He smiles. “You look incredible, truly, if that’s any help.”
“A little, I guess.”
He grips my hand tightly in his. “Let’s say hi to Mom and Dad. That won’t be too bad, right?” he asks, standing so close his chest brushes against my arm. “Then, we can go for a walk through the courtyard.”
My mind peppers with dizziness. “Okay,” I whisper.
He leans down and places a gentle kiss to my shoulder before guiding me through the room.
The King and Queen of Oriziah, the Under World, stare straight into my damn soul with their unnaturally dark eyes as we approach. Yes, I’ve met them on more than one occasion, but that was always with my mom and dad to take the attention off of me and before I’d seen a demon in true form or felt the immense overwhelming pressure of their dark magic.
Now, I’m dating their son. To them, I’m a potential future daughter-in-law. A future queen. I don’t know what to expect from them this time.
Jarron squeezes my fingers, and it’s then I realize my fingers are trembling.
I need a calming potion. I should have thought of that.
“Miss Montgomery,” Emil Blackthorn says with a slight bow of his head.
“Hello.” The word squeaks out. Dammit, why am I such a coward?
“You look well,” the queen says. “I’m surprised to see you here at this school.”
I press my lips together.
“Candice is still deciding her life’s path,” Jarron says. It sounds so much like a thing an adult would say that I wonder if the line is a relic from a past conversation between them.
“Seems to me she’s made her decision,” Emil Blackthorn says. Jarron’s father is part-demon, part-dragon. A rare combination. His mother is the true ruler of their world.
My heart squeezes, but I force my voice to remain steady as I respond. “Walking one path does not always negate others.”Ha, that sounded grown up as shit.
“Indeed.” Jarron’s mother smiles. “There is nothing wrong with exploring options and discovering who you are before you commit to any one plan. I was impressed when you and your sister chose your own path in the human world. I am also impressed you’ve made the choice to come back after your sister’s death. You are a strong woman.”
“Well, I am less impressed,” Emil says.
I blink. Jarron glares.
Jarron’s father shifts from foot to foot, hands clasped behind his back, chin high. He has the demeanor of a foreign diplomat. Impersonable. “From what I understand, you are taking the most basic courses they offer at this school.”
I frown. Who has he been talking to? My parents? Mr. Vandozer?
“You are significantly more talented than every other student in your classes. If that is true, you are taking the easy route rather than stretching yourself. That is what I find disappointing.”
I swallow.
Jarron’s shoulders relax. “Candice has a habit of underestimating herself. You should see the potions she’s working on. I’m sure she’ll downplay them to you.”
I look up to Jarron, surprised. “I finished the nullifier. I never got the chance to tell you.”
“A nullifier, huh?” Jarron’s mother says. “Which class is teaching you that?”
“None. It’s an independent project.”
Surprise flashes in her eyes. “Oh? Well, isn’t that interesting, Emil? Tell me, dear, what is the constitution?”
I’m surprised right back. I supposed she’d have to be somewhat knowledgeable in potions if they worked so closely with my parents for several years. At least enough to know the value of what they’re getting.
“Only requires a few drops,” I say.
