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

Chapter 356: "This is too hard to believe," Zaiper spat, livid, and doing a poor job of hiding it.

"Why?" Daemonikai cocked his head to the side. "If I did not know better, I would say you hate that my Soulbond is alive, have always hated it even before today. It almost seems like you are dying to kill her even after all we've said. Why, Zaiper? Why are you so invested? Do you hate me that much to kill my Soulbond for no reason?"

It was a high accusation, one that could get Zaiper into serious trouble. Everyone went dead silent again.

The high lords exchanged shocked glances. All eyes rested on Zaiper, putting him on the spot like a sacrificial lamb. "What is it that you have against me, Zaiper? It seemed like you weren't too thrilled about my return. With everything that's happening, I can't help but wonder why."

Daemonikai paused, his eyes blazing. "Do you wish I had never come back? Would you have preferred it if I had died?"

"No! I have no ill will against you! How c-could you say that?" Zaiper's eyes darted around nervously, seeking any sign of support. "Without a crime, I would never try to attack your Soulbond."

"Yet we have explained to you why she is without crime, so why do you still persist?" Daemonikai pressed, taking a menacing step towards the second ruler. "Do not think I haven't heard how you were most inclined to get rid of my feral beast. From all I've heard, you were pretty obsessed with it. Tell me, Lord Zaiper, do you truly have no ill will against me?"

Brutal. When he wanted to be, the grand king could be absolutely merciless.

Zaiper's voice was a strangled cry, his eyes wide with panic. The high lords watched him with growing suspicion, their stares filled with distrust. Disgust, even.

"Fine! The girl has no crime," Zaiper surrendered, the words forced out through clenched teeth. "I retract my statements. There will be no executions, no dungeons."

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Daemonikai whirled around, addressing the crowd. "My Soulbond just went through her first full heat. She is completely exhausted and should not have to go through this. I will take her inside now. This gathering is dismissed." He turned to a red-faced, frozen Emeriel. "Follow me."

EMERIEL

Emeriel walked in a daze, her legs heavy and her mind numb. The grand king led her through the corridors, stopping before a door in the southern wing.

"Stay here." He turned to leave.

"Your Grace…" Emeriel reached out for him, her fingers hovering in the air, trembling.

King Daemonikai glanced at her outstretched hand as if it were a venomous serpent. Without a word, he walked out, the heavy door closing behind him.

Emeriel stumbled toward the bed, collapsing onto the cold mattress. Exhaling a shaky breath, she stared ahead blankly.

He had saved her. Her secret was out. Everyone knew. It still felt… surreal. Like a nightmare she couldn't wake from.

He hates me now.

But he had protected her. She had almost died. Lord Zaiper had been so eager to see her dead. If not for… if not for the other grand rulers, she would be in a cold, hard cell. Or lying lifeless in the courtyard. Looking at her unsteady hands, her eyes grew wet again. This was not how she had envisioned her return.

He hates me now.

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