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

Chapter 229: "You are aware that I can smell you from a considerable distance, aren't you?" Vladya said, stopping before her.

"Uhmm… I did not know this. Uh… apologize once again for interrupting your quiet time. Now, if you would excuse me." She twirled around and attempted to walk away.

His beast roared within him, surging toward the surface with a ferocity that caught Vladya off guard. But he stilled.

Over the past few months, Vladya and his beast had grown increasingly disconnected. Each step toward the feral side widened the gap until his beast would eventually force a shift he couldn't control, trapping him in his beast form forever. But now, for the first time in weeks, his beast rose. "Aekeira?" he rasped, his voice strained as he fought to maintain control.

Something in his tone must have alarmed her, as she stopped dead in her tracks. "Lord Vladya?"

"Do. Not. Move." His breath sounded ragged in his own ears.

She nodded, still keeping her back to him.

His senses, already heightened, became even sharper. He could hear the rapid thumping of her heart, the quickening of her breath, and the scent of her fear. Even the faintest hint of musk.

His arousal was undeniable. His gums ached with the thirst for blood.

"Are you h-hungry?" Her sultry voice reached him, a tremor of fear underlying her words. "Is it the bloodlust?" Among other things.

"I will be fine," he managed, his voice rough. "Just give it some time, I'll regain control."

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"You could… you could drink from me," she offered hesitantly.

Vladya's beast perked up at the suggestion. He shuddered, his breath escaping in a ragged gasp.

"Bloody hell," he growled. "You should not make such offers lightly, Aekeira. I could easily drain you dry."

The girl turned, her lips parting as she nervously licked them. "I would never make such an offer to anyone else. But you saved my brother's life, and I would like to-"

"Are we going to keep milking that cow?" Vladya added with a sardonic edge.

Aekeira flushed scarlet but met his gaze. "Also, you look like you're in pain."

"Why does it matter to you? I inflict pain upon you at every turn. Why would you wish to alleviate mine?" Vladya cocked his head to the side in thought. Was this a trick? A ploy to manipulate him? What was her motive?

"Not everyone is intent on causing pain, Your Highness," she replied, her voice soft yet firm. "Some of us are not wired that way."

Then, under her breath, she added, "But then again, I suppose a male like you wouldn't understand."

Vladya did not take offense. He truly did not understand. A captive should be aiming to stab her captor in the chest, not pull out the sword already embedded and attempt to apply healing balm to the wound.

She sighed, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Never mind," she murmured, turning away once more.

Vladya watched her retreating figure, war raging within him. What was he doing? Why was he chasing away the one person he longed to drink from again?

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