Page 81 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

In what universe did she fall into? Emeriel didn’t care.

Obediently, she opened her mouth, and the delicate sweetness exploded on her tongue. Next came a sliver of warm bread, infused with olive oil and fragrant herbs. Its crispy edges and delectable taste delighted her senses. He fed her more of it, until she could eat no more.

King Daemonikai gently wiped away a stray crumb from her chin. "There you go. A little nourishment, and our little Syren shall be ready to return to her slumber."

Emeriel's body hummed with contentment. She reached out a tentative hand, hovering in the air. "May I touch you, Your Grace?"

He nodded once.

Her fingers traced the planes of his face, her bleary eyes fixed upon him. The sharp angles of his cheekbones, the strong line of his jaw, the gentle curve of his lips… committing every detail to memory.

"You are the most handsome male I have ever laid eyes on,” she murmured.

His eyes softened even further. "I have grown averse to the touch of others, yet I have come to realize...I like your touch, young princess."

Because I belong to you. I was made for you. You are mine. My Beloved.

Her fingers trailed down his nose, tracing the contours of his lips, the sharp line of his jaw, the column of his neck. Warmth spread through her. Emeriel felt at peace.

For the first time since her arrival in Urai, she felt whole. Complete.

Her Beloved hand-fed her every morsel until she was fully satiated. Then, the grand king laid her down and cleared away the plates. Emeriel drifted back to sleep, her heart lighter than it had ever been.

May this heat last as long as forever.May the outside world never intrude.

When Aekeira heard his voice—a sound so deeply familiar and comforting—Aekeira could not suppress the surge of emotions that flooded her, hearinghisvoice. Her heart raced, and butterflies erupted in her stomach, a tumult of excitement and relief crushing her.

She rushed toward him. "Your Highness.” Her hands fluttered over him—touching his chest, belly, and shoulders in a flurry of worried motions. “Are you alright, My Lord? Are you hurt? Did something happen?" Aekeira scanned him for any sign of injury.

Then, she froze, her hands stilling on his body.

What in Tartarus had possessed her to touch him in such a manner without his permission? And in public, no less.

His body stiffened under her touch.

Aekiera's hand recoiled as if burned, her eyes darting around in sudden panic. The expressions on the faces surrounding them—slave masters, Urekai maids, and human slaves alike—ranged from shock to outright horror. Even slave master Tyke, with his usually sneering face, stared at her as though she'd sprouted a second head.

"I-I'm sorry, Your Highness," Aekeira choked out, her head bowed, cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Shame rained over her, and her heart raced with embarrassment and confusion. "I didn't mean to...I was just worried."

Since when do I make rash decisions concerning the well-being of anyone but Em?she thought despairingly.Why, oh why would I do this?

But then he moved closer, his towering form casting a shadow over her. He extended a hand, his calloused fingers outstretched towards her. She looked up, a jolt shooting up her arm as she hesitantly placed her shaky hand in his. His grip was firm yet surprisingly gentle, the warmth of his touch seeping into her chilled skin. The force of his gaze, those fathomless gray eyes, held her captive.

"I am fine, Aekeira."

Her heart leaped in her chest like a hummingbird desperate to escape its cage. "Mmh..." she tried to speak, but her thoughts scattered, leaving her mute,

It was only when his piercing gaze shifted away from her that she was able to breathe again. He turned towards the slave master. "Tyke."

"Yes, your Highness!" the slave master’s response was instant, his head snapping down so low his forehead nearly touched the ground.

"When Aekeira finishes her duty, you do not give her more, do you understand me?" Lord Vladya stated, each word dripping with authority.

"Y-yes, My Lord." The slave master's voice trembled slightly, betraying his nerves.

"The only duties she should be given are the general ones when shared. No extra duties."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

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