Page 131 of The Princess and Her Grand King

And when he pressed his lips softly to her hair, the tears came back. Dropping like an overflowing stream without a dam.

"Shh," he soothed her quiet cries. "Sleep, Riel, it will be better in the morning."

I am undone, from the inside out.

How will I live without this? Without him?

The first light of dawn was already filtering through the window. Emeriel watched it, crying silently, satisfaction singing in her body as she did what he asked… and fell asleep.

Chapter thirty

SHAKY WALLS. CRUMBLED WALLS.

“Someoneisfeelingquitecheerful this evening,” Vladya remarked as he approached.

Grand King Daemonikai turned, a smile tugging at his lips, one he couldn’t suppress no matter how hard he tried. “I don’t know about you, Vladya, but I am having such a beautiful day.”

Vladya arched a brow as he dipped his head in a polite bow. “Your Grace.”

“Spare me the bullcrap.” Daemonikai waved a dismissive hand resuming his pace, hands clasped behind his back.

“He whistles too,” Vladya noted, his voice carrying a teasing lilt.

Daemonikai stopped, the faint melody in the air ceasing as well. He blinked, surprised.Was that me?

He hadn’t even realized he’d been whistling.

“You know, you’re fortunate Aekeira doesn’t have our hearing,” Vladya said, moving beside him. “She would have come storming in last night, hearing her sister scream like that all through the night.”

“Why are you suddenly all over my business, brat?” Daemonikai smirked, giving Vladya a sidelong glance. “Come to think of it, someone does look even chipper than I am.”

“This isn’t about me—it’s about you,” Vladya shot back, rolling his eyes. “And with all due respect, could you quit trying to change the subject?”

“Your ears should be cut off,” Daemonikai muttered under his breath.

Vladya smiled. An actual genuine, unguarded smile.

Daemonikai noticed the subtle changes in his friend since his return. Little by little, glimpses of the old Vladya were surfacing. But this—this sincere smile—took the cake.

“You know, I think this is the first time I’ve seen you so… happy. It’s been a long time.” Vladya smiled.

Clearing his tight throat, Daemonikai resumed walking. “Took the words right out of my mouth.”

“And you can’t blame my ears for this.” Vladya tsked, grinning. “You were the one who moved from your well-fortified master’s chambers to another.”

That much was true. The Memories of Evie had been too much, too painful. And now… he didn’t regret it.

He liked his present chambers. But perhaps it was time he considered converting it into his main residence, fortifying it accordingly.

“Are you two finally going to give this thing between you a chance?” Vladya asked, his tone losing some of its lightness. “Has she forgiven you?”

“Not yet. But I like to think we are working toward that. Last night was…” Daemonikai exhaled, searching for the right word. “…incredible.”

Vladya stopped, turning to face him, his eyes scanning Daemonikai with a discerning gaze. “All these changes I see, they look good on you. The smiles, the easy air… even your aversion to touch seems to be fading. I like this for you, Daemon.”

“I like this for me too,” Daemonikai said, softly. “I didn’t think it would happen either. Who would have thought there would ever be a reason to smile again?”

“Not me.” Vladya’s own smile dimmed, leaving only the warmth in his eyes.

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