The Princess In A ‘Prince’ Disguise (Beasts of Wrath and Madness #1)

8. THE MISTRESS

Chapter eight

THE MISTRESS

Mistress Sinai cautiously stepped into the dark room, her senses already picking up the scent of her male.

Despite her confidence, a sliver of apprehension lingered within her. Her Daemon’s feral beast was very unpredictable.

In an instant, the beast closed in on her, pressing her firmly against the cold wall.

Holding herself perfectly still, Sinai tilted her neck. "Come on, my dear. I am here now."

The beast sniffed her neck, twice. A low growl escaped its throat. Then, it sniffed her once more.

Sinai's brows furrowed. Did it recognize Lord Vladya's scent? Was that the cause of its fixation?

Without warning, two sharp fangs sank into Sinai's skin, and the beast began drinking from her. Pain shot through her body, and she hissed in response.

The beast did not flood her with elixir to numb the pain or ease the discomfort, as Daemonikai would have done if he were in his right mind. Instead, the beast simply took, over and over.

Her heart raced, pumping more blood to meet the beast's unending hunger. This was the key difference between a bloodhost and any other feeder: a bloodhost’s body constantly produced an endless supply of blood to feed their master—no matter how hungry their master were.

As the beast fed, it released pheromones that wrapped around Sinai, and a pleasurable sensation began to spread through her body. Her whole being burned with searing lust, the pleasure growing inside her.

Even after two millennia, she had never grown used to this feeling. At this point, Sinai knew she never would.

The sensation was simply too powerful, too addictive, and at times, the orgasm she experienced while feeding her male surpassed even sexual pleasure.

"Yes, yes, my dear," she gasped, her hips moving involuntarily, grinding against the beast.

With jerky fingers, she lifted her gown and began rubbing her clitoris, stimulating her own pleasure. Her core was wet, her body aflame with sensations.

The beast continued to drink from her, as she pleasured herself, and as she built towards her climax, her fingers penetrated her channel fucking inside it.

She moaned loudly, peaking the pinnacles of pleasure, her back arching. Seconds afterward, the beast withdrew.

Its tongue licked the wound twice, closing it. Then turned and began to retreat.

"Darling..." She reached for the receding figure, but it growled in warning and stomped away from her.

Anger surged within her, though she fought to conceal her reaction. She despised it when Daemonikai behaved this way.

Even now, as a wild beast, he pulled away from her. Sinai hated it!

But she knew more than to remain here when her company was unwanted. Outside, Sinai glared at the metal gates.

"You are mine. I am your bloodhost, the sole provider of nourishment you depend upon. Only I can feed your body with the blood you require," she said smugly. "Even Evielyn, your beloved bondmate––may her soul rot in hell––could not fulfill that role, no matter how badly you wanted her to."

Sinai let out a bitter smirk. "You will forever be mine, Daemon. Forever."

Emeriel paced nervously in his small room in the slave quarters, his mind filled with worry. The fortress buzzed with activity as the Urekai prepared for their moonlight festival.

Even the slaves, whose lives were filled with hardship, seemed to look forward to the festival with a hint of joy. But for Emeriel, the absence of his sister was unbearable.

It had been more than a week since he had last seen Aekeira. The pain of not knowing how she was tore at his soul.

Madam Livia had only told him that Aekeira was confined to her chambers, giving no other details. Emeriel yearned to see his sister and make sure she was safe.

He had not heard any screams at night since then, giving him hope that Aekeira had not been taken to the beast again after that first time.

But how long could he hold on to hope? What if it happened tonight?

Emeriel looked toward the door, his thoughts racing as he considered his choices.

As a slave, he was expected to attend the festival grounds and serve drinks to the guests.

Maybe I could quietly sneak away to the southern wing? Surely, a quick visit to check on her would go unnoticed.

Determined, Emeriel stepped out, closing the door softly behind him. Leaving the slave quarters, he walked with purpose, mimicking someone on an important errand as he headed into the main fortress.

Thankfully, the grand lords would already be busy at the festival grounds, lowering the chances of running into anyone.

Walking through the familiar halls, Emeriel soon reached the path leading to Aekeira's chamber. When he reached the door, he carefully tried the handle. Relief washed over him when he found it unlocked.

With a hopeful smile, he stepped inside…only to be met with an empty room.

Confusion crossed his face as he called out for Aekeira, searching every corner, even the storage area.

She was nowhere to be found.

Emeriel's heart raced, anxiety surging through his body as he left the room. Where could she be?

As he retraced his steps back toward the servants’ quarters, Emeriel’s eyes darted around, scanning his surroundings. When he reached the crossroads where various paths in the fortress met, he stopped.

Instead of heading to the servants’ quarters, his feet carried him toward the fourth wing. Without realizing it, he was following the route that led to the forbidden chambers.

But just before he reached the intersection of the Abyss land, Emeriel froze again.

What in the underworld am I doing here? The punishment for being on this side of the fortress without permission was severe.

He turned to leave, but a movement caught his eye.

Aekeira.

She stood alone, wearing regal attire that showed greatly the princess she was. It mirrored the dress she wore on that fateful first night.

Aekeira was heading toward the haunting hallway leading to the forbidden chambers.

"Keira?" he whispered, his voice resonating softly against the desolate walls.

Aekeira turned, eyes widening in surprise. "Em?"

"Oh, thank the Lights! It's really you!" Emeriel exclaimed, rushing toward her and enveloping his sister in a tight embrace. “I tried so hard to believe Grand Lord Vladya when he claimed you were alive, but it was still difficult to sleep at night, Keira. By the gods, I am overjoyed that you're alive—"

"No, you mustn't touch me!" Aekeira suddenly shouted, panic in her voice, as she pushed Emeriel away. "Do not touch me."

Hurt flashed in Emeriel's eyes. Aekeira had never pushed him away like this before. "Keira?" he whispered.

"I would not feed him your scent again," Aekeira reiterated, her voice trembling. "Please, do not touch me."

"Scent? Feed who? I do not understand," Emeriel confessed, his mind struggling to understand her words.

"You should not be here, Em. Please, go away."

"And what are you doing here?" Emeriel countered, casting an apprehensive glance toward the imposing metal gates. "Come on, let's leave this place," he urged, taking hold of Aekeira's hand.

"No!" Aekeira jerked her hand away. "I need to be here. But you, Emeriel, you should not. Leave."

"What? No! You do not need to be here. No sane person should be here !" Emeriel seized her hand once more, this time, his grip tightened. "Come on, Keira, please, let us go!"

"I can't, okay!?" Aekeira's voice cracked, tears falling, smearing her makeup.

She looked completely tired, as if burdened by the world. The sight pierced Emeriel's heart like a dagger.

His sister no longer tried to withdraw her hand; simply too weary to fight.

"I cannot leave, Em," she whispered tearfully. "If I do, it will be you who goes behind those closed doors."

Emeriel recoiled at the thought.

But he quickly recovered. "Fine, I will go to the forbidden chambers—"

"No, you cannot!" Aekeira stated vehemently, her eyes wide. "Not you, Em. Never you, do you hear me? I will do it."

Emeriel did not want to enter that chamber, barricaded with metal rods, and face the most terrifying beast that lurked within, either. The mere idea frightened him to the core.

But he would do anything to protect Aekeira. Seeing her so defeated, he couldn't bear to witness her suffering.

"Please, Kiera, let me go. I want to protect you," Emeriel pleaded, tears welling in his eyes. His lower lip quivered with emotion.

Aekeira shook her head, and this time, she drew Emeriel into her embrace. Emeriel clung to her, burying his face to her neck as tears streamed down his face.

"For once in our lives, allow me to protect you, Keira," Emeriel pleaded.

Aekeira stepped back, cupping his cheeks. She offered a watery smile. "I am the elder one here. It is my duty to protect you."

Emeriel wanted desperately to continue arguing, but determination returned to Aekeira's eyes. His sister would never back down.

"Okay," Emeriel nodded at last, conceding.

Aekeira nodded as well, her smile growing wider. "Very well. That's my brave sister," she said, planting a kiss on Emeriel's forehead. "Now, please leave before Madam Livia returns. She stepped away briefly to use the chamber pot in the closest restroom."

"Allow me to escort you to the door," Emeriel insisted.

Aekeira appeared on the verge of protest, but Emeriel gently took her hand and guided her forward. Eventually, Aekeira gave in, letting him to lead the way.

Although Aekeira tried to appear composed, her hand trembled in Emeriel's grasp, and her shoulders tense. She’s terrified.

New tears welled in Emeriel's eyes, but he quickly blinked them away. If Aekeira had to bear this horrific torment once again, the least he could do was be strong for her.

They stopped at the metal gates. Emeriel turned to Aekeira. "I will remain here waiting for you, dear sister—"

A low rumble emanated from behind the door.

Emeriel's eyes widened. The growl was so scary he felt an overwhelming urge to flee. To run and never look back.

Even Aekeira's eyes bulged. Yet, instead of running, she clutched his hands tightly. "Run, Em. Escape from this place. Leave the southern wings altogether! Go!"

"Let's go together!" Emeriel tried again, desperately.

"What in Tartarus are you two doing!?" Madam Livia barked at them, coming into view. "Come here this instant, Emeriel!"

Emeriel desperately wanted to protest. He opened his mouth...

"Right. This. Instant." Madam Livia punctuated her words with anger.

Another growl pierced the air, even more thunderous than the first.

Swallowing hard, Emeriel reluctantly released Aekeira's hand. He walked away toward the head maid.

"Enter, Aekeira. Emeriel, come with me." Madam Livia marched off, leaving him to follow.

Emeriel complied and followed.

But a part of him—the same instinctual part that urged him to run and never look back—screamed at him to stay.

With every step he took away, his skin prickled, and a sensation akin to needles spread through his body .

Stay, stay, stay!

Aekeira entered the forbidden chambers through the narrow gate at the side of the even larger gate. It was small and slim, the Urekai probably made it that way so they could enter in their male forms without opening the main gate.

She stood frozen like a mouse ensnared in a trap, her heart pounding as the towering beast loomed above her. Its menacing growls reverberated through the air, filling the room with an ominous presence.

Tonight, the feral king seemed even more restless than it had been the other night.

Drawing nearer, the beast sniffed her cautiously, its predatory instincts on high alert. Aekeira held her breath, afraid the slightest movement would provoke its wrath.

The beast's massive hand reached out, its claws pressing against her arms as it effortlessly lifted her off the ground. With a wave of its hand, she was dropped to another corner of the dark room, deliberately away from the door.

Then, the beast turned its attention to the door. Taking two steps forward, it halted and raised both hands...

Aekeira watched in awe as the creature exerted an astonishing force, pushing against the sturdy oak door. With a resounding crash, the door yielded to its strength, splintering into fragments.

Behind the shattered remnants stood the imposing metal gates. The king beast pulled, gathering momentum before hurtling itself at the gates.

Oh, the stars!

Aekeira remained motionless, seated where the beast had left her, paralyzed with fear. Could the beast truly breach the metal gates and escape?

Finally, it became clear why Grand Lord Vladya had been so certain the king beast would kill her that other night. The sheer strength possessed by this creature was beyond comprehension. Immeasurable. Unfathomable.

The beast was on the verge of escape. Yet, Aekeira found herself incapable of making the faintest sound. Her terror so great she came dangerously close to losing control of her bladder.

Again and again, the beast repeatedly threw itself at the door, each impact echoing with a deafening boom. Locks and keys succumbed to its power, crumbling at its feet as the metal gates swung open wide.

The feral king cast one final glance at Aekeira.

She recoiled from its gaze, pressing herself against the wall. He’s going to kill me.

The beast approached her, each step exuding a threatening aura of power. Strength.

It drew near, bent down, and brought its face closer to Aekeira. Due to the darkness of the room, she couldn't see its features clearly, except for its glowing yellow eyes.

Pressing its nose against her neck, it inhaled deeply. The very spot where Em had nestled her face during their embrace.

The creature growled, licking Aekeira's neck. Twice.

Finally, it straightened up and exited the forbidden chambers with heavy steps.