Page 92 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Someone handed a newly birthed child to Vladya.

Ottai winced,he’s going to recoil.

Vladya surprised him, accepting the infant, holding it gently, gazing down at the baby with a look Ottai could only describe as sad longing.

After a few moments, Vladya managed a small smile and returned the infant to its mother before continuing forward.

Ottai didn’t miss the possessive arm Vladya kept wrapped around Aekeira’s waist as they wove through the crowd.

“Look who finally decided to rejoin civilization,” Ottai remarked as they approached.

Vladya raised a brow. “Even a recluse needs a break every now and then.”

Crossing his arm, Ottai smirked. “Better brace yourself. I’m going to throw that no-touch rule out the window, for I'm about to pounce."

He pulled Vladya into a hug, half-expecting the grumpy ruler to push him away. But, surprising him again, Vladya returned the embrace, albeit one-armed.

Huh. Perhaps there’s hope for this one yet.

Pulling back, his eyes shifted to Aekeira. “You look better than the last time I saw you.” One brow arched. "Happier, even."

"My Lord." Aekeira lowered her head in a graceful curtsy, blushing. Voice thick, eyes red-rimmed. It was clear she’d been crying.

"We heard what happened.” Vladya’s face grew somber. “How is he?"

"Well." Ottai glanced back to the fortress entrance. “It's safe to say he's not in the best of moods. Someone tried to assassinate hisSoulbond.”

Aekeira choked back a sob. “I need to see her. I need to see my sister.”

Ottai led them to Frostfall's royal residence. They entered the quiet chamber where Emeriel lay on the bed, face pale, eyes closed. Her breathing too faint.

Grand King Daemonikai sat beside her, his hand clasped around hers. He didn't react when Ottai announced their arrival or when they entered the room.

“Em?" Aekeira ran to her sister's side, taking her other hand. "Em, please, open your eyes,” she sobbed. “Please… it’s me, Aekeira.”

“We’re waiting on Faiwick. He’s searching for the antidote,” Ottai’s voice was low. “The poison used is quite rare and difficult to obtain. So far, every healer we've checked doesn't have the kaizan root needed for the antidote."

“Kaizan roots?” Vladya's brows drew together. “Those are almost impossible to come by.”

Ottai nodded grimly. “It’s mage poison.” His voice was tense, uneasy. “If someone sold it here, it’s likely they sold the antidote too. Faiwick is checking with the remaining herbalists and the black market.”

Vladya’s brows creased further. “And if it’s not found?”

Ottai hesitated, eyes dropping to the floor. “We wait for Faiwick.”

Daemonikai's face was stone, eyes never leaving Emeriel. Lips never parting to make a sound.

Vladya moved closer, standing behind the grand king. “And the person responsible—have they been found?” he spoke quietly, steel in his voice.

"No trace, no trail, nothing." Ottai couldn’t hide his frustration. “All our men are out there searching—"

The door opened, and a guard’s head poked in. “The healer has returned.”

The grand king was on his feet instantly as Faiwick entered, flanked by soldiers.

“How did it go?” Daemonikai demanded. “Where’s the antidote?”

The healer's face crumpled. “We found nothing, Your Grace. We scoured every abode, every herb stand by the rivers.” He shook his head, in visible despair. “We questioned every herbalist, every vendor. There is no kaizan root here.”

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