Chapter 262 Come , lets go home , he said , his voice regaining its usual strength .
Hydra Lake has seen enough of us for one day Raising his voice slightly , he added , And Ottai has heard enough for today .
Lord Ottai was listening ? Emeriel pulled back , her eyes widening in surprise .
She glanced around , searching for the grand lord .
From behind a distant tree , the grand lord stepped out , a sheepish look on his face .
He waved at them , awkwardly .
How dare you listen in to my conversation , Ottai ? the king growled , his eyes still on Emeriel .
I tried not to , Your Grace , he shouted from where he stood , his voice defensive .
But no matter how hard I turned my ears off , they managed to catch a word or two .
He paused , looking even more guilty .
Or ten .
Ottai , Daemonikai drawled in warning .
I apologize , Your Grace , Ottai said , his tone far too earnest for it to be genuine .
The Grand King snorted , shaking his head before turning to Emeriel .
Lets go home .
She nodded , taking a few steps forward , but faltered when a sharp ache shot through her body .
Emeriel winced , trying to mask it , but his watchful gaze caught her discomfort .
Are you alright ? he asked , concerned .
Yes , its … uhmm … that is … This was difficult .
How could she explain that her body ached , and she could barely walk right , from their passionate night together ? I Im fine , she managed to say .
He arched a brow .
Are you really ? Before she could answer , his arms slid beneath her knees and back , lifting her with ease .
It seems someone isnt fully recovered from her … strenuous activity last night ? he teased , his voice dipping just enough to send her cheeks aflame .
Stop , she hissed , burying her face against his neck .
Lord Ottai can hear .
Daemonikai let out a rich , low laugh .
I know Ottai looks all innocent and noble , but one of these days , you should listen in on Morina during heat .
His look is deceiving .
Hey ! Thats not something you say to a lady , Ottai called indignantly from behind them , his tone somewhere between affronted and amused .
Daemonikai stopped , glaring over his shoulder .
Are you implying I lack tact , Ottai ? Not at all , Your Grace .
Only a fool would do that .
Emeriel couldnt help it her lips curved into a smile despite herself .
She leaned into her Beloveds shoulder , hiding her face , her soft laughter muffled against his neck .
The kings gaze softened as he looked down at her , smiling too .
And for the first time in years , Emeriel felt lighthearted .
Happy .
10:56 Sat , 22 Feb Chapter 262 Home .
82 % Put me down , please , Emeriel mumbled into his shoulder as they passed through the imposing gates of the fortress .
The people will see .
Let them .
His arms clutched her tighter as he moved forward , carrying her as though it were the most natural thing in the world .
Oh gods , is he going to carry me all the way inside ? The thought both flustered and warmed her .
King Daemonikai Daemon didnt stop , nor did his pace falter .
He walked steadily with unhurried steps , holding her with pride .
She couldnt bring herself to look at the faces of the people , but she could hear the murmurs .
Whispers filled the air like a low hum , their words indistinct yet charged with curiosity and surprise .
Emeriel tightened her arms around his neck , hiding her face against his shoulder .
She felt like she was floating , the comfort of being this way with him replacing the emptiness she had lived with for so long .
For the first time in what felt like forever , she felt truly warm and alive .
Like she had finally thawed out after a long , harsh winter .
Your Grace , the evening court session has started , a soldiers voice announced as they reached the intercession .
Emeriel peeked through one eye to see where they were .
She caught a glimpse of the soldier bowing before quickly shutting her eyes again .
She wasnt ready to leave the bubble of safety her Beloveds arms provided .
A few moments passed as Daemonikai carried her forward .
Then came a resounding call .
All hail His Majesty the First , the mighty and supreme sovereign ruler of Urai , His Grace , Grand King Daemonikai .
Her head snapped up at the proclamation , her eyes darting around .
Wait , what ? Emeriel stiffened in his arms , realizing they were now at the entrance to the Court of Duty .
Her stomach flipped as unease settled in .
You are still carrying me , she reminded him .
I know .
He looked down at her , his face unreadable .
All traces of his earlier playfulness gone .
Her unease deepened .
What is going on ? But she didnt dare ask .
Something about the way he carried himself , the way he held her , told her not to .
The great doors opened , revealing the vast chamber of the court .
The murmuring stopped instantly .
All eyes turned toward them as Daemonikai entered , carrying her .
The high lords , the grand lords , every noble present rose from their seats , bowing in acknowledgment .

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Emeriels heart beat faster as he strode further , stopping only when they reached the center of court .
Then , he lowered her to her feet and stepped back .
The silence was thunderous .
Emeriel drew in a deep breath , summoning every ounce of courage to meet the gazes directed at her .
10:56 Sat , 22 Feb Chapter 262 Some were curious , others cold , a few openly hostile .
82 % She forced herself to hold her head high , unwilling to show weakness despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her .
Though the people had grown more welcoming toward her recently , she knew better than to believe she had their undisputed approval .
Especially here , in this hall , among these high lords .
11 23 The memories were still as clear as yesterday .
Her first official appearance before them , where they demanded her stripped naked .
The second , when they sentenced her to death in the courtyard and cast her into the dungeons without food or water .
The third , when they came together to send her away from their lands .
Why did he bring me here ? I , Grand King Daemonikai , his voice cut through the silence , clear and commanding , echoing with absolute authority .
The first and the only , stand here on this day to officially introduce my woman to my people .
AD