Page 173 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Grand Lord Ottai stood a few paces away, observing the grand king with a keen eye. His own soldiers flanked him, mirroring his attentive posture. He watched as Daemonikai moved down the line, correcting a young archer's stance.

In moments like these, Daemonikai was a force to be reckoned with. Over millennia, he had led them into countless battles, securing victory after victory. There was no trace of the playful ruler now... only the ruthless commander.

"Archers! Show me what you've got!"

At his command, the soldiers in formation raised their bows in unison. There was a ripple of movement before a shower of arrows arced through the air.

"Many of you are improving," the grand king's voice resonated across the field. "Your accuracy has increased, but your stamina still lags! On the battlefield, that weakness can be fatal! You need—"

His words cut short.

He stopped moving.

A hush fell over the training grounds. Everyone was focused on him, anticipating his next command, but Daemonikai seemed... frozen. He stared at some distant point in the horizon.

His eyes grew cold, his jaw clenched, fists tight at his sides. Tension radiated from him.

Was he lost in thought?

"Your Grace?" Ottai called out cautiously.

There was no response. Daemonikai's nostrils flared.

Something was deeply wrong.

"King Daemonikai?" Ottai approached, apprehension crawling up his spine.

His instincts screamed at him to proceed with caution, his own beast stirring restlessly inside him.

He placed a hand on Daemonikai's shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Daemonikai whirled around and shoved him with a force that sent Ottai flying backward.

The push was so sudden and violent that Ottai had no time to react. He landed hard on the ground, the impact jarring his bones.

Gasps rose from the surrounding soldiers, their shock tangible.

"By the gods, something's not right!" Ottai roared, scrambling to his feet. "Everyone, take cover! Protect yourselves! Wegai, get reinforcements! Keep them close but off the grounds!"

The soldiers scattered, chaos erupting as they obeyed his frantic commands.

Meanwhile, the grand king stood motionless, muttering words Ottai couldn't make out.

What was he saying?Ottai crept closer, straining to hear.

"My woman. Mine."

What?

He is not himself.

What in the hell is happening?

"Must go to her," Daemonikai muttered. "Must have her."

The vacant look in the grand king's eyes added a dangerous focus that looked… predatory. He started forward in long strides filled with purpose.

Ottai moved to intercept him. "No, wait, Daemon! Youcannotgo to her like this!"

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