Page 17 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

In the courtyard Emeriel's mind was far. She stood, staring blankly at the workers meticulously decorating her lantern, her thoughts consumed by King Daemonikai. Time lost to her.

The sound of the door opening drew her attention.

As if summoned by her thoughts, King Daemonikai emerged from the house. His every movement exuded an air of lethal grace and authority.

With hands clasped behind his back, the white garment draping elegantly over his powerful frame, he strode towards her, stopping a few feet away.

"Your Grace?" Emeriel 's voice was a shaky whisper.Heavens, to be this close to him...

That intense gaze met hers once more. His voice a velvety rumble, he asked, "Would you take a walk with me?"

Chapter six

THE CALL OF HER SCENT

Therewassomethingcaptivatingabout the young woman standing before him.

Grand King Daemonikai observed the princess. Her wide, startled blue eyes, the nervous fidgeting. That amongst other things piqued his interest.

She was very beautiful—both in human and Urekai standards. Her luxurious black hair, cascading down to her waist, framed a delicate face with rosy lips that she chewed anxiously. The way the velvet gown clung to her figure, revealing every subtle dip and swell, ignited a spark of... something within him.

However, it was not her beauty that had first caught his attention, it was her scent.

Princess Galilea had the most enticing scent he had encountered in a long time. A scent that drew him in. Made him crave more.

"Your Grace?" she rasped.

"I came out for some fresh air," he explained. "Your betrothed is occupied with matters inside. I was hoping you might show me around. It has been centuries since I last visited the estate."

He noticed her nervousness increase. "Do not worry, Galilea, you are not obligated to—"

"I’d like to," she cut in, her voice barely audible.

Realizing she had spoken aloud, she blushed and cleared her throat. "I would like to, Your Grace," she repeated, her voice steadier this time.

Daemonikai led the way, and she followed beside him. He was acutely aware of her presence, her captivating scent filling his senses.

She smelled of nature. Of lemongrass after a refreshing rain. Earthy, with a hint of a unique floral aroma that stirred something deep within him. It was a combination of everything he loved about the natural world.

And for some inexplicable reason, she felt... familiar.

"Have we met before?" Daemonikai asked.

Galilea stumbled, nearly losing her footing.

Daemonikai's reflexes were lightning-fast. His hands shot out, encircling her shoulder and waist, steadying her before she could fall.

For a fleeting moment, he held her close, their bodies pressed together. A jolt of lightning coursed through him, and he found himself strangely reluctant to let go.

Ukrae, she felt good in his arms.

Cradled in his embrace, the princess's expressive blue eyes met his, almost sad.

"No, Your Grace. We have not met before," she said softly, at last.

Of course, they had not. Daemonikai was certain he would remember meeting someone as captivating as this young female. And yet...

He was not a naive fool. If there was something he knew, it was that inhaling this intoxicating scent up close—a smell that stirred his body and awakened a dormant hunger within him, was averybad idea. Yet, he could not bring himself to let her go just yet.

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