Page 89 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Ottai barked out a laugh. “You know it!” the grand lord launched himself forward, throwing his arms around Daemonikai, hugging him tightly.

It’s a good thing I was seated for this.

Daemonikai adjusted his position, but Ottai clung to him like an octopus. "I only meant to adjust myself so I could breathe here, Ottai, not shove you off."

The fourth ruler eased his grip a little.

"You really are shameless, Tee." Daemonikai chuckled, shifting so Ottai could sit comfortably beside him, still clinging to his arm.

"I thought I would lose you this time," Ottai said, his voice muffled against Daemonikai's shoulder. "Every time I checked for signs of breathing and could barely detect it, it killed me inside. I could hardly sleep, thinking I’d wake to find you—”

The humor faded from Daemonikai’s face.

Tenderly, he brushed a hand over Ottai’s hair. “I’m sorry, Tee, for putting you through that. It was… beyond my control.”

“I know. And I’m not blaming you, not really.” Ottai finally pulled back, giving Daemonikai a stern look. “But don’t ever do that again. Don’t even think of leaving us."

"Tee—"

"When I lost Uriel, I thought my life was over. But I had Morina. We grieved together." Ottai lowered his eyes. "We still do. Having my bondmate made it just a little bit easier to face another day without my beloved son.”

It was the first time Ottai had spoken about Uriel to him.

Daemonikai had tried not to push him into talking over the years but seeing all this pain in Ottai’s eyes tugged at his heartstrings.

“I have no idea what I would have done if I’d lost Morina too.” Ottai shook his head. “The thought alone tears me apart. I can’t pretend to understand what you’ve gone through, but I selfishly wish… I wish you wouldn’t leave us.” He took a shaky breath, steadying himself. “Don’t leave us, Daemon.”

“I won’t,” Daemonikai vowed, surprising even himself.

It was the first time he had said it aloud, and for once, he truly meant it.

Pushing the shadows of grief aside, he spoke clearly, each word a promise. “Not anymore. I’m here to stay.”

“Good, that’s good,” Ottai said, nodding in relief.

Daemonikai expected to be released, but he was squeezed tighter.

“Now, suffer through this one last hug.”

Daemonikai let out a dramatic, insufferable sigh but didn’t resist. “You do realize you’re a full-grown male now? No longer that little slip of a lad who followed me everywhere three millennia ago?”

Ottai shrugged, unfazed. "Yeah, well, I still need a good hug every now and then."

“No, what you need is to grow up,” Daemonikai retorted with amusement.

Ottai had always been the 'baby' of their group. Not only was he the youngest, but Daemonikai and Vladya had been present at his birth.

He had attached himself to Daemonikai’s side, following him everywhere as a youngling. It was safe to say Daemonikai had helped raise him.

And some things never changed. Ottai was, and always had been, a notorious cuddle-slut.

Three and a half millennia hadn’t lessened that one bit.

With a defeated sigh, Daemonikai relaxed against the cushions, allowing Ottai to cling to him. "Fine, you may continue molesting me."

“Oh, stop complaining, Ancient One.” Ottai chuckled. "You know you like this.”

He did, though Daemonikai would never admit it. The closeness, the ease, felt like old times.

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