The devil's promise

Don't harm her.....

With a sneer, the devil dismissed the words. Killian didn't have to say that to him. The notion of harming his own bride was ludicrous to him. In this world, if anyone would protect their bride at all costs, it was he. Hmph!

The devil approached the bed slowly, his eyes fixated on the sleeping beauty in front of him. She looked more beautiful than before. Her skin was as pale as snow, her hair a cascade of beautiful black locks, and her lips...oh, her lips were like ripe cherries, begging to be kissed.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, his robes rustling softly. His bride stirred but did not wake. The devil leaned closer, his eyes devouring her every feature. He reached out a hand to touch her soft cheek but stopped when he noticed something that made his heart skip a beat - her tear-stained face.

Tears? Did his bride cry herself to sleep?

Why? Was she not happy here? Or did someone do something to make her cry?

For a moment, the devil was taken aback. He had never seen such sorrow on the face of a mortal before. And somehow, it made him angry - angry at the man who had caused this beautiful creature such pain.

A murderous aura began to emanate from him as he sat there, staring at his sleeping bride. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to find the person responsible for her tears and make them suffer. But then, as if sensing his anger, his bride turned in her sleep and wrapped her arms around his waist. 

The devil's anger vanished in an instant, replaced by a sense of protectiveness and warmth. He looked down at her, her tear-stained face now peaceful in slumber, and a small smile crept onto his lips. He had never felt such tenderness before, and it surprised him.

He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Dear bride, as long as you have me, I will always protect you. No one can hurt you. This is my promise." 

"I will make you desire me, my dear bride. You shall belong only to me," he declared, gently stroking her cheeks.

As the devil gazed upon his slumbering bride, he scoffed at Killian's timidity. That man evidently yearned for and lusted after their bride, yet for some foolish reason, he chose to distance himself from her. But is that even possible?

No, he could never keep himself away from their bride for long.

She captivated them, and it would be difficult for that man to stay away from this enchanting being for much longer. Moreover, whether Killian realized it or not, ever since the day they met their bride, it had become easier for him to switch with Killian.

Previously, he could only take control on the 20th of each month. Now, everything was different. The devil smirked, took his sleeping bride's hand, and kissed it gently. "It's all thanks to you, my little bride. I know the day will soon come when Killian and I will fully merge, and on that day, I will present you with a magnificent gift."

***

Standing before the mirror, my hands shook with apprehension. Today marked the pivotal moment when I would be presented to the King and Queen, with the hope of being chosen as their son's betrothed. Assuming the guise of Princess Amelia, it was my duty to fulfill her role and wed the prince.

The weight of this responsibility set my nerves on edge, and I prayed I would not err in the presence of royalty. In an attempt to steady my nerves, I took a deep breath and stood motionless as my trusted maids fluttered around me. They draped me in an opulent gown that felt as light as a feather on my skin and carefully embellished me with the most exquisite jewels I had ever laid my eyes on. 

"Your Highness, you look absolutely stunning," said Emily, my headmaid, with a warm smile. Her words of admiration gave me a much-needed boost of confidence.

"The king and queen will surely be in awe of your beauty," Lily added as she finished the final touches. 

I tried to return their smiles, but my heart was pounding with anxiety. Meeting the King and Queen was no small feat, and to do so with the intention of marrying their son, the prince, was an even greater honor and responsibility. I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly ready for such a role.

 What if they didn't like me? What if I said or did something to offend them? The possibilities were endless, and it only added to my anxiety. Moreover, I was concerned about being discovered and imprisoned for deceiving the royalty.

At that moment, the chief guard, who had led me to this room yesterday, entered. He was the King's most trusted guard, known as Marcus. "The time has come, Your Highness," he declared. "The king and the queen have requested your presence in the royal chambers."

With trembling legs, I trailed behind the head guard, Marcus, exiting my chambers and entering the palace's grand hallway. Each step seemed to draw me nearer to my fate, yet it stirred a sense of disquiet within me.

Nearing the royal chambers, my heart pounded against my chest. Taking a deep breath, I mustered all my bravery and entered the room. The King and Queen sat upon their throne-like chairs, exuding an aura of majesty.

"Your Majesties," I greeted, bowing deeply.

"Stand, my child," the King responded with a warm smile. "Your presence here delights us."

As I rose, my heart continued its rapid beat. The Queen looked at me and her smile widened. "You surpass the beauty we were told of," she remarked, making me flush with modesty.

"I am honored, Your Majesty," I managed to say, maintaining my poise.

The King's voice took on a serious tone as he inquired, "Princess Amelia, are you prepared to wed my dear son, the prince?"

I nodded with humility.

However, the King's subsequent words left me utterly bewildered. "Regrettably, you cannot marry the prince just yet," he declared.