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

Chapter 302

When the final robe was secured, Vladya stepped back and gave a small nod.

Daemonikai inclined his head slightly. "Thank you, Grand Lord Vladya."

Under normal circumstances, Vladya would have taken the title as the jest it usually was, but today there was no humor in his voice.

He gave a simple, respectful nod in return. "You're welcome, Your Grace."

The rest of the day passed in much the same way. Daemonikai carried an air of aloof formality that set the tone for the entire ceremony.

Everyone in attendance noticed the shift, though no one dared address it openly. Vladya himself kept a cautious distance.

By evening, as the people feasted and danced to the vibrant music, he finally stepped away from the event square, seeking a moment of quiet. The slaves' performance was energetic, but he found little enjoyment in it as usual.

He hadn't made it far before he heard footsteps behind him.

"What is wrong with His Majesty?" Ottai asked, falling into step beside Vladya. Vladya did not break stride. "I have no idea."

"For days now, he's been giving off this unapproachable air," Ottai continued, concerned. Lowering his tone further, almost a whisper, he added. "Do you think... it has something to do with the return of his madness?"

Vladya stopped abruptly, turning to look at his worried companion. Then his eyes shifted back toward the square, where Daemonikai sat at his grand chair, scribbling something on a scroll.

The grand king's posture was rigid, his focus intense.

"I'm not sure," Vladya admitted finally.

"I worry there may be a rift between him and Emeriel," Ottai voiced out. "I'm worried that what happened in court may just be a front for the people, and that Emeriel never truly forgave him for that night."

"That is a possibility," Vladya conceded.

Ottai sighed. “And you? How is your plan with Princess Aekeira coming along?"

Vladya shook his head as he resumed walking. “I spent all day yesterday in the Royal Library. Going through every document, combing through anything I could find on Soul Returns and Resurrection."

that's good." Ottai was

"Nothing."

the ground beneath them began to tremble. Subtle at first. A faint vibration that barely

it quickly grew in intensity...rumbling carrying through

the wind. Nervous murmurs rippled

sharply. "What's going

the square,

a strange red star had appeared. Brighter than any other, its light

gasped, freezing.

A broad smile of disbelief as he stared at the glowing

is waking," Vladya

to shouts as people pointed skyward, their voices filled with wonder

is waking," Vladya repeated, his heart thudding. "Finally. Thank the

soldiers were already

the festival ending

across the grounds as families gathered their belongings while the guards

out of the arena as well, staring at the sky, his face softening. Vladya approached him, Ottai following closely behind, both of them glancing

what it looks like?" Ottai asked in

at Vladya. "She may have an

Suddenly, his future looked even brighter than it had when he

a firm hand on his shoulder. "It's okay to get your

ensuring the people return home safely and quickly." Daemonikai cut in. "Then

back at the glowing red star. "Knowing the Old Lady, the fortress will be her first

they got

....

wild and untamed,

since taken flight. The winds howled with an aggressiveness that

creating a swirling vortex that tore through the trees, tearing leaves from their branches. Lifting grasses from the ground

cave,

surface, undisturbed

cave was vast and eerie, lined with ancient coffin-beds, their

cryptic symbols that glowed faintly in the dim