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.

inform Lord Ottai you're awake," she kept her voice firmer than she felt. "He's been with you every step in the way.

Emeriel faltered. She was.

genuine happiness she had experienced in a long time, and she was

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

word you said to me," the king

surprised. "All of

prayers, the words of encouragement." His eyes gazed at her with a rare soft light in them. "You are one of a kind, Emeriel." She shifted, uncomfortable under such look. "I'm

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

leave, she took a step

instinct was to pull away, but instead, she stood on frozen feets. His hand was gently holding hers, yet firm, as if he too expected her to resist. "Thank you

their joined hands. "I know you

like that again. As

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

"Did you hear about the attempt on your

face hardening. "Ottai has

culprit is found." Emeriel tugged at her hand. "If you'll excuse me, Your Highness." He took his time releasing her. But when he did,

"Emeriel?"

the pit of her stomach fluttered

you for

saved mine too, two years ago. It's only

he said in

couldn't have walked

She did not return the

Nor the day after.

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

symptoms of progression had mercifully ceased. No sign of full recovery yet, but they all hoped it would

about illnesses was the confinement. Ottai and his people were adamant

his herbs and potions had worked their magic.. Until

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

up as the ultimate ruler he was, and stopped wallowing in his

guilt away.

when Daemonikai had long given up on himself. He was beyond

meant he was bound to the bed like a prisoner until he finished the last of the strengthening

revolving around his