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

Chapter 253: "Some believe avoiding all contact with your male might delay the onset," Orin explained. "No sight, no touch, no communication. Your body and soul may interpret his absence as unavailability, and of course, it explains why many females enter their cycle upon first contact or proximity to their males. Their bodies were already primed for the heat, merely holding back. Awaiting a trigger."

Emeriel's heart sank. She had gone into heat the very day she arrived at Ravenshadow, her soul recognizing her Beloved's presence. Every stolen moment with the king had fueled the flames, further cementing their connection. Convincing her body that he was available. Just last night, she had sex with him, and now, her full heat was upon her.

"So, if I keep my distance, cease all interaction," Emeriel's voice trembled, "could I delay it?"

"Why would you want to?" Orin looked puzzled. "It is already close at hand. Too close. Avoiding all contact might buy you a few days, but there is no guarantee." Leaving the healer's home, a troubled silence settled between Emeriel and Lord Herod. "Would you cease all contact with him?"

"Yes, I… I have to." Emeriel could not imagine the thought of not seeing or touching her male. Yet, her impending full heat terrified her.

As they rejoined the crowds, the vibrant energy of the festival felt muted. They reached another square, this one filled with the Urekai elite.

Lords, high lords, ladies, and mistresses mingled under the soft glow of lanterns, their laughter and conversations laced with the air of privilege, wealth, and power.

Lord Herod's peers called out to him, beckoning him over.

"I must attend to them," he said to Emeriel. "Please wait here for a moment."

Emeriel gladly obliged, grateful for the solitude. She retreated to a shadowed corner by the edge of the square, watching Lord Herod mingle with the nobles, their curious gazes darting towards her.

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Her heat was near, just a matter of days away.

Emeriel's heart leaped at the thought. Enjoy the festivities for tonight, she told herself. Do not think about it.

"Galilea."

She froze.

No. By the heavens, please no. Whoever is up there, do not tempt me this way.

Shivers ran down her spine at the familiar presence behind her. King Daemonikai stood close, and Emeriel only had to turn to behold him once more. Butterflies took flight in her belly, and her heart raced.

"Galilea, is it not?" His deep voice, like velvet and steel, caressed her like a lover's arms.

Thump. Thump. Thump. The sound of her own heart pounding was loud to her ears. "Your Grace," she whispered.

GRAND LORD ZAIPER

Grand Lord Zaiper lounged in bed, his body languid from satisfaction, an arm draped carelessly over his eyes.

"Should I dispose of her body, My Lord?" Razarr's voice cut through the silence. "Or would you have need of it later?"

Zaiper gave a go-ahead wave of his hand. No, he did not have the urge to use that body again.

It had been what-twenty years? Fifty? Since he last felt that appetite. Time was meaningless when one lived as long as he did, with no intention of dying anytime soon. Yet, these past two months had felt like forever to him. Zaiper wished he could claim he had recovered from the shock of Daemonikai's resurrection, from the anguish of that night. But the truth was a bitter pill.

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