Nina pointed at both of them. “Yeah no. We should not be trusted with a kingdom.”
Several rulers laughed quietly, and the sound alone made dread settle straight into their stomach. Oh God. It was happening.The council actually liked them now, which felt far more dangerous than when they hated them.
Then unexpectedly, the older council woman reached forward and adjusted a strand of Nina’s hair gently before speaking quietly:
“You already changed this kingdom more in two days than most royals manage in centuries.”
Then beside Eva, her demon looked toward the council calmly before saying the most devastating thing possible:
“I told you she would.”
Chapter 29
Eva POV
His words followed me for the rest of the evening.
Because now every time my demon stared at me afterward, the council started acting totally invested again like terrifying ancient rulers had become relationship grandparents.
Which felt deeply unsafe. Because by the next morning, the palace had transformed into complete chaos.
Servants rushed through the halls carrying silver fabrics, ceremonial candles, black roses, jewelry cases, ancient scrolls, and enough flowers to overwhelm an entire continent.
Nina stopped dead in the middle of the corridor.
“…Why does this look like a supernatural wedding Pinterest?”
One palace servant tilted his head. “What is Pinterest?”
Nina pointed vaguely around the palace. “Based on this place? Probably something demons invented first.”
Meanwhile, several older council women had completely surrounded me near the palace lounge while holding up different pieces of ceremonial jewelry against my neck like I was some kind of thoroughly exhausted doll.
“This silver suits her better.”
“No. The darker stones emphasize the royal mark.”
“She needs stronger ceremonial fabrics.”
I shot my demon a desperate look from across the room. The traitor was clearly enjoying himself. Actually worse,he looked happy.
Nina pointed at him from the opposite side of the lounge where other servants were aggressively measuring her for formal clothing. “You stop looking smug right now.”
“I’m not smug.”
“You’re physically glowing.”
“That sounds medically impossible.”
The younger brother lounged lazily nearby while watching Nina threaten multiple attendants with fabric samples.
“It’s impossible for her to cooperate peacefully, isn’t it.”
“No,” Nina answered. “Peace was never an option.”
Meanwhile one older council woman fastened a heavy silver chain carefully around my wrist before explaining calmly:
“The mating ceremony will permanently bind royal souls.”.
