Page 167 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

Vladya's throat tightened with so many emotions he couldn't name. Trembling hands reached out, ghosting over familiar features unseen for five hundred years.

Emerald eyes that always held a purpose, a mouth that was either set in a grim line or curled into a mocking grin. A face Vladya had thought was lost forever.

"Is it r-really you?" Vladya's fingers traced the contours of Daemonikai's face, his eyes filled with tears. "Please, tell me you are in t-there. Tell me you are back."

Daemonikai's eyes fluttered open again, green irises clouded with exhaustion. His throat worked as he struggled to form words.

"You're... still... the same... emotional... wreck, V.D," he rasped, his voice rough and halting.

The familiar nickname, spoken in that familiar voice, shattered the last vestiges of Vladya's composure. A sob tore from his throat as he shoved himself into Daemonikai in a fierce hug.

A tired chuckle rumbled in Daemon's chest. He lifted a hand, placing it gently on Vladya's back, returning the embrace.

Tears spilled from Vladya's eyes, spilling onto Daemon's shoulder. "Please tell me you are here to stay."

"I am...here to...stay."

"Tell me you will never leave again." Vladya choked out, his arm tightening. His big body trembled.

"V.D...." his voice was a sigh.

"You bastard. You had no right. No right to leave the way you did. No right to—"

"I am sorry," Daemon croaked.

The world narrowed to this moment, this reunion.Thank Ukrae, thank Ukrae, thank Ukrae. Daemonikai was back. He wasback.

"D-Daemon?" Ottai's voice, trembling with disbelief, filtered through the bars of the cage. "Y-Your Grace?"

"Ottai..." the grand king whispered.

"Holy heavens!" Ottai scrambled into the cage, tears streaming down his face as he embraced his king too. "You're back...you'reback! Thank you!Thank you!"

A shout of jubilation crashed over the arena.

The crowd rushed forward, abandoning their seats in a frenzy of excitement. Soldiers formed a protective circle, holding back the eager throng, but the cheers were deafening.

The air crackled with unbridled joy, the scent of happiness, relief, and elation was overpowering.

"The grand king is back! The grand king is back! The grand king is back!" The chant echoed, growing louder with each repetition.

And then, as one, the voices of thousands rose to the heavens in a thunderous declaration.

"Long live the king!"