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

Chapter 688: Moving closer, he bent and slid his arms beneath her. She was warm against his chest, her body pliant in sleep. As he lifted her, she stirred, a faint hum slipping from her lips. Her lashes fluttered, and drowsy blue eyes found him.

"Your Grace… When did you return?"

"Just now." He brushed his fingers against her cheek, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"You were waiting for me?" "Mm." She barely managed a nod before resting her head against his shoulder.

A pleased warmth settled in his chest. He had not realized how much he had missed this-missed her. Waking beside her, feeling her presence close. But distance was necessary.

Daemonikai would sooner drive his own sword through his chest than risk a repeat of what had happened that dreadful night.

He had not shared something with her. Since that night, his beast had gone unnervingly quiet. No attempts to force a shift. No desperate need to stake a possessive claim. It had simply retreated into the deepest part of his mind, drowning in its guilt.

Their brief time at the cottage was a cherished memory he held close to his heart. The easy moments, the stolen touches, the intimacy that had come so naturally.

Perhaps one day they would have that again.

Lowering her onto the bed, he straightened, intent on moving away, but her fingers closed around his wrist.

"I would like to sleep beside you tonight," she murmured.

His body tensed.

"Emeriel…"

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"Please. You will not lose control in the night. It is just for tonight." She paused, then added even softer, "I miss waking up to my Beloved."

Daemonikai's throat worked. How could he refuse, when he shared the very same hunger?

"Please," she whispered again.

"Only tonight."

"Very well," he groaned, defeated.

"Only tonight."

As he stepped away to undress, she shifted onto her side, resting her cheek on her hands. Her eyes followed him as he pulled his tunic over his head, unfastened the ties at his waist, and shed the rest of his clothing, leaving only his loose-fitting trousers before turning back to her.

She had not looked away.

Daemonikai smirked.

"Do you like what you see?"

A dull red flushed her cheeks.

"I do, my king."

Chuckling under his breath, he slid beneath the covers, drawing her into his arms.

She made a soft, unashamedly needy sound, clinging to him with the tenacity of an octopus.

"Thank you… I like this."

Daemonikai closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. Her scent filled his lungs, and he let himself savor it. Let it sink into his very bones.

"When was the last time you bloodfed?" she asked softly.

"A while ago," he admitted.

"Don't worry, I am not overly hungry, but I shall visit my blood host first thing tomorrow."

"I do not like that you must feed from Mistress Sinai," she grumbled into his chest.

"She is such a bitter female."

He released a breath.

"She was not always so. As a youngling, she was fierce but… not unkind. But when she came of age two millennia ago, she became a rebellious half adult. Always getting into trouble. Once, she ended up killing a female."

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