Chapter 265 Complete silence .
Only the soft rustle of Emeriels gown and the quiet echo of her last words hung in the air .
A single pair of hands began to clap , Vladyas .
His eyes shining with a newfound respect .
Soon , Ottai joined in , his clap enthusiastic and booming .
Then a high lord from the roundtable .
And another .
One by one , others around the roundtable joined the applause , the sound swelling and reverberating through the grand hall .
It was not just polite ; it was genuine .
Carrying with it an undercurrent of approval .
Many high lords nodded , some even wore smiles that were rarely seen in the cold austerity of court .
Daemonikais chest swelled with pride .
It rushed through him , warming him like a draught of fine wine .
He had expected a long , tiring resistance .
A slow , uphill battle to win over the court .
But here she was , his woman , making impressive progress .
Already she was bridging the gap with her sincerity and strength .
Emeriel raised her head , tears falling from her eyes .
She gave them a watery smile , wiping her cheeks .
Thank you , everyone , for hearing me out .
They might be doing more than just hearing you out , Beloved .
As the applause quieted , a few high lords rose from their seats .
… ..
and tilted their heads to the side .
Emeriel was confused .
Keeping her eyes on them , she inched closer to him .
What are they doing ? she whispered in apprehension .
But Daemonikai could not speak for he was stunned .
He hadnt expected this , not so soon .
Your Grace ? she whispered again , her tone uncertain .
They are acknowledging your greater position , Henry interjected .
Merilyns bondmate .
He rose to his feet .
Princess , it means that the high lords of Urai are willing to give you the chance and support you asked for .
Our Grand King was right , we wouldnt have him here today if not for you , Belzebob said , his gruff voice now surprisingly gentle, rising as well .
And you may not realize it , but we do not take our Ultimate Ruler lightly .
His well being is deeply tied to ours .
Our people are fiercely attached to him , Gaff added , standing beside Belzebob .
And if theres even a sliver of hope that he could find happiness again , we do not wish to stand in the way .
Henry inclined his head .
So , to show that we not only grant you the chance you asked for but also acknowledge you as the female he is courting , we bare our necks to you .
One by one , the standing lords mirrored the gesture , their throats exposed .
10:21 Mon , 24 Feb Chapter 265 PRINCESS EMERIEL Rooted to the spot , she could only stare at the lords before her , floored by their gesture .
Words evaded her entirely .
Do not keep them waiting , dearest , Daemonikai murmured , his tone as tender as it was encouraging .
* 1 I dont know what to do .
He smiled softly , his eyes gleaming with pride .
Walk to them , one by one , and press your nose to their necks to accept the respect they offer .
Take it as they give it .
Having witnessed this sacred gesture before , Emeriel understood the weight of the act .
This was not a mere acknowledging her , they were accepting her .
Offering her not only respect but also a tentative trust .
It was more than shed dared to hope for .
+13 Joy rose within her , a budding warmth spreading to every corner of her being , awakening a hope that shone like a newborn sun deep in her chest .
Sniffling , she steeled herself , forcing her legs to move even as her sore muscles protested .
She reached Lord Gaff , who bent slightly to meet her , sparing her the discomfort of standing on her toes .
Heart pounding , Emeriel leaned in and pressed her nose gently to his neck , the act both humbling and empowering .
Thank you , she whispered .
Gaff inclined his head , his stoic expression softening .
Emeriel moved to the next lord , then the next , repeating the act with each .
When she reached High Lord Henry and whispered her gratitude , his quiet response caught her breath .
Take care of him , My Lady .
He deserves true happiness .
She gave a nod .
I will , My Lord .
A promise she intended to keep with all her heart .
As she completed her rounds , the load that had pressed on her shoulders for so long felt lighter .
She glanced around the roundtable , her gaze lingering on the faces of the lords who had bowed to her in respect .
For the first time , she saw not adversaries but a fair council .
Perhaps the court wasnt so terrible after all .
Perhaps these nobles werent as heartless as she had once believed .
A sudden pang struck her chest .
Nostalgia , wrapped in melancholy , gripped her as her thoughts turned .
High Lord Herodis .
Tears filled her eyes again , even as she smiled .
Dearest friend , I hope you are fine wherever you are .
You were right , after all .
Two years ago wasnt the end of the world .
The day did come when the world would give me a chance .
Her gaze swept the court once more , at the council who had once sentenced her to death , accepting her now as their grand rulers woman .
Look at me now , Lord Herod , she muttered under her breath , tears falling .
Look at your slave friend who , once upon a time , had to dress as a boy to survive .
Today she stands before the council of Urai , not as a slave boy in hiding , but as a 2/4 10:21 Mon , 24 Feb Chapter 265 Soulbond to their Ultimate Ruler .
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAL Are you alright ? Vladyas voice carried a note of concern as they dismounted from their horses .
The guards swiftly took the reins , leading the sterds away I am .
Darmonikai lied .
The dizziness that had plagued him earlier was becoming worse , a throbbing ache behind his eyes .
During the hunt , his vision had blurred , the trees swimming together into a green haze , and at one point , hed nearly lost his balance .
You are recovering from a poison that eats away at peoples organs .
I hope to hell you have been drinking blood Vladya came to his side , sharp eyes scrutinizing him .
I havent felt the thirst , Daemonikai replied coolly , forcing himself to walk with a steady gait .
The hunt lasted longer than we expected Why ? Are you so eager to go back to your woman , Your Grace ? Ottais voice rang out teasingly as he joined them .
Daemonikai rolled his eyes , but a smile tugged at his lips .
He couldnt deny it .
You just know he is , the smile says it all , Zaiper added , approaching from behind .
Congratulations , Your Grace .
Truly .
Thank you , Zaiper .
With a curt nod , Daemonikai led the small group through the fortresss pathways .
When they reached the intersection marking their separate routes , everyone parted ways .
Daemonikai tried to maintain an even pace , but Ottai was right .
He was eager to see Emeriel again .
The royal hunt , usually an enjoyable activity , had felt like an eternity .
The sound of soft footsteps behind him made him pause .
He turned , raising an eyebrow .
Why am I not surprised you are following me ? I wish to talk with you .
Vladya grunted , catching up to him .
Dont you have anything better to do ? Daemonikai asked , resuming his walk .
You and I both know youre in a hurry to get back to Aekeira .
Once inside Daemonikais chambers , Vladya settled lazily into an armchair , the leather creaking faintly under his weight .
What are your plans for your bloodhost ? Daemonikai shrugged out of his hunting cloak , folding it neatly before answering , his voice flat .
I have none yet .
Perhaps you should , Daemon .
The sooner you do , the faster you will tackle your thirst .
Vladya took a deep breath .
I sincerely dont know why you arent drinking from her .
Even if you dont wish to see her , there are many ways to get her blood .
I know that , Daemonikai bit out , his headache getting worse .
He rubbed his temple before walking over to pour water from a decanter , the steady trickle of liquid briefly filling the room .
He ignored the glass once it was full .
I cannot drink from her .
I will not .

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2/1 10:21 Mon , 24 Feb