Page 149 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

People like Emeriel, who steal what doesn’t belong to them, did not deserve a quick and painless death, and it infuriated her that the girl would receive such mercy, but Sinai did not want the poison traced back to her. She would make do with what she had.

Whirling around, she began to walk back to her chambers. "Leaving Urai, Emeriel?" Sinai's lips curled. "The only satisfying way you leave this kingdom, is lifeless. And I will make sure of that.

Chapter forty

GOODBYES ARE FOREVER

I'msorry,Mistress,butI cannot let you in."

Mistress Sinai gritted her teeth, barely holding back her irritation as she stood at the door of the kitchen, staring down the older human female who had dared to block her path.

She had painstakingly planned this moment, deciding the best way to execute her plan was to handle it personally. Carrying out an inspection in all the kitchens would give her access to the one she needed to be in. There would be no mistakes, no loose ends.

What she had not expected was the headmaid denying her access.

"I need to inspect this kitchen, just as I have with the others tonight.” Sinai glared, looking down her nose at the audacious human. “Howdareyou get in my way?"

"I'm really sorry, Mistress, but the grand king gave us strict instructions. No one is allowed in except authorized staff."

"What is your name, slave?"

"Livia, Mistress.” The woman kept her head in a respectful bow. “I am the headmaid."

"And I am the grand king’s bloodhost, Livia. There is not a single place in this fortress I cannot enter."

"I truly apologize, Mistress. But please understand, I am only following the grand king’s orders."

The mistress's jaw locked hard. Her carefully laid plans were failing before her eyes, all because of this obstacle of a human. Anger breathed within her.

Perhaps she should have used a human for this.

Huh. Why had she not thought of that sooner? A human could slip in and out unnoticed, making it much easier for Sinai to either eliminate them or ensure they take the blame.

But no matter. Tomorrow would bring a brand-new day.

Tomorrow, she would execute her plan properly.Perfectly.

Mistress Sinai turned on her heel, her cloak billowing as she stalked away.

The next morning, Aekeira was beside herself with worry as she stepped into the grand court alongside Emeriel. They had tried to be brave when they received the summons, dressing in their slave uniforms with unsteady hands. But now, standing before the imposing double doors of the court, her heart repeated somersaults.

As the doors creaked open, Em’s hand grabbed hers, her anxious eyes reflecting the same fear that gripped Aekeira.

Linking their fingers, Aekeria mouthed. “It’s going to be fine.”

They stood at the center of the court, surrounded by lords, high-ranking officials, and nobles, their eyes heavy and assessing.

Aekeira’s gaze immediately found Grand Lord Vladya, seated at the right of the king. He was as stoic as ever, his attention solely on the parchment he was writing on, never once sparing her a glance.

Contrary to what Emeriel had said, Aekeira knew he had been avoiding her all week. She had felt it—the deliberate absence, the cold distance.

And it hurt.

Aekeira had thought they were making progress. After the day they spent together in his chambers, when he had shared a piece of himself with her, she had dared to hope.Maybe, just maybe, he was letting her in.

But now, it was clear. He wasn’t.

In fact, he had withdrawn from her completely.

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