Page 16 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

It was even richer and more captivating than she had imagined. He really was, without a doubt, the most handsome male she had ever encountered in a kingdom filled with good-looking males.

So striking, intimidating, and powerful—more so up close. It was the kind of face one would dare only to steal one—or two—fleeting glance at, for fear of being caught staring.

But he had caught her.

Emeriel quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Uhmm, I am...uhmm..."

"Your Grace," Lord Herod's voice interjected, a welcome relief to Emeriel. He came up behind her and bowed respectfully. "To what do I owe this great honor of your magnificent presence?"

"I came to discuss matters of importance," Daemonikai replied, his eyes fixed on Emeriel. "But first, tell me, Herodis, who is the lady?"

"Oh, yes, I apologize for the oversight," Lord Herod said, his voice smooth and apologetic. "This is Eme...Princess Galelia of Rosvalley kingdom. She is my betrothed.”

Emeriel's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to conceal her surprise. Galelia was her middle name, a secret known only to Aekeira and Lord Herod.

"And Leah, my dear," Lord Herod continued, turning to Emeriel with a warm smile, "you are in the presence of our first and ultimate ruler, the grand king."

"Y-Your Grace, it is an ho-honor to be graced with your presence.” Emeriel swallowed nervously and executed a deep curtsy, her voice trembling slightly.

"A human," Daemonikai observed, his tone neutral. It was not a question, but a simple acknowledgment.

There was no trace of the disgust, anger, or hatred that usually accompanied such a declaration from a Urekai. Instead, his face remained impassive, his voice polite.

"Yes, your Grace," Lord Herod confirmed. "I discovered her during one of my trips to acquire more slaves. She is a Syren, and we are deeply devoted to one another."

Emeriel nearly choked on her own saliva. Lord Herod was unaware that she was a Syren.How had he known to fabricate such a convincing lie?

The grand king gave a nod. Then, he extended his hand towards Emeriel.

She placed her own in his. A soft gasp escaped her lips as their skin made contact.

He raised her hand to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. "You have an exquisite lady here, Lord of Agriculture."

Another shiver run down Emeriel's spine as his gaze lingered on her. The intensity of his scrutiny unnerved her.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lord Herod bowed his head.

King Daemonikai released Emeriel's hand, his attentionfinallyshifting back to Lord Herod. "You are aware of the lands beyond the Crystal Waters, are you not? I am considering utilizing some of them for agricultural purposes. As the Lord of Agriculture, I require your expertise and collaboration on this matter."

"It would be an honor, Your Grace," Lord Herod’s voice was filled with surprise and enthusiasm.

"We shall discuss this in private." King Daemonikai raised a hand to dismiss his retinue.

His soldiers, understanding the unspoken command, dispersed, strategically positioning themselves throughout the house and its surrounding grounds.

Lord Herod turned to Emeriel. "Go and admire those lanterns we spoke of, my dear. I need a moment alone with the king."

"My study is this way, Your Grace." He gestured towards the familiar corridor.

But the grand king did not immediately follow.

Instead, his piercing gaze settled on Emeriel once more, holding her captive.

For a moment, Emeriel could not bring herself to move, unable to break free from his magnetic pull.

A swarm of butterflies had taken flight in her stomach. Fluttering with increasing force under those piercing green eyes.

Her body tingled with warmth, her face flushed with a sudden heat. She managed another curtsy, her movements stiff and awkward, before turning and forcing her feet to carry her away.

---