Page 77 of The Princess and Her Grand King

He was letting her in.

First, he spoke of his loss—the same one he’d once told her was too painful to even speak of. Now, he was inviting her to share his burden, to work alongside him.

Emeriel’s racing heartsoared. The need to soothe him clawed at her, leaving red, angry marks all over her skin.

With a deep breath, she surrendered.

Her body moved before her mind could catch up. Eating up the gap between them,pullingher to him.

She found herself standing behind his desk, and he swiveled in his chair to face her.

Emeriel spread her arms, whispering, "May I?"

"Please."

Stepping between his legs, she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, pulling his head against her bosom.

"It would be my pleasure to help, Your Grace," she murmured against him, stroking his hair with the gentlest touch.

Chapter eighteen

DESIRES AND RESOLVE.

ThepaininGrandKing Daemonikai's chest softened as Emeriel held him close.

His cheek rested against her blossom, her hand moving in a calming, soothing rhythm over his head.

Never did he imagine a day would come when he would willingly revisit their memories. The pain of remembering was too great, so Daemonikai had spent years suppressing those memories as best as he could.

But if he wanted Emeriel to give them a chance, he needed to do the same… no matter how much it hurt.

The guilt no longer had a stronghold on his heart, but every now and then, the grief returned.

Now, though, instead of drowning in despair, he allowed the emotions to flow through him. Acknowledging their presence without giving them the power to consume him.

Perhaps one day, I will go to the hills and roar to the sky.

Perhaps one day, I will be able to speak of them without feeling like I’m burning from the inside out.

But for now, he was content to be held. Comforted, right here, in her arms.

Her presence alone made everything almost bearable. Her scent, her touch, the sound of her steady breath—all of it eased the ache in his soul.

"You have the most beautiful hair, Your Grace," she murmured, threading her hand gently through his locks.

He inhaled her deeply, hungrily filling his lungs with her scent.Lemongrass after rain.A low groan left him, its ambrosia seeping into his senses.

"You smell incredible," he purred.I have missed this.

"Thank you.” Fingers caressed his face, drifting down to trace along his neck. Feather-light, the sparks went through him.

Mine.

She's mine.

Daemonikai's arms tightened possessively around Emeriel's waist, pulling her closer.

She stiffened.

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