A Heart Disguised 1 (The Demon Lords of Aethoria)

14. Robin

14

Robin

T he afternoon sun illuminated the castle courtyard garden, but its beauty was lost on me. My eyes skimmed over the blooming flowers and manicured hedges without really seeing them. Russet trotted at my side, his familiar presence a small comfort. Starling perched on my shoulder, while the black puppy I’d dubbed Fluffy bounded ahead, oblivious to my melancholy.

In my hand, a letter crinkled softly, its contents weighing heavy on my heart. Rosalind’s and Lily’s neat script blurred as I read it for the umpteenth time.

“Dearest Robin,” it began, “We miss you terribly. How we wish we could be there for your wedding day! But Mother forbids it. She says there are too many demons in Lunaria, and the thought of you marrying the demon lord Darius himself… Oh, Robin, we worry for you so.”

With a heavy sigh, I tucked the letter into my skirt pocket. The castle’s grandeur suddenly felt hollow, its opulent corridors now seeming to mock my solitude. Without the prospect of my sisters’ laughter echoing through its halls, even the warm afternoon sun couldn’t chase away the chill settling in my heart.

I shouldn’t have been surprised, really. From the moment Father had decreed that I would be the duke’s bride, I knew I had been cast aside. The order wasn’t just a command; it was a severance. In his eyes, I was no longer part of the Aldercrest family.

Still, a small part of me had hoped that perhaps Rosalind and Lily might find a way to attend the wedding. Their absence only reinforced the finality of my father’s decision. Meredith and Bernard would be there, along with Russet and Starling, but it wasn’t the same. They were dear to me, of course, but they couldn’t fill the void left by my sisters’ absence.

I leaned down to stroke Fluffy’s velvet-soft fur, a small smile tugging at my lips as the puppy’s tail wagged with fervor. The simplicity of our play under the dappled shade of an ancient oak tree was a balm to my troubled thoughts. For a moment, I allowed myself to forget the weight of my impending marriage and the absence of my family.

Lost in this brief respite, I barely registered Fluffy’s sudden excited bark. It was only when a voice called out from above that I snapped back to reality.

“I do hope that beast hasn’t eaten your tongue. It would be a shame to have a mute bride.”

Startled, I looked up to find a boy hanging upside down from a tree branch, a mischievous grin spread across his face. With a graceful flip that belied his precarious position, he landed on his feet before me, barely disturbing a blade of grass.

I took in his appearance—sleek horns, silver eyes, and a build as slender as my own. The resemblance to the duke was unmistakable, though this boy exuded an impish charm all his own.

“I assure you, my tongue is quite intact,” I replied, arching an eyebrow. “Though I can’t speak for your manners. Do you always greet people by hanging from trees?”

He clutched his chest in mock offense. “You wound me, my lady. I’ll have you know that unexpected entrances are a specialty of mine.”

“Along with eavesdropping, I presume?”

“Merely satisfying my curiosity,” he said with a wink. “One can never know too much about one’s future sister-in-law.”

“You seem to know who I am. Are you related to the duke somehow?”

He grinned, unfazed by my scrutiny. “Clever observation. I’m Caelum, Darius’ younger brother. And you must be Darius’ bride.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m Robin,” I offered, extending my hand.

“A pleasure to finally meet the human who’s captured my brother’s attention,” Caelum replied, taking my hand. “Almost as captivating as my acrobatic entrance, I hope.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his playful tone. “Well, Caelum, I’m not sure I can compete with such a dramatic entrance, but I’ll do my best to keep things interesting.”

His silver eyes twinkled with mischief. “Oh, I’m sure you will. For starters, how about you show me around this place? I’ve only been here a few times, and I’m dying to know all its secrets.”

A wry smile played at the corner of my mouth. “Secrets? You flatter me, Caelum. But I must confess, I’m as new to the mysteries of this castle as a fish to cycling. I’ve barely dipped my toes in its depths.”

Caelum’s grin widened, revealing a hint of shared conspiracy. “Then it’s settled. We’ll embark on this grand tour together, two explorers in a labyrinth of stone and secrets.”

“I hope you’re prepared for disappointment.” I chuckled, admiring his enthusiasm. “The most exciting thing I’ve stumbled upon so far is the library—and that’s only if you consider dust bunnies a form of wildlife.”

“Ah, but you underestimate the allure of literary safaris,” he said. “There are worse fates than being devoured by a particularly vicious encyclopedia.”

Before I could retort, a voice cut through our playful banter like a foghorn in a library.

“Lady Robin! Lady Robin, where are you?”

Meredith’s voice was tinged with panic, and I turned to see her bustling toward us, her face as red as a tomato left too long in the sun.

Caelum cocked his head to the side, watching her approach with an amused twinkle in his eye. “Is she always this… animated? Or did someone put firecrackers in her shoes?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his observation. “Only when it concerns wedding preparations. I think she’s more excited about this marriage than I am.”

As Meredith drew near, her gaze landed on Caelum and lingered for an uncomfortable moment. She studied him as one might appraise a peculiar work of art—or a particularly exotic insect.

“My word,” she finally exclaimed, “what a beautiful little demon. Like a porcelain doll with horns!”

Caelum’s cheeks turned a shade that almost matched Russet’s fur. “Little?” he echoed, sounding like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

“Meredith,” I interjected gently before she could further ruffle Caelum’s feathers, “this is Caelum. He’s the duke’s younger brother.”

With impeccable manners, Meredith curtsied to Caelum, who managed a bashful nod in return, looking like he wished the ground would swallow him whole.

“Oh! My lord,” she said with an apologetic smile. “Pardon my forwardness. I didn’t realize demons came in fun-size.”

Caelum’s face fell, his earlier mischievous grin replaced by a tight-lipped smile that didn’t reach his eyes. I noticed his shoulders tense, and for a moment, the confident demeanor he’d been projecting cracked, revealing a flash of insecurity.

“Yes, well,” he said, his voice strained as he tried to maintain his composure, “we demons come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are just… more compact than others.”

I could see the way Caelum’s eyes darted to the side, as if searching for his brother’s towering shadow. It was clear that Meredith’s words had struck a nerve, reminding Caelum of a comparison he’d likely heard countless times before.

Meredith, oblivious to the impact of her words, then turned her attention back to me, urgency seeping into her voice like water into a sinking ship.

“Lady Robin, Madame Elodie has arrived for your final fitting, and all your other outfits are awaiting inspection too. The wedding is but a few days away! We must hurry before she turns into a pumpkin—or worse, leaves!”

As Meredith clutched my arm with the strength of a bear trap and began to steer me toward the castle, Caelum piped up behind us.

“I’m quite intrigued by your choice of wedding attire,” he said lightly. “Do you mind if I tag along? I promise not to critique unless it’s truly horrendous.”

The question caught me off guard—I hadn’t anticipated an audience. Visions of Caelum discovering my secret danced in my head like sugarplum fairies with malicious intent. But before I could muster an excuse, Meredith answered for me, her eyes lighting up with an enthusiasm that I’d come to recognize all too well.

“Oh, what a splendid idea!” she exclaimed, her voice pitched higher than usual. “The more the merrier! And who better to offer a demon’s perspective on the bride’s attire?”

I caught a glimpse of that familiar spark in Meredith’s expression—the one that always appeared when it was time to stuff me into yet another gown. For reasons I couldn’t fathom, she seemed to take an inordinate amount of pleasure in these dress-up sessions.

Her grip was ironclad as she whisked us through the corridors, Russet and Fluffy trailing at our heels while Starling took flight above us, probably wondering why its human companions couldn’t simply fly to their destination. Meredith’s steps had a bounce to them, and she hummed softly under her breath, clearly relishing the situation.

“Meredith,” I hissed, trying to slow our breakneck pace, “surely Caelum has more important matters to attend to than watching me be turned into a human pincushion?”

Caelum, overhearing my feeble protest, merely shrugged. “What could be more important than witnessing the creation of a masterpiece? Besides, I’ve always found human fashion to be endlessly fascinating. It’s like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon, only with more needles and cursing.”

Meredith’s response was swift and tinged with barely concealed glee. “Nonsense, dear! Lord Caelum’s presence will be most welcome. After all, two opinions are better than one when it comes to fashion!”

I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. “Very well,” I conceded, resigned to my fate. “But I warn you, it’s a rather tedious process. You might find watching paint dry more exciting.”

“It’ll be a delightful afternoon,” Meredith interjected. “And just think, Robin—you’ll have an audience to practice for the big day!”

I couldn’t shake the feeling that Meredith was deriving far too much enjoyment from this situation. Her enthusiasm for dressing me up had always puzzled me, but now, with Caelum in tow, she seemed positively ecstatic.

As we entered my parlor, Madame Elodie swept toward me like a storm of silk and perfume, her assistants Tessa and Tilly trailing behind her like eager puppies. Their gazes, however, were quickly captured by Caelum’s exotic charm.

“Oh my,” Tessa whispered to Tilly, her eyes wide as saucers. “I didn’t know demons could be so… petite.”

“And adorable!” Tilly added with a giggle that bordered on hysterical. They were like two kittens upon spotting a yarn ball dangling from a chandelier—completely transfixed.

Caelum’s face reddened, caught between flattery and insult. “Adorable is for kittens and babies,” he grumbled under his breath. “Not demon lords.”

He made himself comfortable on the sofa, crossing his legs with an air of nonchalance that belied his flushed cheeks. Meanwhile, Russet and Fluffy settled near the hearth as if they’d been doing so for years, and Starling perched on the windowsill, her eyes observant and unblinking.

Madame Elodie clapped her hands, bringing everyone’s attention back to the task at hand. “Now then, Lady Robin, shall we begin?” She gestured grandly toward a covered mannequin that I hadn’t noticed before. “Allow me to present your wedding gown!”

With a flourish that would make any stage magician envious, Madame Elodie whisked away the cover, revealing a creation that took my breath away. The gown was a vision in ivory and pearl, a masterpiece of silk and lace that seemed to glow with an otherworldly light. Intricate beadwork adorned the bodice, creating patterns that resembled delicate vines and flowers. The skirt cascaded down in layers of gossamer-thin fabric, each tier catching the light differently, creating an ethereal effect.

“It’s… stunning,” I breathed, momentarily forgetting my anxiety in the face of such beauty.

Tessa and Tilly approached the gown reverently, their eyes wide with wonder. With practiced care, they began to remove it from the mannequin, handling it as if it were made of spun sugar rather than fabric.

Madame Elodie turned to me, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Now, Lady Robin, if you’ll allow me to assist you in undressing—”

I clutched my current gown to my chest like a shield, panic rising in my throat. The idea of changing in front of this motley crew—especially Caelum—was more terrifying than facing the duke himself. “Perhaps I could change in my bedroom?” I suggested, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.

Madame Elodie’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “But my lady, we need to ensure the fit is perfect. It would be easier if—”

“I insist,” I said, my voice firmer this time. “I’m sure we can manage the fitting once I’m in the gown.”

Madame Elodie sighed, a mixture of exasperation and fondness in her expression. “As shy as ever, I see. Very well, my lady. We’ll wait here while you change.”

I caught a glimpse of Caelum from the corner of my eye. He was smirking, one eyebrow raised in amusement. There was something in his expression that made me uneasy, as if he knew more than he was letting on.

I gathered the gown in my arms, careful not to wrinkle its perfection. “If you’ll excuse us,” I said to the room, backing toward my bedroom door.

Meredith, ever attuned to my needs, was already in motion. “Come along, Lady Robin,” she said, gently guiding me with a hand on my elbow. “Let’s get you ready.”

As we made our way to the adjoining room, I heard Madame Elodie mutter behind us, “Such modesty in a bride. It’s refreshing, really.”

Caelum’s knowing chuckle followed us. Once inside my bedroom, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Meredith closed the door behind us with a soft click and immediately set to work, her movements efficient and practiced, a comforting routine in the midst of my growing anxiety.

“Now then,” Meredith said, her eyes twinkling. “Let’s see how this masterpiece fits, shall we?”

With ease, Meredith helped me slip into the gown. Her hands fluttered around me with the precision of a hummingbird, adjusting and smoothing as she went. She was all but vibrating with excitement as she fastened the back.

“Oh, Lady Robin,” she cooed as she made a few final adjustments. “You look like an angel descended from the heavens.”

I turned to face the full-length mirror, and for a moment, I didn’t recognize the person staring back at me. The gown fit remarkably well. It hugged my torso before flaring out dramatically, creating the illusion of a feminine silhouette.

“I can’t believe I’m actually wearing a wedding gown,” I murmured, more to myself than to Meredith. The dress was a work of art, transforming me into the very picture of a blushing bride. If only the reality wasn’t so much more complicated.

She patted my shoulder, her eyes misty. “And what a bride you make! The duke won’t know what hit him.”

If only she knew the half of it, I thought wryly. The gown was exquisite—the sort of attire that belonged in paintings rather than real life. But beneath the layers of silk and lace, I couldn’t help but feel like an impostor.

“Well,” I said, trying to inject some lightness into my voice, “shall we go show the others? I’m sure Madame Elodie is eager to see if any adjustments are needed.”

Stepping back into the parlor felt like walking onto a stage. All eyes turned to me—Madame Elodie’s critical, Tessa’s and Tilly’s awestruck, Caelum’s amused—and I fought down the urge to flee back into my room.

“It’s a perfect fit!” Madame Elodie declared, nodding in approval as her assistants clapped their hands with delight.

Caelum regarded me thoughtfully before offering a single nod of agreement—a silent accolade from the lord perched upon his makeshift throne of cushions. “Well, well,” he drawled, “it seems you clean up rather nicely, Lady Robin.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his backhanded compliment. “Your approval means the world to me, Lord Caelum,” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

He grinned, clearly enjoying our verbal sparring. “Always happy to boost a lady’s confidence.”

Before I could retort, Tilly and Tessa wheeled in more boxes, their contents threatening to spill out like a fabric avalanche. “There’s more?” I asked, my voice rising an octave.

“But of course!” Madame Elodie exclaimed. “The duke was most insistent on providing a full wardrobe befitting his bride. We have riding habits, evening gowns, day dresses…”

As she rattled off the list, I felt my head spin. The duke had mentioned ordering clothes for me, but I hadn’t expected… this. It was like being caught in a whirlwind of lace and silk.

Tilly and Tessa began unpacking the boxes, cooing over each garment. There were riding habits in rich, jewel-toned velvets, complete with matching hats. Day dresses in light, airy fabrics perfect for summer strolls. Evening gowns that sparkled with intricate beadwork, each one more stunning than the last.

“Oh, Lady Robin, look at this!” Tessa exclaimed, holding up a deep-blue gown with silver embroidery. “It matches the duke’s colors perfectly!”

I nodded weakly, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of clothing. Then, from the depths of one box, I pulled out something that made my heart stop.

“What in Aethoria is this supposed to cover?” I asked, holding up a flimsy piece of fabric that seemed more suited for dusting than wearing.

Madame Elodie’s eyes widened, a blush creeping up her neck. “I… well, that is… The duke provided sketches, you see. We merely followed them.”

Caelum erupted into laughter, drawing everyone’s attention. “Oh, this is priceless,” he said, wiping tears from his eyes. “Those, my dear Robin, are for your honeymoon. That white one goes under your wedding dress.”

The room fell silent, all eyes darting between the garment in my hands and my rapidly reddening face. Meredith, Madame Elodie, and her assistants circled around the delicate pieces like they were relics from some exotic land.

“How fascinating,” Meredith breathed, her fingers brushing over lace and silk. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

“It’s tradition among demons,” Caelum continued, still grinning as he watched their fascination grow. “We call it ‘lingerie.’ The bride wears these to… enhance the wedding night experience.”

“Lingerie?” I echoed, the foreign word feeling strange on my tongue. “What exactly does that mean?”

Caelum’s grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It’s intimate apparel, designed to be worn beneath one’s clothes or… alone. It’s meant to entice and allure one’s partner.”

A collective gasp echoed through the room. Tilly and Tessa’s eyes widened, their cheeks flushing a deep red. Madame Elodie looked both scandalized and intrigued, while Meredith’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O’ of surprise.

“You mean… these are meant to be seen?” Meredith asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Oh yes,” Caelum nodded, clearly enjoying the reactions. “They’re designed to reveal as much as they conceal. The lace, the silk, the strategically placed… openings. All meant to ignite passion.”

Tilly and Tessa exchanged excited glances. “Do you think we could make something like this for ourselves?” Tilly whispered, not quite quietly enough. “I bet Thomas would love it.”

Tessa giggled, nodding enthusiastically. “Oh, and imagine Harold’s face if I wore something like this!”

Madame Elodie’s eyes lit up with a spark of entrepreneurial spirit. “Ladies, I believe we may have stumbled upon a new market. Imagine, a line of… intimate apparel for the upper class.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. Wearing such revealing garments would certainly expose more than I was comfortable with—my very identity at risk under such scant protection. Dread curled in my stomach like smoke around embers.

“Surely there’s been some mistake,” I said weakly. “Perhaps these were meant for someone else?”

Caelum shook his head, his expression a mix of amusement and sympathy. “I’m afraid not, Robin. It’s an important part of demon wedding traditions. You’ll have to wear them.”

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. How could I possibly wear these without revealing my secret? It seemed an impossible task.

“Well then,” Meredith said, clapping her hands together, “we’d best make sure everything fits perfectly! We wouldn’t want to disappoint the duke on his wedding night, would we?”

As the women around me buzzed with excitement over the lingerie and its possibilities, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of impending doom. This was one secret I wasn’t sure I could keep under wraps—quite literally.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders as Caelum and I made our way to the dining room, Finn, the young servant boy, leading the way lest we lose ourselves in this labyrinth of opulence. Caelum’s laughter echoed off the stone walls, a sound so light and carefree that it seemed out of place within the castle’s stoic embrace.

“Stop it, Caelum,” I muttered, my cheeks still burning from the indignity of the fitting session. “It’s not funny.”

He chuckled, a twinkle in his silver eyes that suggested he found my predicament utterly hilarious. “Oh, Robin, if only you could see the humor in it. You, trying on every piece of clothing known to demon and humankind, including the… ‘lingerie.’” He said the last word with a flourish, as if it were a joke only he was privy to.

I shot him a glare that could have wilted the hardiest of flowers. “It’s not as if I had a choice. And speaking of choices, I can’t believe I had to try on every single one of those… garments. And the lingerie—I can’t believe Meredith barged into the bathroom insisting on seeing how it fits!”

A blush crept onto my cheeks as I remembered staring at my reflection in the mirror, clad in silk and lace that left little to the imagination. It was like gazing upon a stranger—a vision of allure and forbidden secrets. “There’s no way in hell I’ll wear any of those intimate pieces,” I muttered under my breath, “let alone let Darius see me in them.”

As if reading my thoughts, Caelum said, “It’s too bad you didn’t come out to let us see how you looked in the lingerie. But I understand, you’re a woman, after all.”

I felt the weight of his gaze on me, and my glare intensified. Was he truly this oblivious, or was he teasing me? The way he emphasized ‘woman’ made it clear he was enjoying every moment of my discomfort. The line between ignorance and playfulness seemed to blur when it came to Caelum.

We finally reached the dining room, and the moment we stepped through the grand arched doorway, it was as if we had entered a den of lions. The duke’s lieutenants—Sir Zephyr, Vex, Thorne, Orion, and Fenris—surrounded Caelum in a flurry of hearty claps on the back and deep, resonant laughter.

Sir Zephyr was the first to embrace Caelum. “Little lord, you grow more handsome each time I lay eyes upon you,” he said, his voice laced with genuine affection.

Sir Vex, ever the silent observer, gave a rare smile, his icy demeanor thawing slightly at the sight of Caelum. Sir Thorne lifted Caelum off his feet in a bear hug, his booming laughter reverberating through the hall.

Sir Orion, the most reserved of the group, offered a nod of acknowledgment, a small smile playing on his lips. And Sir Fenris clapped Caelum on the shoulder, his stern features softening.

It was clear they adored Caelum, and for a moment, I felt a pang of envy. They treated him as if he were a younger brother, beloved and cherished. I couldn’t help but wonder if I would ever find my place among them, or if I would always be an outsider, a human masquerading as a noblewoman in a court of demons.

As I watched the camaraderie unfold, I realized that despite the laughter and the warmth, I was stepping into a world much more complex and dangerous than I had ever imagined. And as much as I wished to turn back, to flee from the trials that lay ahead, I knew I had no choice but to move forward, one tentative step at a time.

The sight was heartwarming—these fearsome lieutenants showing such open affection for Darius’ younger brother. Watching them interact, I couldn’t help but feel an odd pang of envy at their easy camaraderie. It seemed even demons valued family ties more than Lord Aldercrest ever did his own flesh and blood.

As the lieutenants’ greetings subsided, the doors swung open once more. The duke strode in, his imposing figure commanding attention, with Grand Duke Ignatius close behind. The moment Caelum caught sight of the grand duke, he tensed, looking as if he might bolt at any second.

But the grand duke was too quick. With a gleeful roar, he swept Caelum into a crushing bear hug, lifting the smaller demon off his feet.

“Unhand me, you overgrown firefly!” Caelum shrieked, pounding his fists against Grand Duke Ignis’ massive chest. “I swear by all that’s unholy, if you don’t put me down this instant—”

Grand Duke Ignis’ booming laughter drowned out the rest of Caelum’s threats. “Oh, how I’ve missed your dulcet tones, little one!” He finally set Caelum down, ruffling his hair affectionately. “Why, I do believe you’ve grown a whole inch since last we met. You’re positively towering now!”

Caelum smoothed his rumpled clothes, glaring daggers at the demon lord. “How kind of you to notice. I was beginning to think your eyesight was as dim as your wit.”

“Such a sharp tongue,” Grand Duke Ignis chuckled. “We must find time for some fun before I return to my domain. Perhaps I could teach you how to reach the top shelf without a stepladder?”

“Oh, joy,” Caelum drawled. “I can hardly contain my excitement. Shall we practice reaching for your intellect while we’re at it? I hear it’s quite elusive.”

Their banter continued, drawing laughter from the lieutenants. Meanwhile, Duke Darius approached me, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. He took my hand, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. “My lady,” he murmured, “I trust the final fitting went well?”

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I recalled the more… intimate garments. “It was… illuminating, Your Grace,” I managed, hoping my face wasn’t as red as it felt.

Before Duke Darius could respond, the sound of a cane tapping against stone announced a new arrival. An ancient demon hobbled into the room, his long white beard nearly touching the ground.

“Ah, Master Grimoire,” the duke said, turning to greet the newcomer. “Allow me to introduce my bride-to-be, Lady Robin.”

Master Grimoire peered at me, his rheumy eyes narrowing as he studied my face. “Well, well,” he croaked, “what a remarkably beautiful little demoness you are! No wonder you’ve caught our Darius’ undivided attention.” He leaned in closer, squinting. “Though I must say, your horns are so small I can scarcely see them. Are you quite sure you’re full-grown, my dear?”

The room erupted in laughter, and I felt my face burning hotter than ever. Duke Darius’ lips twitched with barely suppressed mirth.

“I assure you, Master Grimoire,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady, “any horns I possess are purely metaphorical.”

This elicited another round of chuckles, and even the duke couldn’t contain his laughter this time.

“Metaphorical horns!” Master Grimoire exclaimed. “Well, I never! Darius, my boy, you’ve certainly found yourself a clever one. Keep her close, or she might just outsmart you yet!”

As the laughter subsided, I caught Caelum’s eye. He offered me a sympathetic smile, no doubt recognizing a kindred spirit in the art of enduring teasing. It seemed that in this world of demons, a sharp wit might be my best defense after all.