Page 49 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

Emeriel kept her back to him, fearing if she turned her body might betray her yet again.

"You're out with your male, I see. Enjoying the festival?”

I am yours,her heart cried out. "Yes, thank you for asking."Leave now. Leave, leave, leave."If you'll excuse me, Your Grace, I must be on my way."

The words felt like lead upon her tongue. All she wanted was to stay, to bask in his presence. To be held in his arms.

"I-I need to hang my lantern," she stammered, taking a hasty step forward.

"Walk with me."

The command, softly spoken, rocked her to the core. It was an invitation, but also a plea, as if he, too, was fighting himself. Asking against his own better judgment.

"You can refuse, Galilea. It is alright," King Daemonikai added, his voice a caress. "But I would like it if you walked with me."

Refuse? How could she resist when every fiber of her being longed to be near him?

Tears surged in her eyes. This was torture. Exquisite, agonizing torture.

"It's not right, Your Grace," she choked out. "I am b-betrothed to the High Lord of Agriculture."

"Yes, you are right," he agreed. "You belong to another. It's not right for me to request your presence for a walk, alone in the dark."

He understands. It hurt, but Emeriel was glad he—

"Still walk with me anyway."

Oh, light-gods.Emeriel bit her lips.

She shouldn't.

Every moment spent with him brought her full heat closer, she really should not.

It's just, his pull was too strong for her. How does one resist something that feels so right?

Emeriel's body practically shook with the effort not to turn and walk into his arms. She clenched her fists, gritting her teeth.

Time stretched into an eternity as she stood there, frozen, a war waging within her soul.

Finally, the grand king moved. Distancing himself from her. His retreating footsteps almost silent in the night, each one a stab to her heart.

"I owe you an apology, young princess," his voice drifted back to her. "I should not have asked. You made the right choice. Enjoy the rest of the festivities."

Then, silence.

He was gone.

You did the right thing. Well done, Emeriel, you made the right choice.

He would go to his bloodhost. Mistress Sinai will let him in, eager to fulfill his every desire.She would give him that false smile, lure him in and undress for him.

Emeriel let out a distressed whimper.

Still, she knew she should let him go. Distance meant a delay of her heat, and Emeriel could use all the delays she could get. She had done the right thing.

So, walk away,her thoughts whispered.

But she could not.

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