Page 143 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Gaff inclined his head, his stoic expression softening.

Emeriel moved to the next lord, then the next, repeating the act with each.

When she reached High Lord Henry and whispered her gratitude, his quiet response caught her breath.

“Take care of him, My Lady. He deserves true happiness.”

She gave a nod. “I will, My Lord.” A promise she intended to keep with all her heart.

As she completed her rounds, the load that had pressed on her shoulders for so long felt lighter.

She glanced around the roundtable, her gaze lingering on the faces of the lords who had bowed to her in respect.

For the first time, she saw not adversaries but a fair council. Perhaps the court wasn't so terrible after all. Perhaps these nobles weren't as heartless as she had once believed.

A sudden pang struck her chest. Nostalgia, wrapped in melancholy, gripped her as her thoughts turned.

High Lord Herodis.

Tears filled her eyes again, even as she smiled.

Dearest friend, I hope you are fine wherever you are. You were right, after all. Two years ago wasn’t the end of the world. The day did come when the world would give me a chance.

Her gaze swept the court once more, at the council who had once sentenced her to death, accepting her now as their grand ruler’s woman.

“Look at me now, Lord Herod,” she muttered under her breath, tears falling. “Look at your slave friend who, once upon a time, had to dress as a boy to survive. Today she stands before the council of Urai, not as a slave boy in hiding, but as aSoulbondto their Ultimate Ruler.”

Chapter thirty-three

A BOND AS OLD AS TIME.

“Areyoualright?”Vladya’svoice carried a note of concern as they dismounted from their horses. The guards swiftly took the reins, leading the steeds away.

“I am,” Daemonikai lied.

The dizziness that had plagued him earlier was becoming worse, a throbbing ache behind his eyes.

During the hunt, his vision had blurred, the trees swimming together into a green haze, and at one point, he’d nearly lost his balance.

"You are recovering from a poison that eats away at people’s organs. I hope to hell you have been drinking blood." Vladya came to his side, sharp eyes scrutinizing him.

“I haven’t felt the thirst,” Daemonikai replied coolly, forcing himself to walk with a steady gait. "The hunt lasted longer than we expected."

“Why? Are you so eager to go back to your woman, Your Grace?” Ottai’s voice rang out teasingly as he joined them.

Daemonikai rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. He couldn't deny it.

“You just know he is, the smile says it all,” Zaiper added, approaching from behind. “Congratulations, Your Grace. Truly.”

“Thank you, Zaiper.” With a curt nod, Daemonikai led the small group through the fortress's pathways.

When they reached the intersection marking their separate routes, everyone parted ways.

Daemonikai tried to maintain an even pace, but Ottai was right. He was eager to see Emeriel again.

The royal hunt, usually an enjoyable activity, had felt like an eternity.

The sound of soft footsteps behind him made him pause.

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