Chapter 2 The test of fire - The Demon Lord’s Bride

My back meets the cold floor and I gasp at the sharp pain. Laughter bursts across the large crowd.

Embarrassment washes over me.

I try hard to hold back my tears as my eyes meets with my mate's cold one, he doesn't step forward to help me up neither does he seem to care.

What's going on?

“Get up." Nyx's scold is the only thing that brings me back to my senses. I quickly gather my gown and force myself to my feet.

He folds his leather covered hand behind his back. “Tell me, are you all so desperate to get rid of me that you picked a slave as my bride?" He demands.

My lips quivers and I bow my head, not meeting his eyes.

The crowd trembles, murmurs fill the room. " With all due respect, your highness, your… bride was chosen by the king.“

A man steps out, his voice deep and filled with authority, I recognize him as Argos, the king's right hand man.

King Larkin never attends social gatherings like this, but Argos does in his place.

I notice he doesn't tremble before the Demon lord, unlike the others. “And he has chosen her after two years . She will be the perfect bride for you. “ His blazer is well ironed with rims of gold that signifies his status as the second in command to the king.

Maybe if he commands the Demon king, he will marry me and I won't have to worry about what will happen if he doesn't.

I thought wrong.

“Tutor?" He tilts his head back with a laugh. “My brother sure knows what he wants." He glances at me again. “A slave for the Cursed Lycan, what a sweet title. Tell me, are you willing to do anything to be my bride?"

"Your highnes-.“

“Stay out of this Argos."

I glance at Nyx who is trembling so hard, I would have laughed if I weren't in a worse position.

She only taps the bracelet on her wrist, my mothers bracelet, a constant reminder of what every action could do to my family.

Steeling my resolve, I meet his icy gaze and nod.

“Use your words, slave!"

“Y…Yes."

His eyes flickers, as if surprised by my voice, but a moment later I am wondering if I had seen it at all.

“Good." Without taking his gaze from me, he speaks again. " Tell me something Argos, What happens to a slave that covets a royal?“

“Your highness, this arrangement is legally authorized by the-"

“What." He cuts Argos off again, sharply looking at him, making me shudder. “Happens to a slave who covets a royal?“

Argos eyes flicker to my teary one, and I shake my head, already trembling, but he sighs. “She will be branded with the occire and burned."

I pale, feeling like my insides would explode with how hard it's twisting. My feet move and I begin to step back.

My eyes snap to Roderick whose lip slowly tugs. "Well, what are you waiting for? Burn her! “

A ringing sound pierces my ears.

No.

This can't be happening, he's meant to be my mate. "W… what? Why would you do that? Aren't Y... You my mat-” the word doesn't get to leave my mouth as his eyes darken and he let out a guttural growl.

“Shut up!" His wolf pushes out and I almost stumble again. “burn her, now!" He tells the guards who have been watching all along.

“No!" I scream, backing away as they come for me. " Stay away from me!“ I growl, almost letting Ena who is now whimpering out.

'Run!' She screams.

The guards, armoured, eyes glistening with malice don't care as they reach for me. But I twist around and turn on my heels, heart pounding as I sprint through the aisle, straight for the door.

Anything to escape.

Anything!

I can't die!

Not by the hands of my mate!

However, my feet carry me nowhere, because I am caught in the arm by a familiar cold hand. Tears blurs my vision as Nyx stares down at me. “Help me... Please." I plead.

But, with a shake of her head, she states. “If the Prince wants you dead. Death it is. “ Then she begins to drag me back to the altar.

My dress hinders me as I try to fight, but having weak hands means I am no match for a fellow girl, nonetheless, a warrior like Nyx.

" Please let me go! “ I wail. "I will do anything you want, please.“

No one listens.

Even the crowd is quiet.

I am thrown on the ground in front of The Prince. Seeing a chance, I crawl to him, my silver-blue strands falling over my face. When I try to grab his boot, he steps back, making me grab air.

“Please..." I look into his icy eyes with hot tears trickling down my cheek. “Don't do this. “

He goes still, watching me without a word. I hear iron being pulled out of a sparking brazier, then footsteps walk towards me making me shake my head.

“Not you." Roderick stops whoever it is. “You." I look back to see him pointing to Argos.

“Your highness, is this really necessary? The king-"

“ The King is not here, I am. Take the iron."

I look back at him, now feeling helpless as the reality of the situation knocks the breath out of me. “Why?" I cry. “Why are you doing this to me?"

“It must be done." is all I hear before I am grabbed by two guards, screaming and pleading. But no one helps me as Argos brings the hot iron near my cheek.

I debate using my power, but water magic is not useful in this situation. “I am sorry." Argos whisper's, before bringing it down. I close my eyes, hearing a sizzle.

I wait for the pain to come, a second, two. But all I hear is a chorused gasp that makes my eyes open.

What I see drains color out of my already pale face, a large hand covered with leather gloves is placed in front of my face, still sizzling from the brand on it.

My eyes snap up to meet silver orbs looking down on me. “You pass." He says with curled lips, and even though I don't understand his words, my shoulders relax.