Page 172 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Chapter thirty-nine

OUT OF CONTROL

TwoDaysLater

Emeriel knocked once before opening the door to her sister's bedchamber, only to freeze in her tracks.

They sprang apart–or rather, Aekeira did–leaping out of Grand Lord Vladya's embrace as if his touch had suddenly burned her. They had been kissing.

"Em!" Aekeira's face was bright red. She looked both thrilled and flustered.

"That's me," Emeriel replied with a gentle smile, trying to ease the awkwardness. "Forgive my intrusion. I should have waited for an invitation. I didn't know I'd be interrupting..."

"No, no, it's quite alright!" Aekeira hurried forward, embracing her sister with a quick hug. "It's wonderful to see you. How are you?"

This was the same question Aekeira had asked upon their return to the fortress the previous day. Despite Emeriel's reassurances, her sister's worry remained.

"I'm well, truly," Emeriel insisted, then turned to the third ruler with a respectful curtsy. "Your Highness."

"Princess." Lord Vladya inclined his head in acknowledgment, his usual composure firmly in place. "Has Daemonikai returned from the training grounds?"

"Not yet." Emeriel tried to keep the longing out of her voice.

Her grand king had been absent since dawn, leaving Emeriel to fill the hours tending the gardens and overseeing the planting of new crops.

She had returned to the fortress only to hear he still hadn't come back from training. She missed him terribly.

"He should return soon," Lord Vladya said. "Enjoy your sister's company in the meantime. I shall take my leave." He clasped his hands behind his back, and Emeriel's eyes widened in surprise.

"Lord Vladya, your hand..." she gasped, unable to contain her astonishment.

The hand that had been trapped in its beast form was now whole and fully restored.

"Indeed." Vladya raised his restored hand, examining it with a genuine smile.

The smile was more startling than the healed hand itself. Emeriel could not recall ever seeing a smile on his face that wasn't a sneer or a smirk. It was... pleasant.

"It occurred this morning," Lord Vladya explained. "I intend to surprise Daemonikai with the news."

Beside her, Aekeira was beaming with joy. Emeriel marveled at how joyful her sister had become these days.

"I am truly happy for you, Your Highness," Emeriel said sincerely, curtseying once more. "And like my sister, I pray your mind will heal as completely as the Grand King's has."

She paused. "I also wanted to express my gratitude for your assistance in the past. I never had the opportunity."

"I played a minor role." The grand lord waved his hand. "And I won't pretend my motives were entirely unselfish. Keeping Daemonikai unaware of your identity was my primary concern."

"Nevertheless, thank you for turning a blind eye," Emeriel insisted. "And for visiting me after my secret was revealed, when everyone else left me alone."

Lord Vladya's expression softened. "You have matured considerably these past few years. I once questioned Ukrae's wisdom in choosing you as Daemonikai'sSoulbond, but I now realize the gods knew precisely what they were doing. You are well-suited to him, Emeriel."

Emeriel hadn't expected such a compliment, especially from him. It was unexpectedly gratifying. "Thank you, My Lord."

***

"Hold your stance, soldier! A wobbling shield will cost you your life on the battlefield!" Grand King Daemonikai's voice boomed across the training grounds.

A young soldier hastily adjusted his grip, his face flushing under the scrutiny.

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