Garden Of Poison

Emily watched as Raylen meticulously wiped the last spot on the back of her hand, his movements precise and focused. Once he was satisfied with the cleaning, he casually tossed his handkerchief aside.

Raylen murmured, "Much better now." He lifted his gaze, locking it onto her hazel brown eyes. "Now," he added with a playful tone, "where is my gift?"

"I haven’t even offered you my wishes yet," Emily reminded him, to which he responded with a nod.

Raylen’s smile widened, his eyes crinkling warmly at the corners as he remarked, "Well, there’s no need to wait any longer then, is there?"

Emily couldn’t help but note the stark difference in his demeanour compared to their earlier encounter in the hall when she had stopped him to speak. With his attention completely on her, she cleared her throat while he patiently awaited her words.

"Happy birthday, Raylen," Emily wished him, and she noticed a frown forming on Raylen’s face.

"Is that all?" He feigned disappointment, which concerned the princess.

"There’s more," Emily said, her lips pursing as she observed the archdemon eagerly anticipating her next words, which made him appear harmless. She continued, "May this birthday fulfil the desires of your heart—the things you’ve longed for. Even during moments of doubt about your existence, know that there are many who are grateful for your presence in their lives."

Raylen gazed at her with his bright blue eyes, hearing the unspoken sentiments in her words. Breaking the silence, he said with a hint of mischief, "I have been waiting for a kiss, Princess."

Emily’s cheeks flushed with a delicate shade of pink, and she said, "Wishes aren’t meant to be revealed. Keep it to yourself."

She turned as if to admire the different bottles on display, but in reality, she was attempting to compose her expression. She heard him click his tongue and say,