Page 114 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Emeriel's hand trembled on the doorknob. Her breaths came quick and shallow as her internal war continued.

Turn back. Go away,her rational mind scolded.Not a good idea, Emeriel.

But another voice… softer, more desperate, whispered back.Just one last night. I need to feel him one last time.

You know the risks. If you do this, there’s a chance your heat will come early. You are NOT ready for it.

"I miss him," she whispered aloud in a quiet plea. "Just this one night with him is all I ask for, is that too much to ask? I miss him so much, it hurts."

A pause followed in her chaotic mind.

You poor, poor thing,the inner voice sighed, resigned.

She gripped the doorknob tighter, and with a soft click, it swung open. Stepping inside, she closed the door behind her.

***

Daemonikai eyes snapped open, his sharp senses registering the presence of an intruder. But a familiar calm settle over him.

His beast purred in his chest, ears perking up in recognition. Her scent reached him, even as his vision quickly adjusted to the darkness. And there she was, standing in the doorway.

She removed the cloak and his eyes greedily drank her in… tracing every inch of her.A vision of sexy beauty.

That almost transparent nightgown hugged her curves like a second skin, showing off every dip and swell of her body.

Emeriel, are you alright?" he rasped, sitting up.

"I need…" She licked her lips, then whispered, "I need you."

Throat going dry, he forced his gaze to meet her face. What he saw there gave his hunger a pause.

It was the first time since her return he had seen the mask of composure completely removed. Too many emotions on her face. Need, fear, vulnerability, hunger, and… resignation.

Something was wrong.

Seeing her so raw, so unguarded, disturbed him greatly.

"Riel… did something happen? You know you can tell me," he prompted, his tone gentler, coaxing.

Her hand moved to the straps of her nightdress, slowly sliding the fabric from her shoulders, until it fell soundlessly to the floor, pooling at her feet.

Emeriel stood before him, completely naked.

Chapter twenty-six

THE COMMANDER. THE PREDATOR.

Aekeirasteppedintoherchamber and paused; her gaze drawn to the male standing by the window.

Bathed in the moonlight, he was a vision of power and authority, dressed in full regalia with his hands clasped behind his back, staring into the night.

Aekeira's stomach fluttered. He was so devastatingly handsome it made her chest ache. The scar across his cheek only adding to his rugged appeal.

Seeing him now, he didn't look like the simple Vladya from the caves who had smiled so easily and let his walls down enough to let her in. With the heavy cloaks, he looked likeGrand Lord Vladya.

The ruler with immense authority. The one whose scowls and sharp tone could cut through steel.

What do I do? Where do I stand with him now?

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