That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King’s Slave Mate Novel

Chapter 234: "Surprised me, too. I was hoping maybe you've got a new bloodhost, and Merilyn can finally take a rest from your grumpy self," Daemonikai stated in a light tone.

"My grumpy self? How can an old grump like you call me that?" Vladya smirked. "You rubbed off on me thousands of years ago, Your Grace."

"Brat," Daemonikai muttered, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Ancient of days."

Daemonikai's jaw dropped. "Coming from an almost four-thousand-year-old? That is just wrong, and you know it." A genuine smile finally graced Vladya's lips.

"There is that smile that always gets Alvin to give in to you-" A shadow fell over Daemonikai's face. His playful smile vanished, replaced by a deep sadness.

The atmosphere shifted, heavy with unspoken grief.

Alvin had been as stubborn and hardheaded as he was playful and juvenile. Unlike Daemonikai's eldest, Myka, who had more of his father's traits. More reserved. Most of the time, Vladya knew how to get his way with Alvin. He used to tease Daemonikai that Alvin was the way he was because he and Evielyn had spoiled him rotten.

Vladya offered no words of comfort, knowing none would ease the pain. Instead, he reached out, placing his hand atop Daemonikai's in a silent offering of support.

But his best friend jerked, snatching his hand away. A second later, the hand was back, this time initiating the touch.

Huh.

Daemonikai held his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I've noticed it for a while now," Vladya said, his voice low and serious. "Your aversion to touch."

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"'Hmm. Interesting," the grand king mused. "I haven't seen that in a while. Sleepy, aroused, but not fully intoxicated."

"I have. Emeriel got high when you drank from her the night before your return."

"Daemon?" Vladya called.

"Mmm?"

"Hypothetically speaking, if your Soulbond were to suddenly appear, how would you feel?"

A few seconds passed.

Daemonikai scoffed. "Soulbonds are practically extinct. It is pointless to ponder the impossible."

"Humor me," Vladya persisted. "If she were to appear before you right now, what would your reaction be?"

Daemonikai's eyes lifted towards the stars glittering above.

"I hope it never happens," he finally said. "I do not have the capacity for another bond right now, not even with my Soulbond. I am grateful such a female does not exist because then I would not have to choose to let the person go."

Vladya nodded, a flicker of sadness crossing his face.

He had suspected as much, but hearing it voiced aloud was a stark reminder of how deep Daemonikai's grief ran. How raw his pain was.

Daemonikai looked at the sky as if the vastness mirrored the emptiness inside him. Then he stood to leave. When they reached the fortress, Vladya paused at the intersection where their paths diverged.

"Feed, Daemon," he urged. "Two months is a long time not to feed during recovery. It is better to nourish yourself with your bloodhost than to drain countless others and remain unfulfilled. Even if her touch is unbearable, do it anyway. For your own well-being. Pretend she is Evielyn, if you must. Just call your bloodhost and feed."

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