5. IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GRAND KING
Chapter five
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GRAND KING
Two Months Later.
"What about this?" Aekeira asked, her knees bouncing with infectious excitement.
Emeriel smiled warmly at her sister. "I think it'll look stunning on you."
Aekeira clutched the dress to her chest, a delighted squeal escaping her lips. "Yessss! This is the one!"
Amie giggled, clutching her own chosen garment with equal enthusiasm.
They were gathered in Emeriel's chamber, abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Lantern Festival. The entire fortress was alive with an unusual air of merriment, a profound joy that had reached everyone—even the slaves.
For the first time in living memory, there was a festival where slaves were not merely servants, but participants.
Instead of serving drinks, enduring humiliating introductions, and being mounted or whipped for fun, they were permitted to dress up and partake in the festivities alongside the Urekai.
"I think I finally understand why these people were so lost without their grand king," Amie said, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "He truly is a remarkable male. Rumors say Grand Lord Zaiper and several others objected to allowing slaves to attend, but Grand King Daemonikai put his foot down. He said, and I quote,”
Amie's hands went to her hips, her chin lifted as she deepened her voice in imitation. "'They will attend the Lantern Festival, Zaiper. According to all I've heard, they have not had a day to themselves in over five hundred years. I have more reasons to hate them than you do, and I do, but they will still have this day.'" Amie's voice returned to its normal pitch, brimming with excitement. "Then, he marched out of court, leaving the lords speechless."
Emeriel chuckled and shook her head. "Amie, you're quite the gossip and storyteller."
"Of course." Amie smiled. "The slaves who served in court during that meeting said Lord Zaiper was fuming, but he didn't dare utter a word in protest. To make matters worse, Lord Vladya even made snide remarks at Lord Zaiper’s expense."
The three of them burst into laughter, unable to contain their amusement.
"I wish I could have seen the look on Lord Zaiper's face," Amie added with a mischievous grin.
"I'm just thrilled that we get to have tomorrow to ourselves," Aekeira said, her gaze returning to the dress in her hands. "Oh, I need to start making my lantern!"
Emeriel watched her sister, a warmth spreading through her chest. She had never seen Aekeira so genuinely happy before, and it filled her with contentment.
"I know a place in the woods where some slaves are making lanterns," Amie chimed in. "They could teach us. Who knows, Hansel might even muster the courage to speak to you if you have a beautiful lantern." She nudged Aekeira, wiggling her brows meaningfully.
The slave boy of Aekeira's age, was known for his awkward stumbles and stutters whenever he crossed paths with her. Amie was convinced it was due to a secret crush he harbored for Aekeira but was too shy to express.
Aekeira rolled her eyes. "You're full of jokes, Amie." Then, turning to Emeriel, she asked, "You're going to Lord Herod's again, aren't you?"
"Yes.” Emeriel nodded as she brushed her hair. “He mentioned he already has a lantern prepared for me. I could ask him to provide some for you both if you'd like."
Aekeira waved her off. "Where's the fun in that? We'll make our own lanterns." She paused, then asked with a hint of curiosity, "So, does this mean you two are... you know? Is there something going on?"
Emeriel scoffed. "Nothing at all. He doesn't see me that way, and I don't see him that way either. We are simply friends." Unfortunately, the one I do see that way does not even know I exist.
"The light in your eyes just dimmed, Prince Emeriel," Amie observed softly, her words pulling Emeriel from her thoughts.
"What? Don't be ridiculous, there's no such thing. Today is a happy day, and tomorrow will be even happier." Emeriel forced a smile.
But some of Aekeira's happiness slipped too. "Are you alright, Em?"
"Yes. Yes, of course."
"It's for the best," Aekeira said, her voice filled with conviction. "Keeping a low profile, staying out of sight with your head down, no one will never discover your secret, and you will be safe. That's all I want, Em. For you to be safe."
Emeriel understood the unspoken message behind her sister's words. Avoid the grand king, avoid any connection with him, and you'll remain hidden, your true gender a secret. Emeriel knew all that. Lord Vladya had told her so in many words.
She had dutifully used scent suppressors every day for the past few months, except for the occasional mornings when she ventured out of the fortress to meet Lord Herod. Like today.
"Em?" Aekeira's voice was suddenly closer. Gentle fingers brushed away the tears that had silently slipped down her cheeks.
Emeriel had not even realized she was crying. What was wrong with her?
With another forced smile, she quickly wiped away the remaining tears. "I'm fine," she insisted, her voice a bit too bright. "Really. Please, let's not ruin the excitement. Please."
"Okay, okay." Aekeira nodded, her own smile faltering slightly. "Go and meet Lord Herod. Just so you know, I'm rooting for you two."
Emeriel chuckled weakly. "Just as I'm rooting for you and Hansel?”
"It's not like that," Aekeira insisted.
Why, Emeriel wondered. Does it have anything to do with Grand Lord Vladya?
But Emeriel did not ask. Her sister got weird whenever Lord Vladya was brought up. Aekeira insisted she hated the male, and yet... Yet...
Emeriel could not even put to words, the way Aekeira got whenever she caught a glimpse of him.
For over a month, Lord Vladya had kept his distance. He had not visited Aekeira’s chambers, neither spared her a glance, nor utter a word to her. They had all been consumed by court matters since the grand king's return.
As for the grand king, Emeriel only caught fleeting glimpses of him from afar. She always maintained a safe distance. And she had made peace with that arrangement.
Well, she had.
"You are so beautiful."
Emeriel whirled around to find Lord Herod standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with warmth.
Last week, when she visited him for food, he had made her an offer of a safe space to dress up like a female and explore her femininity inside his home.
"This is a safe haven, Emeriel," he had said, gazing into her surprised face. "You've never truly lived as the lady you are. Vera has many garments here, and I have no female offspring. If you ever wish to see yourself as the princess are, you are welcome to try them on."
Emeriel had thanked him for his kindness, but declined the offer. However, in the days that followed, the temptation took root in her.
She had always wondered what it would feel like. As a child, she had occasionally donned Aekeira's clothes, with her sister standing guard, watching the door like a hawk to ensure they were not caught. But that had been over a decade ago.
Realizing this might be her only chance to explore her femininity in a secure environment, she had informed Lord Herod when she arrived that she would like to accept his offer, if it was still available.
He had instructed two of his household human slaves to assist her in selecting and dressing in a suitable garment. Now, gazing at her reflection in the mirror, tears welled up in Emeriel's eyes as she heard his voice once more.
"You are very, very beautiful, Emeriel," Lord Herod added, his voice warm and sincere as he entered the chamber fully. The servants, acknowledging his presence, inclined their heads respectfully before discreetly withdrawing. "The dress suits you perfectly. You would have made a truly stunning princess."
"Thank you, My Lord," Emeriel curtsied, a lump forming in her throat as she glanced back at the mirror. She couldn't deny that she looked remarkably beautiful.
Her hair flowed freely around her shoulders, tumbling down her back like a waterfall of black waves. The deep blue velvet gown, adorned with shimmering pearls and gemstones, accentuated her slender figure, its long flowing sleeves and fitted bodice creating an elegant figure. The soft, warm footwear felt like a luxurious caress against her skin.
"I hope you don't mind that I am wearing your late bondmate's clothes," she said hesitantly, "I could still remove them if—"
Lord Herod smiled gently, shaking his head. "It brings me joy, little Emeriel," he reassured her, his eyes sad. "For thirty years, her things have remained dormant, untouched. I could not bring myself to part with them. Rivera would not mind at all. In fact, I believe she would be cheering you on."
Emeriel's heart ached with sympathy for his enduring grief. "I'm so sorry."
He nodded. "Would you like to accompany me to the Lantern Festival tomorrow night? You could go as you are, dressed as a female. No one would give you a second glance. You look completely different from the boy in well-worn breeches and tunic, with his hair tied back in a ponytail."
Emeriel looked back at her reflection, her heart fluttering with excitement. She truly loved how she looked in the feminine attire. She did look different. But could she really go out in public like this, without anyone recognizing her?
Newfound confidence washed over her. "I would be delighted to attend the festival with you, My Lord," she replied, a radiant smile illuminating her face.
"Excellent." Lord Herod's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "The lanterns are almost ready. Yours is particularly lovely. You should go to the courtyard and see it for yourself. If there's anything you'd like the workers to adjust, they would be happy to oblige."
Emeriel might have been a prince for twenty years, but she had learned the refined manners of a princess by attending many of Aekeira's lessons alongside her. Dressed in this elegant attire, those lessons seemed to come naturally.
She curtsied gracefully, her voice filled with gratitude. "Your kindness towards me is immeasurable, My Lord."
Stepping out of the bedchamber into the grand expanse of the residence, she was met with an unexpected announcement resonating through the air.
"Hail to His Majesty the First, the mighty and supreme sovereign ruler of Urai, His Grace, Grand King Daemonikai."
My Beloved?
Emeriel froze. Rooted to the spot as the entrance doors swung open, revealing the magnificent figure of the grand king.
Her heart thudded as their eyes met across the room. Beloved is here. My Beloved is here.
She was paralyzed, unable to do anything but stare.
Grand King Daemonikai approached, his gaze locked onto her, and a hush fell over the room.
Emeriel, her legs trembling, managed a deep curtsy. "Y-Your Grace," she stuttered, from a parched throat.
Silence met her greeting.
As she raised her eyes, she saw the grand king for the first time up close.
His face was expressionless, but those piercing green eyes scrutinized her intently. Taking in every detail of her appearance, from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes.
Moments felt like an eternity. Emeriel was beginning to think he would not respond to her.
"You honor me with your graceful curtsy." His voice, a deep, resonant baritone, sent shivers down her spine. "To whom do I owe the pleasure of her acquaintance?"
Oh, that voice.
It was even richer and more captivating than she had imagined. He really was, without a doubt, the most handsome male she had ever encountered in a kingdom filled with good-looking males.
So striking, intimidating, and powerful—more so up close. It was the kind of face one would dare only to steal one—or two—fleeting glance at, for fear of being caught staring.
But he had caught her.
Emeriel quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Uhmm, I am...uhmm..."
"Your Grace," Lord Herod's voice interjected, a welcome relief to Emeriel. He came up behind her and bowed respectfully. "To what do I owe this great honor of your magnificent presence?"
"I came to discuss matters of importance," Daemonikai replied, his eyes fixed on Emeriel. "But first, tell me, Herodis, who is the lady?"
"Oh, yes, I apologize for the oversight," Lord Herod said, his voice smooth and apologetic. "This is Eme...Princess Galelia of Rosvalley kingdom. She is my betrothed.”
Emeriel's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to conceal her surprise. Galelia was her middle name, a secret known only to Aekeira and Lord Herod.
"And Leah, my dear," Lord Herod continued, turning to Emeriel with a warm smile, "you are in the presence of our first and ultimate ruler, the grand king."
"Y-Your Grace, it is an ho-honor to be graced with your presence.” Emeriel swallowed nervously and executed a deep curtsy, her voice trembling slightly.
"A human," Daemonikai observed, his tone neutral. It was not a question, but a simple acknowledgment.
There was no trace of the disgust, anger, or hatred that usually accompanied such a declaration from a Urekai. Instead, his face remained impassive, his voice polite.
"Yes, your Grace," Lord Herod confirmed. "I discovered her during one of my trips to acquire more slaves. She is a Syren, and we are deeply devoted to one another."
Emeriel nearly choked on her own saliva. Lord Herod was unaware that she was a Syren. How had he known to fabricate such a convincing lie?
The grand king gave a nod. Then, he extended his hand towards Emeriel.
She placed her own in his. A soft gasp escaped her lips as their skin made contact.
He raised her hand to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. "You have an exquisite lady here, Lord of Agriculture."
Another shiver run down Emeriel's spine as his gaze lingered on her. The intensity of his scrutiny unnerved her.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Lord Herod bowed his head.
King Daemonikai released Emeriel's hand, his attention finally shifting back to Lord Herod. "You are aware of the lands beyond the Crystal Waters, are you not? I am considering utilizing some of them for agricultural purposes. As the Lord of Agriculture, I require your expertise and collaboration on this matter."
"It would be an honor, Your Grace," Lord Herod’s voice was filled with surprise and enthusiasm.
"We shall discuss this in private." King Daemonikai raised a hand to dismiss his retinue.
His soldiers, understanding the unspoken command, dispersed, strategically positioning themselves throughout the house and its surrounding grounds.
Lord Herod turned to Emeriel. "Go and admire those lanterns we spoke of, my dear. I need a moment alone with the king."
"My study is this way, Your Grace." He gestured towards the familiar corridor.
But the grand king did not immediately follow.
Instead, his piercing gaze settled on Emeriel once more, holding her captive.
For a moment, Emeriel could not bring herself to move, unable to break free from his magnetic pull.
A swarm of butterflies had taken flight in her stomach. Fluttering with increasing force under those piercing green eyes.
Her body tingled with warmth, her face flushed with a sudden heat. She managed another curtsy, her movements stiff and awkward, before turning and forcing her feet to carry her away.
In the courtyard Emeriel's mind was far. She stood, staring blankly at the workers meticulously decorating her lantern, her thoughts consumed by King Daemonikai. Time lost to her.
The sound of the door opening drew her attention.
As if summoned by her thoughts, King Daemonikai emerged from the house. His every movement exuded an air of lethal grace and authority.
With hands clasped behind his back, the white garment draping elegantly over his powerful frame, he strode towards her, stopping a few feet away.
"Your Grace?" Emeriel 's voice was a shaky whisper. Heavens, to be this close to him...
That intense gaze met hers once more. His voice a velvety rumble, he asked, "Would you take a walk with me?"