TPHRU 13

Chapter 13…

The Mirage Princess Meets the Demon King.

“Are you afraid of me? But I am not your enemy, Felicia. I swear that I will never harm you. There is a protective barrier around this castle. You are safe here. Don’t worry about anything — just rest for now.”

His voice was calm and gentle, almost too kind for the eerie goat-skull mask that concealed his face. Felicia felt a strange familiarity in that voice. She was sure she had never met Yoan before, and yet… why did it feel as if she had heard him somewhere?

“I am not afraid… You saved us, my lord.”

Felicia suddenly remembered her attendants — the ones who had tried to protect her when they were attacked.

“What about the people who were guarding me…?”

“They were injured, but all of them are safe. The carriage horses panicked and ran off, so the carriage itself has gone missing.”

Felicia let out a deep sigh of relief. If the horses had escaped, then the coachman was probably safe as well.

“I’m glad… I’m so glad everyone is all right.”

“They’ve been treated and are resting now. Some were badly hurt, so I’ll let them stay here in the castle until morning. When dawn breaks, I’ll have them escorted out of the forest. You needn’t worry.”

(He really isn’t frightening at all.)

The image she had of the “Demon King” — terrifying and cruel — crumbled away. Felicia now felt certain that he was nothing like the rumors described. If he were truly a monster who wielded his power without mercy, he would never have saved them or treated their wounds.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling from the bottom of her heart.

A breeze swept in through the narrow window, making the candlelight flicker. Somewhere in the distance, she thought she heard a wolf’s howl.

“It seems those pursuing you have given up. But even if they hadn’t, this castle is cloaked in enchantments — they wouldn’t be able to approach, let alone find it. So rest easy.”

Yoan spoke softly, as if listening to some distant sound. His gentle voice, filled with quiet concern, brought Felicia a deep, unexplainable peace. Her eyelids grew heavy again.

(If it’s with this man… here… I’ll be safe.)

“Sleep. I’ll protect you. You have nothing to fear.”

Yoan softly stroked her hair again.

(Why does his touch feel… so comforting?)

With each slow motion of his hand, the warmth spread through her body, easing her tension until her eyes could no longer stay open.

Just before she drifted off, Yoan’s voice reached her ears once more.

“Felicia, from now on, I’ll always be by your side. I swear I will protect you.”

(Why? My lord… why are you so kind to me? Do I really belong here…?)

Unable to give voice to her questions, Felicia sank quietly back into sleep.