Page 94 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Daemonikai stopped, and glared at the bed, some of the wildness leaving his eyes.

Walking to her, he bent over, unwrapping the dressing around Emeriel’s wound.

“It’s turning green,” he said gravely, examining the infected flesh. “It's spreading fast. She doesn’t have a week.”

Ottai bowed his head. “Daemon—”

"This poison needs to be removed." His tone demanded no argument.

“Too dangerous,” Vladya cut in. "Please, think this through."

Daemonikai looked at him, his eyes narrowed. "I haven't said anything yet."

"I know what you’re thinking," Vladya insisted. "Don't do it."

The yellow in his eyes receded completely, even his stance relaxed. All the tension drained from him in a second.

What was going on?

Daemonikai straightened, and for the first time that evening, he faced his oldest friend.

Vladya's lips curved into a faint smile. "Hey, old male. How have you been?"

The hard lines on the grand king’s face eased. Stepping away from the bed, he walked to Vladya, eyes sweeping over him, taking in every detail. He paused at his friend's paw-like hand.

Vladya self-consciously flexed his clawed hand. "Yeah, it's—" His eyes fell on Daemonikai's own arm, where the trails of blackened blood were still visible.

“Daemon…” Vladya’s tone held a hint of concern.

Daemonikai pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. Vladya returned, squeezing back with equal force.

“You’ve come so far,” the grand king stated. “Thank you for fighting so hard.”

Vladya let out a rough chuckle. “I could say the same for you,” he muttered. “Who else but you would journey to the spirit world and come back?”

“A few have," Daemonikai grunted.

“You live a dangerous life, old male.” Vladya cleared his throat, pulling back slightly. “It gladdens me more than you know to see you here.”

Daemonikai smirked, arching a brow. “Who’s the sap now?”

"I know why you're suddenly being all chatty," Vladya's tone sobered. “You’re planning to usethatsolution on Emeriel, aren’t you?”

A beat of silence passed, charged and heavy.

Vladya scowled. “Don’t do it.”

The grand king cocked his head to the side. "You have a better idea?"

“I don’t,” Vladya’s mouth tightened. “But I don’t want to watch you suffer through that.”

His brows shot up. "You're kidding, right?"

"Then let me do it.”

"She’smywoman," Daemonikai growled possessively. "Mine. I do it."

"Daemon, would you—"

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