and manipulate fire.
Leila's hand also feels so soft against mine; it's the hand of someone who hasn't had to work a day in her life or even hold a weapon to defend herself, but that's not surprising. It's smaller than mine, delicate; just like any other woman's.
As soon as we're in the middle of the dance floor, I place both hands on her hips, while hers find their way on top of my shoulders.
"I owe you an apology", I whisper as soon as the music starts again.
Leila examines my face with brows furrowed in a delicate curve on her forhead, like she's surprised I could actually be capable of recognising my own faults.
"I behaved poorly this morning, but I promise I'm not usually that way".
She shrugs, "You were upset, I understand".
Now, I'm the one that stares blankly at her, while I make her do a spin. How can a demon be so understanding? I would've been less surprised if she had ripped me to shreds. Or at least, tried to.
Perhaps, she just couldn't care less wether I'm nice to her or not.
"But since we'll be sharing a bed", Leila starts when she's back in front of me, my hands back on her hips, a grin on her face. "I wouldn't risk it again if I were you".
She innocently bats her eyelashes at me, as if she didn't just threaten the future heir to the throne in a room full of armed guards.
"That sounds a lot like flirting to me".
She scoffs, but her smile doesn't falter. Well, it's a start... isn't it?
-Leila
That night, I can't find it in me to fall asleep. No matter how many times my eyelids fall shut, everytime I try to sleep an ache in my chest turns me awake. I lay on the queen sized bed, staring at the ceiling of my new room. It's not dark enough for me to not be able to make out the shapes of the furniture or the silhouette of the angels painted on the ceiling.
I can't make out their faces or what they're exactly doing, but I have nothing better to do to pass the time than to stare at them. I bring my hand to my chest, finding the pendant that matches the one Irie also wears. It's forged in pure gold, in the shape of a wing. Just one wing. She has the other one.
My sister. I couldn't even say goodbye to her, look at her face one last time. When I left, she was away on some sort of diplomatic business.
But it's always been about you, huh? Couldn't you let me have this one thing?
What if those are the last words I ever said to her? What if I never get to see her again?
I sit up, legs crossed on the bed. I watch as the night turns to dusk and, when it does, I decide to get up and go outside on the balcony.
The ice covered ground sparkles with the first morning lights. In the distance, beyond the walls that surround the palace, I can make out houses and streets, buildings... a town. On foot, it's probably days away, but if I spread my wings I could reach it in seconds. And then what?
I let out a deep sigh, shaking my head.
"Again!", I hear a familiar voice shout, coming from the court yard right under my balcony.
I was so focused on what could exist outside the walls that protect the palace from any threat, that I didn't bother to look inside.
When I finally do, all I can see are men in armour. Divided in couples, they train for combat, using their swords. I watch closely, curious to see if they're actually going to use their powers as well.
Then, I see him.
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