Read Online The Demon Duke and I by Marian Tee - Free Book Online Page B

attention back to him, saying, “Consummation is the only thing required? You are sure of this?”
              Relieved to have something else to think about, Maricha recalled the exact words from the text and said slowly, “No. It was very specific, actually. The consummation cannot be a result of the direct use of a demon’s powers.” She coughed delicately. “In your case, Your Grace, that would mean not using your powers as an incubus.”
              Silviu nodded. “Continue.”
              “Secondly, the texts were very explicit in stating that the consummation must be initiated by the heartkeeper.”
              The duke’s face hardened. “My mother was taken by force, Maricha, and yet she still became my father’s heartkeeper. Are you saying she wanted to be raped---”
    “Take care with your words, Your Grace.” Mihail was not an emotional man, but he was intensely protective of the only blood kin he had left. 
              Seeing the discomfort on the young girl’s face, Silviu did his best to regain control of his temper, which had been quicker to ignite as of late and was yet another suspected effect caused by heartkeeping. “I apologize, Maricha.”
              She shook her head. “It’s my mistake, Your Grace. I did not explain it thoroughly. Yet you must understand: your mother was emotionally forced but she…”
    Maricha looked away. It hurt to speak of the past that haunted all of them. “Your Grace, she was not physically forced because she was being blackmailed to save the nymphs in exchange of her soul.”
              A silence heavy with grief settled in the room at her words.
              Maricha looked at her older brother, pleading for his wisdom. He nodded, giving her permission to finish what she had to say.
              “Your Grace, if what I understand of the texts is correct then it means you can either blackmail her into initiating the consummation or you can…” Maricha coughed, embarrassment once again flooding her face. “Well, you can always seduce her.”
     
    ****
     
              What a strange dream, George thought as she woke up with a yawn. Stretching on the bed, she turned immediately to her left side, hoping she had not woken up too late again or else she would be in for another sermon from Lady Beyotch.
              George rubbed her eyes.
              And then she rubbed them again.
              And again.
              Where the fuck was the damn clock?
              She sat up, still rubbing her eyes. When she opened them, everything became clear – and unclear.
              Where the fuck was she?
              Memories flooded back and George almost wished she hadn’t woken up.
              Okay, settle down, George. Don’t panic. We need to think about this logically.
              Last night’s events – no matter how strange – had truly happened. There was no point dwelling on it. And now, she was here, likely in their… lair. Yes, that would be the word to use since ‘home’ didn’t feel right for creatures like them.
              She got out of bed carefully and managed to bite back her gasp of shock and anger when she saw that she was completely naked. Her eyes made a hasty anxious survey of her surroundings.
              The bedroom was designed in hues of lilac and cream. Most of the furniture was made of wood and old-fashioned, with elaborately carvings. There was a window – barricaded – and two doors. Worst of all, there was no sign of her clothes.
              She took the thinnest cover off the bed and wrapped it around her body before tying the ends in a tight knot. Afterwards, George carefully made her way closer to the door, making sure to keep her footfalls absolutely silent on the carpeted floor.
              Crouching down, she pressed her head to the floor to