Emeriel's heart skipped a beat, then began to race.He quickly finished dressing, his fingers fumbling with the fastenings of his tunic in his haste. With a final deep breath, he stepped out of his quarters and followed the soldier towards the imposing structure that housed Lord Vladya.Upon arrival, he was ushered to the door of the grand lord's private study. The Urekai maid who had escorted him withdrew, leaving Emeriel alone in front of the ornately carved wooden door. Raising his hand to knock, a knot of anxiety formed in his stomach. After a moment's hesitation, he rapped his knuckles against it."Enter," Lord Vladya's deep voice rumbled from within.Emeriel stepped into the familiar study, the heavy door clicking shut behind him with a soft thud. The air hung heavy with the scent of old parchment and beeswax candles.Lord Vladya leaned casually against his desk, arms folded across his chest. His piercing gray eyes bore into Emeriel, their intensity sending a shiver down his spi
"Y-yes, your highness," Emeriel confessed, her voice barely a whisper."You have been deceiving us all this while. Making fools of us."Emeriel's legs gave way beneath her, and she sank to the floor, covering her chest. "It was never my intention, your Majesty, I swear it!""You understand the consequences for a slave harboring secrets, don't you?" Vladya asked, his voice measured. "Zaiper would have reminded you at every turn, I'm sure. Do you know the punishment for deception, Emeriel?"A tear escaped Emeriel's eye, tracing a path down her cheek. "Yes, Your Highness.""And yet, you did it anyway. You knew the penalty for those who lie to us, human or Urekai alike, yet you dared to deceive.""I know, but it was not a deliberate deception.” Emeriel's shoulders slumped, a defeated sigh escaping her lips. “I... I was raised this way. My parents hid my gender to protect me the moment I was born. I have lived this lie for so long that it feels more like a part of me than a secret.""When
Emeriel stared at him, her mind reeling. Her jaw slack in disbelief."I-I don't know what to say. Th-Thank you, Your Highness," she finally managed to stammer out."Do not thank me." He picked up a jeweled goblet from the desk, staring at it distractedly. "Let's be clear. This is a temporary reprieve. I will not intervene on your behalf, nor will I appeal to the court. I will only pretend tonight never happened. As long as the court, as long as no one else discovers your secret, I will turn a blind eye."He dropped the goblet back with a clink, looking up at her. "But the moment your deception is revealed, all bets are off."She lowered her eyes to the floor.“As for you being Daemonikai’s Soulbond.” He tapped a silver letter opener rhythmically against the desk, his gaze fixed on her. “My first thought is to move you to one of our territories in the mountainside. As far from Daemonikai as possible. He does not need this right now. He has lost his entire family—his bondmate and offspr
Two Months Later."What about this?" Aekeira asked, her knees bouncing with infectious excitement.Emeriel smiled warmly at her sister. "I think it'll look stunning on you."Aekeira clutched the dress to her chest, a delighted squeal escaping her lips. "Yessss! This is the one!"Amie giggled, clutching her own chosen garment with equal enthusiasm.They were gathered in Emeriel's chamber, abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Lantern Festival. The entire fortress was brimming with an unusual air of merriment, a profound joy that had reached everyone—even the slaves.For the first time in living memory, there was a festival where slaves were not merely servants, but participants.Instead of serving drinks, enduring humiliating introductions, and being mounted or whipped for fun, they were permitted to dress up and partake in the festivities alongside the Urekai."I think I finally understand why these people were so lost without their grand king," Amie said, her eyes sparkling with a
"You are so beautiful."Emeriel whirled around to find Lord Herod standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with warmth. Last week, when she visited him for food, he had made her an offer of a safe space to dress up like a female and explore her femininity inside his home."This is a safe haven, Emeriel," he had said, gazing into her surprised face. "You've never truly lived as the lady you are. Vera has many garments here, and I have no female offspring. If you ever wish to see yourself as the princess are, you are welcome to try them on."Emeriel had thanked him for his kindness, but declined the offer. However, in the days that followed, the temptation took root in her. She had always wondered what it would feel like. As a child, she had occasionally donned Aekeira's clothes, with her sister standing guard, watching the door like a hawk to ensure they were not caught. But that had been over a decade ago.Realizing this might be her only chance to explore her femininity in a secure
"Oh, yes, I apologize for the oversight," Lord Herod said, his voice smooth and apologetic. "This is Eme...Princess Galelia of Rosvalley kingdom. She is my betrothed.”Emeriel's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to conceal her surprise. Galelia was her middle name, a secret known only to Aekeira and Lord Herod."And Leah, my dear," Lord Herod continued, turning to Emeriel with a warm smile, "you are in the presence of our first and ultimate ruler, the grand king.""Y-Your Grace, it is an ho-honor to be graced with your presence.” Emeriel swallowed nervously and executed a deep curtsy, her voice trembling slightly."A human," Daemonikai observed, his tone neutral. It was not a question, but a simple acknowledgment.There was no trace of the disgust, anger, or hatred that usually accompanied such a declaration from an Urekai. Instead, his face remained impassive, his voice polite."Yes, your Grace," Lord Herod confirmed. "I discovered her during one of my trips to acquire more slave
EMERIELEmeriel forced herself to step back from the grand king's embrace. "Thank you, Your Grace."As they resumed their walk, a tingling sensation spread through her body, her heart pounding in her chest. Why did the universe seem to delight in her suffering? Why was she constantly subjected to these trials?No, Your Grace, we have not met before.Another lie to add to the growing list of deceptions weighing heavily on her conscience. It was necessary for her survival, but it still stung. She was no longer Prince Emeriel, nor was she simply Slave Emeriel. She was Princess Galilea, a betrothed to a Urekai high lord.She needed to start acting the part, instead of yearning to be back in those strong arms, safe and protected."Why are you so nervous around me, Princess?" King Daemonikai questioned, in that rich voice that made her jittery on the inside.How to answer that question? Emeriel opted for a half-truth. "Well, you are the grand king," she said, her voice holding a slight tre
"Some days, I wish I had never returned. I wish I had died that night. Being a survivor is not a blessing when one has lost everything that matters. I am a mess inside, little princess. There is a dark void within me," he stated, placing a hand over his heart. "A void that was created the night they took everything from me in the Vortex Hall. Just one night of weakness every five hundred years. Just one night broke my kingdom, my people, my rulers."He turned away, casually resuming his walk with that same sophisticated stride. "I suppose I must give credit to the humans," he mused thoughtfully. "They managed to accomplish what countless other species have attempted and failed to do for over five thousand years. They succeeded in breaking me."Emeriel blinked back tears, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces.Unlike Lord Vladya, who seethed with anger when discussing the tragedy, King Daemonikai spoke of his loss with an unsettling lack of emotion. Her Beloved is in far greater
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIHe lay beside his princess until she stirred. The sun dipped below the trees, painting the woods in shades of gold and crimson. He watched her eyelids flutter open. They lay so close, their noses nearly brushing."Hey…" he murmured, his fingers tracing a path through her hair. "Welcome back.""Your Grace—""Daemon," he corrected softly."Daemon." A small, pleased smile curved her lips. "Was I out for long?"He shook his head. "Come, let's get back. Night is falling."Daemonikai rose first, then helped her to her feet. His eyes fell to her naked body, to the faint red marks on her hips.She flushed, her hands darting up to cover her breasts as she glanced around at the shredded remnants of her clothing.He slipped off his robe and draped it over her small shoulders. She slumped slightly under its weight."It's so heavy," she whispered in surprise.Daemonikai chuckled lightly and retrieved the robe. He pulled off his shirt, guiding her arms into the soft linen. "Be
It was in her eyes, in the soft parting of her lips, in the way her body arched ever so slightly beneath him.“What instinct do you have?” her voice carried a slight tremor.“You don’t want to find out,” he warned. Lowering his forehead to hers, he pressed her down more firmly with his weight, letting her feel his fat arousal. His control was fraying fast. “Fuck, fuck, fuck. Just keep still.”“No.”The single word was a lightning strike, freezing every muscle in his body.Daemonikai’s head snapped back, his gaze locking onto hers with incredulity. “What did you just say?”“No, I won’t submit,” she breathed. “I refuse to submit.”“What are you doing?” Daemonikai’s muscles went taut, visibly trembling as he fought himself. His beast raged inside him, banging against his chest, trying to force a shift. She must submit to us! She is our mate!“Don’t do this, Emeriel,” he warned. “If I take you this way, it will be… animalistic.”“Do it.” Her defiance burned as brightly as the blush on he
MISTRESS SINAI“You have a visitor,” a soldier’s voice called out, resounding down the corridor.She shot up from the ground, her heart racing. Sinai moved so fast she nearly stumbled as she hurried toward the barricade. “Who is it? Who—”Grand Lord Zaiper came into view, walking with his usual air of superiority as he approached her cell.The excitement of seeing him was so great Sinai found herself bouncing on her feet.“Yes! Yes! I knew you would come for me!” she exclaimed, her voice high with relief. “What took you so long? I’ve been rotting in here!” “Is that how you greet your ruler, Mistress?” Zaiper drawled, an arrogant smile curling his lips as he stopped in front of her cell. His eyes swept over her, taking in her disheveled state. “Well, well, well. I must say, this place does not look good on you.”“Stop with all the pleasantries, My Lord, and get me out of here,” she grumbled, her tone laced with frustration. “I miss my bed, a proper bath. This place stinks. Please, get
PRINCESS EMERIELThe next three days were the best in her life. Emeriel and King Daemonikai spent nearly every moment together, and she cherished each one.They talked about everything. Her time in the human world, her physical training, her hobbies, and childhood memories. In turn, he opened up about his own youth, even shared pieces of his late family.Emeriel hummed softly as she put away their dinner dishes. Warm and vibrant joy bubbled within her. Even the topics that could have been awkward or painful were touched upon—if only lightly—without tension or avoidance.She was truly, deeply happy, about the incredible progress they had made together.Setting aside the court, their past, and their pain, they had spent these days simply being together. The peace, the quiet, and the simplicity of the surroundings were a nice change. This cottage nestled in one of the outer villages of Urai, had become a sanctuary for them, and she loved it.Yesterday evening, Daemonikai took her for a w
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIHe woke feeling surprisingly well-rested.His eyes adjusted to the brightness of the room, sunlight streaming through the open window. How long had they slept?He stirred slightly, finding himself face-to-face with Emeriel’s soft, creamy breast. Her dark and flushed enticing nipple pointed directly at him, and his mouth watered at the sight. His dick twisted inside her, drawing his attention to the fact their bodies were joined intimately. The memories of his nightmares… and the fevered lovemaking that followed, flooded his mind. Gritting his teeth, Daemonikai summoned every ounce of restraint he possessed to keep from taking her again.He withdrew from her tight, warm heat, even as it clung to him, trying to pull him back in and the sensation nearly undid him. But he persisted, finally freeing himself.He pulled her torn garment up, covering her succulent breast to shield them from his wandering eyes.Then he simply watched her sleep.For long, quiet minutes,
“No! Go through the back! Save yourself!” The desperate command echoed into the dim silence of the room, followed by sharp, labored pants. “Protect your mother!”Emeriel’s eyes snapped open to the faint light of dawn filtering through the open curtains. She turned, her heart clenching as she saw Daemonikai thrashing beside her, his chest heaving, his fists clenched white-knuckling the sheets.“There are too many of them. I…” His voice broke, raw with helpless panic. “Too many of them.”“Daemon…” Her hand hovered inches from his shoulder.The memory of the last time he’d woken from a nightmare beside her flashed vividly in her mind. A moment that had nearly cost her her life.“Myka, where is Alvin!?" his voice rose again, desperate. "Where is your brother!?”Her throat clogged, tears prickling her eyes. He was trapped there again. Reliving the terror of a father failing to save his children. It wasn’t real, but the horror in his voice was clear, cutting through her like a sword.To h
“How is your friend Herodis?” His lips brushed against her cheek like a soft breeze. “Have you seen him since your return?”“With everything going on, I haven’t had the chance.” A small pause followed. “I worry about him. Is he alright? What is he doing these days?”“Maybe you should make time to go and see him.” She tilted her head slightly, trying to glimpse his expression, but gave up when she realized it would mean leaving the cocoon of his arms. “I’m surprised you would say that. I know you don’t exactly…”“That is in the past. He was a genuine friend to you. A good one who was there for you during dark times. He’s a kind of friend worth having.”“He is,” she agreed, a touch of exhaustion entering her tone. “You know, when the lords bared their necks for me in court today, I thought about him. He always told me it would work out. That I should have a little faith.”“I am glad you have such a friend. Genuine friendships transcend time."“Like you and Lord Vladya?”She felt his he
Daemonikai reached out, taking her hand, bringing it to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss on it.“How do you feel?” Emeriel asked quietly.“Better. Exhausted, but better.” His eyes flicked to hers. “How do you feel? All this must not have been easy for you. I cannot even imagine…” “That day in the woods, you told me it took losing the best part of you to crawl out of your grave.” His eyes dropped to their joined hands. “I didn’t realize this was what you meant. No wonder you couldn’t forgive me. No wonder you couldn’t find it within yourself to give us a second chance. If I had known the extent of what you went through…” he shook his head. “I would never have pestered you so much. Never have tried to force it.”“Then I’m glad you did not know,” Emeriel stated coolly. “The truth is, I never wanted you to find out. I knew what it would do to you, so it became a burden I was prepared to carry alone to my grave.”"That's too much for anyone to bear alone. I'm grateful I know now. Even th
HIGH LORD HERODISHe stood by the window, gazing out over the open field bathed in moonlight.The night breeze whispered around him, carrying a lovely scent of grass and distant woods.News of the court had reached his ears, and he couldn’t stop smiling.“I am so happy for you, my dear friend,” he murmured softly, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves outside.“Who are you speaking to?”Herod turned at the sound of the familiar voice, catching sight of Dale stepping into the room.His son’s sharp, inquisitive gaze swept over him as he entered.“No one, son,” Herod smoothened his expression.Dale’s brow lifted, his skepticism clear. “So now you talk to yourself?” He sighed, striding to the bed and flopping onto it with an exaggerated motion. “I told you, Father, this loneliness is starting to get to you.”“I am not lonely. I have you,” Herod countered defensively. “Besides, I am not a lunatic.”Dale snorted, shaking his head. “If you say so.” Leaning back on the bed, he pro