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

Chapter 475: Her head rested on the desk, her arms tucked beneath like makeshift pillows. A rush of tenderness washed over him. When had she drifted off? He had been so engrossed in his work that he hadn't noticed.

She was a wonderful coworker, asking insightful questions when needed, yet comfortable with companionable silence. Daemonikai enjoyed working with her. A lot.

Picking up the ledger she'd been handling, he thumbed through it. Every figure was well tallied and recorded in a clear and organized manner that would make even the most experienced scribes envious. He looked back at her, his chest swelling with pride. Good with arrows, tending gardens, caring for the sick, hunting, and taking records. His woman was a female of many skills. A treasure trove of fine abilities.

What other hidden skills did he not know about? Rising, he moved quietly around the desk and crouched beside her. His eyes roamed over her relaxed face. Truly a vision, even in sleep.

"I can't believe I once thought you were a cruel joke from Ukrae. A mocking laughter at my expense," he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Why do I look at you now and all I see is…a gift? A rare, astounding gift."

The gentle rise and fall of her back lulled him, her breathing deep and steady as he watched her.

"I was dead inside. Empty." His fingers traced a line along her delicate cheek. "Who would have thought I'd feel my own heart race again? That I could ever look at you without guilt? Who would have thought I could see you, and not someone sent to replace Evie?" A gentle sigh escaped her.

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 of a kiss on her nose. "I'm sorry it took losing you to find you."

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A soft knock sounded at the door.

Wegai entered, his expression apologetic. "Your Grace, about the-" Daemonikai pressed a finger to his lips.

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 her out of his study, he didn't turn left toward her chambers, but right-toward his. 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. Possessiveness surged inside him.

Much later, after he had bathed and changed into his nightclothes, he 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.

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