Page 138 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

"I've lived my whole life as a boy," Emeriel continued. "But the longing to be a girl... it burns inside me. It's impossible, though. Never was, never will be." He sighed, a wistful sound. "I don't even know if I'd know how to be one anymore."

Propping his head on his hand, he continued, "It started with my parents, trying to protect me in a way they couldn't protect my older sister. It was easier to stay safe in the human kingdom. As a prince, some lords looked at me strangely, but none dared act on it. But here..." His voice trailed off, lost in the depths of the beast's golden eyes.

"It's harder here. I suppose, in a way, serving you has made it easier. Slavemasters are careful not to cross me for fear of Lord Vladya's wrath. And after what happened in court... they do not look at me the same way anymore."

Exhaustion crept over Emeriel and he shifted closer, tucking himself into the crook of the beast's arm. Massive limbs curled around him, drawing him close.

The tension seeped from his body, and sleep claimed him.

Chapter forty-three

ON THE VERY EGDE

The Court of Duty was similar to the Grand High Court in all aspects except its name and location. Its appearance mirrored that of most courts within the fortress. The assembly convened here, with the grand lords settled in their seats and the high lords taking up their respective positions.

The meeting had been in progress for quite some time, with discussions revolving around taxes, crops, and hunts. Following these deliberations, Lord Jakal, the overseer of military affairs, stood to address the issue of the ferals terrorizing the mountainside of Urai.

"I am pleased to announce that my soldiers have finally captured and eliminated two of them. The mountainside is now free from the threat of ferals. It is unfortunate, a family of four was lost before we could apprehend them, but I am relieved that the danger has passed," Lord Jakal announced, his voice ringing with a mix of pride and regret.

Vladya observed Zaiper's sudden interest at the mention of ferals and their elimination. Zaiper had been bored to death bythe court proceedings, but now his ears perked up, and he leaned forward.

Vladya rolled his eyes.

Ottai shot Vladya a pleading look, and Vladya raised a placating hand in a gesture of surrender. Ottai visibly relaxed.

"Ferals are wild creatures that must be dealt with before they kill us all," Zaiper praised, "I commend you, Lord Jakal, for ensuring the safety of the mountainside."

The overseer of military affairs beamed, bowing low in acknowledgment. "It is my duty, Your Highness."

"Indeed," Zaiper purred, his smile returning. "Speaking of ferals... It is high time we discuss the mightiest among them. As I mentioned during the harvest, it is time to peacefully send the grand king home. I believe most of you agreed with me then that it is the right course of action."

However, this time, none of the heads he expected nodded in approval as they usually did. The silence that followed was discomforting.

His smile vanished. "Surely, it is the right thing to do, is it not?"

Lord Daryl, the overseer of trade, rose to his feet. "With all due respect, Your Highness, I disagree. We all saw what happened in court that day. It was undeniably terrifying, yes, but..." He shook his head, his expression a mix of awe and disbelief. "It was also... extraordinary. Those were not the actions of a mindless creature."

"I beg to differ, Daryl. Those were indeed the actions of a feral beast. You all saw how he lunged at me, did you not?" Zaiper's voice was sharp. "Grand King Daemonikai did not recognize his own rulers. He would never have acted that way if he were in his right mind."

Vladya let out a snort of derision.

Zaiper glared at him.

Vladya met his gaze, unfazed.

"No one here claims his mind is unimpaired, Your Highness," Lord Daryl clarified. "We merely suggest that something is... different. Perhaps we should not rush to eliminate the beast. After all, we have already waited five hundred years. A little more patience would not hurt."

After Lord Daryl resumed his seat, the overseer of financial management stood to address the court. "I concur with Lord Daryl's sentiments, and I also believe the boy... the human boy taken by the beast should be brought to court for questioning. Why was he chosen? What is the meaning behind it all? Perhaps he holds the answers we seek."

Before Zaiper could retort, Vladya's cool voice sliced through the air. "The boy holds no answers. I have questioned him thoroughly. He is just as baffled as the rest of us."

"The mystery remains, then," the overseer pressed, his resolve growing. "We must tread carefully—"

"What has gotten into you all?" Zaiper's voice boomed through the hall, furious. “What happened during the harvest was sheer luck. We narrowly escaped with our lives! Do you truly wish to gamble with your very existence? With the lives of your loved ones, should that beast break free once more?"

"As Lord Daryl mentioned," Zaiper's voice continued, impatiently. "We have waited five hundred years. We have gambled with our lives and the lives of our people for far too long. The forbidden chambers may be fortified, but they cannot hold King Daemonikai's beast. It could escape and wreak havoc at any moment!Any moment!"His gaze raked across the assembled lords, piercing their composure. "And what if next time, luck isn't on our side?"

An anxious murmur rippled through the court as the high lords exchanged furtive glances, weariness etched into their faces.

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