Page 25 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“There have been rumors,” Daemonikai’s tone cooled further. “That my mind is fractured. That I am feral again.” His gaze swept over the assembled lords and high lords. “I wish to debunk such nonsense. I was merely hungry. I am well-fed now and feel reborn. I am ready to resume my duties, if the court finds that acceptable.”

Zaiper’s head swam.What the hell was he saying? What in the devil’s crown was going on here?

Glancing toward Vladya, the male looked entirely at ease now.

Ottai was openly beaming.

I will not take this.

“Your Grace," he spoke up, squaring his shoulders. "Pardon me, but… Many in Ravenshadow witnessed the incident two weeks ago. I for one was present.” Steel entered Zaiper’s tone. “You were…”

“I was what? Mad?” Daemonikai remained calm, almost nonchalant, his head angled slightly. “Do I look like a male devoid of reason? A male without a mind?”

“No, King Daemonikai, but—”

“But what, Lord Zaiper?”

Zaiper gritted his teeth.

Daemonikai nodded firmly and looked away, visibly dismissing him. “I thought so. Now as I was saying—”

“We heard the princess’s screams,” Zaiper stated bluntly, raising his voice. “All through the night, her wails of agony bounced through the walls of Ravenshadow. It was clear you were hurting her.”There, he said it.

The silence this time was deafening.

The lightness in Daemonikai’s expression dimmed. Tension gathered in his shoulders, a flash of pain crossing his eyes.

The grand king's hands curled tightly over the arms of his throne until his knuckles paled.

Yes, that’s more like it.The one accusation Daemonikai could not deny.

The tightness in Zaiper’s chest released. Oh, did it unwound like a coiled spring.

“If you are as mentally fit as you claim to be, Your Grace,” Zaiper kept his voice full of concern and sincere curiosity. “Why would you harm the very female you once stood in this court to defend? A female you implored us to give a chance—one you so desperately wanted to protect you were willing to relinquish your crown for?”

The court held its collective breath as Zaiper pressed on. “If you were in complete control, why would you inflict such suffering upon her? A pain so great her screams rang through the night until dawn?”

He let the words hang, watching as whispers broke out again as they looked to their ultimate ruler for an answer.

The grand king did not have any.

Zaiper almost smiled but held himself. Not yet, not here.

But he allowed himself the faintest satisfaction, seeing them anxious. Watching their reactions.

The best part was the stretch of the uncomfortable silence as they waited for answers… And got none.

“And how sure are you, Grand Lord Zaiper, that her screams were cries of pain?”

Zaiper turned.

Emeriel stood by the door.

She walked into court gracefully. Fully dressed in her formal princess attire, she lookedradiant. There were no visible marks on her skin, no signs of bruises. Or pain.

Her eyes shone brightly, filled with life, and on her lips was a wide, unshaken smile.

Not a single person stirred as she paused to bow gracefully to the assembled court, before she crossed the floor and ascended the dais, coming to a stop beside the grand king.

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