Page 62 of The Princess and Her Grand King

"For the first time in fifteen months!" another Urekai exclaimed. "I bet the Vampire of Greyrock isn't pleased."

"When is he ever?" another scoffed. "I'm just glad the grand king is back. I hate Lord Zaiper with a passion."

"Oh! It's the grand king!" a voice cried out.

Emeriel whirled around. The crowd was already gathering, joyous exclamations rippling through them.

Hoofbeats sounded in the distance, and soon, a procession of soldiers and high lords appeared, the banners of the Urekai fluttering in the breeze.

And then she saw him.

The grand king rode in the middle. As always, he stood out, commanding and regal. Emeriel had grown used to seeing him in simple undershirts during his illness, but now, his powerful bearing was fully restored.

Clad in his full grand king attire—a richly decorated white robe glistened in the sunlight—he looked larger than life.

He smiled at his people, waving in response to their cheers. Some he leaned down to ruffle their hair, others he greeted with a gentle kiss to their offered hands.

As he moved forward, the crowd parted willingly, creating a path that led directly toward…

You are in his way. Step aside.

Emeriel moved to the side, creating space for him to pass. Dipping her head slightly, she hoped to blend into the crowd.

But his entourage came to a halt before her. The troops stopped, and Grand King Daemonikai dismounted.

In the midst of the bustling crowd, with all eyes on him, he strode to her.

Stopping in front of her, his eyes locked onto hers. Time slowed.

The murmur of the crowd faded into a distant hum.

Taking her hand, his touch both familiar and foreign, he pressed his lips against her knuckles. "My elusive Beloved," he said, his voice a warm caress. "Please, will you walk with me?"

No.

It was right there, at the tip of her tongue. All she had to do was open her mouth and breathe the word out.

But her lips refused to move, the protest stuck somewhere between her heart and her throat. Why was it so hard?

Shedid notwant to walk with him. Every part of her that hadtoiled, survived, and enduredscreamed against it.

Yet, she took a step forward,towards him.The people erupted in a chorus of approval, some clapping their hands.

In what alternate universe had she fallen into?The grand king calling her Beloved, and Urekai cheering them? Emeriel had no idea what was real and what wasn't anymore.

"Thank you, Beloved," King Daemonikai said, once again pressing a kiss to her hand.

"Please don’t call me that," Emeriel snapped.

The endearment carried the sweetness of what could have been and the bitterness of what was lost. It made her heart lurch.

His smile dimmed, sadness flashing in his eyes.

"Forgive me, Beloved," he said smoothly. "I will take that into account."

She glared.

A broad grin lit up his face.

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