Page 25 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Grand Lord Ottai stood by the door, staring at Daemonikai’s unmoving body sprawled across the bed. The grand king looked almost lifeless, his pallor stark against the dark sheets.

The only sign of life was the faint, barely perceptible rise and fall of his chest. So subtle that one would have to get close to see it.

His breathing had slowed even more over the past few weeks, each breath coming longer between the last. Shallower than what was normal for any living being.

The Urekai guard on duty offered a respectful greeting, while Livia, who had been tending to Daemonikai with cold compresses to regulate his burning fever, rose and bowed deeply.

"How is he?" Ottai asked, moving further into the room.

"Still refusing food, Your Highness. No sign of waking in the past four days," the head maid replied.

The longest stretch yet.

A week without sustenance, and four days without opening his eyes. Typically, he would awaken every other day, staying conscious for a brief thirty minutes before slipping back into unconsciousness.

Now, his slumber grew longer. Deeper.

"His temperature?" Ottai asked, his eyes briefly scanning the untouched feast.

"I've kept it regulated as best I can, but it's barely holding." Livia looked at the grand king’s feverish face. "He’s heating up faster."

Ottai gave a small nod. "Thank you, Livia. You are one of the few humans I can trust with him. You’ve done well."

"It’s an honor, My Lord.” She hesitated. “Was your trip successful?"

"Yes." Lord Ottai's lips curved into a faint smile. "They are back in Urai."

The older woman beamed. "That's a relief."

"It is. You have been here all day. Go and get some rest, Livia."

She summoned the maids, who swiftly packed away the untouched platters of food. With an incline of their heads, Livia and the guard departed with them.

Ottai took a seat beside Daemonikai in the stifling quiet.

"I know wherever you have retreated must be far more appealing than reality, Daemon. Perhaps that’s why I cannot judge you too harshly," Ottai said, his eyes on the still form. "But this place you have hidden yourself in—it’s not real." He sighed.

"The eclipse moon night is nearly upon us. We cannot do this without you. Your people need you. I need you." A tight knot formed in his chest. "Please, come back before you are lost to us forever."

Ottai hoped against hope that something—anything—would stir in the grand king.

But there was no response.

No change.

Nothing.

***

Emeriel is back.

Mistress Sinai stormed down the hall, her shoulders trembling with the force of her fury.

Why was Ukrae suddenly determined to make her life a living hell?

Why were the fates conspiring against her, snatching away her hard-won peace?

What had she done to deserve this torment?

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