Page 48 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Trying hard not to dwell on the fact that, very soon, the painful waves of full heat would begin—and Aekeira’s male was still halfway across the world.

Pulling away from her sister, who had curled into herself, Emeriel motioned for Madam Livia to follow her outside, far enough to be out of earshot.

“Why not a mini heat?” The hushed whisper held a great deal of Emeriel's worry. “Why shove her straight into a full heat?”Her gaze flicked back to the room. “She’s not ready for this, Madam Livia.”

The head maid appeared just as worried. “Every person’s heat is different, Princess. We can only hope hers is not as intense as yours.”

Scratching at her neck, Emeriel shook her head. “I’m sick with unease. Do you think Lord Ottai has already sent the bird?”

“Areyoualright?" Madam Livia’s brows pinched as she studied Emeriel closely. "You seem restless, too.”

“Of course, I am restless! I do not know my sister's fate right now." Emeriel began to pace the short corridor, wringing her hands together. "Her fever is burning so intensely. I swear I can almost feel the heat myself—"

"What I am hearing, is it true?" Grand Lord Ottai's deep voice boomed down the hall, and a moment later, he appeared with his soldiers. "Is Aekeira truly going into heat?"

Madam Livia bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Majesty. It’s really true.”

“Oh, by the gods! Oh, Ukrae!” A wide smile split the Grand Lord's face. “She’s aSyren!She’s really in heat—hell, I cansmellher all the way from over here. Her scent is too strong.”

Turning to Emeriel with excitement, he pulled her into a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. “You and your sister are compatible with my kind!”

Emeriel let out a startled laugh, swallowing a wince as her skin prickled andburnedin response to his touch.

“I am so relieved, soecstatic,I could kiss you right now if I were not certain the ancient one would send me six feet below for it!" Lord Ottai exclaimed. "This is the best news I have heard all week."

Unable to bear his touch any longer, Emeriel wiggled out of his grasp. “I am just as excited, Your Majesty,” she said, catchingher breath. “But let us hope Lord Vladya arrives before the waves start.”

As if doused with cold water, the smile vanished from the ruler's face, and his expression paled.

"Yes, yes, about that," Lord Ottai spoke. "I have already sent out the message. I dispatched one of our fastest messenger birds. At this point, we can only hope…"

***

Grand Lord Vladya and Grand King Daemonikai waited just outside the Oracle’s Haven. The royal entourage had already proceeded to the shrine for the Celestial Offering.

Her dwelling bore celestial patterns intertwined with ancient runes, glowing faintly under the shifting light.

The oak door creaked open, and the Oracle emerged with her back to them, balancing a bundle of herbs in her arms. But when she turned and saw them, she looked surprised.

"What are you doing here, Your Majesties? You should not have come."

“Today is the Celestial Offering from the southern people,” Daemonikai reminded her patiently. “We are here to observe the rites, as is our duty.”

"I am well aware of that." She placed the bundle of herbs on the ground before rising. "But you rarely attend such ceremonies. I assumed you would not trouble yourselves to be here. And you—" Her eyes shifted to Vladya. "You are not even a Southerner. You rule the Western Clans. What business do you have here?"

"The Oracle’s home is open to all, and the Oracle receives whomever seeks her. The Oracle does not discriminate," Vladya recited the sacred book with amusement.

The grumpy old lady huffed, muttering something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like, "That damned book again."

Daemonikai's brow furrowed. "Do you truly not wish us here?"

Vladya was bothered too. He could not recall a time when she had hesitated to grant them an audience.

She sighed, shaking her head. "That is not it, Great Grand King, and I apologize if I have given that impression. But your females are entering their heat cycles. You should not be here."

The moment the words left her lips, she doubled over, coughing violently.

Blood spattered to the ground, her face contorted in pain.

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