17. Hanna

Igently awaken in Kazrith's arms, wondering if I'm still dreaming. The demon is still fast asleep, his chest rising and falling with every breath he draws.

I trace the curves of his chest, running a finger along the outlines of muscle practically bursting from the skin.

He's never looked more peaceful, his beautiful face tranquil and even smiling faintly. I wonder if he's dreaming of me, the very thought igniting a blissful feeling inside of me.

The Zathex situation still looms in the background of my mind, but at least I was able to forget about that for a while last night.

I don't wish to mull over the inevitable challenges lying ahead for us as I relish the warmth and safety of Kazrith's grip.

After a few minutes, I carefully sit up, being mindful not to disturb my host's rest. I turn and look out the window, watching the sun rise into the crimson skies of Ikoth.

"If only the world were as peaceful as the morning quiet," I whisper.

I peer down, smiling gleefully at our pile of clothes on the floor. I wonder if it'll ever happen again, but that's when I feel a heavy arm slink around my waist to pull me back in.

I turn over, coming face to face with the demon who saved me from New Solas. His gaze remains as intense as it was last night.

"Did you sleep well?" he asks with a hoarse morning voice. He smiles handsomely when I tell him I did. "I'll take credit for that."

"I had a wonderful time yesterday," I tell him after the laughter dies down. "At least now we can be truthful in telling the servants we sleep together."

"Seems like I made the right call to linger in here then."

"That you did," I say, resisting the urge to tease a later sexual encounter. "So, what's on today's agenda? Are you working?"

"Yes, I thought you could join me today and get you out of the house for a bit."

"I'm up for that. I've been eager for some fresh air."

"You'll get plenty of that where we're headed. We'll be journeying to Merax, a small settlement right by the coastline."

"A change of scenery sounds good from the inner city," I remark.

"Indeed. It's known for its black sandy beaches, I think you'd like it. Come then, we'll get dressed and have some breakfast before we go."

Nearly two hours later, I patiently sit on the carriage passenger seat while Kazrith and his servants load the storage with his wares. After a few moments, he mounts the driver's seat beside me, the weight of his body rocking the cart side to side.

"It's not far from here, so sit back and enjoy the ride," he says, whipping the reins.

The carriage sets off as I relax, keeping my eyes on the distant horizon. The glimmer of the ocean is almost hypnotizing to watch, keeping my mind at ease while we traverse the country roads.

Kazrith rests a hand on my inner thigh. I let it remain there.

We're met with occasional passersby, all of whom tilt their heads in wonder at the sight of me. Children point and tug at their parent's clothing, but they're just as shocked as their kids.

"Like I said before, a human and demon couple is far from common, especially now that we're outside of Ximos."

"So, I can expect nothing but attention on me?" I ask, nervous at the mere thought.

"Yes, but don't worry. I'm here with you if anything is needed. Besides, more eyes on us means more customers for me."

Kazrith smiles proudly to himself.

"I bet that's why you really brought me out here," I joke, elbowing his side.

"You got me," he replies easily, raising his palms in surrender. "There's Merax up ahead."

We've come to the peak of a hill, at the bottom of which lies the settlement of Merex. It's as small as Kazrith made it out to be, a mere fraction of Ximos.

As we enter the town, I realize every street is filled to the brim with shops selling just about everything I can think of. Kazrith points out stores trading animal furs, building materials, and foreign produce amongst others.

I admire the beaches, the sand blacker than midnight when the water washes over its grains. The ocean aroma mixes with that of enticing food coming from the street market section of the town, exactly where we're headed.

"They sell some great food here. Everything is freshly caught and served the same day."

As we venture deeper into the town, I wrap an arm around the arm of my fake husband. He turns towards me with a curious look.

"Is there something wrong?" he asks.

"No, I just want to embrace my role as your wife," I say with a smile.

Behind my happy expression is that lingering sensation of anxiety. What if these residents gawking at me suddenly take issue with my presence?

For the sake of Kazrith and me, I push those feelings aside.

"Are you ready to set up?" he asks as the carriage comes to a halt.

"Yeah. Say, Merex is a charming little town."

"As are the people here, you'll see. Now then, let's get to work."

I hope so.

Under Kazrith's careful instruction, I aid in setting up his stall, lining the display with his various goods.

I try to ignore the demons looking at me as they walk by. At one point, I turn over my shoulder to catch one staring right at me. But in his eyes, I find only curiosity without any hostility.

Well, at least it's not instant disgust.

I turn my attention back to the task at hand, following Kazrith's every whim. He certainly thinks like a businessman, positioning his most eye-catching goods at the front of his display.

I can't help but admire him while he works, watching how his face contorts in concentration.

"Do you set up the stall like this every time?" I ask.

"Only when I'm away from my actual shop. It might seem like a lot but I'm used to it. Hard work is ritualistic and rewarding to me."

"Must be nice being your own boss."

"There is another person I work with on occasion, but that's mostly when I'm in New Solas. Otherwise, I answer to no one but me."

As soon as we're set up, the first customer of the day approaches. I practically cling to Kazrith's side, shrinking as a volvath demon, somewhat similar in size and build to Kazrith, draws closer.

"Morning, Kazrith."

"How are things, Gilod?"

"Very well. Is this your new business partner?" Gilod asks, turning to me. Unexpectedly, he smiles.

"This is my wife, Hanna," Kazrith replies with pride, a smile playing on his lips. To my surprise, that small gesture warms me up and burns my skin like a flame.

"Wife! Well, you're a lucky demon, Kazrith. You've finally brought back something worthwhile from all of your adventures. A pleasure to meet you, Hanna."

I shake hands with the demon, thrown off guard by his immediate grace.

"Likewise, Gilod."

Another customer joins in on the conversation as Kazrith explains the feigned story of our union.

"You'll never guess where we met," he remarks. "Tell them, Hanna."

The growing group of customers looks eagerly to me.

"New Solas."

"That xaphan-run dump of a place?" one of them retorts. "I've never encountered one of them before. What are they like?"

"A bunch of fucking assholes."

My response is met with thunderous laughter and resounding approval. I look at Kazrith, who gives me an approving nod. Soon, we're selling his goods at a decent pace.

"I think word is getting around Merax of your presence," he tells me. "You're doing well."

Finding reassurance in his words and my interactions, the nervousness slowly dissipates away. Finally, my tense shoulders start to relax.

The morning stretches into the early afternoon. I sit behind the stall, turning towards the sea as I take a break.

The wind blows in, its briny aroma pleasant but its temperature cold. I shiver for a moment before Kazrith throws a blanket off my shoulders.

"Here," he says, producing a small container of seafood with burgona. "It's from one of the vendors. They say hello."

Holding his own meal, he sits beside me and pours us a cup of tea.

"It's not half bad here," I say. "Admittedly, I was a bit nervous coming here, but the townspeople are quite lovely."

"Far better than the crowd you'd find in the city," Kazrith replies. "But look at you! You said you were feeling nervous, but you fought through it. There's that bravery I was talking about. The one that got you here in the first place."

I blush and laugh, waving away his compliments.

"Well, it certainly helps that the demons here are ten times better than any xaphan I've ever interacted with."

"Us demons aren't so bad once you get to know us," he says, nudging my arm. "Life is a lot easier once you're in our good graces."

I watch the sea, thinking of all the atrocities that the xaphans are likely acting out at this very moment.

"This might sound weird," I say, turning to completely face Kazrith. "I've been here, what, like a few hours? And I already feel like I'm part of the community."

He smiles and nods, laying a hand on mine.

"I'm glad today is going smoothly for you."

Later in the day, we take another break and stroll around the settlement. Kazrith shows me around the clothing stores, where the shopkeepers welcome me as if I'm one of their own.

Kazrith was right. Humans aren't usually this coveted, but if they're mated to a demon, the others start to think that there's something special about them. Something unique.

"My word," a female vendor whispers. She carries the dark, sharp features of every other volvath demon I've seen. "You have beautiful hair."

I laugh and turn away in embarrassment as Kazrith lays his hand on the small of my back.

"Indeed, she's stunning," he says, peering deeply into my eyes.

I can tell he means it. This is no longer a contractual obligation between us. This is real.

"A beautiful wife like yours needs a cloak for when evening comes. Would you like to take a look?"

Kazrith encouragingly pushes me forward as the shopkeeper beckons us over. It goes the same way with the other shops we visit, where I'm offered discounts and free extras from the many vendors. They treat me nicely because I'm perceived as Kazrith's mate and wife.

It's almost overwhelming to be treated with such a high level of respect. I feel… seen and acknowledged.

I pull my new cloak tight around my shoulders as we return to selling. I look at my host from the corner of my eye as the day continues.

The longer my gaze lingers, the more I begin to realize that what Zathex did was a blessing in disguise.