Page 53 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

In the blink of an eye, his clothes tore apart, revealing a magnificent beast. Nearly identical to the beast behind the barricade, it stood tall, flexing its tail.

Taking position before the barricade, it settled down, mirroring the feral's posture.

Like every Urekai, Vladya found solace and ease in his beast form. In the past, when he assumed this form, he and Daemonikai would venture into the woods, running, hunting, and battling together.

But now, the beast behind those bars stared at him without any trace of recognition.

His chest tightened, making it difficult to breathe.

Vladya lost track of time as he kept his best friend company. This place inflicted immense pain upon him, yet it also provided some measure of peace. Scarred him, yet offered healing. It was his doom and his sanctuary.

Time dissolved into nothing. He could have spent minutes, or hours here–simply existing in beast form. Shutting the world out.

When he finally reverted to his human form, he felt better than he had in days. Even as his heart ached.

Vladya gazed at Daemonikai, tears welling in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He would not shed tears. He has not done so for centuries.

"How do you fare, my friend?" he spoke, his gaze fixed on empty space. "Sometimes, I envy you. There is no pain for you. No memories. No recollections. Just blissful nothingness. No dreams to haunt you. Keep you awake at night, tearing your heart out of your chest.” He sighed. “Just simple, blissful silence, even if it manifests as madness."

Vladya recounted everything that had transpired since his last visit to the feral, speaking into the void, aware the wild one could neither hear nor comprehend, yet it was a ritual he performed nonetheless.

"Nothing remains the same, you see. Our land is no longer what it once was. That night scarred us all irreparably. Without you here to anchor the people, they have all become lost.” Vladya’s eyes were tired, gazing through the bars. “And the truth is, I do not know how to help them.”

He palmed his throbbing head. “Centuries have passed, and I have yet to find myself again. I do not believe I ever will, nor do I wish to. That is how lost we all are, Daemonikai.

Chapter seventeen

WHIPPED

Emeriel barely listened to Grand Lord Zapier, his eyes searching for Aekeira amidst the large number of slaves in the meeting hall. His sister must be actively avoiding drawing the attention of the grand lord because she was nowhere in sight.She has to be here; Lord Zaiper requested the presence of every slave.

"You are all meant to serve your masters. Do whatever they want from you. Your life is not yours; your masters can take it whenever they so desire. The same goes for your bodies. We own you. If you wish to see more days, you must ensure you complete your tasks well and to the best of your abilities."

The hall fell into a hushed silence as he continued, explicitly stating how they were mere objects with no feelings or will. No one dared to utter a word. In fact, no one dared to even breathe too hard for fear of drawing his attention.

"Defiance and deception will be met with severe penalties. Especially deception. A slave is not allowed to keep secrets. Aslave has no business keeping secrets. Because the day what you hide comes to light will be the day you despise your own existence. Does anyone have a confession to make? Is there anything you are hiding from us?"

Emeriel's heart pounded in his chest. His own secret, forbidden in all the kingdoms of the world, echoed in his ears like warning bells, the weight of it pressing upon him.

"Speak now, and I might consider a more lenient punishment for you. Or hold your tongue. If you choose the latter, your time is already ticking. Tick tock. Tick tock." His handsome but eerie face stretched into an unsettling smile. "The date for the presentation of new slaves will soon be announced. All of you are expected to be in court on that day. You are all dismissed."

As they filed out of the court, Emeriel slipped between two slaves, making his way out. The words of Grand Lord Zaiper lingered in his mind.

A slave has no business keeping secrets. A slave has no business keeping secrets.

Emeriel knew what the presentation of slaves to court meant. They would be stripped bare and used as entertainment for the lords and privileged. He had overheard slaves whisper about it, and the things he had heard...

Bile rose in his throat at the thought of being exposed, naked, and used by several Urekai. And what they would discover.

Chills ran down his body.So many problems and no solutions.

Lost in his thoughts, Emeriel went about his errands for the day.

A large hand grabbed him on his way to the market, jerking him forward, pulling him out of his reverie. He looked up to see Slavemaster Boris staring down at him.

"Good day, Master Boris," Emeriel said, bowing his head.

"You have not been to the inn in ages," Master Boris snarled angrily, tightening his grip on Emeriel's arm.

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