Hi everyone. Here's another chapter for you. This is a long one, so I hope you don't get too bored. 

Please enjoy your reading and remember to comment on what you think. 

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Malvin's P.O.V

Malvin sat in astonishment. The connection had worked! He couldn't fathom it. Hell, he has heard about the mind connection of the blood bond, but he never thought it would work with a witch. He knew that demons have attempted the connection to humans and fairies, but it never had worked, so he didn't expect it would work on a witch.

He hoped that the connection would wear off with time, but he knew that it would not happen. He had even saved the witch again. When he felt her energy, he was confused. He had never before felt the energy of anyone, so why this witch? He knew it was her because his soul and his demon felt the intense need to protect her. He had looked around the woods to see if she was there, but she was not. However, he knew that she was hiding.

It surprised him further when what she intended to do drifted into his mind. He felt her energy and her intent. All things he could not have done before meeting the witch. He had thought that he would never encounter the witch again. Had hoped to never be in her presence again, but fate had other plans.

If incidents like that kept happening, then his father would surely find out and if would be the end of the witch. Witches and demons were forbidden to be in any kind of relationship unless the witch belongs to a bordello and even then, the demon could only take sexual pleasure from the witch, nothing more. Offspring between witches and demons were highly forbidden and would be killed if found. The witch and demon who also broke the rules would both be placed on trial. Often put to death.

As Malvin and his fiancé travel, he felt a strong pull to go after the witch, stronger than what he felt when they first met. He was very much bewildered as to why. His soul was telling him to forget his royal affairs, and his fiancé who was sitting right next to him to go make sure the witch was safe.

He was on the verge of jumping out of the carriage but was stopped by Renavee.

"Malvin!"

She called, placing her arm on his shoulder, making him sit back forcefully.

"What are you looking at out there?" She questioned with an intense gaze directed to him, then to their surroundings.

"Nothing. You need not worry yourself," He assured with a convincing smile, hiding his true concern, which was making sure the witch was safe.

He was thoroughly confused more than ever that he was becoming frustrated. He was irritated as to why he felt this strong connection to this witch that didn't mean anything to him. He shouldn't have been on the verge of leaving his fiancé to go to a nothing witch.

He asked offhandedly in his head, "What have you done to me?"

He was surprised when she answered him. He had spoken to her in her head when he warned her not to get on the carriage. But actually having a conversation telepathically with her was still unfamiliar to him.

"I did nothing to you, demon! What have you done to me?!"

Not sure what was really happening to them, or how to even handle it. Malvin stayed silent. The pause was so long that he did not know if the connection was still there, but then she started talking again.

"Are you ok? I, um...I felt your pain." The last part was said with uncertainty.

"You felt my pain?" He asked in utter confusion. "How is that possible?" He questioned.

"How am I supposed to know, demon. You're the one who goes around feeding people your blood, you tell me." She blurted out irritated.

"I do not go around feeding anyone, my blood, witch. You were dying, what would you have me do?" He replied.

After another long pause Syrene answers. "Well, um... thank you for saving my life." She thanked him.

"For all the good it has done, I am thinking I should have let you die." Malvin snorted.

His mouth said something, but his soul said another thing and that was that he would do it a million times again.

"Well, you didn't. So, stop being a cry-baby demon and deal with it!" She shouted in his head. Gone was the softness in her voice.

He couldn't help but like the other side of her when she sounded genuinely thankful that he had saved her. He was about to answer her back but was pulled off the connection by his fiancé.

"The queen and I are to visit the dressmaker upon our return, to have the final details added to my gown. In just a few short months, I will finally be your wife." She said excitedly.

However, for the first time since been told of their nuptials, the very thought of being married to her horrified him. He has never objected to marrying Renavee when the idea was put forward to him. They grew up together, and he liked her fairly enough. But now hearing her talk excitedly about their marriage, as she mindlessly played with the bloodstone on the necklace hanging around her neck, filled him with anxiety.

***

Nothing could explain how exhausted he was when they finally arrived at Balzard. More than half a month in a damn carriage and only stopping to make camp to sleep was not as thrilling, to say the least.

As they arrived, the king and queen came rushing to them. The small beefy man wore a smile on his face that did not reach his eyes. The queen was no different, but she was far better at hiding her displeasure at their visit. It was common knowledge that his father was not liked by many, but none would dare to show it. They were all still holding their positions of royalty because of his father. They were given the title of king and queen as a grace from the king of Isesadour. His father would always say that he was an emperor, not a king. There can be many kings, but only one emperor.

"Welcome young prince!" The king greeted Malvin with a bow.

"Princess." He also greeted Ranavee, taking the hand she offered and kissing it.

"Your Majesty," Both Renavee and Malvin returned in Unison.

"We have prepared the best room in the palace for you." The queen said. "Shall we move to the tearoom for some light refreshments before you retire? I can imagine how exhausted you both are," She placed her hand on her chest in a sympathetic manner.

"Refreshments sounds lovely, your majesty." Renavee accepted politely.

However, Malvin had other plans. He came there for one purpose, and it was not to have tea with them.

"We will be fine. The journey was long, and we are very much in need of a goodnight's rest."

His rudeness or the harsh tone of his voice did not go unnoticed by either the king or queen. Renavee discretely bumped his arm, letting him know that his behaviour was uncalled for, but he did not care. They did not deserve his respect, and if it wasn't for his father, he wouldn't have been there. They were just as evil as the king they both hated.

"Of course." The queen said with a short laugh.

She called to one of her many servants that were standing silently, much like the ones his father kept. A petite young girl, no more than thirteen or fourteen, came forward.

"Your Majesty," she said with a curtsey.

"Take our guests to their quarters. And make yourself of service to the prince... and princess."

The implications of her words disgusted him. Renavee did not seem too pleased either. She looked the young girl up and down with contempt.

"Yes, your Majesty." The young girl replied.

"Showing us to our room is all the service we will need. We are here for business, not pleasure. We would all do well to remember that."

The king laughed nervously whiles the queen offered a tight smile. The fact that they were making the young girl perform services for their guests, angered him. How many had she already serviced?

"Aylena, take them to their chamber."

The young girl nodded, then turned and walked off. Malvin followed, not bothering to acknowledge the king or queen further. Renavee followed beside him, still warily eying the girl.

When they arrive at the room. The girl told them that should they need anything, she will be of service to them. However, before Malvin could tell her that her service was not needed, she was already walking away.

The room was not grand by any means. Upon first entering Malvin was greeted by the scent of pine, which must have been emitted from the furnishings. The large wooden table that was awkwardly placed in the centre of the room, with two equally large overly plush couches were the personification of ugliness.

In the far end of the room was another seating area, made completely of wood. It looked very uncomfortable. There were wooden statues of various animals placed at random spots around the room. On the far right was a door, which Malvin knew must have led to the bed-chamber.

He quickened his steps, wanting to be out of the hideous space. However, the bedroom was no different.

"Hellfire! They must have a strange relationship with wooden animals." Malvin exclaimed, none too pleased with the room.

Renavee gasped beside him. "Well, at least it is not floral. You know how much I despise anything with flowers."

Malvin did not reply to her. He was tired and just wanted to be done with the day. The sound of the main door opening and closing signalled the arrival of their bags. He left Renavee in the room and went to retrieve their belongings. When he returned, she was getting undressed. His eyes flickered over her body before he as well started to disrobe. Two days of not being able to bathe clung to his skin, but he was too exhausted to wash himself.

As hideous as the room was, the bed looked inviting. He left his shirt and his slacks on, throwing the thick blanket over to one side, he fell onto the bed. The witch came to his mind as he slowly drifted into sleep. However, the feeling of a body straddling him chased the sleep away. He opened his eyes, feeling slightly annoyed. Renavee was on top of him. Her naked breast greeted him. They were full, more than a handful and sat high on her chest. But looking at her did not bring the familiar lust that he would normally feel in such a situation.

"Do you not want me?" She asked, seeing the frown on his face.

"I am too tired to fully enjoy the use of your body."

He knew it was a lie, but one he had to tell, for she would not have welcomed the truth. Gripping her hips, he removed her from him.

The fact that he refused her confused him. He had taken pleasure in her body multiple times, after all, they are to be married. But, even with her laid bare before him, he did not feel the need to indulge himself like he normally does. Instead, a pair of grey eyes flashed in his mind and long black hair, or was it brown? He wasn't sure, but the witch was on his mind when she should not have been.

As he laid there, he mused in his head over what colour her hair was. Renavee got up from the bed, a confused look in her eyes. He had never refused her before. So why was he doing it now? He himself was not sure of the answer.

It must be the witch. He thought.

As he closed his eyes, an image of her popped into his head again. But still, he could not say for certain what colour her hair was. It looked black, but it could have been brown.

Was it brown or black? He questioned in his head.

It's black.

A soft voice answered his unspoken question. His eyes widened. The reply was so sudden that it startled him. He wasn't sure if it was the witch or his imagination. It could have been his imagination, after all, he was thinking about her.

No. He thought.

It was most definitely the witch. Her defiant voice was very distinct. He waited for her to say something else, but it had gone quiet. He needed to figure out how exactly the mind link worked, and if he could somehow stop it. He did not want the witch using it to spy on him.

Renavee called his name a few times, but when he did not answer her, she simply shrugged her shoulders at him, pretending not to care. Walking off naked, she swung her hips hoping to entice him, but Malvin was too wrapped in his own head to notice her.

He closed his eyes, the witch still on his mind as sleep finally claimed him. The sound of the bath filling with water was the last sound that he heard.

***

Two days had passed and Malvin did not know how much longer he could keep up the facade of enjoying the company of the king and queen. So, he was more than happy when they finally agreed on a trade deal between the two kingdoms. Isesadour was rich but lacked iron and copper, which was needed for manufacturing materials for the national guards. Because the guards were well-armed and protected, they were more able to protect the king and the kingdom from his enemies. Balzard was rich in minerals but lack money. No one was willing to supply them with the equipment that was needed to mine the minerals. Well, except his father of course, but at a price.

As they got ready for their journey back, Malvin noticed that the king was no longer pretending to be accommodating. He was still angry that Malvin was permanently going to be the one he would have to deal with, as his father refused to make the trip again. The fat fool thought that a deal such as this should not be dealt with by a boy, but by grown men. Malvin had held his temper. It would have done him no good to harm the king. Isesadour needed the trade deal far more than he needed to kill the king of Balzard.

The ride back was done in quick time. It took them a little less than half a month. Most of the journey was spent thinking about the witch. He had tried connecting with her in his head again, but it never worked, or she refused to talk to him. Renavee was not too happy. She was not accustomed to being ignored. She was a lust demon. Everything about her commanded attention, from her fiery red hair that swayed with every movement. To her big blue eyes that shimmer when she was aroused, and her small, pouted lips, that held the taste of sin. But for all the seductive energy that she emitted; she could not hold his attention.

"What is it that has captured your mind, these past few weeks? You have not even spared me one glance for our entire trip. Are you nervous about our wedding?"

Malvin turned from looking out the small window in the carriage. He did not want to answer her question. In fact, he just wanted to continue his journey in silence.

"You think too much. Being on the road for this long would frustrate anyone. I should be back to my normal self when we return to the palace."

He returned his gaze to the window, signalling an end to the conversation. He heard her audible sigh but ignored it. She sighed again, and again he ignored it.

"Malvin, I think—"

The carriage came to a sudden stop, jerking them both forward. Malvin and Renavee looked at each other. The loud sound of metal clanking together and screams of death, let them know that rebels were attacking the carriages.

Malvin peered through the window, and sure enough, there were being ambushed by rebels.

"Mal, you need to stay here, I will go out."

Renavee was already opening the door to the carriage. But Malvin held her back. He understood her need to protect him, he was the only heir to the throne and the next in line. But sitting idly while his people fought to protect him was not something that he was willing to do.

"None of you are as strong as I am. I will go."

"Malvin, you can't be hurt or worse, captured."

He knew she was right, but he was no coward. He would fight for himself even if he got hurt or killed. That way, he would die with honour.

"I will not sit here and hide and that is final!"

He exited the carriage. A sword was thrown at him, and he froze it mid-air before it could strike him. Using his magic, he defended himself, killing all those who tried to hurt him. Some of them fought against his magic, so he called forth his firepower. Demon fire can burn through any spell. If they had spelt themselves, his fire would still burn them.

As he fought, he drifted further away from the group. Most of the rebels followed him. He was their target. Not many knew what he looked like, so it must have been a set-up. Amongst the rebels, he noticed that they were a mix of humans, faes, witches, shifters and few demons. Not all demons were in agreement with the king's ruling. And many of them had joined the rebels.

They crowded him. It was too many of them for him to fight off. He raised his hand, killing a young male shifter. Burning him where he stood. He raised his hand to kill the others nearest to him, but he was strike with a blade from behind. It cut through his flesh. A searing pain zipped through his body. The wound was enflamed, but not healing. The blade must have been enchanted. His healing capacity was rapid, only an enchanted weapon can really harm him.

Distracted from the blow, he was strike again, then again, sending him to his knees. Each blow weakened him, drawing his energy out of him. If they continued, he would not survive them. However, he was willing to die as long as he took a few of them with him. He did not welcome killing but would for his survival.

He used all his energy to call upon his fire, intending to take as many of them with him to hell. However, the presence of the witch stopped him. even in his weakened state, he felt her. He wondered if she felt him too.

When he looked up, he noticed that she wasn't alone. She had a boy and a girl with her. His vision was blurred, and he was fast losing strength. He wanted to tell her to run, but words evaded him.

Watching through hazy eyes, he was astonished by her fighting skills. Never before had he seen a witch fight with such grace and skills. She and her friends managed to take out the last set of rebels.

She rushed to his side, falling to her knees and slipping her arms under him just before he fell forward. His head rested on her shoulder. Her scent surrounded him, offering him a few moments of peace.

A movement behind her caught his attention. Her friends didn't see it, but he did. One of the rebels was running towards the witch. His sword was aimed and ready to strike her. Too drained to use his fire, he grabbed a fallen sword from the ground and with the help of his magic, send it flying toward the rebel.

The witch gasped, turning to look at the man who had just tried to kill her. Her friends were startled as well. They looked at him then at the rebel. However, he didn't think that they saw him use his magic.

The witch turned back to him, and he managed a weak smile.

"Death shall not have you, but if he must then he will have us both. I dare not attempt to live in a world without you in it, little witch."

Even as he said the words, he wondered where they had come from. However, he knew that they were true.