Page 152 of The Princess and Her Grand King

The guilt and blame she had carried for so long—the self-recrimination and what ifs—they started to dissolve like smoke in the wind.

Emeriel felt so much lighter. Freer. The burden she carried lifted.

Time slipped away unnoticed. She lost track of how long they stayed like this.

Around them, the night moved on. The stars, the moon, and the wind bore witness to this vulnerable time. This heartbreaking moment where she stood and watched her malebreak apart before her, piece by slow, agonizing piece.

Yet, she didn’t move.

Not even when her legs began to ache from standing too long, and her waist ached from the strength of his grip. Emeriel didn’t move a muscle because he needed her.

At last, he stirred, his hold loosening as he pulled back.

“Do you feel better?” she asked in a tender tone.

“Very much,” he replied, his eyes soft, a hint of gratitude shining through the pain. “You, Emeriel, are a rare treasure. Thank you for being here.”

“You never need to thank me. Not for that.”

Daemonikai rose to his full height, stretching, then pulled her into his arms again. His lips pressed a gentle, reverent kiss to her forehead.

She closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of it.

“It’s been a long night,” he murmured wearily.

“It has.”

“What do you say we get out of here? Go away from the fortress for a while, just the two of us,” he suggested.

Her brows lifted slightly in surprise, but the idea was instantly appealing. “That sounds heavenly. But… your duties…”

“They can wait. Vladya can manage things for a couple of days. Right now, we need this. Just you and I, leaving the rest of the world behind.”

The simplicity of his words, the honesty in his gaze. It stirred something deep within her. She nodded, her heart swelling with anticipation.

Daemonikai turned his back to her. “Get on.”

She blinked, momentarily confused, but then understanding dawned.

With a shy smile, she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and jumped onto his back.

“Hang on tight."

Chapter thirty-five

IN THE GRAND KING’S ARMS

Itwasalongjourney beyond the fortress into the woods.

For hours, Grand King Daemonikai ran like a blur through the tall trees while Emeriel held on tight, hands secured around his shoulders. The wind rushed past them, whooshing all around them.

The ride was both exhilarating and calming.

When they finally reached a small cottage nestled beyond the mountains, he slowed.

The structure came into view, elegant, surrounded by a picket fence entwined with flowering vines. The cottage looked peaceful.

Daemonikai set her down gently before the door, taking her hand as he led her inside. The interior pristine yet homely, held the faint scent of lavender in the air.

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