What Is Love?

**Devon POV**



Everything froze, time, my body, Aileen; everything. What had I just said. Shiuku stated that he did not want her coming into contact with the DSS. I doubted he would want her talking to her family either. They could drive a wedge, or make her remember what all is at stake. He'll torture me to death if he finds out I even thought about calling Trevor. Family and a DSS second in command; I have officially gone insane. Only took me six years.

Slowly, Aileen rose from the bed, wrapping the blanket around herself tightly. Both legs were wobbling beneath her weight. She was probably in a great deal of pain. And that's not to mention whatever her nerves were doing.

"My brother..." tears that had been trying to spill since I opened the door, ran down her cheeks. Something in her burst. "I can talk to him? You would do that for me?"

She seemed hesitant. How could I blame her. I had never given her reason to trust me. All I ever did was help Shiuku abduct her. Of course the girl would hate me. I hate me.

*Please don't cry. I can't take it. I'm sorry, be mad, throw something at me again; just don't cry.*

Still, despite her disbelief, her face lit up slightly at my suggestion. I wondered if she thought this was a trap, like the one that got her here in the first place. Shiuku had taken her before she could actually see what happened to Trevor. Hell, I was just guessing that he was even well enough to answer the phone.

Should I take back what I offered? Yes, I would have to think of something else.

"I'm so-" I started but got cut off mid sentence. God her family enjoyed doing that!

"I'm sorry." Aileen's head fell. "I shouldn't have thrown the tray at you. It was really childish. Honestly, you never really did anything evil to me. If anything you would apologize just like how you were about to again. You even gave me a warning. And you know I almost did make it home."

Her legs gave out causing her to sit on the bed again. I sat beside her, not really knowing what to do.

"I still helped him. I am sorry." I couldn't look at her. "I really wish I could have helped more like how Kaibec was."

She laughed coldly, "and just like my brother, I doubted Kaibec as well. If I just had more faith in others, then I wouldn't be stuck with this mark and confusing emotions. Guess we both fucked up."

"Do you love him? Shiuku I mean." I wished I could take those words back. The answer would only stab at me for some reason. But, I had to know.

Beside me, she shifted pulling her legs up to her chest. For a long moment she didn't answer. All I heard was sniffling. She must have started to cry again. I had to bite my inner cheek to stop from reacting. I hated hearing her so sad. Defeated.

At last she answered in a small voice, "falling in love was always a fairy tale for me. Father would tell me who to marry and I would have to hope that man wouldn't hurt me, or have a lot of mistress'. If I was lucky I would feel loved and protected. Why the hell am I even telling you all this?"

The question was more to herself than me, so I didn't respond. I waited for her to continue, "Shiuku makes me feel safe despite him being a demon. Last night he seemed so caring. He went slow and listened to me. I know he's evil, but not to me. That was all I could have asked for as a kid. He's certainly better than Prince Roy!"

"Who may not still be with us." I chuckled at the memory of King Ulrich.

"Why? Did Shiuku kill him after all?" She didn't sound very upset.

"No, but your Father had some time with him. I don't know what went on when I left. Your Father is an interesting man that's for sure. And he loves you a lot."

Aileen laughed, a true laugh that had my heart racing. Turning my head, I couldn't help but look at her. She was breath taking when happy. A smile should always be on her face with those cute dimples. In that moment, I saw why so many people wanted to protect her; even if she didn't know it. Her Father, Kalum, Trevor, Tom, Lena, and Kaibec would all die for her.

"I bet he gave Roy hell." Aileen wiped her tears. "My job as a princess has always been to serve a husband and produce an heir. Love is not something in my future. I will learn to be with Shiuku and with any luck, he will learn to be with me. And maybe be here when I wake up next time."

*He's had years to know she would be vulnerable after their first night. If only I could beat some sense into him; without dying a horrifyingly painful death.*

"What about you?" she asked looking right at me.

What is with her and asking me questions. She would do the same thing when Shiuku left her dreams. No one cared about me, or my thoughts. Except her. Nosy girl.

I was about to tell her I was sorry. That I could not tell her, but she beat me, "I know, you only answer if I come up with a solid reason. Just like your name!" Damn that toothy grin! "I'm almost certain you are afraid to let me call Trevor and who knows if he's sick or hurt anyway. Tell me what love is for you and I'll let you off the hook. I'd hate for the only familiar face I have here to be killed. That would make falling for my husband much harder!"

How can she not hate me. Wait... she doesn't hate me!

Irrational joy soared through my veins. I had to fight back a foolish smile.

Aileen was looking at me intently, waiting for my answer. What was I supposed to say? Love wasn't in my future either. Since I was forced to join and betray the DSS; I had secretly hoped Demon Lord Shiuku would fail. Lena succeeding was my dream. Shiuku and the evil demons would be killed. Then I could die a quick death. No torturing until my pain gets boring.

Love? And Aileen even cornered me with the question too. I could just not answer, or give her the phone. Except... that would upset her. She was finally relaxed again, I didn't want to chance her trauma getting control of her again.

"As a kid I wanted to find as my Mother put it 'the light to our dark'. At first meeting they would 'sparkle.' I found mine in forest right before betraying the DSS. Her aura called to me. Sure enough, it shined bright for the briefest of moments before reverting back to it's normal color. One look at the innocent girl and I knew I would do anything to make her smile. I was even ready to betray Shiuku and ask the DSS to let me help her. As long as she was safe, I didn't care what happened to me."

My voice was cracking as I recalled the lost girl in the rain. The girl had been sleeping when I found her. She never even got a chance to see me. Shiuku had noticed the girl too and agreed to bring her in; before I could ask the DSS. I had thought I had the best luck. I could help that innocent lost girl and not be tortured to death!

That happened the same day Kaibec had turned traitor. I came back to the castle to make arrangements for the girl with my demon lord and was too late. In Kaibec's rush, he had run into the girl on his way to the DSS. He thought she was working with Shiuku. Instead of risking another ally, he killed my true love; while she was all alone needing help.

"She was killed by a demon when I was with Shiuku. I went back to the forest to get her, only to find blood. Shiuku informed me later that she was dead. I wanted to love someone so bad and it hurt so much."

I never got to know what she was like, or why she was there lost . Hell, I didn't even know what she looked like. The dark and rain hid her features from me. Though, that may have been a blessing. At least I wouldn't have her face haunting me.

"After, I even tried to fall in love with someone else. I tried to force my feelings for that girl onto another." I wanted to love Lena. Instead, I betrayed her trust and she ended up with Tom. They were made for each other. I had just been jealous wanting my other half to still be around. I projected that onto Lena and almost cost her to lose hers too.

Aileen's thumb brushed across the wetness on my face. She said nothing, but her shiny eyes told a whole story. *You really are kind aren't you. Caring for me when you are suffering too.*

She brought her hands back to hugging her knees. "Sorry, so you're a demon like Shiuku?"

"Half." I wasn't telling her anything besides that.

"So am I Shiuku's true love? Is that why he's so possessive over me." There was some hope mixed in her glassy eyes. She really wanted confirmation that he sincerely loved her. As much as it pained me, for her sake, I hoped he was. Aileen deserved to be happy, cared for, supported, respected, and of course loved. She earned all that and more. By God, I pray he gives that to her.

The idea of them being soul mates still grated at me for some reason. No matter what I told myself, I could never banish her from my thoughts. "I don't know. You would have to ask him."

She rocked herself a bit while she contemplated what to say. "What else do you wanna talk about; cause talking to you is quieting Sir Alaric and his disgusting friends."

Who? Was that the man who kidnapped her?

Before I could ask she added, "I'd rather not speak any further on that conversation please. They finally shut up and I would rather not give them a chance to cripple me again." She blew her nose into a spare blanket and then threw it off the bed.

A chuckle escaped my lips. No wonder she was put in charge of investigations. She read me like a level one beginner's book. We stayed in silence for awhile. I took my egg covered jacket off and tossed it in the corner of the room. Aileen curled up in the blanket, taking deep breaths to calm herself. I was sure she was fighting with herself once more.

I wanted to use my power to make them leave again, but that would only be a temporary solution. Some things we have to do on our own, but that doesn't mean that we can't have a little nudge.

*Please, just this once let me have courage. Lend me the strength to help her. *

"Don't tell Shiuku..." I started. Fear halted the rest of my sentence. God, I don't wanna be ripped apart or acid poured in fresh wounds.

She looked up at me with a confused expression. Her pout was adorable and so innocent. "That we're somewhat friends? Would it be easier if I pretended to hate you again." She cocked an eyebrow at me waiting for the real reason. I loved that her face didn't crinkle up in doubt. She was willing to try and trust someone like me. Fuck, I don't wanna cry again. I was supposed to be helping her!

"Call your brother." I handed my phone over to her. "With any luck someone will answer if he is still unconscious."