A Heart Disguised 1 (The Demon Lords of Aethoria)

10. Darius

10

Darius

D arius paused, stretching his neck and rolling his shoulders to ease the tension that had built up after hours of work. The responsibilities of a demon lord were endless, and today was no exception. He reached for his teacup, taking a sip of the fragrant steaming liquid as his eyes scanned the document before him. The blend, a rare Aethorian black tea infused with subtle notes of citrus and spice, was a personal favorite that helped sharpen his focus during long work sessions.

A knock at the door broke his concentration. “Enter,” he called, not looking up from his work.

Sir Fenris strode in, his wolfish features set in a grim expression. The lieutenant’s silver fur seemed to shimmer in the morning light, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room with keen intensity.

“My lord,” he began, bowing slightly, “I have the reports you requested on the recent disturbances in Silverbrook.”

Darius nodded, finally setting down his quill and giving his lieutenant his full attention. “And? What news do you bring, Fenris?”

Fenris’ lips curled back in a snarl, revealing sharp canines. “It’s as we feared, my lord. The unrest is growing. The drought has hit the farmers hard, and food prices in the markets have soared. There have been… incidents.”

A frown creased Darius’ forehead. “Incidents? Elaborate.”

“There was a riot in the marketplace yesterday,” Fenris growled, his claws flexing unconsciously. “A group of farmers and laborers, angered by the high prices, started destroying merchant stalls. The town guard managed to quell the violence, but not before significant damage was done.”

Darius leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he considered this information. “And the cause of this drought? Have our mages made any progress in determining if it’s natural or… something else?”

Fenris shook his head. “Not yet, my lord. Sir Orion’s ice mages are still investigating, but they’ve found no evidence of magical interference thus far.”

“I see,” Darius murmured, his mind already racing with potential solutions. “We need to address this quickly, before the situation deteriorates further. What measures have been taken so far?”

For the next hour, Darius and Fenris pored over reports and maps, discussing strategies to alleviate the crisis. They debated the merits of various approaches: increasing guard patrols to maintain order, opening the castle granaries to supplement the town’s food supply, and even the possibility of using magic to stimulate crop growth.

“We could also consider importing food from neighboring regions,” Fenris suggested, pointing to a map of the surrounding territories. “It would be expensive, but it might help stabilize prices in the short term.”

Darius nodded thoughtfully. “A sound suggestion. Draft a proposal for trade negotiations with our neighbors. And Fenris, I want you to personally oversee the distribution of supplies from our granaries. Ensure it’s done fairly and without corruption.”

A fierce grin spread across Fenris’ lupine features. “It will be done, my lord. No one will dare attempt any underhanded dealings under my watch.”

“Good,” Darius agreed, already turning his attention to the next matter at hand. “Now, about the water supply—”

Their discussion continued, touching on various aspects of the situation and potential solutions. As they talked, Darius found his mind occasionally wandering, distracted by memories of the previous day’s… unexpected vision.

Finally, as their meeting drew to a close, Darius stood, stretching his tall frame. “Thank you, Fenris. Your diligence in this matter is appreciated. Keep me informed of any new developments.”

Fenris bowed deeply. “Of course, my lord. I’ll see to the implementation of our plans immediately.”

As the door closed behind Fenris, Darius let out a sigh. He walked to the window, gazing out over the sprawling grounds of his castle and the city beyond. The beauty of Lunaria stretched before him, but his mind was elsewhere.

Unbidden, his thoughts drifted back to the vision he had experienced the prior morning. Darius had viewed Robin through Starling’s eyes, a habit born from genuine concern for the boy’s safety. However, this time, he had inadvertently stumbled upon a far more intimate scene than usual. What he saw had quickly banished any thoughts of looking away, despite the private nature of the moment. Though his intentions were rooted in protection rather than voyeurism, Darius found himself captivated by the unexpected glimpse into Robin’s personal world.

He closed his eyes now, allowing the memory to wash over him once more. Robin had been in the bathing chamber, his slender form submerged in the hot spring. But it wasn’t the mere sight of Robin bathing that had caught Darius off guard—it was what Robin had been doing.

The boy’s face had been flushed, his eyes closed in concentration as his hand moved beneath the water in a rhythm that Darius knew all too well. Robin had been pleasuring himself, and the realization sent a fresh jolt of heat through Darius’ body.

Darius found himself captivated by Robin’s ethereal beauty. The boy’s porcelain skin glistened with droplets of water, each one catching the light like tiny crystals. His long hair clung to his slender form, framing his delicate features like a halo. The rising steam from the hot spring created a dreamy haze, softening the edges of reality. In that moment, Robin appeared less like a mortal bride-to-be and more like a mystical being, a creature of grace and allure that had somehow found its way into Darius’ world.

As Robin’s movements had become more frantic, his breath coming in short gasps, Darius had found himself leaning forward, his own breath quickening in response. The boy’s delicate features had been transformed by pleasure, his usual timidity replaced by an expression of pure, unguarded ecstasy. And then, just as Robin had reached his climax, Darius had heard it.

“I can’t believe I just… with thoughts of him,” Robin had muttered, his voice a mix of awe and horror. Starling had chirped in response, almost as if laughing at the boy’s predicament. “It’s not funny, you know,” Robin had continued, his cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of pink. “What am I going to do now? How can I face the duke after… after this?”

The memory faded. Robin had experienced his first release—while thinking of him. The thought was as amusing as it was arousing, and Darius found himself chuckling softly.

“It seems our little Robin is full of surprises,” Darius said, a smirk playing on his lips.

He should have felt guilty for intruding on such a private moment, but instead, he felt… pleased. Pleased and intrigued. The knowledge that Robin desired him, even if the boy was horrified by that desire, was both gratifying and exciting.

Darius turned from the window, pacing the length of his study as he replayed the scene in his mind. He savored every detail—the flush on Robin’s cheeks, the soft gasps of pleasure, the way his lithe body had trembled at the moment of release. The contrast between Robin’s ethereal beauty and the very human, very male act he had been engaged in was utterly captivating.

“This marriage might prove more interesting than I anticipated,” Darius pondered aloud, his eyes glinting with amusement and a hint of something deeper, something he wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge.

As the memory of Robin’s intimate moment continued to play in his mind, Darius felt a familiar heat coursing through his body. The sudden surge of desire caught him off guard, and he knew he needed to redirect this energy before it consumed his thoughts entirely.

With a swift decision, Darius made his way to the castle’s private training grounds. The vast arena, hidden from prying eyes by high stone walls and powerful illusion magic, would serve as the perfect outlet for his pent-up energy.

As Darius entered the training hall, he paused for a moment, surveying the vast space. With a mere thought, his attire began to shimmer and change. The formal robes of his station melted away, replaced by dark formfitting battle gear. The material, a blend of leather and an otherworldly fabric, hugged his muscular frame, allowing for both protection and unrestricted movement.

Once dressed, Darius extended his hand, palm down. From his shadow, a dark mass began to coalesce, rising and taking shape. Within seconds, Umbra stood beside him, a massive hound with fur as black as the void itself. The creature’s eyes glowed like embers, casting an eerie light in the dimness of the hall.

“Ready, old friend?” Darius murmured, a rare smile touching his lips.

In response, Umbra’s massive jaws parted in a silent snarl, revealing rows of gleaming teeth.

Stepping into the center of the arena, Darius closed his eyes and took a deep breath, willing his racing heart to slow. When he opened them again, his golden irises glowed with an inner fire, reflecting both his arousal and his determination to regain control.

With a wave of his hand, Darius summoned a legion of shadow warriors. The air shimmered as the spectral soldiers materialized, their forms flickering with an otherworldly energy. They stood motionless, awaiting his command.

Darius took another deep breath, centering himself. Then, in a blur of motion almost too fast for the eye to follow, he attacked.

His movements were a deadly dance, each strike precise and devastating. Shadow warriors fell left and right, dissipating into wisps of darkness. Umbra was a whirlwind of teeth and claws at his side, tearing through the spectral enemies with equal ferocity.

As the battle intensified, Darius called upon his more potent abilities. He wove complex illusions, confusing and misdirecting his opponents. One moment he was surrounded, the next he had vanished, only to reappear behind his foes, striking them down with ruthless efficiency.

Taking advantage of their hesitation, Darius summoned his black flame. The dark fire engulfed his hands, then spread outward in a devastating wave. Dozens of shadow warriors were consumed instantly, their forms crumbling to ash.

The ground trembled beneath his feet as he unleashed a wave of demonic energy, shattering several of the shadow warriors into wisps of darkness. Those that remained found themselves trapped in a labyrinth of mirrors, each reflection hiding the real Darius until it was too late.

As he fought, Darius’ mind wandered to his younger days. He remembered the thrill of leading vast armies, the rush of defending borders and expanding territories. While he still commanded hundreds of thousands of demon warriors, it wasn’t the same as being in the thick of battle.

These days, his battles were fought with quills and parchment, in council chambers rather than on blood-soaked fields. The work of a duke was necessary, but often tedious. As he incinerated another group of shadow warriors with his black flame, a thought occurred to him.

Perhaps after the wedding, I could take a vacation. Show Robin the wonders of Shadowmere in the demon realm.

The idea brought a smile to his face, even as he continued his deadly dance. He realized, with some surprise, that he was looking forward to sharing his world with Robin.

In a matter of minutes, the last of the shadow warriors fell, dissipating into nothingness. Darius stood alone in the center of the arena, his breathing only slightly quickened despite the intense display of power and skill. The workout had done its job, clearing his mind and cooling the fire in his veins—at least for now.

As he dispelled the last traces of his magic, Darius allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. The exercise had reminded him of the raw power at his command, yet even as he reveled in his strength, his thoughts once again drifted to Robin. The delicate human had managed to capture his attention in a way no one had in centuries, stirring both his body and his curiosity.

Umbra, now back in his massive form, padded over to him, tail wagging as he sought praise and affection. Just as Darius reached down to pet his faithful companion, he heard a slow clap echoing through the hall. He turned to see Ignis leaning against the doorframe, a broad grin on his face.

“Impressive as always,” Ignis said, pushing off from the wall and sauntering over. “Your illusions and that black flame of yours never cease to amaze.”

Darius allowed himself a small smirk. “One must keep in practice, even in times of peace.”

With another thought, his battle attire shimmered and transformed back into his formal robes. “Shall we head to dinner?”

As they made their way through the castle, Umbra shifted forms, shrinking down into an adorable black puppy. Suddenly, the small creature darted away, its tiny paws pattering against the stone floor.

Darius’ eyes followed Umbra’s path, only to widen slightly as he saw the puppy bound toward a familiar figure approaching from the other end of the corridor. There was Robin, a vision in a pastel gown. Beside him trotted Russet, ever attentive, while Starling perched delicately on Robin’s shoulder.

Umbra first rushed up to Russet. The two dogs circled each other, sniffing enthusiastically. Russet’s tail wagged furiously as he greeted the smaller pup, and they engaged in a playful tumble that had Robin pausing in his walk, laughing delightedly at their antics.

After their brief roughhousing, Umbra turned his attention to Robin. The tiny hound yipped excitedly, running circles around the boy’s legs. Robin, caught off guard by the puppy’s enthusiasm, began to twist and turn in place, trying to catch the energetic ball of fur.

“Oh, come here, you little rascal!” Robin cooed, bending down to try and scoop up Umbra. The puppy, however, had other ideas.

Umbra darted between Robin’s legs, causing the boy to spin around, his pastel gown swirling about him. Starling took flight, circling above the comical scene.

“Goodness gracious!” Robin exclaimed, giggling as he made another attempt to catch the playful pup. “You’re a quick one, aren’t you?”

In his enthusiasm to catch Umbra, Robin didn’t notice how tangled he was becoming in his own gown. With one final twist, he lost his balance, landing unceremoniously on his bottom with a soft “oof!”

The fall left Robin in a state of dishevelment that was both endearing and slightly scandalous. His gown was splayed out around him, one shoulder of the dress having slipped down to reveal a glimpse of his pale collarbone. His long hair, usually so perfectly arranged, was now a tangled mess, with strands sticking out at odd angles.

And there, in the middle of this charming chaos, sat Umbra. The puppy had finally decided to allow himself to be caught and was now contentedly nestled in Robin’s lap, looking up at him with adoring eyes.

Robin couldn’t help but laugh at the situation, his emerald eyes sparkling with mirth as he cuddled the puppy close. “Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance, don’t you?” he said, scratching behind Umbra’s ears.

From where he stood, Darius found himself utterly captivated by the scene before him. The sight of Robin, disheveled and laughing, with Umbra in his arms and Russet and Starling nearby, stirred something warm and unfamiliar in his chest. The pastel hues of Robin’s gown seemed to make his emerald eyes sparkle even more brightly, his porcelain skin practically glowing in the light of the corridor. It was a moment of pure, unguarded joy, a glimpse into a world far removed from Darius’ usual realm of power and politics. Yet he found it undeniably appealing—a fleeting vision of a lighter, more carefree existence that he hadn’t realized he’d been yearning for.

As Darius gazed at Robin, a thought crossed his mind, unbidden but not unwelcome: Robin could look this youthful and beautiful for eternity if they were to complete the ultimate binding ritual.

The binding of souls was an ancient and powerful magic, typically reserved for demon lords of great power. It was a ceremony that went beyond mere marriage, intertwining two beings on a fundamental level. The ritual involved a complex series of incantations and the exchange of vital essences, culminating in the merging of auras. Once completed, the bound pair would share a deep, unbreakable connection, sensing each other’s emotions and even sharing thoughts if they so desired.

For a demon lord like Darius, the ritual would grant his partner a share of his immortality and power. If the partner was human, like Robin, it would halt their aging process, preserving them forever at the moment of binding. They would remain untouched by time, their beauty and vitality eternal.

However, the ritual was not without its risks. It was irreversible, binding the pair for all eternity. If one were to perish, the other would feel the loss as keenly as if half their soul had been torn away. It was a commitment not entered into lightly, even among the long-lived demon nobility.

As these thoughts raced through Darius’ mind, he found himself both thrilled and terrified by the possibility. The idea of binding Robin to him for eternity was intoxicating, but it also meant opening himself up to a level of vulnerability he had never before considered. It was far too soon to be contemplating such things, he knew, and yet the image of Robin, eternally youthful and by his side, refused to leave his mind.

Darius shook his head slightly, trying to clear away these dangerous thoughts. He reminded himself that there were more pressing matters at hand, not least of which was the impending marriage ceremony. Still, as he watched Robin giggle and play with Umbra, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of possessiveness and longing. Whatever the future held, Darius was beginning to realize that his life would never be the same with Robin in it.

As Darius and Ignis approached, Robin’s eyes widened in recognition. A look of panic flashed across his face, and Darius had the distinct impression that the boy wanted to flee. Robin began to scramble to his feet, his movements urgent and clumsy.

However, Umbra, still nestled comfortably in Robin’s lap, refused to budge. “Oh, goodness,” Robin huffed, his face flushing a delightful shade of pink. He tried to push himself up, one arm cradling the puppy while the other pressed against the floor.

The corset of his gown, however, had other ideas. It constricted his movement, causing Robin to wince and groan. “Oof,” he puffed, falling back on his bottom. “This is… quite the challenge.”

Robin made another valiant attempt, his face scrunched in concentration. He managed to get to his knees before losing his balance, teetering precariously. “Oh no, oh no,” he muttered, wobbling before plopping back down, his gown billowing around him.

Darius watched this display with a mixture of amusement and concern. Noting the look of near panic in Robin’s eyes, he decided to intervene. With swift, graceful movements, he closed the distance between them.

“Allow me,” Darius said, his voice a low rumble. Without waiting for a response, he slipped his arms around Robin’s waist, lifting him effortlessly to his feet. The action brought Robin’s face level with Darius’ broad chest, the top of his head barely reaching the demon lord’s shoulders. Robin’s startled gasp was muffled against the fabric of Darius’ clothing.

For a moment, they stood like that, intimately close. Darius could feel the rapid beat of Robin’s heart, the warmth of his body through the layers of his gown. Robin’s scent, a mixture of flowers and something uniquely him, filled Darius’ senses. From this vantage point, Darius was acutely aware of how small and delicate Robin seemed in his arms, the top of his golden head tucked just under Darius’ chin.

“Th-thank you, Your Grace,” Robin stammered, his face a brilliant shade of red as he tilted his head back to meet Darius’ gaze. The movement exposed the pale column of his throat, and Darius felt a sudden, primal urge to lean down and—

Darius reluctantly loosened his hold, allowing Robin to step back, though he kept one hand at the small of Robin’s back. He glanced at Ignis, noting the gleam of delight and curiosity in his friend’s eyes.

“Robin,” Darius said, his voice softer than usual, “allow me to introduce Grand Duke Ignatius of Solarys. Ignis, this is Robin Aldercrest, my… betrothed.”

Robin’s eyes widened as he took in Ignis’ imposing figure. He attempted to curtsy, a feat made nearly impossible by the squirming puppy in his arms and Darius’ hand still at his back. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace,” he stammered.

As Robin dipped into his awkward curtsy, the already loosened top of his gown slipped further, revealing more of his pale shoulder and collarbone. Darius’ eyes widened in alarm, while Ignis’ grin broadened, his gaze appreciatively taking in the unintentional display.

Oblivious to the wardrobe malfunction, Robin continued. “I… thank you, Your Grace. I must admit, I’m surprised to learn that you and His Grace are friends. You seem so…”

Darius, unable to bear the sight of Robin’s exposed skin being ogled by his friend, hastily reached out to adjust the gown. His fingers brushed against Robin’s bare shoulder as he tugged the fabric back into place.

Robin jumped at the unexpected touch, his face flushing a deep crimson as he finally realized what had happened. “Oh! I’m so sorry, Your Graces. This gown is terribly uncooperative.” He fumbled with the neckline, trying to keep it in place while still holding Umbra.

“No need to apologize, little one,” Ignis said, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “It was quite a charming view.”

Darius shot Ignis a warning glare, which only seemed to amuse the grand duke further.

Ignoring his friend’s ire, Ignis let out a booming laugh that echoed through the corridor. “Please, call me Ignis. Any betrothed of Darius is a friend of mine—wardrobe malfunctions and all.”

Robin blinked rapidly, clearly taken aback by Ignis’ boisterous demeanor and casual dismissal of the embarrassing incident. “I… thank you, Your Grace. I must admit, I’m surprised to learn that you and His Grace are friends. You seem so…”

“Different?” Ignis finished, his grin widening. “Oh, we are. Light and shadow, fire and darkness. But opposites attract, as they say. Darius and I have been thick as thieves since we were but demon spawn.”

Ignis’ eyes roved over Robin, a mixture of amusement and appreciation in his gaze. “Tell me, little one, how are you finding life in the castle? Has our brooding duke been treating you well?”

“Oh, um,” Robin stuttered, shifting Umbra in his arms. The puppy chose that moment to lick his face, causing Robin to giggle nervously. “His Grace has been very… accommodating.”

Darius felt an uncharacteristic surge of possessiveness at Ignis’ prolonged attention to Robin. The way Ignis seemed to enjoy Robin’s presence and openly ogle the boy irked him more than he cared to admit. Darius wondered if Ignis had realized Robin was male, though knowing his perceptive friend, he probably had.

“I believe it’s time for dinner,” Darius said, his voice carrying a hint of warning that only Ignis would recognize. “You must be famished after your… eventful walk, my dear.”

Robin’s eyes widened, a hint of panic flashing across his face. “Oh, Your Grace, I… I’m afraid I’m not presentable enough for dinner yet.” He glanced down at his rumpled gown, a blush creeping up his cheeks. “If you’ll excuse me, I should change into something more appropriate.”

Ignis chuckled. “Nonsense! You look positively delightful. Doesn’t she, Darius?”

Darius cleared his throat, fighting back another wave of possessiveness. “Your comfort is paramount, Robin. If you wish to change, by all means, do so.”

Relief flooded Robin’s face. “Thank you, Your Grace. I won’t be long.” He gave a quick, awkward curtsy to both demons before hurrying away, Umbra still in his arms. Russet trotted after him while Starling circled once before following.

As Robin disappeared around the corner with his animal companions, Darius turned to Ignis, his golden eyes narrowing. “You’re enjoying this entirely too much.”

Ignis’ grin widened. “Can you blame me? Your little bride is quite… entertaining.”

Darius bristled at the word bride , wondering if Ignis had indeed figured out Robin’s true gender. “Just remember, Ignis, Robin is under my protection.”

“Of course, of course,” Ignis said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I wouldn’t dream of interfering with your… arrangement.”