Page 60 of The Princess and Her Grand King

She had built herself up over the years… Years of carefully constructing walls, brick after brick with care, only for one night—just a few moments in his presence—to make those walls quake and the foundations to tremble.

"Thank you," she said as the servants finished. "You all may leave."

They filed out, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

"There is no bond between you two anymore," Emeriel told her reflection firmly. "You have no business feeling this way. You didn't work this hard, become this strong, just to fall down the same rabbit hole again."

What had he wanted to tell her?

As she walked back to her chambers last night, curiosity had nagged at her. Even now, it disturbed her. The question itched at the edges of her mind.

But Emeriel did what she did best. Suppressed it.

Sometimes, there’s wisdom in ignorance. Peace in not knowing. It’s better not to know.

A knock echoed through the room. "Deliveries, Princess!"

Crossing to the door, she opened it to find a basket of flowers on her doorstep.

A faint smile touched her lips. It was no surprise.

Every morning since the grand king’s awakening, she had received many flowers from the Urekai people. They piled the gifts by her door like some sort of peace offering.

Their attitude had changed so much since her return. Some days, Emeriel still had a hard time fully believing it.

But their gestures stirred a warm joy deep inside her. A hope that was… hesitant. Wary.

In some way, a defensive part of her was waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the hate and chaos.

Today's offering was a bouquet of vibrant red lilies. Lifting the basket, Emeriel brought it to her nose.

The scent washed over her, soothing her frayed nerves like rain on a sunny day, and just like that, her tension drained away.

Nothing like the smell of fresh flowers to start her day.

Another knock startled her. "Deliveries, Your Highness."

Emeriel lowered the lilies. The servant held an even larger, more extravagant basket overflowing with flowers.

The servant gave a respectful bow. "From His Majesty, the king."

Chapter fifteen

DRY. VACANT.

Daisies.

A profusion of cheerful white daisies with sunny yellow centers.

Emeriel's heart skipped a beat as she accepted the basket. Despite herself, Emeriel's lips curled into a smile.

What are you doing?

But her hands refused to let go of the gift.

Burying her face in the fragrant blooms, Emeriel inhaled deeply. The scent filled her lungs, warm and sweet.

If the lilies from his people had calmed her, these daisies from the kingwarmed her entire being.

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