Page 85 of The Princess and Her Grand King

His hand stilled. But she didn’t wake.

“I suppose it took nearly dying to realize these things. It took journeying to the spirit world to find myself.” He leaned closer, brushing a ghost kiss on her nose. “I’m sorry it took losing you to find you.”

A soft knock sounded at the door.

Wegai entered, his expression apologetic. "Your Grace, about the—"

Daemonikai pressed a finger to his lips, and his head guard snapped his mouth shut instantly.

“She rests. Let’s not wake her.”

Wegai inclined his head, his voice no more than a murmur. “My apologies, Your Grace.”

Daemonikai waved him off.

Pausing at the door, his head guard turned, hesitant. "Would you like me to take her to her room? I won't wake her."

“No need.” Daemonikai lifted his woman into his arms and straightened. “You may bring the report later.”

Carrying Emeriel out of his study, he turned right—toward his chambers. He crossed the room in silence and lowered her onto his bed. She looked perfect there.

She stirred slightly, shifting, nestling deeper into his covers. Like she belonged there.

Mine.

***

Much later, after he had bathed and changed into his nightclothes, Daemonikai took his place at the desk across the room, quietly resuming his work.

There she lay, sprawled in his bed, as he worked through the night, his gaze flickering up to her every so often.

A sense of peace filled his being.He could get used to this.

Time moved by as he lost himself in his duties, the comfort of her presence making the long night easier.

But then he heard a soft sound. A moan.

His head snapped up.

Emeriel moved slowly in her sleep, rolling from side to side, moaning.

She was having a dream.

Leaning back, he observed the way her body responded to whatever played out in her mind.

Her fingers curled, lips parting with a delicate sigh.

"Beloved," she moaned, arching up.

Daemonikai's brows arched, even as heat pooled low in his stomach.She’s dreaming… of me?

Arousal flared, dick going hard as stone in record time.

He forced himself to breathe evenly.Not now, fella. Now’s not the time.

Rising from the desk, he walked to her side, settling beside her on the bed. Her sleep was fitful, her body restless.

“Hey.” He brushed a hand over her arm. “Wake up, dearling. You’re dreaming.”

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