“That is very observant.”
“I am many things,” he replies lazily, “observant among them.”
I turn carefully in his arms so I can see his face. The morning light catches the faint ember-glow beneath his skin and the dark curve of his horns, though his wings remain tucked comfortably behind him. His golden eyes are half-lidded with sleep in a way that makes him look far less like a creature capable of leveling cities.
“You’re still here,” I say and smile.
His brow lifts slightly.
“Were you expecting me to vanish during the night?”
“I wasn’t sure demons did mornings.”
“We do,” he says. “Though rarely this peacefully.”
The quiet sincerity in his voice sends a soft warmth through the bond. For a moment neither of us moves. Then I realize something.
“You’re holding me hostage.”
His expression shifts to mild amusement.
“That seems dramatic.”
“You’re heavier than you look.”
“I assure you that is not true.”
I push lightly at his chest.
“Threx.”
“Yes, princess?”
“I need to get up.”
He pretends to consider it.
“That seems unnecessary.”
“Breakfast is necessary.”
His eyes narrow slightly with interest.
“You are making breakfast?”
“Yes.”
“For both of us?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether you release me.”
He sighs quietly, as though the decision pains him greatly, but his arm loosens.
I sit up slowly, brushing my hair back from my face while he watches with the same quiet focus he had while I cooked the night before.
