Page 21 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

Vladya stiffened, anger burning inside him. But he kept his face calm as he turned back.

Zaiper grinned wolfishly. "It's a shame that princess died. I haven’t heard a girl scream like that in a long time. She would have been fun to mount, wouldn’t you agree?"

"I will not dignify that with a response," Vladya said shortly. Turning away, he walked out of the grand entrance without looking back.

Chapter five

THE SYREN

Emeriel returned to his chambers after being thrown out of the southern wing, only to find Amie waiting for him, saying Madam Livia wanted to see him.

He was panicking. His secret was out.Had the head maid reported him? Was she calling him to blackmail him?

With his heart in his throat, he knocked on Madam Livia's door and was allowed in.

"Sit down," the older woman said, walking to the table where she mixed herbs.

Emeriel obeyed. He was so nervous that his legs bounced.

The head maid came back with a wooden cup. "Drink this."

Emeriel fought the urge to ask what was in it. Taking what was offered, he drank it all in one gulp. The bitter taste was so bad it took all his willpower not to spit it out.

The older woman walked away and began cutting another set of dry leaves while Emeriel watched her.

"Chew on this," Madam Livia instructed, giving him some seeds, and Emeriel did as told. "I know you must be sore all overafter the night you had. These will help with the pain, bruises, and soreness."

"Thank you, madam." Emeriel's blue eyes showed his gratitude.

His body hurt badly, and the soreness in his private areas made it hard to walk without discomfort. It was hard not to walk with his legs apart.

A hush settled in the air.

But the waiting was too much for him.

"Why are you not asking me questions?" Emeriel asked, at last, looking at her.

She stood by the fireplace, her eyes thoughtful but unreadable.

"I thought about it all night—haven't thought of much else. You are taking a great risk, Prince Emeriel."

"I do not have a choice."

"Mm," Madam Livia hummed. "I have been thinking about what to do. Should I report this to Grand Lord Vladya? Should I—"

"No!" Emeriel dropped to his knees immediately. "Please, you cannot tell anyone!"

Madam Livia pressed her lips together and looked away. "I wish I did not know. If this comes out, I would be punished with you."

"Please, do not! I will do anything!" he begged, his voice filled with desperation.

The madam sighed, rubbing her forehead as if she had developed a headache. "It does not matter what you do. Nothing matters if you are caught. Everyone who knows about this will be punished just as harshly."

"I will swear no one knew!" Emeriel promised. "Not you, not Amie, not my sister. I will keep denying it until I die. I swear on my parents' graves."

On his knees, Emeriel moved closer, taking the older woman’s hand in his. "I would never do anything to put you in danger for helping me, Madam Livia."

The older woman said nothing, her eyes carefully studying him.

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