Page 14 of The Princess and Her Grand King

THE VISIT. THE REQUEST

WhenAekeirasteppedintothe grand hall and didn’t see Lord Vladya, it stung.

Disappointment flared, then relief. At least she didn't need to face him yet.

Quickly schooling her features, Aekeira walked further into the room.

Yaz and the grand king's head soldier—what was his name again?–straightened at her arrival, stiff and formal. Lord Ottai, who had been gazing out the window, turned to face her.

Those familiar, beautifully crafted black robes filled her with such nostalgia it was all she could do to maintain her composure. Because she remembered them on a certain someone as well.

"Princess Aekeira." Lord Ottai inclined his head with a respect that was foreign.

It was unsettling to see three of them bow to her. Strangely comforting.

"Grand Lord Ottai." She curtseyed. "To what do we owe this visit?"

"It's a matter of great importance. Is your sister on her way?"

"She will not be joining us."

Lord Ottai's face turned sad, but he didn't seem surprised. "Thank you for seeing us. I know it mustn't have been easy for you either."

"How is… is he alright?" She had to ask, had to know.

"No." The grand lord shook his head. "He is not."

Her breath stuttered, and she stumbled back. Blinking furiously against the sting of tears, Aekeira choked out. "Is he f-feral?"

The hush that followed was unbearable. She noticed the look of misery passing between the two head soldiers.

Her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my heavens…" The ragged cry tore from the deepest part of her soul.

"May I, Your Majesty?" Yaz asked.

Lord Ottai gave a nod. "Go ahead, Yaz."

Yaz stepped forward cautiously. "My master is not feral yet. Not completely."

"What does 'not completely' mean?" Aekeira snapped desperately. "He is either feral or he's not."

"It means he’s turning, Your Highness. His hand is that of the beast's. There's no changing back," Yaz explained carefully. "I staked out his cave for days and managed to catch a glimpse of him when he came out for food. I'm not sure if it's just his hand or if there are other parts."

Aekeira’s legs wobbled with staggering relief.

"Usually, the change occurs all at once," Yaz continued. “One takes their beast form and is unable to revert back. But there are rare cases where this happens. When one turns gradually, losing single body parts at a time until the change is complete."

"So… he is still… male?" Aekeira couldn’t hide the hope in her voice.

"Not exactly," Lord Ottai answered.

Aekeira stared at him, her heart sinking.

"When one reaches the turning point, there is nothing quite male left about him. His mind will be completely lost. He wouldn’t recognize anything or anyone." The grand lord paused. "Vladya entered that cave one morning and has not emerged in half a year."

Aekeira deflated like a balloon, cold sweat breaking out on her skin.

Half a year?

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