That Prince Is A Girl The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate novel Chapter 348

Chapter 348
“I don't know, but she’s in a bad condition. The beast tore her up badly.”

The distant cry of gulls on the wind filled the silence.

The fourth ruler’s ears twitched. “Vladya calls me.” He turned on his heel. “Wait here.”

Emeriel nodded faintly, watching him disappear, then she was alone.

She stared out at the horizon, watching the morning light stretch over the land. When will this end? How much more blood would be spilled before this nightmare ended?

What does it say about her that, despite the dire consequences, she felt relieved? Instead of worrying about the mistress, she could finally breathe easy knowing her Daemon would be alright?

"I'm a horrible person." Sniffling, she wiped her tears, staring down at her belly. “Your father is going through so much. Please, little one, let’s be strong for him.” Her fingers traced the swell. “Let’s take comfort in knowing that if he finds out who is responsible for this, they will pay dearly.”

••••

A week later.

GRAND KING DAEMONIKAI

“So, the eyewitness finally identified the soldiers he saw that night,” Grand King Daemonikai said as he walked. “It is confirmed—the Second Ruler was involved in the kidnapping of young females in heat. Now, let us establish motive.”

“Perhaps he seeks an heir,” Vladya was in steps beside him. “It’s the only reason I can fathom, no matter how absurd. The male has not shown interest in bondmates or offspring in millennia.”

“A male who never ceases to boast of his love for variety, yet he did this. We may not know his motive, but when he is captured, he will damn well tell us.” Daemonikai’s tone was cold, and he did not break stride. “This eyewitness will need to stand before the court and repeat all of this. Many speak boldly in private, yet when summoned to court, their courage often fails… and their statements shift. We cannot risk that. Have the male prepared to meet me after the festival. I want him standing before me, looking into my eyes as he repeats every word of his testimony.”

Vladya’s dry chuckle followed him. “If he does not faint from terror. Or worse—retract his claim, thinking he's about to be punished for daring to speak. Best I handle it.”

Daemonikai arched a brow. “Quite bold of you to assume he would be more at ease with you.”

“Hey! Have you not heard the tales?” Vladya chuckled. “Our people say I have ‘mellowed out’ since my life became perfect. And for once, they are not wrong. Look at this...” He grinned widely, flashing teeth.

Daemonikai regarded him flatly. “It’s unsettling, don't do that.”

But Vladya kept the wolfish grin even as they pivoted a corner.

“You look strange, stop doing that,"

Vladya tsked. “You’re just an old grump, Your Grace.”

“Ottai fares better than both of us. The people call him 'the sunshine amongst the rulers,' they consider him the most approachable of us all.”

“You are simply bitter,” Vladya quipped. “I am perfectly approachable.”

“I’m not certain I approve Aekeira’s handiwork in you." Daemonikai gave him a skeptical side glance. "Where has Vladya the mean scowler gone? The angry, bitter crow?”

Vladya’s laughter rang through the empty hallway.

It did feel nice hearing him laugh like this, but it definitely still felt surreal.

Vladya was still chuckling as the great doors opened before them. Even the highlords wore their surprise on their faces as they saw him.