That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King’s Slave Mate Novel

Chapter 208: 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 toward the imposing structure that housed Lord Vladya.

Upon arrival, he was ushered to the door of the 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 spine.

"My Lord, I came by the other morning as you summoned, but I was informed you had already left for court," Emeriel began, wetting his lips nervously.

"You are Daemonikai's Soulbond," Lord Vladya stated without preamble.

Emeriel's body jolted in surprise, Lord Vladya's words hitting him with the force of a physical blow. His eyes widened, the pupils dilating into dark pools of shock, mirroring the raw panic seizing his heart.

How did he know?

"My Lord, I d-do not think I understand what-"

"You are his Soulbond," Lord Vladya repeated, his voice unwavering. He paused, as if to allow the weight of his words to sink in before adding calmly, "Choose your next words carefully, Emeriel. I behead those that lie to my face."

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Unable to meet the intensity of the grand lord's gaze, Emeriel averted his eyes. His breath caught in his throat as if he'd been plunged into icy water.

"You know," Vladya continued, his voice low and measured, "I have asked myself repeatedly why I did not see it sooner. It was right there, staring me in the face. The way a feral beast-a creature devoid of reason and thought-fixated on you."

Inexplicable events that unfolded around you. The beast storming into court to save you. The primal rage that erupted from him at the scent of another male on you, which led to a violent escape and a brutal killing. Its desire to specifically mount you. And then, there's your blood."

Lord Vladya straightened, his voice gaining strength with each word. "I should have pieced it all together long ago. But do you know why the idea simply did not take root, no matter how many times it crossed my mind?"

Emeriel's heart pounded in his chest, threatening to burst. He fought to control his breathing, his lungs desperately gulping in air as panic surged through him.

"I will answer that. It is because I never imagined a female could live within Ravenshadow Citadel, right under our noses, under my own roof here in Blackstone, disguised as a male. Living as a male. Deceiving us all into believing she was a male when she was simply… not."

"Your h-highness," Emeriel gulped, instinctively retreating as Lord Vladya closed the distance between them.

"Once you grasp the missing piece, everything else falls into place," Vladya added. "You always resisted being undressed. There was always a reason, an excuse. And your physical appearance? Small and delicate, pale with flawless skin. Unnaturally pretty for a boy. I dismissed it as a trait of your royal lineage. But it was all there, wasn't it? Right under our noses, yet we remained blind. I never thought such a level of deception was possible. Not here, not within this fortress."

Emeriel gasped, her back hitting the wall, Lord Vladya's commanding form towering over her. The gray of his eyes vanished, replaced by the fierce, predatory yellow of his beast.

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