Page 103 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Her head felt light and foggy, but this… this was a pleasant dream, too. Emeriel let out a soft, contented sound, nuzzling into his touch.

“That’s my good girl.” His hand moved to stroke her hair. “Now, you need to drink.”

A cup pressed against her lips, and a bitter liquid touched her tongue. She gagged, turning her head away.

“Bitter,” she mumbled. “Don’t want it.”

“I know, but you must.” He leaned closer, his face filling her vision, blocking out the rest of the world.

Emeriel found she didn't mind that at all.

“You’re so handsome,” she slurred. “But… there’s a little error here…” Lifting a hand, she flattened the lines of worry on his forehead, smoothening the frown between his brows. “There, much better. Don’t frown so hard.”

His gaze was filled with a tenderness that made her feel like the center of his universe.

Oh, she liked that. A lot.

“Keep looking at me… like that,” she murmured drowsily, lost in those eyes. “Sometimes, it’s like you see right into my very soul.” She paused, her eyelids fluttering. “It’s unnerving, but… I like it. Don’t ever stop.”

“You’re drugged out of your senses,” he said in that deep, sexy voice that made her tingle inside.

“No, I’m quite clearheaded,” she informed him with utmost seriousness.

Blinking hard, she frowned, her brow wrinkling as her eyes tried to focus. “Though you do seem to have… three eyes and two noses.”

He let out a deep chuckle. "Clearheaded, are we?"

“Absolutely.” Emeriel’s hand slipped to his neck, greedily tracing wherever her fingers could reach. “I wish you’d do that more often. Laugh. I want to hear it… to see it.”

“You make me want to,” he admitted, his tone raspy. “I never thought I would again, but you…” He picked up the dreaded medicine cup once more. "You do need to drink this."

“Do not.”

“Do, too.” It pressed against her mouth again. “Drink, Riel.”

Riel.The pet name made her insides twist pleasantly.

“Riel…” she savored the way it sounded. “I like it.”

“You do?”

Emeriel nodded enthusiastically. “Very much. Call me… Riel, Your Grace.”

“I will, dearling,” he promised softly. “Now, drink.”

Reluctantly, she opened her mouth and gulped down the bitter medicine, grimacing.

A smile touched his lips. “Good girl.”

Emeriel preened under his praise. “I had the most beautiful dreams…” she confided, groggily.

"Oh?" There was curiosity to his tone.

“Mmm.” She reached for him, clinging weakly. “Lie beside me, and I’ll tell you all about them.”

He sighed. “I’m needed in court, Riel.”

“Please… Beloved,” she whined, persuasive.

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