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.

awake," she kept her voice firmer than she felt. "He's been with you every step in the way. This will make him

Emeriel faltered. She was.

time, and she was trying all

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

said to

surprised.

with a rare soft light in them. "You are one of a kind, Emeriel." She shifted, uncomfortable under such look.

table beside him. She had no choice but to move closer to retrieve them. Sliding the cool metal bands over her wrists, Emeriel tried to ignore his closeness, the quiet clink of the bracelets filling in

to leave, she took a step

gasped. Her first instinct was to pull away, but instead, she stood on frozen feets. His hand was gently holding hers, yet firm,

not angry that I did?" Emeriel stared at their joined hands. "I know you sent me away because you

again. As if seeing her

eyes grew brighter. Then, quietly,

she knew. "Did you hear about the

too," he released her hand, his face hardening. "Ottai

the culprit is found." Emeriel tugged at her hand. "If you'll

"Emeriel?"

the pit of her stomach fluttered again. She paused at

for

two years ago. It's only right

he said in

have walked

KING DAEMONIKAI She did not return

Nor the day after.

slowly mended itself, his strength gradually returned. As the days passed, he

symptoms of progression had mercifully ceased. No sign of full recovery

the confinement. Ottai and his people were adamant he remain

rise until the last of his herbs and potions had worked

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

had stepped up

guilt away. Better late than

Daemonikai had long given up on himself. He

insistence on his complete rest meant he was bound to the bed like a prisoner until he finished the last of the strengthening herbs and soul- soothing

his world revolving around