Page 50 of Her Demon Daddy
Asmodeus and Ya’rell shake hands before he leaves the arena. Asmodeus follows him upstairs, and I stare at the arena with confusion. What are we doing? Why do I need a new gown? I have so many already that I haven’t worn yet. I shake off the thoughts and run to the middle of the arena to pick up my sword, studying the carvings on the handle as I walk to place it back on the wall. Asmodeus had a line from a poem I wrote when we were first getting to know each other carved on it for me.
“Grey skin and dark eyes cannot hide the true nature of your kindness. I will see you, regardless of how you try to hide.”
I smile. When he gave it to me, he told me he never wanted me to forget those days, regardless of the hidden secrets kept during that time. I promised him I never would and meant it with all my heart.
I openthe door to my bedroom and look around excitedly before seeing a dress on the bed I used to sleep in when I was first brought to Galmoleth. I walk toward it, and my mouth drops. The other gowns he’s bought me have been gorgeous, but this one is special. It’s silver and gold with a mermaid flare at the bottom. Next to it are glimmering heels, fine stones I’m sure harvested primarily for this pair of shoes. A knock on the door sounds as I marvel at the outfit.
Drar'ran walks in and smiles as he bows to me. “I’m here to get you ready, my lady.”
I chuckle and look at him suspiciously. “Drar'ran, what’s going on?”
“Ah…” he shakes his head and clicks his teeth. “That I can’t tell you, madame.”
I groan and look at the ceiling before removing my fighting gear. Drar'ran clears his throat, and I look at him with confusion before my face falls, and I smack my lips slowly.
“Right,” I say slowly.
“My eyesight has returned.”
“Yes…” Embarrassingly, I close my eyes and walk to the bathroom with the dress. “I’ll be right back.”
“Of course, madame.”
After a hot shower, I step out and dry off, looking at the dress on the counter. I run my fingers over the gorgeous fabric and smile as I hang the towel back up and pull it on.
It’s very form-fitting. I’m sure Asmodeus gave the seamstress my exact measurements. He had them taken the first week we returned to Galmoleth, and I remember thinking as the measuring tapes were wrapped around my waist that there’s nothing this man wouldn’t do for me. I slide on the shoes and clasp the necklace around my neck, watching it sparkle in the bathroom lights as I place the earrings in my ears.
I walk into the bedroom and look at Drar'ran as I spin slightly. “What do you think?”
“Gorgeous, madame.” He smiles widely and motions for me to come closer.
I walk toward him and glimpse myself in the mirror, shocked at how I look in the outfit. I swear Asmodeus has a better fashion sense than I do most times. The only statement I can think of when I look at myself in the mirror is that I look like a queen. I break my gaze in the reflective glass and walk closer to Drar'ran, who has makeup laid out on the bench next to him.
“Drar'ran,” I chuckle as I look at him with doubt. “Do you know how to do makeup?”
He puts the foundation on a small sponge and smiles. “I’ve been studying at the request of the King, madame.”
I laugh and try to stay still as the sponge presses over my face softly. I watch from the corner of my eye as he pulls out various contour and blending brushes, amazed. He knows how to do makeup better than I do. Where are the books he learned this from? I can tell he’s highly focused, but he doesn’t take long. A part of me is nervous once he backs away and motions for me to look into the mirror.
I’m stunned at his work. I chuckle and look at him with surprise before hugging him. He staggers backward, unsure of what to do. I pull away quickly, shaking my head and grinning.
“I’m sorry, I just…”
“You’re happy, madame,” he responds with a nod. “And that makes me happy.”
“Thank you, Drar'ran.”
Drar'ran motions to the door, and I take a deep breath as I walk through it, making my way down the grand staircase. I glance up at the new chandelier Asmodeus had put in to replace the broken one. It’s modeled after the phases of the moon, each phase hanging from the ceiling and the visible part of the moon illuminated in each one. He told me when he put it in that he wanted to remember the nights we spent together every time he walked down the stairs in the morning. He continued to say each day was worth it, no matter how stressful, because he came home to me every night, and I couldn’t agree more.
Drar'ran opens the door to the dining room, and I see Asmodeus sitting alone at the head of the table. There is a violinist in the far right corner of the room, playing a slow, sweet tune. I smile and walk in with an eyebrow cocked, wondering where our guests must be.
Asmodeus stands from his seat and walks over to me. He’s dressed in his formal robes, an attire I’ve only seen him wear once before at the welcoming ceremony for all the demons in Galmoleth. We reach each other in the middle of the dining room, and he holds out his hands, palms up. I place mine in his and laugh quietly.
“Are our guests late?” I tease.
“No.” He grins and looks me deeply in the eyes. “She’s right on time.”
“Asmodeus,” I whisper as I look around the room, hearing the soft violin in the background. “We’ve eaten dinner in our nightwear. Why do we need all this fanfare this time?”