BOUND TO THE DEMON LORD

🎀CHAPTER ONE 🎀 “Your Highness… Your Highness.” Princess Zayla felt a soft tapping on her cheek. Her lashes fluttered, her head pounding as she slowly opened her eyes. Hilda’s face hovered above her—upside down, pale with worry. Hilda was officially just a servant assigned to Princess Zayla, but the palace had been a lonely place. Somewhere along the way, boredom turned into trust, and trust into something closer. Zayla treated her less like a servant and more like a sister—someone she laughed with, argued with, and dragged into trouble. “You scared the life out of me,” Hilda said, her voice trembling. Zayla groaned and tried to sit up. Hilda quickly helped her. Zayla’s legs was still dipped in the river, cold water soaking her boots, while the rest of her body lay on dry ground. “What happened?” Zayla asked, blinking around in confusion. “You slipped,” Hilda said. “You were trying to step closer to the water, then your foot slid and you fell. You passed out. I told yo

🎀 CHAPTER THREE🎀 King Edric sat stiffly across from Lord Asher. The tea had been brought, steam curling faintly from the cups, but Edric couldn’t bring himself to drink. His hands rested on the table, rigid, as if the weight of the world had settled there. “I believe you know why I’m here,” Lord Asher said, lifting his teacup slowly, sipping with calm. His eyes never left Edric. “Of course,” Edric muttered, swallowing hard. How could he forget? He had borrowed a fortune from Lord Asher. Not because he wanted to—but because he had no choice. Edric had never wanted to borrow from him. But war repairs, failing trade routes, empty coffers—there had really been no other choice. And today was the deadline. Everyone knew one thing about Lord Asher: he never gave extra time. Not a day. Not an hour. This man was known for having no mercy. A man who did not forgive. A man who could end a life without blinking—and sleep peacefully after. He was wealthy beyond measure. A lord wh

🎀 CHAPTER FIVE🎀 Edric didn’t answer her. He stood there, staring at her as if every word left unsaid was already crushing him. His jaw tightened once. Then he looked past her, toward the tall doors of the throne room. “You may go,” he said quietly. Zayla blinked. “That’s it?” No reply. “Father,” she pressed, her voice rising despite herself. “You can’t just say something like that and send me away.” Still nothing. He lifted a hand—not in anger or sharply—but in finality. A dismissal. “Go,” he repeated, firmer now. The meaning landed harder than any shout. Zayla stood there for a moment longer, waiting—hoping—for him to stop her, to explain, to say her name. But Edric had already turned away, his back straight, his shoulders rigid, as though if he looked at her again he might break. Her throat burned. Without another word, Zayla turned and walked out. The doors closed behind her with a dull sound that echoed too loudly in the empty hall. ________________

🎀CHAPTER SEVEN🎀 Zayla walked slowly back toward her chambers, her steps heavy. A long breath left her chest. Hilda hurried towards her, stopping a short distance away, worry written all over her face. “Princess… what happened?” Zayla tried to speak. Nothing came out. She swallowed once. Then again. “I’m getting married,” she said at last. Hilda froze. “Married…?” Zayla didn’t wait for another word. She walked past her and pushed open the doors to her chambers. The women were still there, boxes open, gowns laid out like offerings. Hilda followed her inside. Zayla sat down slowly, staring ahead as the women moved closer. She didn’t resist when they began to dress her. She just sat there, silent, letting it happen. Meanwhile, outside the palace. A carriage rolled to a stop just beyond the gates. Men stepped down first. They looked like guards, but something was off about them. Their faces were hidden, cloaks pulled high—only their eyes showed, dark and watch

🎀CHAPTER NINE🎀 Back at Harrow Palace, Zayla stood ready. Her gown was heavy. Too heavy. Pale fabric, tight sleeves, jewels she hadn’t asked for. Servants fussed around her, adjusting, smoothing, fixing things that didn’t matter. She didn’t smile once. Hilda stood behind her, hands clenched together, eyes red like she’d already cried too much. “Your Highness…” one of the servants that had recently come in said softly. “It’s done." Zayla nodded without looking at her. They led her outside. Snow was falling hard now, thick flakes clinging to stone and hair and cloaks. The courtyard looked different under it—quiet, cold, unreal. Her father was already there. King Edric stood near the gates, hands clasped behind his back. When Zayla’s eyes met his, something sharp twisted in her chest. She turned her face away immediately. Kai stepped forward and bowed. “Princess.” Zayla didn’t answer. Her gaze drifted instead—to Hilda. Hilda was crying openly now, tears sli