Page 155 of The Princess and Her Grand King

“Maybe you should make time to go and see him.”

She tilted her head slightly, trying to glimpse his expression, but gave up when she realized it would mean leaving the cocoon of his arms. “I’m surprised you would say that. I know you don’t exactly…”

“That is in the past. He was a genuine friend to you. A good one who was there for you during dark times. He’s a kind of friend worth having.”

“He is,” she agreed, a touch of exhaustion entering her tone. “You know, when the lords bared their necks for me in court today, I thought about him. He always told me it would work out. That I should have a little faith.”

“I am glad you have such a friend. Genuine friendships transcend time."

“Like you and Lord Vladya?”

She felt his head nod against hers. Sleep began to tug at her, the warmth of his presence wrapping around her like a blanket.

She was drifting off when she felt his hands tremble.

It was subtle at first. A faint quiver becoming unmistakable as he tried to still them, his knuckles tightening into a fist.

“I have noticed it a few times now,” she murmured drowsily. “The tremors.”

“It’s nothing. Go to sleep, dearling.”

“Is it the poison?”

He didn’t respond.

“No more secrets, remember?” she yawned. “Tell me.”

He exhaled. “I haven’t been feeding.”

Her eyes snapped open. “Bloodfeeding?”

“Mm-hm.” His acknowledgment was barely audible. “With everything happening lately, I need to feed more to heal faster, to heal completely. But…”

She sat up, untangling herself from his arms and turning to face him. “How long has it been?”

“A week, maybe two.” Then, under his breath, he added, “Might be three.”

Emeriel’s eyes widened to her hairline. “You have been starving yourself? Why? You should know better.”

“I do, actually.” He sighed again, his shoulders tense. “At first, I didn’t feel the urge. The older one gets, the longer they can go without needing to bloodfeed regularly. I can go quite a while without it. But then the arrow happened.”

His jaw clenched as he scowled. “Finding out it was my bloodhost who did that…”

“Yeah, well, the mistress has always hated me, so I’m not surprised,” Emeriel said with a huff. “But that is no reason for you to suffer. She should be the one suffering, not you.”

His frown dissolved, and he smirked. “She is, too.”

Emeriel tilted her head, offering her neck. “Drink from me, My King.”

Daemonikai’s eyes stayed on the curve of her neck. “Bloodfeeding is going to make us horny.” Restraint was clear in his voice. “And as much as I would like to be inside you again… yesterday was your first time, and I was insatiable. You need rest.”

True.

Even with the warm bath and the soothing herbs, Emeriel's body still hasn’t recovered from their passion. She was still sore and achy. But still…

“You’re hungry. I don’t mind,” she insisted.

His hands tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. “I am alright, Riel. It’s not that bad yet,” he murmured, his lips brushing her temple. “Besides, bloodfeeding will only awaken my appetite even more, making me hungrier, for your blood and your body.”

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