Page 67 of The Princess and Her Grand King

“Thank you, Your Grace.” She stepped away, brushing off her clothes.

“I’m not going to give up, you know,” Daemonikai stated. “Not on you, not on us.”

She ceased dusting off her garment and gave him that look again—as if he'd sprouted a second head. Turning her back on him, she started to walk away.

“Emeriel…”

She stopped. “I don’t know what you want from me, but I can’t give it.” Another deep breath. “I just… can’t. Too little, too late, Your Grace. I have nothing left in me to give."

She walked away without a backward glance.

Chapter sixteen

DAEMONIKAI THE RELENTLESS.

"Whenwillyougoback home?" Aekeira asked.

Lord Vladya’s body went taut.

They were fishing by a secluded stream. Lord Vladya had caught several fish, while Aekeira hadn’t managed to catch any. Not that she expected to.

Emeriel had always been the expert in this, but Aekeira enjoyed the simplicity of the act with him.

"Not anytime soon," he said, noncommittally.

It had been three weeks since Aekeira began visiting him regularly. She would arrive each morning and stay with him most of the day. Whenever she asked about his return to his people, she received the same answer.

She understood his hesitation. After what happened, going back wasn’t easy. But the people of Blackstone needed their lord.

Every morning, Aekeira found baskets of fruits on her doorstep, his people showing they approved.

She spent more time here than in the fortress. In truth, she practically lived here now, returning to her quarters only at night.

Except on the ‘bad days.' When he went through dark episodes of feral madness. Those days, he would insist she leave.

"Another one." Lord Vladya's eyes brightened.

A subtle tug on his fishing line signaled a bite, and Aekeira smiled as he expertly reeled in a large, flapping fish. His fifth.

"Dinner, my lady, is going to be delicious."

"It certainly will be, my lord," she chuckled, her heart swelling.

Aekeira would never get tired of having all of his attention. Spending the entire day with him, soaking in the sight of him. It felt like one of her fairytales, where this male was all hers.

Moments like this made her wish the outside world wouldn't intrude.

Lord Vladya seemed more relaxed. Lighter.

Was she finally getting glimpses of the male he used to be?

Her insides warmed up at the thought. She was happier than she had been in years.

***

Back in the cave, after their satisfying meal, Lord Vladya went outside to gather firewood to keep the cave warm against the chilly evenings.

Alone, Aekeira wandered to another part of the cavern.

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