Page 61 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Dangerous, dangerous path.

The sensible thing would be to return the flowers, thanking the king for his hospitality but politely declining the gesture. Or, better yet, give the daisies away to someone else, and keep her distance.

But her feet carried her across the room. Setting the basket down, she rummaged for an empty vase, filling it with water and gently arranging the daisies within it. She had no business placing the vase by the side of her bed.

It’s okay, I’m not staying anyway,she reasoned as she stepped back, surveying her work.

Once King Daemonikai fully recovered, whether the bond rekindled or not, Emeriel would return to Navia.

This was temporary. Fleeting.

The flowers didn’t mean anything.

***

"Thank you so much for your help, Princess," the soldier said with gratitude.

“It’s alright. Your daughter is my friend.” Emeriel glanced at little Dabekka, who sat beside her, gazing up with wide, appreciative eyes. She ruffled the youngling's hair. "I'm glad I could help."

"Bekka told me you've been visiting daily," the soldier said, his voice filled with emotions. "You saved my beloved's life." He looked close to tears again, and Emeriel shifted uncomfortably. "I had no idea she was ill. Bekka can't use a messenger bird yet."

Shame entered the girl’s doe-like eyes. Emeriel smiled at her, then turned to her father. "She could learn, you know. Start early. Bekka is smart."

"That she is," he agreed, his gaze soft as he looked at his sleeping bondmate. Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss on her cheek. "My dearest beloved," he whispered. "I’m here now. I’ll take good care of you, I promise."

So much love in those eyes.

Emeriel's heart clenched, and the walls of the room closed in. "I have to take my leave now," she said abruptly, turning toward the door.

"Wait!"

Emeriel paused, glancing back over her shoulder.

The soldier stood awkwardly, guilt written all over his face. He couldn't meet her eyes. "I’ve been meaning to apologize," he began, his voice heavy. "That day, in the courtyard… I was among those who wanted you imprisoned without food or water. When his Highness, Zaiper, commanded it, I was glad. And when the king overruled him, I was disappointed. I even wished for you to die."

He swallowed hard, shame evident in his every word. "The guilt has plagued me since then. You didn’t hurt anyone. It’s not your fault you were born human. Seeing how you’ve been helping—how you saved my Dabekka and my beloved—I can hardly live with myself." He finally looked up, his eyes pleading. "Please, forgive me."

Silence settled between them.

"It's all in the past," Emeriel said at last, her voice raspy.

She couldn’t believe how emotional his words made her. How fulfilling it was to hear this. “I hold nothing against you. Just… treat your family right."

"Always," he vowed. "I would die for them."

"That’s all I ask," she said softly. "I will take my leave now."

The soldier straightened, then bent into a deep bow. "Your Majesty."

Stepping out into the corridor, Emeriel was finally able to breathe freely again. The cool air kissed her face, but a bittersweet ache lingered.

How nice would it be to be looked at like that, with such love and devotion?

Pushing those unwelcome feelings aside, Emeriel continued on her way, the soldiers trailing behind her.

As she entered Ravenshadow, the fortress buzzed with energy, the atmosphere lighter than she had seen it since her return. The people were lively, conversations animated.

"Did you hear?" one Urekai excitedly told another. "The king will appear in court today!"

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