Page 122 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

"It’s been the talk of every gathering and the subject of countless discussions. People can’t help but speculate and develop their own theories about what had happened.” Madam Livia sighed. “Some are worried because it means the beast can escape its golden cage at any moment, and go on a rampage, wreaking havoc on the kingdom. On the other hand, there are those who, despite their fear, find a glimmer of hope. That behavior was not the action of a feral beast. Perhaps it means their king can be healed.”

Emeriel shook his head. What if he is what brings the beast back? What would that mean?

"I'm fine, Madam Livia,” Emeriel answered. “King Daemonikai didn't hurt me."If anything, he protected her.But he kept that part to himself.

The beast did protect him. Emeriel would no longer deceive himself when all the signs were in front of him. He had a connection with Grand King Daemonikai. A special connection—one strong enough to make a mindless beast take such an interest in him.

One that made Emeriel notice and think about the beast all the time. Dream about him. Get wet for him. One that made him feel all kinds of strange urges, say all kinds of weird things.

Like what he had said in court, right before the beast broke free.

The beast had come to court to rescue him. There was no denying it now, he was indeed the beast'sSoulbond.

Admitting it to himself for the first time felt like a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders, but at the same time, a knot formed in his stomach. What did all this mean for him?

Fate is such a cruel thing. Matching him with a species that harbored an intense hatred for his own kind. With a male who lost his wife and two sons at the hands of Emeriel's people, and as if that wasn't enough, he lost his sanity and remained in his beast form for five hundred years.

It felt like a sick joke played by the heavens.

Emeriel had always sensed the gods were not on his side, given the hardships he and Aekeira had endured growing up and being sold into this place. But to subject him to this kind of cruelty was unimaginable.

And to his dismay, he was beginning to...carefor the beast.

"Hear what I said?" Madam Livia's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Huh?"

"I said we’re done here, and you're ready to meet with the third ruler. What were you thinking about?" Madam Livia pressed.

"Nothing," he answered, but when they gazed at him skeptically, he added, "Just how good it feels to be back. After being, you know...in the dark for days."

Madam Livia and Amie nodded in understanding before walking away to pack up the bathing equipment.

Aekeira moved closer, her gaze more scrutinizing. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Emeriel wanted nothing more than to confide in his sister, but he knew it would only distress her. Aekeira was too fearful of that possibility, and truth be told, so was he.

He gave her a soft smile. "I'm fine."

"You look beautiful, Em. Even in male attire." Aekeira returned his smile.

"I'm just so glad that evil mistress didn't succeed with her wicked plans. Although I never want to be in her position, I loved the punishment Grand Lord Vladya gave her. I feel guilty about loving it.” Emeriel added sheepishly.

"I do too. But she deserved it." Aekeira giggled. "Grand Lord Vladya can be so cruel. Remember the look on her face?"

Emeriel chuckled. "She looked like a dragon ready to breathe fire."

"An ugly dragon, for that matter," Aekeira added.

They burst out laughing.

"Just like children, you two." Madam Livia shook her head. "Alright, Emeriel, come on, let us go. You do not want to keep the grand lord waiting. Aekeira, go back to your duties before your slavemaster notices your absence and punishes you."

Aekeira nodded as Madam Livia led Emeriel away.

Although he had assured Aekeira not to worry, all his courage and optimism evaporated as he entered the western wing. Livia bid him farewell, taking Amie with her, leaving him to continue on his own.

One of the guards at the intersection had directed him away from the side door he was planning to enter, leading him towards the grand entrance of Lord Vladya’s abode.

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