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

Chapter 264: As he raised his eyes and caught sight of her, his face brightened. "Emeriel, you're here."

"Greetings, My Lord," she replied with a respectful bow.

"Spare me the formalities and get over here," he dismissed, adjusting his spectacles. Lord Herod peered at a scroll. "These figures refuse to align. I know not if it is my own error, but I want you to take a look at-" He paused abruptly, his head snapping up. "Emeriel, your scent…"

She stopped short before him. "What's wrong? I'm on suppressants today." "You are?" Lord Herod's nose twitched, his nostrils flaring. "It's not working then, because I can smell you. A lot." He paused, a look of confusion crossing his face. "And you smell… different. I can't quite place it, but there's something new."

"Really?" Emeriel frowned. "Maybe I miscalculated the dosage today or something."

Lord Herod's eyes narrowed. "Or your heat cycle is here."

LORD HEROD

Emeriel scoffed, shaking her head vehemently. "Please, do not even joke about something like that, my Lord. I feel fine. I've had mini-heats before, and I can definitely tell you that I'm not in heat right now. I'm not feeling anything like that." She leaned forward, scanning the scroll before him, desperately seeking a distraction. "I need to look at these records carefully."

Hours passed as Lord Herod observed with growing concern as Emeriel flitted about the study like a moth caught in a lantern's glow. She paced, perched on the cushions, and then paced once more, her brow furrowed in concentration as she clutched a stack of parchments in her shaky hands.

"You could try rotating crops, My Lord," she suggested, her voice clipped and focused. "Planting legumes in one season and grains in the next could potentially replenish the soil."

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"Mmm," Herod murmured noncommittally.

"Furthermore, investing in new irrigation systems might prove beneficial," her words tumbled out in a rush. "Providing water to the fields during droughts could significantly improve their yield."

"Mmm," Herod's eyes fixed on Emeriel's agitated movements.

"And as for the unexplored land," she pressed on, barely pausing for breath, "one could experiment with different seeds and explore the use of new fertilizers."

"Emeriel," he called softly.

"Yes?" Pausing, Emeriel glanced at him, her eyes wide and unfocused.

"The legumes that should be planted need-"

"Emeriel," his tone was more insistent this time. Emeriel stopped abruptly, her attention snapping back to him. "Yes, My Lord?"

Lord Herod rose from his seat and walked towards her. Kneeling before her, he gently took the parchment from her trembling hands and set it aside. Tenderly, he reached for her hand, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Have you noticed that you've changed seats seven times since your arrival?" he asked softly. "From the office chair to the cushions, then pacing, then more."

Emeriel blinked at him as if her mind was struggling to catch up. "Huh?"

"It is bitterly cold outside, little one. Yet you are sweating profusely." Lord Herod paused, his eyes searching hers. "You are restless. Uncomfortable."

Emeriel shook her head in denial, dread in her eyes. "I know the signs-"

"You have jerked your hands away from mine three times," Lord Herod continued, his gaze dropping to their intertwined fingers. "Even now, your hand practically trembles with the effort to separate from mine." He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "It means your body is starting to reject touch. By tonight, you will be feeling the full effects. Your full heat is here, Emeriel."

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