Page 84 of The Princess and Her Grand King

King Daemonikai inhaled deeply. “Maybe he cries himself to sleep at night, or spaces out for hours like Ottai does. No one knows. But he held it together. He may be a lousy ruler, but he kept our people grounded when the rest of us couldn’t.”

In a way, Emeriel understood.

“I envy him at times, how well he coped. He and Kristof were close." King Daemonikai's eyes rose, meeting hers. "I was supposed to be the strongest, yet I was the one who crumbled the most.”

She hated seeing that flicker of shame in his eyes.

"Don't punish yourself for how you grieved your loved ones, Your Grace," she stated firmly. “You said it yourself just now… everyone grieves differently. When it comes to grief,everyfeeling is valid. Never beat yourself up for that. Ever.”

He stopped writing again, somethingfierceappearing in his eyes.

Her cheeks warmed under that stare. It made her feelseen.

Suddenly self-conscious and breathless, she buried her eyes on the ledger before her.

A moment passed. Tensed.

“So,” King Daemonikai cleared his throat. "Ignore his records and work on the others. What right do I have to confront Zaiper about missing figures when I abandoned my own duties?”

Clearing her own throat, Emeriel said sincerely, “I understand.”

“But I’m back now, everything will return to order.” Authoritydrippedfrom his tone. “The kingdom has been unstable for five centuries. No more. It ends now.” He picked the quill up again. “And if Zaiper oversteps from now on, there will be accountability. If he acts against the law, he will face the consequences.”

Emeriel felt the weight in his words. The finality.

Moments like this reminded her who this man sitting across the desk really was.

The same male whose stories were told across human lands under the moonlight as horror tales. In legends, some even named himThe Backbone of Urekai.

Now, after truly knowing him, Emeriel could finally admit,legends do not lie, after all.

***

By the time Grand King Daemonikai had finished with the market and guild records, the last light of day had faded, and the cool cloak of night spilled through the open window. Glancing over at his helper, he paused.

Emeriel was fast asleep. Her head lay on the desk, arms tucked beneath like makeshift pillows.

A rush of tenderness washed over him. When had she drifted off? He had been so engrossed in his work he hadn't noticed.

She was a wonderful coworker, asking insightful questions when needed, yet comfortable with companionable silence. Daemonikai enjoyed working with her. A lot.

Picking up the ledger she’d been handling, he thumbed through it.

Every figure was well tallied, and recorded in a clear and organized manner that would make even the most experienced scribes envious.

He looked back at her, his chest swelling with pride.Good with arrows, tending gardens, caring for the sick, hunting, and taking records. His woman was a female of many skills. A treasure trove of fine abilities.

What other hidden skills did he not know about?

Rising, he moved quietly around the desk to crouch beside her. His eyes roamed over her relaxed face. Truly a vision, even in sleep.

“I can’t believe I once thought you were a cruel joke from Ukrae. A mocking laughter at my expense.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “When I look at you now all I see is… a gift? A rare, astounding gift.”

The gentle rise and fall of her back lulled him, her breathing was deep and steady as he watched her.

“I was dead inside. Empty.” His fingers traced a line along her delicate cheek. “Who would have thought I’d feel my heart race again? That I could ever look at you without guilt? Who would have thought I could seeyou,and not someone sent to replace Evie?"

A gentle sigh escaped her.

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