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

Chapter 226

That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate Chapter 226

She did not want to walk with him. Every part of her that had toiled, survived, and endured screamed against it.

Yet, she took a step forward, not away from him, but towards him. The people erupted in a chorus of approval, some clapping their hands.

In what alternate universe had she fallen into? The grand king calling her Beloved, and Urekai cheering them?

Emeriel had no idea what was real and what wasn't anymore.

"Thank you, beloved," King Daemonikai said, once again pressing a kiss to her hand.

"Please don't call me that," Emeriel snapped.

The endearment carried the sweetness of what could have been and the bitterness of what was lost. And it made her heart lurch.

His smile dimmed, and sadness flashed in his eyes. It was brief, gone as quickly as it came.

"Forgive me, beloved," he said smoothly. "I will take that into account."

She glared.

A broad grin lit up his face.

Emeriel almost swallowed her tongue at the sight. Never had she seen him smile that way.

Hell, she had never seen him genuinely smile. Period.

It tugged at her insides, and she stared dumbfounded as he led her to his waiting steed.

Finally, she caught herself. "There is no extra horse," she noted, her voice dry.

"You will ride with me," he climbed into the saddle, extending his hand towards her. "Worry not, beloved. I will not let you fall."

No, it wasn't that kind of fall she was afraid of.

Emeriel absolutely hated the way "beloved" sounded coming from his lips. She hated the thrill it sent through her, the way it awakened parts of her she had fought to bury.

She hated how much she wanted to hear more of it.

placed her hand in his strong, calloused one, and he effortlessly lifted her onto the horse, positioning her close behind him. He gave a subtle command and they set off at a leisurely pace.

the solidness of his back, the warmth of his body. Heavens, this was a terrible idea.

king glanced over his shoulder. "How was your

she grumbled. Hesitated, then added, "I received the flowers.

warmly. "The

death's mouth, he's

under

Daemonikai chuckled. "I

ears," she

too," he added, his

her mouth shut, more startled

have prepared something for us," he announced. "Brace yourself." He

waist, holding tight as the horse surged

countryside, Emeriel fought to

face, the solidness of his back against her chest. No,

ride ended sooner than expected, but when she dismounted, she realized just how far they had

of Asbar Mountain stood ahead, its snow-dusted cliffs plain against the clear

the rest of the entourage dispersed? Only Wegai remained, and even

need his

left the horse

noticed what lay ahead. He had

one marked with a painted bullseye. Bows and quivers

Daemonikai said, walking ahead with his

the swaying tall grasses, and the majestic peaks

a beautiful place,"

he agreed, stopping at the makeshift

to Emeriel. "Archery is a way for me to center myself, to relax. Focusing on a single point, blocking out the world... it's

elegant bow, noticing the royal markings etched along its length. She ran

stand, positioned a good distance from the target, and with ease, loosed an arrow. It flew straight, striking the

Hey, come over here," he beckoned

quiver of arrows to her back,

release the burdens that weigh on you," Daemonikai said in a soft tone, setting

of caring for me must have been difficult. I figured this would

be surprisingly

the target, her fingers

a useful skill for safety and defense," he continued. "In the days of