Page 46 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

The conversation flowed easily, and Aekeira found herself enjoying Hansel's company. He was kind, gentle, and genuinely interested in her words.

Suddenly, Hansel stopped short. "We have to go back," he said, his voice tinged with worry. "We're too deep into the woods."

Aekeira nodded in agreement, her gaze sweeping the dense underbrush and towering trees. The absence of other festival goers was a clear indication that they had strayed off the beaten path.

"Urekai hunt in these parts," Hansel whispered, his eyes scanning the shadows. "It wouldn't be safe to encounter them in their beast forms."

They turned to retrace their steps, their lanterns bobbing in the darkness. The silence of the woods was shattered by the sound of coarse laughter.

"Well, well, well," a gruff voice sneered. "Look what we have here, boys. A pretty little bird."

Aekeira whirled around, alarmed as a group of men emerged from the trees.

Humans. Slaves, like them, but older. Harder.

"Look, man, we don't want any trouble," Hansel said cautiously, squeezing her hand.

"Oh, but we do," the apparent leader stepped forward. He was a burly man with a menacing grin, eyes glinting with malice even through the darkness.

He gestured to a hulking figure behind him, who lunged at Hansel, shoving him violently to the ground.

Hansel sprawled on the ground, his face contorted in pain.

The leader's gaze raked over Aekeira, lingering on her curves with a hunger that made her skin crawl. "We'll take the girl. Haven't had a pretty one like her in ages."

Aekeira's heart hammered in her chest. Without a second thought, she turned and fled, her legs pumping as she dodged between trees and fallen logs.

"Someone's eager," the leader taunted, his laughter echoing through the woods. "Come on, boys, let's have some fun!"

The men gave chase, their heavy footsteps pounding behind her. Aekeira pushed herself harder.

But she was no match for their speed and stamina. Within moments, they were upon her, their hands grabbing at her clothes, their breath hot on her skin.

She struggled fiercely, kicking and scratching, but they were too strong. One of them lifted her off her feet and slammed her against a tree, the rough bark biting into her back.

"Feisty," the leader purred, his fingers tracing a path along her jawline. "I like that."

Their hands roamed her body, invasive and violating.

Aekeira's breath came in ragged gasps, her eyes darting frantically for any sign of escape.

"Wait," one of the men hissed, alarmed. "Who's that?"

Several hands paused, their attention drawn to a figure lurking in the shadows.

A tall, slender silhouette, partially obscured by the darkness, yet unmistakably there.

Aekeira's gaze followed theirs and her heart leaped to her throat.

Even cloaked in darkness, that stature, that regal bearing, the flowing robe, and the cascade of long hair were unmistakable.

Grand Lord Vladya.

Chapter fourteen

THE MALE WHOM THE BODY AND SOUL WANTED.

Emeriellayonthecreaky wooden table, feeling a chill seep into her back and stomach, her intimate areas tingling uncomfortably from the invasive checks. Orin regarded her with an inscrutable expression.

---