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

Chapter 236

The quiet concern in his tone startled her, and when she looked at him, his eyes were studying her with the same attentiveness that had begun to undo her.

She forced a smile, her worry fading like mist under the warmth of the sun. Because she knew, deep down, that it didn't matter.

No matter what side of him re-emerged when they returned to Blackstone, Aekaeira would still love him anyway. "I'm fine, Your Highness."

His expression tightened slightly, and for a moment, she thought she had said something wrong. Then, his tone grew firm, resolute. "Vladya." "Huh?"

"Call me by my name, Aekeira," he asserted. "Not Lord Vladya. Not my lord. Not Your Highness. Just my name."

Her eyes reached her hairline. A blush crept up her cheeks. "B-but...it's not proper."

He leaned closer, his voice soft, but no less commanding. "We're alone here. Go ahead."

"Vladya..." she breathed, tasting the word. It felt strange on her tongue, foreign and intimate, but there was something right about it, too. Her voice softened further. "Vlad."

Lust and possessiveness flared in his eyes. "My name sounds beautiful coming from your mouth," he murmured, his voice husky. "When we are alone, I want you to address me that way, Aekeira. I want to hear more of it." "Alright... Vlad," she agreed, her heart fluttering.

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. "Did you know my symptoms have gone down since your return?"

Aekeira's eyes widened in shock. "They have?"

"Mmm," he confirmed with a small nod. "I have lived with this affliction for over three years, and I can assure you they have. It surprises even me."

He leaned back slightly, thoughtful. "Is it the joy of your return? These... new feelings I'm experiencing? Or simply your presence? I don't know the reason," he admitted, his voice dropping to a rare softness. "But I can feel it, Aekeira. The madness is still there... but it's not progressing. I feel better than I have in years." A pause. "I haven't heard the voices in weeks."

Her breath hitched, and her eyes stung. Oh, Aekeira, you're such a crybaby, aren't you?

But what else could she do? Every time he shared a piece of himself with her, every raw, vulnerable word, it undid her.

How she had lived without this, without him, for two long years, she would never know.

"So, yes, Aekeira," her grand lord added with resolve. "Let's go back home."

GRAND KING DAEMONIKAI

Daemonikai finished with the market and guild records, the last light of day had faded, and the cool cloak of night spilled through the open window. Glancing over at his helper, he paused. She was

head lay on the desk, arms

she drifted off? He had been so engrossed in

was a wonderful coworker, asking insightful questions when needed, yet comfortable with companionable silence. Daemonikai enjoyed working with her.

been handling, he thumbed

a clear and organized manner that would make even

tending gardens, caring for the sick, hunting, and taking records. His woman was a female of many skills. A treasure trove of fine abilities.

he moved quietly around the desk and crouched beside her. His eyes roamed

a cruel joke from Ukrae. A mocking laughter at my expense," he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Because why do

gentle rise and fall of her back lulled him, her breathing was deep

I'd feel my own heart race again? That I could ever look at you without guilt? Who would have thought

stilled. But she

suppose it took nearly

world to find myself." He leaned closer, brushing a ghost kiss on her nose. "I'm sorry it took

knock sounded

apologetic.

pressed a finger to

guard snapped his mouth

rests. Let's not

no more than a murmur.

Daemonikai waved him off.

you like me to take her to her room? I won't wake her." "No need." Daemonikai lifted his woman into his arms and straightened. "You may bring the

her out of his study, he didn't turn left toward her chambers but right toward his. He crossed the room in silence

shifting, nestling deeper into his covers. Like she

Possessiveness surged

•

later after he had

into his nightclothes,

took his

the desk across

resuming his