Page 19 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“It’s just Livia now,” the headmaid reminded her for what felt like the hundredth time.

“That will take some getting used to, so until I do, you’re still Madam Livia.”

The older woman sighed, shaking her head with faint exasperation.

“Amie, you may leave us now,” Livia instructed, and the young girl bowed before slipping out of the chamber, the door closing softly behind her.

Emeriel adjusted the hem of her gown, smoothing it over her hips.

Through the mirror, she noticed Livia shifting uncomfortably, her hands fidgeting with her apron.

“Is anything the matter?” Emeriel met her gaze through the mirror.

Livia wavered. “It’s just… I know what he did was brutal and unforgivable. But I hope you will keep an open heart. He is not that kind of male. Lord Zaiper is more likely to—”

“Madam Livia—”

“—and I know,” Livia pressed on in a rush. “I know he hasn’t come to see you again after that first day, but he—”

“We will be alright,” Emeriel cut in firmly, turning fully to face the head maid. “There’s no need to worry. He is my destinedmate. Dormant bond or not, severed or not, I’m not letting him go.”

Relief spread across the head maid's face, and her shoulders slumped. “He will likely push you away,” she mumbled in defeat. “He won’t even see Lord Vladya.”

“He can try.”

The head maid regarded her for a long moment. At last, she nodded.

“Very well, Princess. I will leave you to finish getting ready.” Livia inclined her head before leaving the room, the door clicking shut behind her.

Left alone, Emeriel turned back to the mirror. She adjusted the sleeve of her gown, smoothing the fabric over her shoulder.

It’s alright, my Beloved. I will come to you.

***

Emeriel approached the corner leading to the Royal Residence. She moved slower than usual, her body still weak from recovery, but she carried herself with grace, refusing to let her exhaustion show.

“You may go back, whoever you are,” Wegai’s firm voice came from around the corner. “The Grand King is not receiving visitors at the—”

Emeriel turned the corner, and Wegai stopped instantly.

His sharp gaze softened as he quickly straightened, bowing low. “Princess.”

“Is His Majesty inside?”

The head soldier faltered, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came.

The pause told her everything she needed to know. Without waiting for his answer, Emeriel stepped past him.

Entering through the grand entrance, the familiar corridors felt eerily still. The servants paused in their work to greet her hastily, their eyes lingering on her curiously before they hurried on.

At the door of his bedchamber, Emeriel raised her hand to knock. Pausing, she decided against it and reached for the handle.

She half-expected it to be locked, but to her surprise, the handle turned easily.

The chamber was dark.

Stepping inside, Emeriel stopped just past the threshold, her gaze adjusting to the dim light. All the curtains were drawn tightly, blocking out the sun.

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