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

Chapter 716: The mage's roars would last no more than a few hours before his body gave out. Iron collars at his neck, wrists, and ankles rendered his magic useless, as it had for all of them.

Usually, Daemonikai was a ruler of patience. He had no taste for punishing the many in pursuit of the one.

But that was before.

He was desperate, furious at the world and at himself. He was a male on the verge of yet another madness, and he was running out of time.

The guards pushed the heavy iron gates, and he stepped out, the clang of them shutting echoing behind him.

"Keep me informed of any new developments."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Yaz bowed low.

Still nothing new. No news on the dark mage. No evidence that tied any of it to Zaiper. The Oracle was still away from Urai, handling "loose ends," as she had put it. All remained stagnant.

The only thing different was the passage of time and his increasingly darkening heart.

His blood boiled. Rage, his new companion, walked alongside him.

Everyone stood as Daemonikai entered the arena.

Cheers and applause swelled, hands clapping in unison, voices raised in praise. His people waved banners, flowers scattering through the breeze as he made his way to the high dais.

The Grand Rulers were standing, arrayed in their ceremonial regalia, every color and crest shining in the afternoon sun. Reaching his seat, Daemonikai turned to face his people.

"Greatest citizens of Urai," his voice rang clear.

"We stand before you today to celebrate this momentous occasion. The day your First Ruler," he gestured briefly toward himself, "and his Third-" His gaze found Vladya, who gave a firm nod before flashing a brief smile to the crowd.

"-proudly stand before you to announce we are free of mindlessness."

The roar of the crowd was ear-splitting. Shouts of victory. Fists raised in triumph.

Daemonikai let them revel in it for a moment before he raised his hand for quiet.

"You asked for this day, and so here it is," he said smoothly.

"Drink, dance, and celebrate, knowing your rulers stand fully restored, minds unclouded. Our focus solely upon you, our people. We will carry this kingdom to its next greatness, without the dark thoughts of madness in the shadows of our minds!"

The lies came easily now. He had practiced them until they became second nature. For a male who had despised deception, he had grown skilled in it.

Skilled at deceiving his people. At deceiving his woman.

"Our lands flourish once more. The famine is long past, our crops grow strong, and the rains come of their own accord." He lifted his ceremonial goblet high.

New chapters uploaded at gαℓησν????ℓs․com "To a new chapter in our lives. To the next level!"

The roar shook the grounds. Females crowned with garlands threw petals, showering the arena in a storm of color and sweet scents.

"And before we take our seats," he lowered his goblet.

"The Third Ruler and I would like to welcome our females, the very reason we stand here today. Our blessings from Ukrae."

The gates opened, and both princesses entered the arena.

Emeriel and Aekeira smiled brightly as they made their way toward the dais. At five months pregnant, both glowed with that peculiar light often seen in expectant females. From afar, they might have passed for twins-dressed in identical gowns, differing only in color, nearly the same height, though Aekeira stood a little taller. Both had rounded bellies, though Emeriel's was slightly more pronounced.

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