That Prince Is A Girl The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate novel 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.

"I’ll inform Lord Ottai you’re awake," she kept 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 low tone.

Emeriel faltered. She was.

The first genuine happiness she had experienced in a long time, and she was trying all she could not to show it.

He’s alive! He’s back...!

"I heard every word you said to me," the king confessed.

Emeriel reared back, surprised. "All of it?"

"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 under such look. "I’m just... me."

As she replied, her eyes darted to the door with longing. 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 in the silence.

Turning to leave, she took a step away— His hand shot out, catching hers.

Emeriel gasped. Her first instinct was to pull away, but instead, she stood 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 king said, huskily.

"Are you... are you not angry that I did?" Emeriel stared at their joined hands. "I know you sent me away because you didn’t want me here."

He was looking at her like that again. As if seeing her for the first time.

The sparkle in his eyes grew brighter. Then, quietly, "I didn’t... at that time."

Emeriel nodded. That much she knew. "Did you hear about the attempt on your life?" she asked, changing the subject.

"That too," he released her hand, his face hardening. "Ottai has already begun the investigation."

"Yes. If the assassin was indeed acting under orders, we all hope the culprit is found." Emeriel tugged at her hand. "If you'll excuse me, Your Highness."