Chapter 359

As the guards dragged the sobbing females inside. Daemonikai followed them, his hands clasped behind his back. The guards shoved them through the iron doors, and he entered after them.

He looked to one soldier. “Fetch the spiked whips.” Then another. “Summon the slavemasters, I want scalding oil and ground chili peppers. Now.”

The two handmaidens were pale as bone now. One had already wet herself, the stink of urine reaching his nose. Both fell to their knees, tears streaming down the faces they pressed to the ground.

“Please, have mercy! We beg you, Your Grace!” Nora wept.

“Your Highness, forgive our transgressions!”

“Silence.” Daemonikai crouched before Nora, taking her chin in his hand, lifting her teary, blotched face until their eyes met. Her terror was absolute.

“I will ask you a question,” his voice was soft. “You will answer. You will speak truthfully. You will leave out nothing. If I am displeased by your answer, I will walk away. These males will carry out my command in my absence, and I will return in the morning to ask you again.” He blinked slowly. “And if I am still displeased then, you will be beheaded. Am I clear?”

The female trembled so violently he thought she might faint.

“Y–y–yes! Yes, Your Grace!” she sobbed.

“Tell me everything regarding your mistress’s ties to Grand Lord Zaiper. Any conversations you overheard, any suspicions you might hold.” His gaze bored into hers like a spike through wood. “Tell me if there was anything unusual about her departure–the way she behaved, how she packed, anything that seemed amiss.”

The words tumbled out of Nora so fast, not even diarrhea could catch up. Stumbling. Sobbing. Tripping over her words, but she gave him everything.

Some details were redundant. Some hysterical and unnecessary. But she was thorough. More thorough than he could have hoped.

Daemonikai listened without interrupting. At some point, he waved for a chair and seated himself, crossing his arms as the tale unwound before him.

Evening faded into midnight.

finished speaking, Daemonikai’s inside was a battlefield. He knew, now,

had shared his bed. Often. There had even been a violent confrontation between her and Zaiper’s favored concubine over

when his bloodhost and the former Second Ruler spoke, there was always something concealed in their words. An undercurrent of secrets and glances exchanged that had meant far

had attacked Emeriel with poison–tipped arrows, she had spent the entire day

heavily for her supposed trip. Had taken more gold than any noblewoman would ever need for

or recovery; her journey was not a pleasure trip or excursion. She had gone to join

was

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Chapter 359

roared,

appeared instantly.

to all Storm Riders, Hunting Beasts, and Tracking Sentinels,” Daemonikai commanded, rising to his feet. “As of this moment, Laelsainai Gurtazivrk is declared a wanted fugitive of Urai. Search every abode, every cave, every border. Leave no stone unturned and no shadow untouched.

“As His

Two Months Later

to the kingdom at

in a single, fluid movement. Dust clung to his dark cloak, his armor streaked with the grime

inspected, their hooves checked and cleaned before they are

gave a sharp nod, and without delay, the mounts were collected and

ready. Sharpen your blades and string your bows.” His voice cold as ice, his tone leaving

they cleared a path for their grand king. Daemonikai strode

Those bruises need tending, Daemon,” Vladya said, falling into

tend

arm throbbed beneath his armor, blood seeped from wounds not yet treated, but such things were

on the route to healing.” Vladya said. “You, on the other hand, your bloodhost is a fugitive on the run and you’ve got a restless beast clawing at your insides because you haven’t fed or fucked

Daemonikai scowled. “Enough.”

shadowed alcove beyond the watchful eyes of the soldiers. “It’s been two months, Daemon. Two months since your last proper bloodfeeding. Feeders don’t count. Sipping from Emeriel

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