Heart of Darkness

Roxana had found different strategies to help Alexander. Her first strategy was to keep him busy with other things and exhaust him. After work she would ask for them to go riding, or for him to teach her how to fight just so they could find other fun things to do together and he could forget his hunger for a while.

Sir Fulker liked their training and was happy she kept doing it even if she quit her job as a guard. "It will be good for you as a queen," he told her.

Gary and Peter kept a respectful distance and Roxana was friendly with them but didn't want to do anything else to make them uncomfortable. She could not have it all.

Alexander allowed her to choose guards for the future and she asked for Ronny from the training center. He was comfortable around her and was excited about her becoming a queen. He was also big, his size alone would intimidate anyone and he was very sweet.

Lord Quintus was taking care of everything else in the background and there was a lot of dance practice, and etiquette, educating herself about the kingdom and the laws and trying on dresses.

If he only knew all those dresses would not stay on her very long anyway and uncle Ben even wanted to serve Alexander fish head soup. Really? Was there something with a reversed effect to help the poor man? She brought him home to spend time with uncle Ben and Fanny just so he would enjoy something else. Not be fed fishhead soup.

But well, better than meat perhaps and he had been doing better in trying as well, but she could see the torture in his eyes sometimes and it made her feel bad.

So tonight knowing he had abstained as long as he could, she followed him to the demon world after everyone fell asleep.

They walked into their bed-chamber. "I have something for you," he said pointing at the table.

She found a large box, wrapped with ribbons. "What is it?" She asked.

"Open it."

She went ahead and untied the ribbon, then lifted the top of the box to see what was inside. She reached for the rosy silky dress laying wrapped neatly in there and lifted it to see. It was simple, elegant, and beautiful. There were also matching heels inside and a pair of diamond earrings and a bracelet.

"Alex, what is this for."

"I am taking you out," he said.

"Where?"

"For dinner. I'll leave you to get dressed," he said and left.

Dinner? What had gotten into him suddenly?

Roxana wore the fitted silky dress and the short heels. Combing her hair, she didn't know what to do with it so she just let it down and lastly she wore her jewelry. Walking out of the room, Alexander was already waiting for her in the hall, wearing a fine black suit. He was as handsome as ever and his sapphire eyes absorbed all of her as she walked over.

After everything, he could still make her blush with a simple look. He reached his hand out and she took it. He tugged at her, like he tugged at her heart.

"You look ravishing."

"Thank you," she smiled.

"But... I am not going to ravish you tonight," he said drawing her closer.

"No?"

"No."

"What are we doing then?"

"We will start with your favorite. Food." He told her.

"I like that. And dessert." She added.

"We can't forget that." He smiled.

She chuckled.

Alexander took her to a beautiful restaurant on top of a tower. She could see the city and all the lights looking down. The night breeze on the tower was soft and carried the aroma of delicious flavors.

She got a menu to choose from, but she wasn't sure what to try. There were so many things. She looked up at Alexander for help and knowing her he was already smiling. "You can order a mix," he said.

"Is that possible?"

"If not, I can make it possible," he smirked.

"Alright." She said licking her lips. "I want a this...and this... And this...maybe this one too." She pointed at the dishes.

He nodded and when the waitress came he explained it to her. Oh, she could not wait to taste it all.

"Thank you, Alex." She smiled at him.

"I like when you call me that," he husked, his eyes swirling with something wicked again, but he kept his composure. Instead, he lay out his hand and she placed hers in his. He held her gently, stroking her with his thumb. He looked at the ring on her finger, the one he gave her. "You will be my wife soon." He said.

Her heart skipped. She knew about mates, but the word wife made her feel something else.

He would be her husband. She would marry the king. It still felt like a dream sometimes.

"Yes. Your wife. And you will be my husband."

"I will be yours."

"Yes. Mine only." Their fingers intertwined and he smiled amused.

They talked and laughed over dinner, flirted and teased and fed each other and then he invited her up for a dance.

"What is happening, gentleman?" She asked.

"Can't you tell? I am courting you." He said pulling her closer than he should. Their bodies were not supposed to touch but he adapted a new way, clearly.

"Aren't you a little too bold?" She asked.

"Well, you called me a gentleman. I was offended." He joked.

"Alright, you devil."

He smiled amused, swaying her gently to the music. "Roxana."

"Yes."

His eyes melted into hers, the soft purple becoming a little more prominent as if warming up, becoming the most beautiful sapphire stones she had ever seen. "I have exhausted you."

"No," she shook her head.

"I wouldn't have come this far without you. I know and appreciate all the effort you put in. You have been my light and my strength. My reason to live and to keep fighting."

Her eyes stung. "I wish I could help you more," she breathed.

"No," he leaned in, bringing his forehead close to hers. "You have given me every comfort and happiness I could have. I want you to know that you are not just someone to satisfy my hunger. I might have made it seem that way lately but you fulfill me in every way, Roxana. My heart and soul are only complete with you by my side."

She lifted her gaze to his, taking in the beauty of his eyes and the warmth his words carried. Her lips curved into a smile and he dipped his head and took them in a kiss. It wasn't hungry. It was warm, soft, and tender. It was comforting. Safe. It felt like home and made her heart flutter.

When he pulled back she smiled again. "I don't think we need to practice for the wedding kiss then." She said happily over the control he had now.

"I will behave during the wedding, but after..." he shook his head. "I need to taste the difference between a wife and a mate."

She just shook her head at him with a smile.

"So do you want to...fly?"

Her eyes widened. How had she not thought about it yet?

"Yes!" She said.

She forgot they were in the demon world and he didn't need to hide. He just spread his wings and flew away with her.