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 you...are you happy?" King Daemonikai asked in a

Emeriel faltered. She was.

time, and she was trying all she could not to

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

said to me," the

reared back, surprised. "All of

it. The stories, the 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

But, her bracelets lay on the 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

step away-

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

Emeriel stared at their joined hands. "I know you sent me away because you didn't want me

at her like that again.

his eyes grew brighter. Then, quietly,

That much she knew. "Did you hear about the attempt on your life?" she

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

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

"Emeriel?"

at the pit of her stomach fluttered

you for saving my

too, two years ago. It's

said in

walked away

DAEMONIKAI She did not return

Nor the day after.

his strength gradually returned. As the days passed, he began to feel like his old

mercifully ceased. No sign of full

illnesses was the confinement. Ottai and his people were adamant

to rise until the last of his herbs and potions had worked their

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

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

the guilt away. Better late

hadn't given up on him, even when Daemonikai had long given up on himself. He was

meant he was bound to

revolving around his bedchambers. And with them came