Page 57 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

"Mmm," Herod murmured noncommittally.

"Furthermore, investing in new irrigation systems might prove beneficial," her words tumbled out in a rush. "Providing water to the fields during droughts could significantly improve their yield."

""Mmm," Herod's eyes fixed on Emeriel's agitated movements.

"And as for the unexplored land," she pressed on, barely pausing for breath, "one could experiment with different seeds and explore the use of new fertilizers—"

"Emeriel," he called softly.

"Yes?" Pausing, Emeriel glanced at him, her eyes wide and unfocused. "The legumes that should be planted need—"

"Emeriel," his tone was more insistent this time.

Emeriel stopped abruptly, her attention snapping back to him. "Yes, My Lord?"

Lord Herod rose from his seat and walked towards her. Kneeling before her, he gently took the parchment from hertrembling hands and set it aside. Tenderly, he reached for her hand, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Have you noticed that you have changed seats seven times since your arrival?" he asked, softly. "From the office chair to the cushions, then pacing, then more pacing?"

Emeriel blinked at him as if her mind was struggling to catch up. "Huh?"

"It is bitterly cold outside, little one. Yet you are sweating profusely." Lord Herod paused, his eyes searching hers. "You are restless. Uncomfortable."

Emeriel shook her head in denial, dread in her eyes. “I know the signs—"

"You have jerked your hands away from mine three times," Lord Herod continued, his gaze dropping to their intertwined fingers. "Even now, your hand practically trembles with the effort to separate from mine.”

He paused, allowing his words sink in. “It means your body is starting to reject touch. By tonight, you will be feeling the full effects. Your full heat is here, Emeriel."

Chapter seventeen

BEFORE THE FIRESTORM

"Alright,alright,staycalm,"Emeriel muttered to herself much later, pacing restlessly around Lord Herod's study. The ledger lay forgotten on the table.

Waves of intense discomfort washed over her, leaving her feeling hot, restless, and utterly miserable. Her clothes were suffocating her. Her skin prickled with an unbearable itch. Sweat trickled down her face and back, despite her frantic fanning.

The door creaked open, and Lord Herod entered the room, his eyes filled with concern.

"I have told the maids to prepare the cottage," he spoke in a soothing tone. "Over the past week, I have instructed them to fortify the walls in preparation for your full heat. Now, all that remains is for them to clear the space, and I shall escort you to see it." He took a step closer, his gaze searching her face. "How do you feel?"

Emeriel raked her fingers through her hair. "Very uncomfortable."

"Come, let us venture outside," Lord Herod suggested gently. "You can get some fresh air."

Emeriel hesitated. What she really wanted was to tear off her clothes and run around naked through the cool morning air, but she knew that was out of the question.

"Alright," she said reluctantly, allowing Lord Herod to lead her out of the study and towards the grand entrance.

As they passed the servants, Emeriel felt their eyes burn into her skin like hot coals. She saw the hunger in their gazes, heard the low groans escaping their lips

"Why do they look at me in such a manner?" She pressed closer to Lord Herod despite the discomfort it caused her.

"Your scent has intensified tenfold, Emeriel," Lord Herod explained with a touch of strain in his voice. "Fear not, for I will not let any harm come to you."

She noticed the change in his tone. He was also fighting to maintain his composure. Yet, even in that moment, she knew she could trust him. She nodded slowly. "Thank you, My Lord."

"Here, allow me to examine your eyes." Lord Herod leaned forward, his fingers brushing against Emeriel's skin as he gently held her chin, disregarding her slight flinch. Peering into her eyes, his gaze searched, intense. "Just as I expected," he murmured, releasing her chin. "Quite red. Your full heat is progressing steadily."

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