Page 13 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

"Fate is a cruel bastard, Emeriel," he said, weariness in his voice. "I, more than anyone, know that to be true. As for your gender, you can either go to the grand high court and reveal the truth, or you can continue living as you have. The choice is yours."

Lord Vladya drummed his fingers on the armrest. “My advice to you? Continue living the way you are now. It will solve all your problems. Simply ensure you do not get caught, and stay away from Daemonikai."

That night, Emeriel lay upon her bed, her heart a heavyweight in her chest. The tears had ceased, leaving behind an emptiness that permeated her entire being.

She looked at the scent suppressants neatly arranged on the nightstand. Lord Vladya had sent a generous supply.

His final words echoed in her mind, replaying like a haunting melody.

"I could still send you to the mountainside. No one knows you there. You could live as a female, become a servant, and work for a household. Our people may despise humans, but we hold Syrens in high regard. Every unbonded Urekai yearns for a Syren, hoping that maybe, just maybe, she might be their bondmate."

"You could spend your heats with other males there. Who knows, you might even find someone you're compatible with. He may not be your Soulbond, but if a bond forms after the ritual, you will have a new life. Your soul will not wither if a new bond takes root. You will have a bondmate who loves you, offspring, a sense of belonging, a new home."

"No one will notice or care that you're gone. Zaiper will be overjoyed to hear of your departure. If you agree, I will make it happen. Think it over carefully and give me your answer when you have made up your mind." He leaned back in his high-backed chair,his gaze lingering on her for a moment. "Consider it my final gift to you."

Emeriel exhaled, rolling onto her side. The offer was tempting, a life free from fear and deception. A glimmer of hope in the darkness that had enveloped her life.

To live as a female, free from the shackles of slavery, with no fear of discovery or retribution. To live a simple, peaceful life, far removed from the cruelties of Ravenshadow. It was a dream come true.

But that dream would not include Aekeira. Any life without her sister would not be worth living. And the thought of never seeing her Beloved again made it difficult to breathe.

Just the idea of it brought fresh tears to her already swollen, tired eyes.

Why is my life so complicated? What do I do now?

Chapter five

IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GRAND KING

Two Months Later.

"What about this?" Aekeira asked, her knees bouncing with infectious excitement.

Emeriel smiled warmly at her sister. "I think it'll look stunning on you."

Aekeira clutched the dress to her chest, a delighted squeal escaping her lips. "Yessss! This is the one!"

Amie giggled, clutching her own chosen garment with equal enthusiasm.

They were gathered in Emeriel's chamber, abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Lantern Festival. The entire fortress was alive with an unusual air of merriment, a profound joy that had reached everyone—even the slaves.

For the first time in living memory, there was a festival where slaves were not merely servants, but participants.

Instead of serving drinks, enduring humiliating introductions, and being mounted or whipped for fun, they were permitted to dress up and partake in the festivities alongside the Urekai.

"I think I finally understand why these people were so lost without their grand king," Amie said, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "He truly is a remarkable male. Rumors say Grand Lord Zaiper and several others objected to allowing slaves to attend, but Grand King Daemonikai put his foot down. He said, and I quote,”

Amie's hands went to her hips, her chin lifted as she deepened her voice in imitation. "'They will attend the Lantern Festival, Zaiper. According to all I've heard, they have not had a day to themselves in over five hundred years. I have more reasons to hate them than you do, and I do, but they will still have this day.'" Amie's voice returned to its normal pitch, brimming with excitement. "Then, he marched out of court, leaving the lords speechless."

Emeriel chuckled and shook her head. "Amie, you're quite the gossip and storyteller."

"Of course." Amie smiled. "The slaves who served in court during that meeting said Lord Zaiper was fuming, but he didn't dare utter a word in protest. To make matters worse, Lord Vladya even made snide remarks at Lord Zaiper’s expense."

The three of them burst into laughter, unable to contain their amusement.

"I wish I could have seen the look on Lord Zaiper's face," Amie added with a mischievous grin.

"I'm just thrilled that we get to have tomorrow to ourselves," Aekeira said, her gaze returning to the dress in her hands. "Oh, I need to start making my lantern!"

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