Page 97 of The Princess and Her Grand King

The door opened, and Vladya strode back in. As his gaze landed on Daemonikai’s face, he hurried closer, lips pressed into a thin line. “He did it, didn’t he?”

“I did,” Daemonikai stated, faintly.

Ottai straightened, pulling away reluctantly. “Faiwick and his apprentice will set out at dawn,” he said, resigned. “I’ll go send word to Mysticaria to expect our men. Just… take care of him, Vladya. Please.”

“You know I will,” Vladya deadpanned.

***

Dizziness washed over Daemonikai, a throbbing headache the size of a warship pounding through his skull.

The poison could stay in his body far longer than in Emeriel’s, long enough to secure the antidote. Hopefully.

“Are you truly well?” Worry touched Vladya’s voice.

“My head feels as though it’s trying to split in two,” Daemonikai admitted. “But that's to be expected."

"Who would do this?" Vladya wondered, his brow furrowed. "Do you have any suspicions?"

“I’m going to confront Zaiper,” he repeated.

Vladya's eyes sharpened. “You really believe he could be involved?”

“I don’t know, but I will start from him." Daemonikai forced himself upright, a boiling rage building inside him. “Afterward, I’m returning to the site of the attack. If these inept fools can’t find a trace, I’ll track the one responsible myself.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“No.” Daemonikai put on his robes slowly, his insides rolling. “I need you here, with her. I’ll be back.”

Vladya’s concern deepened. “You’re unwell, Daemon. I know how these confrontations of yours tend to go. Are you certain you’re up to this?”

He walked to the door, stopped, and threw a look over his shoulder. “I can take care of Zaiper. I'm sick, not dead.”

***

Crossing the intersection, Daemonikai entered Greyrock, his guards following behind. Every step he took away from Emeriel hammered home how close he had come to losing her tonight.

Since when had his kingdom become so unsafe assassins dared to strike within the heart of Ravenshadow fortress?First himself, now Emeriel.

Word of his approach must have spread quickly, for soldiers scrambled to clear his path, moving with haste, their expressions tense, all workers vanishing into their posts.

Storming into the royal residence, Dameonikai saw Zaiper waiting at his door, a guarded expression in his eyes.

“Your Grace. I heard what happened, and I want you to know that my men are also searching for the culprit.”

“I require privacy, Zaiper.” Daemonikai’s tone was icily calm. “See to it.”

The grand lord's eyes widened slightly, hesitation crossing his face.

Daemonikai's eyes bored into his, daring him to refuse. But Zaiper nodded, leading him inside, dismissing the remaining guards in the hall.

Once alone, Daemonikai seized Zapier by the collar, slamming him against the nearest wall with enough force to drive the breath from his lungs, holding him suspended.

“What is the meaning of this—” Zaiper choked out, struggling for air.

“How dare you attempt to kill her?” Daemonikai snapped.“How dare you, Zaiper?”

“I would never!” he gasped, clawing at Daemonikai’s hand. “Release me, so we can discuss this—”

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