Page 45 of The Princess and Her Grand King

"Because, dear Sinai, I have no desire to be thrust into the spotlight again when it comes to that female.” Zaiper’s eyes slid shut as Razarr’s hands moved on his lower back. "You know what happened in the courtyard after her deception was revealed. I have no intention of being accused of going after her again or harboring ill will towards Daemonikai. The people are already looking for a scapegoat, and it willnotbe me."

Sinai stared at him, flabbergasted.

"I plan to take over his throne, but it wouldn't benefit me if people knew I harbored ill will for their beloved grand king. Don't you agree?" He rolled his shoulders, clearly enjoying Razarr’s touch. "So, no, I won’t interfere. Not when it has nothing to do with me, nor offers any benefit to my cause. You’ll have to sort this one out on your own."

Sinai couldn't believe her ears. She simply couldn't believe this.

"Don’t give me that look, lovely Sinai. My hands really are tied.” Zaiper chuckled. “Worry not, I will make it up to you in another way."

"This is the only way I want!" Sinai was so angry she could spit nails. "And why are you so cheerful today, anyway? Is there a special occasion I’m unaware of?"

"Why, of course," he drawled, stretching languidly. "If I’m to be grand king soon, I might as well start getting ready, don’t you think?"

She eyed him suspiciously. "What is it this time?"

"My plans are already in motion, sweet Sinai. Tonight, Daemonikai will die."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she schooled her expression. "And how do you plan on getting this done?"

"Oh, it’s quite simple, really. Nothing grand or complicated,” Zaiper purred. “I handed a human a weapon capable of killing him with a single stab to the chest. A killer disguised as a mere herbalist."

Sinai mulled over his words. "You handed this human one of our relics?"That would be reckless, even for Zaiper.

Zaiper scoffed. "I would never be so foolish, of course not. Just a normal dagger, laced with our poisons. Ottai will be in Mabblewood tonight, so my killer will slip past the guards under the pretense of delivering herbs."

He smiled. "If all goes well, the human will be handsomely rewarded. If it goes south, the human takes the blame, or I'll eliminate their entire family. It's a win-win situation."

"It is," she finally muttered, "if your plan goes accordingly."

"Good. Now, as I was saying, perhaps it’s time you return to the training fields if a mere tap from a small human can knock you unconscious."

Just like that, Sinai's annoyance was back, accompanied by her never-ending embarrassment.

***

"This place is beautiful," Aekeira exclaimed, her sunny smile beaming as she plucked a delicate cherry blossom from a nearby branch. "So peaceful, too."

Grand Lord Vladya couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. Every movement she made, every step she took, his eyes followed.

He had brought her to his favorite sanctuary within the woods, a place he had discovered a millennium ago.

Now, standing there watching Aekeira, he realized the most beautiful sight here wasn’t the blossoms or the tranquil scenery—it washer.

Aekeira had visited him every day, never failing to arrive with a bag filled with nourishing food, ripe fruits, and an assortment of herbs she claimed would be good for him.

He hadn’t asked for it, yet she took care of him. Not only did she want him to fight, she wanted to fight alongside him.

Judging by her constant variety of herbs, she had clearly paid a visit to the royal healer.Faiwick must have been all too willing to help.

Aekeira hovered like a mother hen to make sure he took every concoction. Of course, she attempted to disguise her fuss, and Vladya played along.

He knew if he acknowledged her attentiveness, those cute, fierce blushes would spread across her cheeks, and she would flee.

As much as he enjoyed watching her go shy and flustered, he had grown to like herconstant hovering even better.

When was the last time any female had fussed over him like this? With such genuine care and devotion?

Way too long.

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