Page 119 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Lord Vladya’s glare was sharp enough to kill.

Lord Ottai flushed like a youngling caught pilfering coin from his mother’s purse.

“What Imeant,” he fumbled, “was the feral male Daemonikai paid a visit is still… well, he is taking longer to come out of his episode than expected, which is why the Grand King has been delayed.”

Emeriel’s frown deepened. “The Grand King went to Crystal Waters to oversee the new lands we acquired.”

“Of course, of course.” Lord Ottai nodded too fast. “What I meant was… on his way back, he stopped by to check on—uh—a male who was feral. And… and… that's why he hasn't returned yet.”

The silence was awkward.

Which the uncomfortable fourth ruler felt obligated to fill. “What I meant was, he, um—Vladya,” he hissed out of the corner of his mouth. “Help me out here!”

“Help you…?”Emeriel rose to her feet, heart starting to race. “What's going on?”

“Nothing. Do not listen to Ottai,” Vladya said through clenched teeth, rising. He shot Lord Ottai another lethal glare. “You know how he is—some days he behaves as though Morina overfeeds him, other days he's too overwhelmed by his duties to make sense.”

“Vladya is right,” Lord Ottai agreed. “I did not get enough sleep last night.”

“No.” Emeriel shook her head, though it felt far too light on her neck. “Something is wrong. Ifeelit.”

She tried to keep her panic at bay. Pressed a hand to her chest to ease the wild thudding of her heart, but it wasn't working. “Our bond may be dormant, but Iknow! Tell me what’s going on.Now.”

Ottai was already shaking his head, hands lifted to ward off her words. “Nothing. Nothing at all is—”

“You are hiding something!” she cried, turning, she backed away, still rubbing her chest. She struggled to breathe. “Tell me…tell me!”

The study swam as her legs weakened.

Strong arms caught her before she could fall.

“Emeriel. Emeriel!” Lord Vladya’s voice was behind her and alarmed. “Can you hear me!?”

There was movement, weight shifting. She was vaguely aware of him holding her upright.

“Look what you did. How many times have I told you not to speak from the door? You enter a place and make sure the damn coast is clear!”

“I am trulysorry! How was I to know she would be here?!” Lord Ottai’s voice was strained and defensive.

Another pair of hands steadied her from the opposite side. Emeriel sagged into them, grateful for the support. Her ears still rang faintly, her vision still fuzzy.

A sharp smack sounded, and Ottai yelped.

“Leave her. I will take her,” Lord Vladya scolded.

She was lifted. Cradled firmly against Lord Vladya’s chest, head lolling back, catching glimpses of the ceiling before she was lowered onto the cushions. The world steadied a bit.

The third ruler’s face hovered over hers. “Hey. Look at me.”

She forced her heavy eyes to his. The loud, rasping breaths in the room…were those hers?

“Good girl,” his voice softened. “You can hear me?”

She managed a faint nod.

“Good. I have no idea what I am dealing with here. You will help me, yes? Daemonikai willkillus if something goes wrong” Vladya sighed.

“I can feel his pheromones from here,” Lord Ottai added nearby, sounding panicked. “Please, huh? Help us.”

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