Page 51 of The Princess and Her Grand King

"During his brief return, I understood why his people are so devoted to him," Madam Livia confessed, her hands resting on the doorframe. "They all hated us humans, but he was the only ruler who treated us like living beings."

The head maid's gaze drifted to the bed. "Lord Ottai ignores us at best, Lord Vladya would harm any human who got in his way, and Lord Zaiper… well, he treats us worse than dirt, killing us like vermin."

She smiled. "But King Daemonikai? He sees a child fall, and he helps her up. Did you notice the kitchens started making better meals for us when he returned. He included us in festivals as attendants, not slaves. And when we were sick, he made sure the healers tended to us."

Emeriel stared, speechless.

She had been aware of some of the grand king’s benevolence to the humans, but not the full extent.

Much of her time had been spent in Lord Herod’s home, too preoccupied with her own struggles.

"The Urekai aren’t the only ones praying for his recovery, you know," Madam Livia added. "We all are. That’s why I'm convinced that assassin was sent, he didn't act on his own just because he was human."

Emeriel shifted a look to the grand king. The faint rise and fall of his chest the only sign of life. "He’s showing improvement, but without the frostfever…"

"…we cannot be certain," Madam Livia finished sadly.

They both knew the importance of the frostfever. King Daemonikai had already moved to another chamber the day before, everyone in anticipation of its arrival.

It was a sign that the soul was crossing the Cold Sea, the final boundary between the living and the dead.

Emeriel had checked the legends, read every history text on it. Many souls had been lost during this crossing, swallowed whole by the merciless ice-cold waters.

But the spirits who survived the frostfever returned safely to their bodies.

The thought of it chilled Emeriel to the bone.

What if he does not survive the crossing?

What if she lost him to the icy depth of that unnatural water?

As usual, she breathed deeply, trying not to show her worry. Emeriel could only hope to be by his side when it happened.

To do all she could to guide him back to the land of the living.

Chapter thirteen

A COLD NIGHT.

"Idon'tbelieveIheard that correctly. Emeriel didwhat?" Grand Lord Zaiper shouted.

"From what I've gathered, she disarmed and killed the assassin," Razarr confirmed, his voice steady despite his lord's outburst.

The second ruler stopped pacing andglaredat his head soldier.

Razarr met his gaze briefly before bowing his head in deference. The tension in the air was thick, but a soft chuckle sliced through.

Zaiper whirled around. "What in the hell is so damn amusing, Sinai?"

The mistress tilted her head. "Oh, forgive me, Lord Zaiper. It’s just… well, that 'tiny human girl' seems to have thrown quite the wrench in your plans," she purred, stifling a giggle he could see. "I can’t help but wonder how lightly she must have touched the assassin's neck to turn his lights off…forever," Sinai snickered.

Zaiper's nostrils flared. "You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?"

"It is rather amusing, I won't deny it," she drawled, flashing teeth. "But don’t get me wrong, it’s also a problem. I heard they have launched a full investigation. What if the trail leads back to you?"

"Not possible. I was careful," Zaiper growled. “The only one who might know anything is his wife, and she wouldn’t dare speak against me. She’s not that foolish."

Sinai arched a brow. "Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that." Her fingers idly traced the edges of her well-manicured nails. “When a mother hen is desperate to protect her young, logic and fear go out the window. I’ve heard the soldiers even rounded up their families, including the younglings, for questioning. Desperation does funny things to people."

---