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

Chapter 447: Hand-feed me, like you did when I was feral.

The words rose in his throat, but Daemonikai trapped them there.

Instead, he extended his hand, accepting the cup.

"You didn't return," he stated, taking a sip of the bitter concoction. She looked away, her tone cool. "I was busy."

Daemonikai tried to find something beneath that disinterest, but her face betrayed nothing.

He had seen her-felt her-there with him on the Cold Sea. He'd been so alone, the icy waters dragging him down, his body numb and his hope waning.

But then she had been there, her heat pressing against him. Her voice a beacon in the darkness, talking to him, soothing him.

Her voice had pulled him back when he had nearly given up. Her touch had led him home.

And now that same woman, who had risked her life to save him, stood before him with such staggering indifference.

"How was your day?" he pressed, trying to draw her out.

"Fruitful." Her tone was clipped. "Productive."

Daemonikai handed back the empty cup, and she rose to retrieve another vial from the tray. His eyes followed her every move.

"My day was filled with grueling meetings about official matters," he volunteered. "For a bedridden king, my people certainly don't seem to care."

"They are relieved their grand king has returned," Emeriel said, handing him a platter of ground roots and plants. "Everyone rejoices. Celebrations have been held in every corner of the fortress."

Lλtєѕτ чhαρτєrѕ ιn g????lɳovєls.????????????

Daemonikai took a bite. "And you?" His eyes locked with hers. "Do you rejoice?"

Her baby-blue eyes met his for a moment.

For the life of him, Daemonikai couldn't read her. Her face had gone from relaxed to completely blank in the blink of an eye. It was unnerving to see on a face that was once so expressive.

"I wouldn't be in this kingdom if I wasn't," she finally replied, her tone neutral.

Dammit, just go for it. "Emeriel, I want to talk to you about two years ago," he said earnestly. "I want to apolo-"

She turned away, giving him her back. "There is nothing to talk about. I must take my leave," she said curtly. "Madam Livia will be here soon with the rest of your medicines." She glanced over her shoulder. "Good night, Your Grace."

After she left, Daemonikai stared at the door she'd exited through, the room's quietness suddenly too loud.

If she were angry, it would have been better. Anger meant she cared enough to be upset.

But there was no anger. Only conviction, and a gaping distance.

Had he lost her forever?

Daemonikai had been so certain that once he returned, once he was whole again, he could make things right. But now, he wasn't sure. Had he ruined his chances with her before they'd even begun?

PRINCESS EMERIEL

She stood before the mirror, the servants adjusting her garment. Yet again, she chastised herself for the night before.

.

.

.