Chapter 216:
“Excellent.” Lord Herod’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. “The lanterns are almost ready. Yours is particularly lovely. You should go to the courtyard and see it for yourself. If there’s anything you’d like the workers to adjust, they would be happy to oblige.”
Emeriel might have been a prince for twenty years, but she had learned the refined manners of a princess by attending many of Aekeira’s lessons alongside her. Dressed in this elegant attire, those lessons seemed to come naturally.
She curtsied gracefully, her voice filled with gratitude. “Your kindness towards me is immeasurable, My Lord.”
Stepping out of the bedchamber into the grand expanse of the residence, she was met with an unexpected announcement resonating through the air.
“Hail to His Majesty the First, the mighty and supreme sovereign ruler of Urai, His Grace, Grand King Daemonikai.”
My beloved?
Emeriel froze, rooted to the spot as the entrance doors swung open, revealing the magnificent figure of the grand king.
Her heart thudded as their eyes met across the room.
Beloved is here. My beloved is here.
She was paralyzed, unable to do anything but stare. Grand King Daemonikai approached, his gaze locked onto her, and a hush fell over the room.
Emeriel, her legs trembling, managed a deep curtsy. “Y-Your Grace,” she stuttered, her throat dry.
Silence met her greeting.
As she raised her eyes, she saw the grand king for the first time up close.
His face was expressionless, but those piercing green eyes scrutinized her intently, taking in every detail of her appearance, from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes.
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝒸о𝗺 opens doors to wonder
Moments felt like an eternity. Emeriel was beginning to think he would not respond to her.
“You honor me with your graceful curtsy.” His deep, resonant baritone voice sent shivers down her spine. “To whom do I owe the pleasure of her acquaintance?”
Oh, that voice.
It was even richer and more captivating than she had imagined. He really was, without a doubt, the most handsome male she had ever encountered in a kingdom filled with good-looking males.
So striking, intimidating, and powerful—more so up close. It was the kind of face one would dare only to steal one or two fleeting glances at, for fear of being caught staring. But he had caught her.
Emeriel quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Uhmm, I am… uhmm…”
“Your Grace,” Lord Herod’s voice interjected, a welcome relief to Emeriel. He came up behind her and bowed respectfully. “To what do I owe the great honor of your magnificent presence?”
“I came to discuss matters of importance,” Daemonikai replied, his eyes fixed on Emeriel. “But first, tell me, Herodis, who is the lady?”
“Oh, yes, I apologize for the oversight,” Lord Herod said, his voice smooth and apologetic. “This is Eme… Princess Galelia of Rosvalley Kingdom. She is my betrothed.”
Emeriel’s heart skipped a beat as she struggled to conceal her surprise. Galelia was her middle name, a secret known only to Aekeira and Lord Herod.
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