Page 43 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

ASoulbond? Impossible. They were the stuff of legends, whispers of a long-forgotten past. Mere myths, long since faded from existence.

Yet, as she studied the girl anew, free from the haze of lust that had previously clouded her vision, it did not seem so far-fetched.

The human possessed an otherworldly beauty befitting the destined mate of a king. A subtle strength in her delicate frame, and… a hidden fire smoldering beneath the surface of her silvery eyes. Dormant. Unexplored.

Not to mention the attraction she had witnessed in there, between them. It burned like lava, untamed and fierce.

"Do you think he suspects?" the girl asked at last, breaking the silence.

Alviara shook her head slowly. "I doubt it. But then, who can truly know the workings of his mind?" A pause, “What is your name?"

“Emeriel."

"Emeriel." The name was like a caress on Alviara’s tongue. "Ah,thehuman prince? Stolen from court by the beast? The one whom a slave master met his end for daring to defile? It all makes sense now."

The girl, Emeriel, swayed on her feet, her face pale and drawn.

Alviara reached out a hand to steady her. "Are you alright?"

"The feeding. It... uhh..."

"Blood drunk?" Alviara's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "You feel intoxicated?"

Emeriel let out a sheepish sigh. "A little."

"Huh. Guess what they say is true. Soulbonds really are the whole package," Alviara said in disbelief, "Well, human, I willbe on my way. Tonight was... interesting. Let's do it again sometime."

Alviara started to walk away, then paused, turning back. "Do you want my advise?"

Emeriel shrugged, her eyes still closed.

"Hide your identity as long as you can. Nothing good will come from the discovery of your secret. That male loved his bondmate deeply, and he lost her in a way you already know. If you ask me, it is probably best if His Grace never finds out. It would likely be in your best interest.”

Alviara cocked her head to the side. “Although fate seems to have a hand here. Well, let fate play its part, but do not force it. Stay away from his bloodhost, she is a vixen who will tear you apart once she finds out what you are.” She turned to face the exit, but looked back. "Stay safe, and I wish you luck, human. With a male like the grand king, you will need all the luck in the world.”

Chapter thirteen

THE GIRL IN THE WOODS

TheLanternFestivalwaseverything Aekeira had imagined it would be. Standing beside Amie in the crowded square, she watched in awe as hundreds of lanterns ascended into the twilight sky.

Each glowing orb carried wishes and dreams, transforming the square into a canvas of light and color. The laughter and excited chatter of the people were infectious, a chorus of "oohs" and "ahhs" rippled through the air.

Aekeira's heart was filled with joy. Now she understood the allure of Urekai festivals.

Yet, beneath the euphoria, she worried whenever her thoughts drifted to Em.

This morning, whispers of what happened the previous night had reached her ears. Em's daring act of serving the king's dinner, a maid going into full heat, and the chaos it unleashed upon the unbonded males of the fortress.

Aekeira had found it hard to believe, but not as hard as she had found Em's confession about how intimate she had gotten with the grand king.

"Too dangerous, Emeriel! What were you thinking?" Aekeira hissed reproachfully. She had wanted to grab Em by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. To protect her from her own reckless heart. "What if he found out? Are you that eager to lose your life?"

"I try to fight it, but it's so hard. I wish to be near him, always,” Em had said in a soft, broken whisper. “My heart aches for him. I yearn for him, like fire in my blood. Crave him... so much. You would not understand, Aekeira."

The fight had drained out of Aekeira. Because she really was beginning to understand.

Who was she to preach caution and self-control when her own thoughts constantly returned to Lord Vladya?

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