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

Chapter 482: The door burst open, slamming against the stone wall with a loud crack. Wegai strode in, his face even more grim than usual.

"The princess," he said, his voice tight.

Daemonikai turned sharply. "Emeriel?" His brows knitted together. "What's happened?"

"The princess…" Wegai hesitated for a moment. "She has been shot." The room fell into stunned silence.

Daemonikai's entire body went rigid, and a high-pitched ringing filled his ears, drowning out the world for a moment.

Wegai's voice broke through, unsteady but pressing on. "Arrows. Poisoned arrows."

"What did you just say to me?" The grand king's growl was dangerously low.

Wegai's throat bobbed, and he stepped closer. "A patrolling soldier found her collapsed in the southern garden. She's been brought-"

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME!?" Daemonikai roared, his voice thunderous, the shout echoing off the walls.

Without waiting to hear more, he took off in a dead run.

GRAND LORD OTTAI

Three hours later…

Ottai waited, practically bouncing on his heels, as Vladya and Aekeira finally made their way through the fortress gates. A small crowd had gathered to welcome the Third Ruler back, their faces alight with genuine affection.

They reached out to touch him, their hands brushing against his arms, his shoulders, even his paw-like hand. From where Ottai stood, he saw the rare tenderness on Vladya's face as he exchanged smiles and words with the people, welcoming their warmth in a way Ottai hadn't seen in years. Someone handed a newly born child to Vladya.

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Ottai winced, thinking, he's going to recoil.

But to his surprise, Vladya accepted the infant, holding it gently, gazing down at the baby with a look Ottai could only describe as sad longing. After a few moments, Vladya managed a small smile and returned the infant to its mother before continuing forward.

Ottai didn't miss the possessive arm Vladya kept wrapped around Aekeira's waist as they weaved through the crowd.

"Look who finally decided to rejoin civilization," Ottai remarked as they approached.

Crossing his arms, Ottai smirked as he warned, "Better brace yourself. I'm about to throw that no-touch rule out the window. I'm going to pounce."

Then, he pulled Vladya into a hug, half-expecting the grumpy ruler to push him away. But, to his surprise, Vladya returned the embrace, albeit one-armed.

"Huh. Perhaps there's hope for this one yet."

Pulling back, his eyes shifted to Aekeira. "You look better than the last time I saw you," he said, one brow arched. "Happier, even."

"My lord," Aekeira lowered her head in a graceful curtsy. Her voice was thick, her eyes red-rimmed. It was clear she'd been crying.

"We heard what happened," Vladya's face grew somber. "How is he?"

"Well," Ottai glanced back toward the fortress entrance, "It's safe to say he's not in the best of moods."

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