Page 161 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Before she could go further, his strong arm grabbed her waist, tugging her forward.

She gasped as she lost her balance, tumbling into him. His arms encircled her possessively, and he tilted her head to the side, claiming her lips with his.

The kiss was light, soft, and impossibly warm.

Her initial surprise melted into a sigh as she relaxed against him, her hands finding their place on his chest. His heartbeat steady and strong beneath her fingertips.

Emeriel kissed him back, her uncertainty fading in the heat of his touch.

So this is what I would have given up?The thought drifted through her mind.I wouldn’t mind waking up like this every day.

When he finally pulled back, her head swam, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She blinked a few times, trying to clear the lightheadedness clouding her senses.

“That.” He smirked. “My fair Riel, is how you greet yourSoulbond.”

Heavens, I wish it would always be like this.Emeriel prayed.Please, fill our days with more bliss like this.

***

Returning to his chambers in the early hours of the morning, Grand Lord Zaiper reeked of sex, whistling cheerfully. His steps carried an unmistakable swagger.

His head soldier observed him curiously but respectfully kept his mouth shut.

Zaiper noticed and grinned as he entered his chamber. "Go on, you may ask."

Razarr inclined his head slightly. "You seem unusually cheerful this morning, Your Highness. Is there an occasion?"

"Oh, indeed there is." Zaiper threw a glance over his shoulder and winked. "I’m preparing something truly special for two very important people in this kingdom. Just wait and see."

Razarr’s curiosity deepened, though his tone remained measured. "Does this mean your special plan is foolproof?"

"Absolutely." Zaiper’s eyes gleamed with pure excitement. "Just thinking about it makes my blood race. After so many failures, you are about to witness a victory unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Wait for it, Razarr." He began undressing, whistling a jaunty tune."It's going to be massive."

Chapter thirty-seven

THE WEB OF DOOM

Thenextthreedayswere the best in Emeriel's life. She and King Daemonikai spent nearly every moment together, and she cherished each one.

They talked about everything. Her time in the human world, her physical training, her hobbies, and childhood memories. In turn, he opened up about his own youth, even sharing pieces of his late family.

Emeriel hummed softly as she put away their dinner dishes. Warm and vibrant joy bubbled within her. Even the topics that could have been awkward or painful were touched upon—if only lightly—without tension or avoidance.

She was truly, deeply happy, about the incredible progress they had made together.

Setting aside the court, their past, and their pain, they had spent these days simply being together. The peace, the quiet, and the simplicity of the surroundings were a nice change. This cottage nestled in one of the outer villages of Urai, had become a sanctuary for them, and she loved it.

Yesterday evening, Daemonikai took her for a walk, leading her along the winding paths of the village. Locals greeted their grand king with enthusiasm and kindness, extending the same warmth to her.

When they returned home, Daemonikai pulled her into his lap by the crackling fireplace, where they talked and cuddled late into the night.

She loved having his undivided attention, watching him smile, seeing him so at ease.

But a slight worry disturbed her.

King Daemonikai hadn’t touched her intimately in days.

It wasn’t that he didn’t show affection. In fact, sometimes, he held her too close as though she were the most precious thing in the world. His hands were always greedy when it came to caressing her as they cuddled.

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