Page 124 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

Emeriel's eyes widened in surprise. "Truly?"

Lord Vladya nodded once. "Yes. What do you desire?"

The answer was surprisingly easy. His greatest wish was to set Aekeira free.

But Emeriel hesitated.

Aekeira would never leave without him. And even if she were forced to, she would never be safe back in Navia. King Orestus would continue exploiting her, pawning her off to his officials and using her as collateral for his bets. And Emeriel wouldn't be there to protect her.

So, he opted for the next best thing. "I do not wish for my sister to be offered to the beast ever again. And..." he hesitated, his voice faltering, "If possible, Your Highness, I would like to request that you cease mounting her as well."

Silence enveloped the room.

Grand Lord Vladya's sharp gaze rested on the young prince, his expression unreadable as he contemplated the boy’s request.Of all the things Emeriel could have asked for, it surprised him how little he had chosen to demand.

Most would seize the opportunity for wealth, expansive lands, or gold coins. Yet, the boy had asked for something infinitely more personal...to save his sister.

Vladya’s lips pressed into a thin line. In truth, granting the first part of Emeriel’s request was almost laughably simple. He could declare it done with a single command, and none would challenge him.

But the second part? That was far more complicated.

Taking his seat, he leaned back slightly, his fingers drumming against the arm of his chair. Deep down, Vladya knew the truth that disturbed him greatly. He still wanted Aekeira.

His desire for her still burned unchecked, insatiable. He hadn’t sated his appetite for her—not by a long shot.

Even he, proud and dominant as he was, could admit he needed help when it came to the girl. He had tried to resist, had tried to pull himself back from his obsession, but he failed every time. Aekeira lingered in his thoughts like a shadow he couldn’t escape, and Vladya was male enough to acknowledge that his willpower alone wasn’t enough.

No, he needed something stronger. A push. A reason to stop. And what better way to create that reason than to give his word?

His word was his bond, after all. Once given, it was unbreakable.

"You must choose one option," Vladya said, leaning forward slightly. "The sexual satisfaction of the beast is crucial in maintaining his composure. Without it, he breaks free and goes on a rampage. If I were to remove your sister from her role of servicing the beast sexually, you must understand you would fully take on that responsibility."

His words slow and measured, he continued. "So, the first option is quite challenging. But if you were to choose the otheroption, I would cease touching Aekeira from this day forward. I give you my word."

Emeriel’s hands clasped and unclasped nervously. "And... if I choose the first option?"

"She would no longer be the beast's slave, effective immediately.” Vladya tilted his head slightly. “However, you would have to assume that responsibility entirely. So, you must choose wisely."

Emeriel weighed his choices carefully. While he desired Grand Lord Vladya to stop hurting his sister and put an end to Aekiera's tears and screams, his ultimate wish was for the beast to stop mounting Aekeira. Emeriel wanted that even more than preventing Lord Vladya from sneaking into Aekeira's room at night.

The beast barely kept Aekeira alive the last time, and that was because Emeriel had touched her arm. But now that he had Emeriel’s scent from the source, would he still spare his sister if she ever went to service him again?

What if a scented arm was no longer enough? What if it angrily killed Aekeira for daring to come service him? Emeriel envisioned countless scenarios, and all of them ended tragically for his sister.

"I wish for my sister to never serve the beast again," Emeriel made his request.

Lord Vladya’s jaw clenched, and he gave Emeriel a steely gaze. "Are you absolutely certain?"

“Yes, I am.” And shockingly, Emeriel didn't mind. The thought of being mounted by a powerful feral, was still scary, but it didn't bother him much anymore. "Besides, the beast wants me far more than it does my sister."

The grand lord leaned forward. "And why is that, little prince?"

Emeriel's tongue felt thick in his mouth. For a moment, he contemplated telling Lord Vladya the truth—that he was a girl, and he feared he might be the beast's soulmate. The possibility clawed at his insides.

But Lord Vladya's perpetual scowl, the disdain he held for humans, the gravity of Emeriel's deceit, and the ruthlessness of Lord Vladya's punishments choked the words back down. Emeriel simply could not do it. Heavens help him, he was not brave enough. Not yet.

"I have no idea, my Lord," Emeriel managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

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