Page 59 of The Princess and Her Grand King

But then she had been there, her heat pressing against him. Her voice a beacon in the darkness, talking to him, soothing him.

Her voice had pulled him back when he had nearly given up. Her touch had led him home.

And now that same woman, who had risked her life to save him, stood before him with such staggering indifference.

"How was your day?" he pressed, trying to draw her out.

"Fruitful." Her tone clipped. "Productive."

Daemonikai handed back the empty cup, and she rose to retrieve another vial from the tray. His eyes followed her every move.

"My day was filled with grueling meetings of official matters," he volunteered. "For a bedridden king, my people certainly don't seem to care."

"They are relieved their grand king has returned." Emeriel handed him a platter of ground roots and plants. "Everyone rejoices. Celebrations have been held in every corner of the fortress."

Daemonikai took a bite. "And you?” His eyes locked with hers. ”Do you rejoice?"

Her baby blue eyes met his eyes for a moment.

For the life of him, Daemonikai couldn’t read her. Her face had gone from relaxed to completely blank in the blink of an eye.

It wasunnervingto see on a face that was once so expressive.

"I wouldn’t be in this kingdom if I wasn’t," she finally replied, her tone neutral.

Dammit, just go for it."Emeriel, I want to talk to you about two years ago,” he said earnestly. “I want to apolo—"

She turned away, giving him her back. "There is nothing to talk about. I must take my leave," she said curtly. "Madam Livia will be here soon with the rest of your medicines." A glance over her shoulder. "Good night, Your Grace."

After she left, Daemonikai stared at the door she’d exited, the room’s quietness deafening.

If she were angry, it would have been better. Anger meant she still cared enough to be upset.

But there was no anger. Only conviction, and a gaping distance.

Had he lost her forever?

Daemonikai had been so certain that once he returned, once he was whole again, he could make things right. But now he wasn’t sure.

Had he ruined his chances with her before they’d even begun?

***

Emeriel stood before the mirror, the servants adjusting her garment, chastising herself yet again for the night before.

Why had I paid him a visit?she asked herself for the hundredth time.

There was no logical reason to take the medicines from Madam Livia just to have an excuse to see him.

Two years had passed, and Emeriel had almost forgotten how hard it was to resist that male.

Or perhaps, with their bond dormant, she had naively assumed she would no longer be affected by him.

How wrong I was.

Seeing him awake and hearty, those mesmerizing green eyes on her had sent jitters through her body. It was all she could do to suppress the tremors threatening to overtake her.

Emeriel didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

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