Page 110 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

"Her name is Galilea," King Daemonikai continued in a contemplative tone. "Betrothed to one of my high lords. A princess, just like you."

"I-I..." Aekeira was tongue-tied.

Lord Ottai tilted his head slightly. “I don’t know Lord Herod’s betrothed personally,” he said, observing her curiously. “But I’m surprised. She bears quite the resemblance to her brother, Emeriel.”

“Mmm, that too.” The grand king cocked his head, his gaze sharp. “Is the boy with no scent your brother?”

“Y-yes, your Grace.”Oh god, oh god, oh god.

"With no scent?" Lord Ottai scoffed, shaking his head. "Emeriel has a scent, alright. One your beast greatly favored, if I recall.”

Aekeira was shaking now. Her throat constricted, words trapped behind a wall of terror. She gripped her garment so tightly.

King Daemonikai blinked slowly."What?"

"The boy's scent used to get to you in beast form. We had him serving you specifically because of that." Lord Ottai frowned, a puzzled crease forming between his brows. "Maybe he is on suppressants."

"Why would that be?" The Grand King's frown deepened as he turned toward Ottai. "How would a human slave get their hands on scent suppressants?"

"Maybe—" Lord Ottai began.

"Let the girl answer, Ottai." King Daemonikai's penetrating gaze shifted back to Aekeira. “Tell me, Aekeira, how did your brother get his hands on suppressants?"

Aekeira feared her ribs would crack at how hard her heart was hammering.Was this the way Em felt confronted by Lord Vladya?How had she survived such an encounter? Had her bladder threatened to betray her, just as mine is now?

"Speak.” King Daemonikai’s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts like a blade. “Do not dare to deceive me, or you shall face the executioner’s blade.”

“You seem on the verge of collapse,” Lord Ottai said with gentleness. “Fear not. Simply speak the truth, and all shall be well.”

"Lord V-Vladya. He... uhm... he placed Em on s-suppressants." The words tumbled out of Aekeira’s mouth.

The grand king's eyebrows shot up. "Vladya? Why would he do—"

A wild growl cut through the air, and the slightly ajar door slammed open with a loud crash. Lord Vladya stormed out. Or rather, what would have been him?

Aekeira gasped, stumbling backward. Her neck straining as she tilted her head up,up, up, to meet his gaze. His face was contorted, his fangs bared into a fierce snarl.

Towering over seven feet tall, he was a blend of man and beast. She kept backing away, moving on reflex until her back collided with the wall. Aekeira had never seen a Urekai in half-shift but it was just as terrifying as their full beast form.

Lord Vladya was upon her in an instant, his massive frame crowding her against the wall, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off his skin. His face mere inches from hers, he looked fierce and wild. Angry.

But then again, when was he not?

The knot of anxiety in her stomach began to loosen. If only slightly. Ironically, Aekeira realized she was more afraid of the grand king and his interrogation, than of this male before her.

Those claws could rip her apart in seconds, those sharp fangs could shred her to pieces, and those arms—thick as tree trunks—could crush her effortlessly. And yet... the fear kept unfurling.

"Lord Vladya," she whispered.

Hesitantly, she raised her hand toward him, hovering just inches from his abdomen before finally resting her palm against his hardened stomach.

Touching him.Soothing him.

The skin beneath her fingers was hot, almost feverish. "It’s me... Aekeira..."

A deep growl began in his chest, vibrating against her palm. His head lowered toward her neck, nostrils flaring. Aekeira bared it further, offering him access.

Sniff, sniff, sniff.

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