Page 31 of The Princess and Her Grand King

"In human terms, it’s more like managing an incurable disease for as long as possible before it claims you." He handed Aekeira the steaming cup of tea.

Aekeira brought it to her lips.

As usual, Vladya’s eyes followed her every move. He couldn't tear his gaze away.

It was as though the years had never passed. She looked the same as she had the day she left.

He clenched his hands together, fighting the urge to reach for her. The desire to touch her, to feel her skin against his, was almostunbearable.

"How have you been, Aekeira?"

"I’ve been… fine."

He noticed the slight tremble in her hands around the warm cup as she took another sip.

Her eyes lifted to meet his. "How are you so… aware?"

Vladya shrugged. "I have my good days and bad days." He settled into the seat opposite her. "Good days are like this. When I’m aware of the world and all it entails. But the bad days…"All that is left is the destruction.

"That’s why you left the fortress." She set the cup on the nearby table.

"I became a real danger to them. I had to leave."

Aekeira’s eyes darted anywhere but him, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.

She was avoiding him. Putting distance between them.

Seated right in front of him, yet far away.

“Aekeira,” his voice dropped an octave.

"Mmm?"

"Look at me."

A shaky breath. "I am."

"You are a terrible liar, my little bird."

Her eyes snapped up to his. “Don’t call me that.” Tears brimmed in her eyes once more. But unlike before, when they had been tears of joy, this time, they were filled with stark pain. And anger.

She abruptly sprang up from her seat. “I c-can’t do this. I need to leave.”

***

Everywhere hurts.

For Aekeira, seeing him again hurt, like tearing open an old wound.

Seeing his incredibly handsome face, reliving the past, remembering the pain, it was excruciating.

Knowing she was still going to lose him again soon, that she would have to go through that same pain all over again… was ten times excruciating.

She was already losing him, bit by bit.

One of his hands was now a paw, and Aekeira dreaded to imagine where the shift ended beneath his robes.I can’t do this again.

She thought she could handle it. She thought she was ready to face the past again. But now, standing before him, she realized how unprepared she was.

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