Page 24 of The Princess and Her Grand King

The river was peaceful. Tranquil.

Grand King Daemonikai sat cross-legged on the sandy shore, surrounded by the soft murmur of water and the breath of life.

This place was quickly becoming one of his favorites. Peaceful. Translucent.

"Oh, if it isn’t my bondmate, running from reality."

He turned his head, and there she was.

Evie.His beautiful bondmate, her smile as warm as ever.

"Mate." He wrapped his arms around her waist when she got closer, pulling her close.

Evie chuckled softly, easing onto his lap. He widened his thighs to make room for her, his arms wrapped closely around her midriff.

"This place is so peaceful, dearest beloved," he murmured.

"You know I’m not that anymore, my love," she said kindly, her smile firmly in place. "I’m dead."

“Do not say that. No one is dead. Not here, not anywhere. We are both here, together."

"But this place isn’t your reality." Her tone was soft, patient. "Your spirit is wandering, beloved, and it’s killing you."

"I can touch you, I can feel you." He buried his face into her hair. "That’s enough for me."

But something was wrong. Her scent was… different.

He breathed in again, trying to capture the familiar comfort. But it wasn’t there.

Wrong,his instincts whispered.

"Your scent has changed." Daemonikai pulled back slightly to look at her. "It’s different."

"It’s the same as always, love. You are the one that’s changed.” Evie pressed her forehead to his lips, and he kissed it. "You want a different scent now.You crave it."

True."Don’t say things like that.” Daemonikai pulled back again, frowning. “It’s ridiculous."

"Guilt is a cruel companion, beloved. It taints even the most beautiful things."

"Explain to me, dearest."

"When guilt dwells, it speaks."

She confused him further. "What doesthatmean?"

But Evie only smiled at him. That bright, unchanging smile he’d known for millennia.

Daemonikai sighed and let it go.

He didn’t want to fight. He didn’t want to think too hard. He just wanted to stay here, in this sanctuary.

Here, where the world outside could not reach him.

Here, where she was still with him…alive in his arms.

This place, where his need foranotherdoes not haunt him.

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