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.

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

Emeriel faltered. She was.

she had experienced in a long time, and she was trying all

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

heard every word you said to me," the

surprised. "All

the words of encouragement." His eyes gazed at her with a rare soft light in them. "You are

him. She had no choice but to move closer to retrieve them. Sliding the cool metal bands over her wrists,

step

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

you... are you not angry that I did?" Emeriel stared at their joined hands. "I know you

looking at her like that again. As if seeing

brighter. Then,

nodded. That much she knew. "Did you hear about the attempt on

he released her hand, his face hardening. "Ottai has already

we all hope the culprit is found." Emeriel tugged at her hand. "If you'll excuse me, Your

"Emeriel?"

the pit of her stomach fluttered again. She

you for saving my

ago.

said

have walked away

did not return the rest

Nor the day after.

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

wounded, but further symptoms of progression had mercifully ceased. No sign of full recovery yet, but they all

illnesses was the confinement. Ottai and his people were adamant he remain

herbs and potions had

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

famine that would not be here if Daemonikai had stepped up as the ultimate ruler he was, and stopped

away. Better late

given up on him, even when Daemonikai had long given up on himself. He was

now, their concern bordered on overbearing. Their insistence on his complete rest meant he was bound to the bed like

as the days dragged by, his world revolving around his bedchambers. And with them came