Page 1 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

Chapter one

RETURN OF THE GRAND KING

Fourhourslater.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom of Urai.

Sounds of jubilant revelry ricocheted through the streets as citizens celebrated in their beast forms, engaging in playful duels and hunts commemorating the return of their beloved ruler.

Within the fortress, however, the atmosphere was more subdued. The initial excitement had given way to a quiet vigil as the crowds in the grand king's bedchamber thinned.

Grand Lord Vladya had dismissed the swarm of well-wishers, leaving only himself and the royal healer to attend to Daemonikai.

Although Daemonikai's body had fought off the worst of the poison, they had taken no chances. He had been administered healing herbs and potions and nourished with Sinai's blood.

"A few hours of rest should dispel the remaining toxins, Your Highness," the healer assured Vladya. "He will make a full recovery."

"Thank you, Faiwick. You are dismissed."

Left alone, Vladya gazed upon the sleeping Daemonikai, still marveling at the sight of him in male form resting so peacefully. It felt surreal. A dream he feared might vanish at any moment.

He hadn't even gotten started with the ritual, then had this happened. Even now, the sigils floated in his mind, begging to be spoken, but Vladya shoved them into the knowledges-acquired-but-would-not-be-used-anymore box.

He did not want to leave. He longed to be by his friend's side, to converse with him once he woke. But Daemon needed rest, and Vladya had pressing matters to attend to.

With a final glance at the slumbering king, Vladya turned to leave. "Yaz, post three guards at the door. Anyone who leaves their post without proper relief will face immediate execution."

Unlike the jubilant masses, Vladya harbored no illusions. He knew not everyone shared in the kingdom's joy. Like Zaiper.

His ashen face, contorted in disbelief and horror when the beast transformed, flashed through Vladya’s mind.

Reflecting on it now, he would have laughed if he were still capable of such things. Zaiper had gawked at Daemonikai like he had seen a ghost. A very unpleasant ghost he never wanted to see again.

"Also, Yaz," Vladya continued, catching the head guard's attention.

"Yes, My Lord?"

"Summon Emeriel to my chambers," Vladya instructed, his eyes narrowing. "First thing tomorrow morning."

"I'm sorry, father! I'm so sorry...!" Alvin's anguished cry pierced the chaos, as war raged around them.

The deafening clashes of steel.

Blood, so much blood. The marble floors have turned crimson.

His sword was a whirlwind of silver as he cleaved through the next two humans attacking him. "Myka, protect your mother!" he roared, calling out to his eldest.

He didn't wait for a response, exploding through the Vortex Hall in a whirlwind of fury, fighting valiantly, slashing and striking down the intruders. He needed to save as many of his people as he could.

He was not supposed to have any strength at all, and what little he had was fading. Ebbing away with each desperate lunge. The Eclipse Moon was bright in the sky, sapping his energy.

Stop. It was probably time to stop.

But he couldn't. His people needed him.

The air thickened with screams of anguish. All around him, his people lost their bondmates, their offsprings. Their wails of unbearable agony reverberated through the walls.

How could one survive such a loss? How does one live without their bondmate?

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