Page 22 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Their presence had drawn attention, the Urekai people abandoning their tasks, turning their eyes toward them.

Murmurs rose like a tide. Whispers spread through the crowd as more and more Urekai gathered.

Aekeira straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, meeting their stares head-on.We had done nothing wrong.

"What are you staring at?" Emeriel snapped, fearless, as she glared at the onlookers.

"Em." Aekeira tugged at her sister’s sleeve. "Do not openly antagonize them."

Emeriel shot her an incredulous,are-you-out-of-your-mindlook. "Why not? I'm not afraid of them anymore."

She raised her voice, clear and strong. "I’m not afraid of any of you anymore."

An Urekai female stepped forward. Emeriel stiffened, preparing for their hostility.

But the female teared up. "Please give him back to us, I beg of you."

Another followed, taking Emeriel's stiff hand in hers. "Forgive us, human princess. Please… help our grand king."

More and more Urekai came, surrounding them in a growing circle.

Aekeira blinked in shock, her heart racing as they pressed closer.

Many were crying, faces filled with hope and sorrow, and it took her a moment to realize…they were happy to see Emeriel.Not angry, not hateful.

What in the world was happening?

Aekeira felt a hand grasp hers, and she jerked in surprise.

An Urekai girl stood before her. "Please, help our grand lord. I implore you."

More hands reached out, taking hers, holding on as if their lives depended on it.

Around them, the crowd pressed in.

But there was no violence. No shouts of hatred.

Only tears, beggingthemfor help.

Chapter six

WHEN GUILT DWELLS, IT SPEAKS.

PrincessEmerielwasspeechless,and it showed.

Every part of her arms was taken, held by Urekai hands, yet none of them made any move to harm her.

Two years ago, they placed bets on who would be quick enough to kill her. Now, their touch was gentle, as if she were made of delicate glass they feared might shatter beneath their fingers.

These proud beings, who held themselves superior to humans and all other species, were now begging her,imploring her for help. Casting aside their hatred for humans.

Tension bled from Emeriel, replaced by something far more unsettling.Fear.

For the first time in a long, long while, it crawled up her spine, chilling her blood.How gravely ill was her Beloved?

No, no, no.Don’t do that. He’s no longer your Beloved. He was never yours. Think of him only as their grand king.

The bond hadn’t gone dormant, waiting to be triggered. It had weakened. Fading.

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