Chapter 275: Princess Emeriel

The next three days were the best of her life. Emeriel and King Daemonikai spent nearly every moment together, and she cherished each one. They talked about everything: her time in the human world, her physical training, her hobbies, and childhood memories. In turn, he opened up about his own youth, even sharing stories of his late family.

Emeriel hummed softly as she put away their dinner dishes. Warm and vibrant joy bubbled within her. Even potentially awkward or painful topics were touched upon—lightly—without tension or avoidance. She was truly, deeply happy about the incredible progress they had made together.

Setting aside the court, their pasts, and their pain, they had spent these days simply being together. The peace, quiet, and simplicity were a welcome change. This cottage, nestled in an outer village of Urai, had become a sanctuary for them, and she loved it.

Yesterday evening, Daemonikai took her for a walk along the village paths. Locals greeted their grand king with enthusiasm and kindness, extending the same warmth to Emeriel. When they returned home, Daemonikai pulled her into his lap by the crackling fireplace, where they talked and cuddled late into the night. She loved having his undivided attention, watching him smile, seeing him so at ease.

But a slight worry disturbed her. King Daemonikai hadn’t touched her intimately in days. It wasn’t that he didn’t show affection; sometimes, he held her too close, as though she were the most precious thing in the world. His hands were always eager to caress her as they cuddled. And occasionally, when she walked past him, he’d cup her bottom or touch her breasts unexpectedly, making her jump. But it all ended there. Despite the nights when his manhood pressed against her, or the mornings when he woke with clear arousal, he hadn’t tried to make love to her again.

She tried not to let it trouble her, but it did. Emeriel missed him intimately. She wanted to feel him again. She couldn’t believe how often she thought about it. It worried her, how much she longed for him… to let him inside her again. Such unladylike hunger.

Emeriel never imagined herself this way. Just three years ago, the idea of sexual intimacy had filled her with dread. The memory of her heart being ripped out each time she saved her sister from another aristocrat still haunted her. What she shared with her Beloved was nothing like the sickening, demeaning acts those ministers had forced upon her sister; Emeriel knew that. What they had was different, special, and oh so beautiful. But still… she shouldn’t want it this badly. She shouldn’t think about it so much, like some harlot.

So she kept silent, suppressing her desires even as they left her in a constant state of unyielding hunger.

Thankfully, though, his nightmares hadn’t returned in days. There were moments when he stared off into the distance with a look of sorrow, but whenever he saw her, the look cleared, and his posture relaxed. He was always fully present and attentive, as though nothing else mattered but her.

Emeriel basked in it, relishing the feeling of being the center of his universe. She almost wished they could stay here forever, untouched by the outside world. But she knew the reprieve was temporary. Duty called. They would be leaving this haven in a few days.

After finishing in the kitchen, Emeriel went looking for him. Their bedroom was empty, the bed undisturbed. Stepping outside, the cool evening breeze brushed against her skin as she made her way to the archery range, one of his favorite places, but it was silent, her Beloved nowhere in sight.

She checked the garden, spotting the gardener tending to the plants. The gardener gave a respectful bow. “Your Highness,”

“Have you seen His Majesty?” she asked, brushing her hair away from her face as the evening breeze played with it.

“Yes, my princess. He went in this direction.” He pointed behind him, toward the woods.

“Thank you.” She gave a slight nod. “You may return to your work.”

Emeriel turned toward the dense tree line. Shadows stretched long in the fading light, birdsong greeting her as she stepped under the canopy. The wind moved through the trees, rustling the leaves, sending her long hair swirling around her shoulders, her garments flowing like water.

“My King…?”

No answer.

The deeper she ventured into the forest, the more unsettling the atmosphere felt. The hairs on her arms stood on end, and she stopped. Something was watching her. But it wasn’t fear she felt, it was something else entirely: awareness.

My mate.

He was here. Watching her. Hunting her.

Her breath quickened, her heart hammering erratically in her chest. She couldn’t see him, but she felt him. She felt the familiar intensity of his gaze like a physical touch. She was the prey, and he was the predator.

Was it because she was Syren, or his Soulbond? An urge suddenly slammed into her.

Run.

And so, she bolted.

Emeriel’s feet barely touched the ground as she sprinted through the woods, the trees whipping past in a blur. The wind roared in her ears, her hair streaming behind her like a banner. She ran as though the devil himself was on her heels.

A deep growl rolled through the air, sending a thrill down her spine. She glanced around, eyes darting between the trees, but she couldn’t tell where it was coming from. She didn’t stop.

The memory of the last time she’d run like this surfaced. Three years ago, when assassins had chased her, intending to kill her, and she had outrun them all.

Does my Beloved know I’m very good at this?

Smiling defiantly, she pushed herself harder, leaning into the wind. If her male wanted a hunt, she would give him one. She felt exhilarated, laughter bubbling up as she moved with a speed and grace that came naturally to her.

Come, My Grand King. Catch me if you can.