Page 138 of The Princess and Her Grand King

“Put me down, please,” Emeriel mumbled into his shoulder as they passed through the imposing gates of the fortress. “The people will see.”

“Let them.” His arms clutched her tighter as he moved forward, carrying her as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Oh gods, is he going to carry me all the way inside?The thought both flustered and warmed her.

King Daemonikai—Daemon—didn’t stop, nor did his pace falter. He walked steadily with unhurried steps, holding her with pride.

She couldn’t bring herself to look at the faces of the people, but she could hear the murmurs.

Whispers filled the air like a low hum, their words indistinct yet charged with curiosity and surprise.

Emeriel tightened her arms around his neck, hiding her face against his shoulder. She felt like she was floating, the comfort of being this way with him replacing the emptiness she had lived with for so long.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt truly warm and alive. Like she had finally thawed out after a long, harsh winter.

“Your Grace, the evening court session has started,” a soldier’s voice announced as they reached the intercession.

Emeriel peeked through one eye to see where they were. She caught a glimpse of the soldier bowing before quickly shutting her eyes again. She wasn’t ready to leave the bubble of safety her Beloved's arms provided.

A few moments passed as Daemonikai carried her forward. Then came a resounding call.

“All hail His Majesty the First, the mighty and supreme sovereign ruler of Urai, His Grace, Grand King Daemonikai.”

Her head snapped up at the proclamation, her eyes darting around.Wait, what?

Emeriel stiffened in his arms, realizing they were now at the entrance to the Court of Duty. Her stomach flipped as unease settled in.

“You are still carrying me,” she reminded him.

“I know.” He looked down at her, his face unreadable. All traces of his earlier playfulness gone.

Her unease deepened.What is going on?

But she didn’t dare ask. Something about the way he carried himself, the way he held her, told her not to.

The great doors opened, revealing the vast chamber of the court. The murmuring stopped instantly.

All eyes turned toward them as Daemonikai entered, carrying her. The high lords, the grand lords, every noble present rose from their seats, bowing in acknowledgment.

Emeriel’s heart beat faster as he strode further, stopping only when they reached the center of court. Then, he lowered her to her feet and stepped back.

The silence was thunderous.

Emeriel drew in a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage to meet the gazes directed at her.

Some were curious, others cold, a few openly hostile.

She forced herself to hold her head high, unwilling to show weakness despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Though the people had grown more welcoming toward her recently, she knew better than to believe she had their undisputed approval.

Especially here, in this hall, among these high lords.

The memories were still as clear as yesterday. Her first official appearance before them, where they demanded her stripped naked. The second, when they sentenced her to death in the courtyard and cast her into the dungeons without food or water. The third, when they came together to send her away from their lands.

Why did he bring me here?

“I, Grand King Daemonikai,” his voice cut through the silence, clear and commanding, echoing with absolute authority. “The first and the only, stand here on this day to officially introduce my woman to my people.”

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