Now, he simply needed a plan on how to get the boy right where Zaiper wanted him. Here, in his domain.
.
Chapter thirty-four
EMERIEL’S STRANGE SAFE PLACE.
Aekeira was unable to sleep, no matter how hard she tried.
On one hand, she was relieved Em had managed to avoid Lord Zaiper's attention in court and hadn't been forced to undress. On the other hand, a part of Aekeira wished she had undressed if it meant the beast would have stayed away.
Was Em still alive? Was she suffering at this very moment? Aekeira lifted her head, wiping away her tears before resting back on the pillow.
The soft sound of her door handle turning caught her attention. She sat up and stared at the door.
Unfortunately, her chamber lacked a lock. When she'd requested it, she was told as a slave, she had no right to privacy and should be thankful she was not in the slaves's quarters.
Being in the southern wings of the fortress did provide some advantages at least. Unauthorized individuals rarely ventured to this side. So, who would come here at this time of night?"
The door opened and Grand Lord Vladya entered.
Aekeira's breathing quickened, her heart pounding in her chest. She bowed her head and greeted him, "My lord."
He remained silent, his handsome face set to its icy demeanor. This Urekai had two default expressions—indifference, or a frosty scowl.
"Your brother is fine. Wipe away your tears and stop staining the sheets," he said, his scarred cheek drawn down in a terrifying snarl.
A wave of relief washed over her. "Thank you so much. Thank you." She managed to offer a watery smile.
"Do not thank me. I did you no favors," he stated flatly.
"But—"
"I am not here because of your cries. I could not care less if you cried yourself to your maker," he calmly explained as he shrugged out of his white robe and hung it on the dressing chair. "But I wanted something else, so I am here to collect."
Oh. Her happiness vanished, replaced by a sinking feeling of dread. Not this again. Not tonight.
"Strip and give me your back."
A knot twisted in her stomach. It was her fault this time around; she shouldn't have offered, no matter how desperate she had been. She had made a promise, hadn't she? She had been willing to trade her body to anyone who could enter that forbidden chamber and confirm her sister's well-being.
Fresh tears welled up in Aekeira’s eyes as she rose from the bed and began untying her robe with shaky hands.
Her body went warm, betraying her again.
Aekeira panicked. If only there was a way she could command her body to stop. To stay cold for this man who despised her to the core.
Why did her body feel…almost excited? Eager to be mounted by this male?
Completely undressed, she set her clothes aside and stared up at him.
His eyes darkened with arousal as they roamed over her body. It looked like he was battling himself, fighting against something.
Then, he blinked and scowled. "Get on your hands and knees."
As Aekeira scrambled to get into position, he stood behind her, his hands gripping her hips, pulling her towards the edge of the bed.
He pressed his erection against her, his breath hissing, "The scent of your musk drives me insane."