Page 26 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Emeriel dared to return!

Two years of peace shattered by a mere fly she could swat away. One sheshouldhave squashed years ago.

Sinai rounded a corner, and there she was.

The mistress gasped, coming to an abrupt stop. Had she not been looking so fervently, she might have passed without realizing the "lady" before her was Emeriel.

The transformation was staggering. So much so it left Sinai’s jaw on the floor.

Gone were the rough male slave uniforms. In their place was an elaborately designed gown, adorned with intricate stones and diamonds that shimmered with every movement.

Her hair, once pulled into a tight bun, now cascaded down her back like a black waterfall, decorated with glittering stones and delicate lace that caught the light.Stunning. Commanding.

This was a far cry from the meek, little male slave always trying to blend into the background. This Emeriel commanded attention.

Her presence radiated an aura of power and authority.Confidence.

She walked with her shoulders high, her head held even higher, as if she owned the very fortress itself. Behind her, Wegai stood in his brooding, protective glory, along with two other soldiers.

Sinai. Hated. Her. So. Much.

Emeriel's steps faltered when she saw Sinai, and that, at least, brought satisfaction to the mistress.Yes, little bunny, be afraid. You have every reason to be.

But Emeriel showed no fear.

Her face remained indifferent as she resumed her pace, heading straight toward Sinai.

"Look what the cat dragged back in," Sinai sneered. "It’s the filthy slave. The lying, deceitful slave. How dare you show your face here again? It’s a wonder no one has put two claws through your eyes by now."

Emeriel stopped beside her. Slowly, she turned her head to the side, meeting Sinai’s gaze with a cold, condescending look.

Her eyes flicked over Sinai from head to toe, dismissing her as though she were nothing more than a bothersome fly not even worth swatting, and continued on her way.

No words were said.

No acknowledgment.

Nothing.

Emeriel merely eyed her and kept walking.

What the hell?

The mistress scoffed, stunned.Did Emeriel just… dismiss me?

She had.

Emeriel had looked at her, looked through her, and decided Sinai was notworth her time.

And itenragedSinai to the core.

She lunged, grabbed a fistful of Emeriel's hair, andyanked. Fulfillment flooding her when she heard the woman yelp in surprise. Finally, a reaction.

But before she could savor the moment, Wegai stepped in, gripping Sinai’s wrist firmly.

"How dare you walk away while I’m speaking to you!?" Sinai shrieked in rage as Wegai carefully disentangled Emeriel’s hair from her fingers."You dare to dismiss me!?"

Emeriel smoothed her hair, composed. Her expression remained infuriatingly calm.

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