Page 146 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

"Or quadrupled it," Zaiper added, chuckling. "It’s hard to keep track with Vladya."

The others glanced at him, shifting uncomfortably. Clearly, they didn’t find it as amusing as he did.Stuck-up fools.

Belzebob sighed. "It’s hard to think the Skyvakto bloodline will die with him. They are the strongest, right after the grand king’s, ugh—"

He flinched as Gaff kicked him under the table. Belzebob’s eyes widened in alarm. "And... an-and His Highness Zaiper’s, of course!" he added quickly, followed by an awkward laugh.

Zaiper’s smile had disappeared. He straightened in his seat. "Are you suggesting the Skyvakto bloodline is stronger thanDragaxlov?"

"Ignore him. He’s drunk," Gaff chuckled nervously.

"Yeah, ignore me," Belzebob said, clearly flustered. "I’m drunk."

"Everyone knows how strong your bloodline is, Your Highness,” Jakal stated. “That’s why you are the most feared ruler."

"And the most loved," Gaff added smoothly. "Our people whisper your name with reverence, Your Highness. Unlike Vladya, whom everyone pities. You are undoubtedly the best ruler we could ever ask for."

Zaiper’s sharp gaze lingered on each of them, searching for any hint of deceit. But they seemed genuine.

Maybe they were right. Maybe hewasthe most loved.After all, what’s not to love?

His anger faded, replaced by a smug grin. "Come on, let’s not spoil the mood with such topics.”

The tension around the table dissolved, and the others exhaled in relief, bursting into laughter. Jakal raised his glass high. "A toast—to the peace and continuous prosperity of our land. To Urai!"

"To Urai!" they chorused, clinking their glasses together.

The high lords continued conversing and laughing uproariously, but Zaiper remained quieter, nursing his drink. The joviality did little to ease him.

To think I’ve lost more of my men this year than in decades... all because of a tiny little human.

It was a good thing the others were too caught up in the drama to investigate who had tried to burn Emeriel. Zaiper might not have given the order himself, but Razarr did. If fingers pointed at Razarr, they pointed at him.

Daemonikai had made sure there would be no investigation by tearing them apart limb by limb and crushing their skulls, making them unidentifiable.

Why is it so hard to kill Emeriel?This was the fourth failed attempt.

Zaiper tipped his goblet back and drained what was left of his drink.Maybe it’s for the best that she’s leaving Urai.

"Lord Vladya is avoiding me."

Emeriel swiveled her head to look at Aekeira, who was working on her chest-bind. "Are you sure? I think he might be quite busy with everything that’s going on."

Aekeira’s shoulders slumped. "Perhaps.”

Emeriel had never imagined witnessing such a transformation in Aekeira. She had gone from openly despising Lord Vladya to expressing genuine concern for him, checking in on him, willingly bloodfeeding him, and constantly worrying about his well-being. It was as unbelievable as it was surreal.

But if Aekeira saw something worth loving in Lord Vladya, Emeriel would support her every step of the way.

"Hey, it's going to be alright, Keira."

Aekeira gave a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I think it’s okay if you want to dress in female garments now, Em. Your secret is out in the open.”

“And everyone wants to kill me for it,” Emeriel replied wryly. “I don’t think it’s wise to flaunt it when they still haven’t adjusted. Plus, it just makes me uncomfortable.”

"I understand." Aekeira finished securing the chest-bind and stepped back. "There. All done."

"Thanks." Emeriel dressed in her usual breeches and tunic.

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