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

Chapter 526: Vladya smiled. An actual, genuine, unguarded smile.

Daemonikai noticed the subtle changes in his friend since his return. Little by little, glimpses of the old Vladya were resurfacing. But this-this sincere smile-was something he hadn't seen in a long time.

"You know," Vladya said, his smile still lingering, "I think this is the first time I've seen you so… happy. It's been a long time."

Daemonikai cleared his tight throat, resuming his walk. "You took the words right out of my mouth." "And you can't blame my ears for this," Vladya teased, grinning. "You were the one who moved from your well-fortified master's chambers to another."

That much was true. The memories of Evie had been too overwhelming, too painful. But now… he didn't regret it.

He liked his current chambers. Yet perhaps it was time to consider making it his main residence, fortifying it accordingly.

"Are you two finally going to give this thing between you a chance?" Vladya asked, his tone losing some of its lightness. "Has she forgiven you?"

"Not yet. But I like to think we are working toward that. Last night was…" Daemonikai exhaled, searching for the right word. "…incredible."

Vladya stopped, turning to face him, his eyes scanning Daemonikai with a discerning look. "All these changes I see-they look good on you. The smiles, the easier air about you… even your aversion to touch seems to be fading. I like this for you, Daemon."

"I like this for me too," Daemonikai replied softly. "I didn't think it would happen either. Who would have thought there would ever be a reason to smile again?"

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"Not me." Vladya's smile dimmed, but warmth lingered in his eyes.

Daemonikai nodded, his voice turning reflective. "We were both too damaged. We were each other's strength and destruction. We had to part ways to fight our demons."

"We had to," Vladya agreed, his tone flat but tender. A moment passed between them. "I missed the devil out of you."

Daemonikai's grin returned. "Huh. And the love-sick puppy is back."

"Give me a damn break," Vladya groaned, rolling his eyes again.

Daemonikai only chuckled in response.

They walked in companionable silence, heading toward the training grounds. The fresh breeze hit them as they stepped outside-crisp and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of flowers.

Paths cleared before them as people bowed, greeting them respectfully before hurrying out of their way.

Daemonikai's gaze fell on Vladya's paw-like hand, a reminder that, one day, he might lose his oldest friend to madness. Don't even think about it.

Swallowing the tight lump in his throat, Daemonikai cleared it with deliberate force. "So, are you going to tell me what's going on with you? This whole cheerful mood of yours is… glaringly obvious, in case you weren't aware."

"I asked Aekeira to bond with me," Vladya said, a faint smile returning to his face. "We will perform the bonding rituals."

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