"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
He expected her to protest, to push him away, but she melted into his embrace, a soft moan escaping her lips.This won't do.Daemonikai grabbed her, pressing her back against the wall. His body close, enveloping hers, his breath ragged gasps as he stuffed his lungs with a unique floral aroma and earthy ambrosia.Ukrae, she smelled so good he could eat her up."Your Grace," she breathed shakily."Need more," he growled, his hot breath fanning across her neck. "I need more. I—”"Please, please, please," she cried, her hand going around his neck, holding and guiding his head closer. "Take more."A guttural moan escaped his lips as he pulled her flush against him, his fingers digging into her waist.He nuzzled into her neck, his lips all over her delicate skin as his senses were overwhelmed by her sheer scent.EMERIELEmeriel was on fire. Every nerve ending alight with a burning desire. Having him so close...A breathy moan escaped her as he licked her neck, twice. His warm tongue sent e
AEKERIAWhen she heard his voice—a sound so deeply familiar and comforting—Aekeira could not suppress the surge of emotions that flooded her, hearing his voice. Her heart raced, and butterflies erupted in her stomach, a tumult of excitement and relief crushing her.She rushed toward him. "Your Highness.” Her hands fluttered over him—touching his chest, belly, and shoulders in a flurry of worried motions. “Are you alright, my lord? Are you hurt? Did something happen?" Aekeira scanned him for any sign of injury.Then, she froze, her hands stilling on his body.What in Tartarus had possessed her to touch him in such a manner without his permission? And in public, no less.His body stiffened under her touch.Aekiera's hand recoiled as if burned, her eyes darting around in sudden panic. The expressions on the faces surrounding them—slave masters, Urekai maids, and human slaves alike—ranged from shock to outright horror. Even slave master Tyke, with his usually sneering face, stared at her
GRAND LORD VLADYA"Your Highness," the healer packed his herbal bag, casting fleeting glances of concern at Vladya."What is it, Faiwick?" Vladya drank his tea casually, the bitter taste lingering on his tongue. "Your hesitation does not aid me, so you might as well speak plainly.""Forgive me, my lord, but you must bloodfeed. Truly, you do. Not the meager portions obtained from mere feeders, but a real feeding from Lady Merrilyn. With the proper rituals from the Sacred Ways Of Old.”"That is a little dramatic, do you not think?" Vladya arched an eyebrow."No. It is..." The healer ran his hand through his black hair. "You are not taking this seriously, my lord. Your body is in dire need of bloodfeeding and sexual intimacy. You cannot keep ignoring them any longer.""Calm yourself, Faiwick." Setting the glass down with cool indifference, Vladya met the healer's gaze. "I know I'm on the path to feral."His eyes went wide. "Y-you do?""Of course I do, it's my body, is it not? I feel thes
"Yes, yes. Get inside me. Now, please. Fill me up. Give me your seed. Your kn-knot. I want it." She was delirious with the heat, all inhibitions forgotten.Somehow, hearing that usually shy, hesitant mouth spout all those entreaties pleased him on a primal level. She wanted him, his dick, enough to beg for it.Kissing her cute little pointed nose, he lined himself up, his manhood brushing against her soft folds. Taking hold of her leg, he raised it, adjusting her the way he desired."Now. I want it now," she cried, her head shaking side to side, her black mane fanning out around her like a dark, silken blanket. Her eyes were closed, her face, a picture of raw hunger. "Give me now. I want it so much. So much."He plunged inside her, cursing as her body closed around him like a drooling, warm glove."Yesssss," Her eyes closed in pleasure, nails digging into his skin. "Thank you so much."Galilea's body welcomed him in a way that made his head spin, hugging his manhood like it wished to
EMERIELEmeriel could hear the moans of anguish in the air as she rode another wave of excruciating pain.It felt as though an iron fist clenched around her organs, squeezing tighter, twisting, and crushing without mercy.Tears streamed down her face, forming a pool where she laid. She’d pounded on the door, begging anyone within earshot to end this torment, before the next surge had thrown her to the cold, hard floor, tearing through her. It felt like a hundred galloping horses were trampling and leaping within her lower belly.It hurt so much. Surely, this pain was not normal.Her stomach convulsed violently, and she retched, the taste of bile sour in her throat. Expelling the contents of her stomach, Emeriel continued to vomit, again and again, each one leaving her weaker, emptier.So much pain.A vague figure hovered over her, lips moving soundlessly. Who was that? Was she finally meeting her creator? Emeriel hoped so. Blinking, she struggled to focus, but her vision swam. Her
At the fortress, he passed through the familiar intersection and was almost at Blackstone when he heard a familiar voice."Lord Vladya?"Vladya did not turn. "Not now, Ottai.""Yes, now," his friend insisted, his voice firm. " And if you do not grant me your time, I shall follow you all the way to Blackstone. And mark my words, I shall plague you until you give in."Vladya stopped with a resigned sigh."Figured as much. Everyone, leave," Ottai ordered. Within seconds, the meeting of paths was deserted, except for the two of them."It is the madness, is it not? It creeps closer. Tell me what troubles you, Vlad."Vladya met his gaze. "Nothing.""You know better than to lie to me," Ottai hissed, stepping closer, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You vanished for days, now you return with bloodshot eyes, as if you haven't slept in weeks.""Fine. It's the madness. I lost track of time. Zoned out for days." He stated bluntly. "What are you going to do about it?"Ottai paled, his anger replac
Then, there was Evie's persuasive insistence."A female’s first heat is a delicate situation," she would remind him. "Scared, panicked, the girl is unsure of what to expect. They need to be with someone they not only trust but feel safe with. That young one chose you, my dearest. Trying to find them a compatible male is not only needless but futile and time-wasting. Every moment you are not there, that girl is not only terrified, but in severe pain."His bondmate had been right, of course. And so, Daemonikai had always been there to help.He made sure not to take their heats for granted, treating them with respect, making their first heat a memorable one. He had seen many first heats in his long life, he couldn't put a face to most of them anymore. But this one was different. This one felt different.Daemonikai reached out, unable to resist the urge to touch. Gently, he combed his fingers through her silken hair. Cool and fine as moon-spun silk, they slid through his fingers like wat
Emeriel stiffened. Her insides turned cold. "No."King Daemonikai shifted, pulling her closer as he settled on his side. More aftershocks of pleasure rocked her with his movement, and she whimpered. So full. "I almost killed you when I rose from that brief sleep," he said in that deep, soothing tone behind her. "I thought it might be possible, so I left the bed. But it obviously was of no use. If it happens again, I might actually kill you, Galilea."I don't mind. The words caught in her throat as Emeriel's belly dropped. Oh, she had it bad. So bad that she genuinely did not care if he killed her, as long as it was him here, spending this heat with her."I don't want another male, Your Grace." The mere thought was like a thousand needles dancing across her skin."Leah…"Emeriel, Your Grace. Her middle name had never sounded so good coming from anyone, but she wished she could hear him call her by the name she really answered to. Emeriel."I can't bear another's touch," she croaked. E
A searing heat in the pit of her stomach ripped Emeriel from the depths of sleep. She stirred, a gasp escaping her lips as her lower belly clenched in a painful spasm. It was happening again.Her eyes darted around the room in a frantic scan, stopping as she spotted Daemonikai's large form seated in a chair by the corner, his head resting against the high back, eyes closed."Please, I need you," she whispered, biting her lips.His eyes snapped open. They blazed with an icy fury, pupils narrowed into slits. Emeriel recoiled at the sight."Your Grace?" Her voice was tentative. Cautious.He growled. Green eyes locked onto hers, but there was no recognition in his eyes. Only a burning rage that made her blood run cold. Another growl, deeper, more menacing than the last, came from him."Human," he spat the word like a curse, loaded with disgust.Emeriel shrank back further, the pain of her heat momentarily receeding.His hands clenched into fists, his breathing ragged and uneven. "The scum
"Take it. Take it." He couldn't recognize his own voice, so rough and animalistic, as he slammed in over and over again, with a force he would never have used on her outside the throes of a full heat. But she could take it now. Yes, she could.Galilea screamed so loud it might have reached the heavens as her body deteriorated. Muscles clenching around him so tightly he swore aloud, his climax tearing through him, his growls mingling with her screams."Fuck, you milk my essence so well, little princess," he grunted, filling her up with his seed, driving her into another convulsive orgasm.Galilea's blue eyes went wide with pleasure. Her mouth hung open in a soundless, endless scream, toes curling. Sound of tearing sheets reached him, the fabric she held in a dead grip ripping apart."So hot." Daemonikai was beginning to realize how he loved pushing her limits. She was so sexy when overwhelmed, when trying to handle everything he gave her.He kept moving against her clamping muscles and