Page 166 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“Has the former Lord of Agriculture arrived?” she asked one of the stationed guards.

“Yes, Princess. He passed through not long ago, on his way to the Court of Duty.”

Emeriel quickened her steps, Amie right behind her, hoping she might catch him before he entered the grand chamber. She hurried through the west corridor toward the great hall. As they rounded the final bend, she caught sight of him, cloaked in formal attire, walking toward the court doors.

“Lord Herod!” she called.

He turned at the sound of her voice and smiled, lifting a hand in greeting. “My young friend!”

She smiled in return, took a step forward—then stopped.

Thestrange colorswere back. Only this time… they floated besidehim.

A sharp intake of breath sounded behind her. Emeriel turned.

Amie stood rigid, her eyes wide, locked on Lord Herod.

The same impossible swirl of unnamable shades sparkled around her, too—five distinct colors, twisting and merging in the air. The exact same blend surroundedbothof them.

Emeriel blinked. She looked between them, then back again. Something heavy and charged was going on here. Lord Herod was staring at Amie, curious and transfixed. And Amie too, couldn’t seem to look away.

Emeriel’s voice was quiet. “Amie… are you alright?”

The girl startled, catching herself, her cheeks flushed. “Y-yes, Princess.”

Lord Herod closed the distance, finally tearing his eyes away from Amie to look at Emeriel. His warm smile returned as he embraced her. “There’s my dear friend. How are you doing today?”

“I’m well,” Emeriel returned the hug before pulling back. “I’m glad to see you in the Citadel. You made the right choice.”

Lord Herod nodded. “Thank you, Princess.” His gaze shifted down to her belly. “And how is the little one faring?”

“Fine…” she said distractedly. Because now, thecolorswere changing. The two sets had floated closer—interwoven into a single, larger hue. As one.

Compatible.

The thought startled her.Where had that come from?

“Are you alright, young Princess?” Lord Herod asked, brow creased with concern.

“Yes. Don’t mind me,” Emeriel said softly, blinking a few times to clear the haze—yet the colors remained. She kept her smile warm. “I still can’t believe you’re a Dragaxlov.”

“Yeah… no one does.” He chuckled self-consciously, scratching the back of his head. “I’m sorry I never told you. It’s just… a part of my life I never thought would see the light of day again.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” she said. “I understand completely. And more than anything, I’m so glad you chose to step into your legacy. To take on the throne.”

He smiled back at her “I never thought I would. But… your male helped me see a lot more clearly. Now, I’mactuallylooking forward to this new phase. I want to give it my best shot.”

“I know you will,” Emeriel stated matter-of-factly. “You’re incredibly determined. I have no doubt you’ll pass every test they put in front of you. You’ll finish your training, earn your coronation—and you’ll rule with wisdom.” She reached out and touched his arm. “I have faith in you, my dear friend.”

His eyes took on a soft light. “Thank you, Emeriel. That means more than I can say.”

She smiled, waving him off, motioning toward Amie. “Have you met my servant?”

Lord Herod’s attention returned to Amie.

“Amie.” Emeriel stepped aside to give him a clear view. “You haven’t seen her before, have you?”

“No.” His soft eyes remained locked on the girl. “I would have remembered.”

---