Page 14 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

Emeriel watched her sister, a warmth spreading through her chest. She had never seen Aekeira so genuinely happy before, and it filled her with contentment.

"I know a place in the woods where some slaves are making lanterns," Amie chimed in. "They could teach us. Who knows, Hansel might even muster the courage to speak to you if youhave a beautiful lantern." She nudged Aekeira, wiggling her brows meaningfully.

The slave boy of Aekeira's age, was known for his awkward stumbles and stutters whenever he crossed paths with her. Amie was convinced it was due to a secret crush he harbored for Aekeira but was too shy to express.

Aekeira rolled her eyes. "You're full of jokes, Amie." Then, turning to Emeriel, she asked, "You're going to Lord Herod's again, aren't you?"

"Yes.” Emeriel nodded as she brushed her hair. “He mentioned he already has a lantern prepared for me. I could ask him to provide some for you both if you'd like."

Aekeira waved her off. "Where's the fun in that? We'll make our own lanterns." She paused, then asked with a hint of curiosity, "So, does this mean you two are... you know? Is there something going on?"

Emeriel scoffed. "Nothing at all. He doesn't see me that way, and I don't see him that way either. We are simply friends."Unfortunately, the one I do see that way does not even know I exist.

"The light in your eyes just dimmed, Prince Emeriel," Amie observed softly, her words pulling Emeriel from her thoughts.

"What? Don't be ridiculous, there's no such thing. Today is a happy day, and tomorrow will be even happier." Emeriel forced a smile.

But some of Aekeira's happiness slipped too. "Are you alright, Em?"

"Yes. Yes, of course."

"It's for the best," Aekeira said, her voice filled with conviction. "Keeping a low profile, staying out of sight with your head down, no one will never discover your secret, and you will be safe. That's all I want, Em. For you to be safe."

Emeriel understood the unspoken message behind her sister's words.Avoid the grand king, avoid any connection with him, and you'll remain hidden, your true gender a secret.Emeriel knew all that. Lord Vladya had told her so in many words.

She had dutifully used scent suppressors every day for the past few months, except for the occasional mornings when she ventured out of the fortress to meet Lord Herod. Like today.

"Em?" Aekeira's voice was suddenly closer. Gentle fingers brushed away the tears that had silently slipped down her cheeks.

Emeriel had not even realized she was crying. What was wrong with her?

With another forced smile, she quickly wiped away the remaining tears. "I'm fine," she insisted, her voice a bit too bright. "Really. Please, let's not ruin the excitement. Please."

"Okay, okay." Aekeira nodded, her own smile faltering slightly. "Go and meet Lord Herod. Just so you know, I'm rooting for you two."

Emeriel chuckled weakly. "Just as I'm rooting for you and Hansel?”

"It's not like that," Aekeira insisted.

Why, Emeriel wondered. Does it have anything to do with Grand Lord Vladya?

But Emeriel did not ask. Her sister got weird whenever Lord Vladya was brought up. Aekeira insisted she hated the male, and yet... Yet...

Emeriel could not even put to words, the way Aekeira got whenever she caught a glimpse of him.

For over a month, Lord Vladya had kept his distance. He had not visited Aekeira’s chambers, neither spared her a glance, nor utter a word to her. They had all been consumed by court matters since the grand king's return.

As for the grand king, Emeriel only caught fleeting glimpses of him from afar. She always maintained a safe distance. And she had made peace with that arrangement.

Well, she had.

"You are so beautiful."

Emeriel whirled around to find Lord Herod standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with warmth.

Last week, when she visited him for food, he had made her an offer of a safe space to dress up like a female and explore her femininity inside his home.

"This is a safe haven, Emeriel," he had said, gazing into her surprised face. "You've never truly lived as the lady you are. Vera has many garments here, and I have no female offspring. If you ever wish to see yourself as the princess are, you are welcome to try them on."

---