Page 137 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

Master Boris.

Hell, hell, hell.Amie's pace quickened, panic constricting her throat. She'd managed to avoid him all week – why had she chosen the shortcut tonight?

A brutal yank on her hair sent a jolt of pain through her scalp.

"Ah, there you are, my little sneak," the slavemaster rasped in her ear. "Sneaky, sneaky, Amie."

She winced. "M-Master Boris..."

"You've been avoiding me."

"Never, Master," she choked out, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue.

"Oh, really?" He yanked her hair again, harder this time. "Do you think me a fool? How dare you lie to me? Where is the little prince, Amie? You were supposed to bring him to me."

He doesn't work at the tavern anymore, Master Boris. Surely, you've heard about the court incident? The grand lords have taken an interest in Emeriel. They have their eyes on him. It is dangerous to pursue your desires for him."

"I care not for what happened in court," Master Boris snarled, his fingers left her hair to tighten around her throat. "How dare you lecture me? You do not want to anger me, do you?"

Fear choked her. "No, Master." She gasped, fighting for air.

"Good." His grip loosened. "Two nights from now, the barn, sixth hour past noon. Bring the boy. Do you understand? I don't care how you do it. But if I don't see him there, I'll gut you like a fish and bury your corpse where no one will find it." His voice promised unimaginable pain. "Understood?"

Despair washed over Amie. She had no choice. "Yes," she whispered in defeat. "I will bring Emeriel."

Emeriel thrashed restlessly through the night, sleep refusing to take hold. Finally, he gave up, sitting upright with a weary sigh. His nightclothes hung loose, his normally bound chest free, his hair unbound.

But freedom was fleeting. With a resigned sigh, Emeriel re-bound his chest and secured his hair before slipping from his chamber.

He padded silently to the next room, the door creaking softly as he opened it. Aekeira slept soundly beneath the covers, her face relaxed and peaceful.

A small smile touched Emeriel's lips as he leaned against the doorframe, watching her breathe. It had been a long day. But for now, Aekeira was safe, and that was all that mattered.

He wouldn't dwell on the future, wouldn't torment himself with what tomorrow might bring. The present moment was all that mattered—him and Aekeira, finally with chambers close to each other, and that was enough.

Closing the door gently, Emeriel turned away from the room. A different destination called to him. He wouldn't pretend this was just a midnight stroll.

A yearning he couldn't ignore drew him to the forbidden chambers. Tugging him towards King Daemonikai. To be near him. To feel his presence.

The fortress was sprawling, the largest he'd ever known, yet the familiar path felt short. Guards stepped aside without a word, allowing him passage.

He pushed open the small gate and door, entering the dimly lit chamber. Moonlight spilled in through the corner window, the one Emeriel had opened during his last visit, casting long shadows across the floor.

Outside the barricade, the beast lay sound asleep, its massive form a dark silhouette against the pale moonlight. Emeriel approached, sinking down beside the creature. Its eyes snapped open, a flash of piercing yellow in the darkness.

Emeriel held perfectly still, quelling the instinctive fear that rose within him. He knew, deep in his soul, the beast wouldn't harm him.

Its nostrils flared, drinking in his scent. Followed by a low, rumbling purr of contentment. Gradually, its eyelids drooped shut in relaxed bliss.

A flutter of warmth bloomed in Emeriel's chest, butterflies dancing in his belly. He couldn't help but smile.

"Hello," he murmured.

The beast rumbled softly, a massive paw lifting to gently graze Emeriel's cheek. The touch was featherlight, as if the creature understood that pressing any harder would break the skin.

"I never properly thanked you, did I?" Emeriel's voice was laced with a touch of wonder. "I'm sorry for that, Your Majesty. Thank you for saving me from the court. I'd likely be dead if not for you. Your court is... formidable. All those grand lords, each a force to be reckoned with."

Another low groan rumbled, its eyes slowly opening and closing.

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