Page 56 of The Princess and Her Grand King

She had expected to see confusion, maybe even disappointment at being forced to return to a reality he despised. Instead, he looked serene. Almost… happy?

He was awake, alive, and aware.That’s all that matters.

Emeriel pulled away, hating how she immediately missed the feel of his body as she rose from the bed. "I’m so glad you’re awake. Your people will be overjoyed when they hear the news."

Gathering her scattered clothes, she quickly dressed, avoiding his gaze. Her hands trembled slightly as she fastened her garments.

Then she moved toward the window, tugging open the heavy curtains. Cool air rushed in, along with the soft light of dawn.

The crowd was still there. Humans and Urekai.

"They held a vigil for you," Emeriel said softly, her eyes scanning the kneeling figures. "They were here all night, praying for your safe return."

"Good people," he murmured, hoarsely.

"They are. They genuinely love their king."

"Genuine love," the grand king echoed. "I guess that is what every bond is about."

Emeriel glanced over her shoulder to find his intense gaze on her. Her stomach did a series of flips, butterflies taking flight in there.

Okay, time to go.

"I’ll inform Lord Ottai you’re awake," she kept her voice firmer than she felt. "He’s been with you every step of the way. This will make him so happy."

"And you…areyouhappy?" King Daemonikai asked in a low tone.

Emeriel faltered. She was.

It was the first genuine happiness she had experienced in a long time, and she was trying all she could not to show it.

He’s alive! He’s back…!

"I heard every word you said to me," the king confessed.

Emeriel reared back, surprised. "All of it?"

"All of it. The stories, the prayers, the words of encouragement." His eyes gazed at her with a rare soft light in them. "You are one of a kind, Emeriel."

She shifted, uncomfortable under such a look. "I’m just… me."

Her eyes darted to the door with longing. But her bracelets lay on the table beside him. She had no choice but to move closer to retrieve them.

Sliding the cool metal bands over her wrists, Emeriel tried to ignore his closeness, the quiet clink of the bracelets filling the silence.

Turning to leave, she took a step away—

His hand shot out, catching hers.

Emeriel gasped. Her first instinct was to pull away, but she stood on frozen feet. His hand was gently holding hers, yet firm, as if he too expected her to resist.

"Thank you for coming back," the grand king said, huskily.

"Are you… are you not angry that I did?" Emeriel stared at their joined hands. "I know you sent me away because you didn’t want me here."

He was looking at her like that again. As if seeing her for the first time.

The sparkle in his eyes grew brighter. Then, quietly, "I didn’t… at that time."

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