Page 11 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Zaiper's amusement vanished, and his face turned cold.

"We swore never to bring that night up again.” His gray eyes were pools of black rage. “Wevowednever to discuss it."

"I apologize, Your Highness," Sinai backtracked. "Please, forgive me. I spoke carelessly, without thought."

"It's never too late to start thinking. You do not wish to do it beyond the grave, do you?"

Her blood froze.Did he just threaten me?

"You know what happens if what happened that night comes to light, do you not?”

"I do." Sinai could not bear to think about it. "Please, forgive me."

"Be careful next time, Sinai." His words dripped with menace. "There are things that should remain buried. Things that should never be spoken of…"

Fear chewed at her from the inside. "Fine, fine, I s-said I was sorry."

Zaiper stepped very close, only a breath separating them. He caressed her neck, his hand closing around it. He didn't squeeze, but the pressure was unmistakable.

"Vladya is gone. Daemonikai will soon be gone too. Ottai is merely a wind I could blow over, then I become the sole ruler. A place where even the truth cannot hurt us, for I could easily make it disappear. We are almost at the end, Sinai. Let's keep it that way."

"I will, I will," she croaked, nodding.

"Good." He released her, his smile returning. "Now, let's talk about the price for that land."

***

Three days later.

After morning training, Emeriel freshened up quickly before making her way to the breakfast table.

Emeriel's muscles still ached, but she welcomed the burn. It was the only thing that felt real these days.

The large wooden doors creaked as she entered the dining hall. Aekeira was the only one seated, sipping from her cup.

"You’re here, Em, take a seat," Aekeira said warmly, gesturing to the chair beside her.

Emeriel’s jaw clenched, resisting the urge to lash out. It wasn’t Aekeira’s fault the name she’d called her all her life now stirred memories of slavery and Urai.

"Where is the king and Daviel?" Emeriel asked in a clipped voice, sinking into the seat.

"The king had an early court session, I think. And the prince?" Aekeira gave a half-hearted shrug. "He’s probably still in bed."

They ate in silence. The food tasted like sawdust, but Emeriel forced herself to swallow. Everything tasted like ash these days.

As they were about to leave, the door opened. King Orestus strode in, his guards flanking him.

"Is everything alright, Your Majesty?" Aekeira inquired, her brow furrowed.

The king hesitated. His hand twitched at his side as he looked at Emeriel before shifting his gaze to Aekeira.

The tyrant king ruled with an iron fist. He rarely looked this… anxious. Something was wrong.

"Emeriel, Aekeira—" he cleared his throat "—I hope you weren’t… uh… upset about, you know, what happened in my study the other day?"

"About the letters?" Aekeira sounded bewildered.

"No, not the letters." Orestus shifted awkwardly. "The part where I lost my… um… temper. I want to apologize for that. About… saying I would crucify you for the secrets you hide… I didn’t mean it."

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