Page 109 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

Guilt flashed across Ottai's face and he stopped just in front of Daemonikai, his broad shoulders drooping slightly. "It’s been happening for a while now, I try my best to help, but..." He shook his head. "You know how stubborn Vlad can be."

"Still, you should have said something, Ottai," he said, the weight of his disappointment lacing his words.

"I know." Ottai hung his head. "I apologize, Your Grace."

They stood at the door, watching Vladya through the crack. He’d taken a half-shift again, prowling the room restlessly, snarling and snapping at nothing.

Ottai turned pale. "Do you think he is st-stuck in a half shift?"

Daemonikai observed Vladya’s figure, his keen eyes studying every tremor, every twitch of muscle. "I think he is too agitated to revert."

Daemonikai wasn’t entirely certain, but it had to be. The alternative was unthinkable.

Chapter thirty

HALF-BEAST, HALF-FERAL

Allday,theairin Blackstone was thick with fear. Rumors darted through the corridors like arrows. Whispers of their ruler’s descent into madness stirred a collective dread.

Tales of his abrupt disappearances, unpredictable actions, and today’s isolation had the people terrified. Murmurs that had once been mere shadows of suspicion had solidified into a clear truth. Their ruler was going feral.

The fortress buzzed with melancholy all day.

Aekeira freshened up, staring at her reflection in the mirror, trying to shake the dread and anxiety that clung to her.How is he? Is he alright?

She sighed, running a quick comb through the tangled strands of her hair. Her mind wandered to Em.

Perhaps she could go check on her. Bring her back from Lord Herod's estate if the pain of heat recovery had eased. At leastthat, was within her control.

"Aekeira, are you in there?" a soldier's voice shattered the quiet.

She stilled. Was it Yaz? "Yes, soldier."

"The grand king summons you to Blackstone's royal residence."

Her heart lurched in her chest.The Grand King? Why?King Daemonikai had never summoned her before, and she much preferred it that way.

Was it about Em?

The thought sent a fresh wave of panic through her.

Following Yaz, Aekeira’s heart thudded wildly with every step. The closer they got, her nerves went into overdrive. At their destination, she barely registered Yaz's announcement or his departure.

Her eyes were fixed on the floor, but she noticed the heavy black robes signifying the presence of not one, buttwogrand rulers.

"Look at me, human."

The command wasn't harsh, but the deep voice held an undeniable authority that forced Aekeira's head up.

"Y-Your Grace." So close to him, Aekeira was struck by his sheer size and presence. He was more imposing than she’d thought. Tall, broad, andintimidating. How did Em do it?

"So, you are Aekeira." His emerald eyes scrutinized her, sharp and assessing.

Aekeira’s fingers dug into her knuckles. "Yes, your Grace."

"You look incredibly familiar." A frown creased his brow. "We have not met before, but you look like a girl I know."

Heavens, please, no.Aekeira’s stomach twisted in knots, fear shooting through her like thunderstorm.Don’t mention Em... don’t mention her...

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