Page 44 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

The warmth that bloomed in her belly at the mere thought of him was unavoidable. Undeniable.

Memories of their sexual intimacy and bloodfeeding flickered through her mind, raising goosebumps along her skin.

"Aekeira?" Amie nudged her. "You're lost in your own world again. And why that secret smile?"

"It's nothing.” Aekeira quickly composed herself, her cheeks flushing as her gaze returned to the kaleidoscope of lights above. "The festival is simply breathtaking."

"Is it not?" Amie sighed, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I have never seen slaves so happy."

"Uh-huh."

Lord Vladya had carried her. Cradled her in his arms through the woods.

She remembered the feel of those strong arms encircling her, lifting her in the woods. Those piercing gray eyes staring down at her as if she was all that mattered at that moment.

What are you doing, Aekeira?Do NOT read into it. This is Lord Vladya we're talking about, remember? He would sooner kill a human than care for one. Do NOT do that to yourself, you idiot.

The memory of his touch lingered... like a ghost of warmness refusing to fade.

"Look, It's Hansel. He is coming this way," Amie said in a hushed tone.

Hansel approached them with his shy smile and dimpled cheeks. "Hi. Have you not floated your lantern yet?"

Aekeira shook her head, clutching the delicate paper orb protectively. "Not yet. I'm not ready to let it go."

Hansel's smile widened. "Lanterns will float till morning. You can take your time."

Amie shot Aekeira a knowing wink before disappearing into the crowd.

"You look pretty tonight." His gaze lingered on her gown.

"Thanks." Aekeira smoothed down the simple fabric. It was nothing fancy, but it was a far cry from the drab slave uniforms they usually wore.

"Where is your brother?" Hansel asked, glancing around.

"He's... with another group," Aekeira lied.

Em was dressed as a princess, attending the festival with Lord Herod, and it warmed Aekeira's heart.

Em might hide it well, but she knew her sister longed for the freedom to express her femininity. To think that Em had to see herself as completely male to the extent she referred to herself as one, even in private, was exceedingly heartbreaking.

Aekeira was just glad Em was finally getting the chance to express the part of herself that had been suppressed for so long.

"That's good, that's good," Hansel stammered, his gaze fixed on his feet. He shifted nervously, a blush creeping up his neck. "Would you like to... maybe take a walk?"

"Uhmm..." Aekeira hesitated, the invitation hanging between them. She knew his intentions, and the last thing she wanted was to lead him on.

“Just to walk and talk, I promise.” He looked at her with such earnest hope, his eyes pleading.

Maybe it's better to focus on a friendship with a human your own age rather than a hopeless infatuation with an ancient Urekai lord thousands of years older who would never return your affections.

"Alright," she agreed, a tentative smile gracing her lips.

Hansel's face lit up, his dimples deepening. "Thank you so much!"

Together, they strolled through the festival.

Emeriel and Lord Herod strolled beneath the moonlit sky, their lanterns casting soft lights on the cobblestone path.

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