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

Chapter 541: "Our people are fiercely attached to him," Gaff added, standing beside Belzebob. "And if there's even a sliver of hope that he could find happiness again, we do not wish to stand in the way."

Henry inclined his head. "So, to show that we not only grant you the chance you asked for, but also acknowledge you as the female he is courting, we bare our necks to you."

One by one, the standing lords mirrored the gesture, their throats exposed.

PRINCESS EMERIEL Rooted to the spot, she could only stare at the lords before her, floored by their gesture. Words evaded her entirely.

"Do not keep them waiting, dearest," Daemonikai murmured, his tone as tender as it was encouraging.

"I-I don't know what to do."

He smiled softly, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Walk to them, one by one, and press your nose to their necks to accept the respect they offer. Take it as they give it."

Having witnessed this sacred gesture before, Emeriel understood the weight of the act.

This was not merely acknowledging her; they were accepting her.

They were offering her not only respect but also tentative trust.

It was more than she had dared to hope for.

Joy rose within her, a budding warmth spreading to every corner of her being, awakening a hope that shone like a newborn sun deep in her chest.

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Sniffling, she steeled herself, forcing her legs to move even as her sore muscles protested.

She reached Lord Gaff, who bent slightly to meet her, sparing her the discomfort of standing on her toes.

Heart pounding, Emeriel leaned in and pressed her nose gently to his neck, the act both humbling and empowering.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Gaff inclined his head, his stoic expression softening.

Emeriel moved to the next lord, then the next, repeating the act with each.

When she reached High Lord Henry and whispered her gratitude, his quiet response caught her breath.

"Take care of him, My Lady. He deserves true happiness."

She gave a nod. "I will, My Lord." A promise she intended to keep with all her heart.

As she completed her rounds, the weight that had pressed on her shoulders for so long began to feel lighter.

She glanced around the roundtable, her gaze lingering on the faces of the lords who had bowed to her in respect.

For the first time, she saw not adversaries, but a fair council. Perhaps the court wasn't as terrible after all. Perhaps these nobles weren't as heartless as she had once believed.

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