Page 8 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“Why are you waiting outside her room instead of just going in?” he changed the subject, looking at the closed door of Emeriel’s chamber behind her.

“I was waiting for the Grand King to come out,” she said in a quieter tone. “He has been in there for hours.”

“All day, then,” Vladya murmured, more to himself than to her.

“He just... keeps staring at her.” Aekeira’s expression was tight. “Doesn’t move a muscle. Not even when I accidentally stumbled in earlier, apologized and walked away, he didn’t spare me a glance.”

Vladya’s jaw clenched. Daemonikai was drowning in guilt.

“My lord—"

“I thought we had moved past that,” Vladya said.

“So did I.” She looked away. “Now, I’m not so sure anymore.”

He reached for her. “Aekeira—”

She stepped back, out of his reach. “I must take my leave now, Your Highness.” She inclined her head, before turning and walking away.

Vladya stood there, watching her retreating figure until she disappeared around the corner.

He had no idea what to do. For the first time in ages, he felt truly powerless.

***

Light shone behind Princess Emeriel’s closed eyes, faint but persistent.

She tried to blink it away, but it remained insistent. With an inward sigh of resignation, she opened her eyes.

The ceiling came into focus. A familiar view.Same room. Same bed.

Mentally bracing herself, she moved her hands, expecting the familiar shot of pain through her body.

None came.

Surprised, she flexed her fingers. Still nothing.

Slowly, she moved her legs. There was no pain there either.

A low groan left her lips as she shifted, pulling herself into a slightly upright position. Her body still felt weak, but the sharp aches had dulled to a manageable throb.

In fact, she felt better than she had in… days?Weeks?

The sound of the door creaking open caught her attention and she turned her head to see Aekeira step inside, a basket of herbs balanced on her hip.

At the sight of Emeriel sitting up, Aekeira froze, eyes going with shock. The basket slipped from her hands, the herbs spilling across the floor.

“Em! You’re awake!” she cried, voice breaking as a wild smile split her lips.

Before Emeriel could say a word, Aekeira ran to the bed, hopping onto it and pulling her into a tight hug.

“Oh, thank the gods! Thank the lights! You are awake!” she sobbed, clutching Emeriel tightly as though afraid she might vanish if she let go. “Thank you! Thank you!”

“Keira…” Emeriel’s voice came out raspy. The sound surprised her, but it was a good thing.

She hadn’t regained her voice during the previous brief moments she had woken.

“Yes, it’s me!” Aekeira’s sobs grew louder, trembling with relief.

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