That Prince Is A Girl The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate by Kiss Leilani

Chapter 223

That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate Chapter 223

PRINCESS EMERIEL "You're awake," Emeriel breathed, unable to believe her eyes.

King Daemonikai gave a slow, weak nod. "I am." Emeriel shoved down the giddy happiness that rose. "How do you feel?"

"Tired." King Daemonikai rasped. "Dearest."8

Dearest.

He had called her dearest.

"It's me, Emeriel, not..." Not Evielyn. She almost said it, but didn't.

The barest hint of a smile touched his lips. "I know."

O...kay. That was strange.

She had expected to see confusion, maybe even disappointment at being forced to return to a reality he despise. Instead, he looked serene. Almost...happy?

He was awake, alive, and aware. That's all that matters.

Emeriel pulled away, hating how she immediately missed the feel of his body as she rose from the bed. "I'm so glad you're awake. Your people will be overjoyed when they hear the news." Gathering her scattered clothes, she quickly dressed, avoiding his gaze. Her hands trembled slightly as she fastened her garments.

Then, she moved toward the window, tugging open the heavy curtains. Cool air rushed in, along with the soft light of dawn.

The crowd was still there. Humans and Urekai.

"They held a vigil for you," Emeriel said softly, her eyes scanning the kneeling figures. "They were here all night, praying for your safe return." "Good people," he murmured, hoarsely.

"They are. They genuinely love their king."

"Genuine love," the grand king echoed. "I guess that is what every bond is about."

Emeriel glanced over her shoulder to find his intense gaze on her. Her stomach did a series of flips, and butterflies took flight in there.

Okay, time to go.

her voice firmer than she felt. "He's been with you every step in the way. This will make him so happy." "And

Emeriel faltered. She was.

experienced in a long time, and she was trying all she could not to show

He's alive! He's back...!

word you said to

back, surprised. "All of

of encouragement." His eyes gazed at her with a rare soft light in

door with longing. But, her bracelets lay on the table beside him. She had no choice but to move closer

step away- His hand shot out, catching

hand was gently holding hers, yet firm, as if he too expected her to resist. "Thank you for coming back," the grand king said,

Emeriel stared at their joined hands. "I know you

that again. As if

eyes grew brighter. Then, quietly, "I didn't... at

"Did you hear about the attempt

hand, his face hardening. "Ottai has already begun

all hope the culprit is found." Emeriel tugged at her hand. "If you'll excuse me, Your Highness." He took his time

"Emeriel?"

the pit of her stomach fluttered again. She paused at the door, but

you for

saved mine too, two years ago. It's only right I return the

later," he said in

walked

not return the rest of

Nor the day after.

Grand King Daemonikai's body slowly mended itself, his strength gradually returned. As the days passed, he began to feel

had mercifully ceased. No sign of full recovery yet,

about illnesses was the confinement. Ottai and his

until the last of his herbs and potions had worked their magic.. Until his

cuts of rare meat. A famine ravaged the land, yet they still gave what

not be here if Daemonikai had stepped up

guilt away. Better late than

when Daemonikai had long given up on himself. He was

on his complete rest meant he was bound to the bed like a prisoner

world revolving around his bedchambers. And with