Page 75 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

As they neared the main gates, passing by the lush gardens, the fragrance of roses hit her. Aekeira’s stomach churned unpleasantly and she quickened her pace.

Amie glanced at her with concern. "Does the smell of flowers still affect you badly?"

"Yes, but I believe it will pass." Aekeira waved it off. "Are you sure you know the best part of the market to get these fabrics?"

"Of course!" Amie’s face lit up with pride. "Some months ago, I was assigned to the head seamstress, and I used to go fabric sourcing with her. You are in the right hands, Princess."

***

Standing before Lord Herod’s manor, Emeriel shot her guards a stern look when they moved to follow her inside.

Heavens, they were like flies on a corpse.Hovering, watching her every move, never giving her so much as a breath of space.

Not that she blamed them. Their grand king had given strict orders regarding her safety. But still…

"I need space." Her tone gave no room for argument. "Go join the other soldiers on the training grounds or something, but none of you are stepping into this home with me."

The guards exchanged uneasy glances.

She sighed. "Look around you, soldiers. We are in a highly fortified territory, inside the estate of a former High Lord of Urai, behind fortified gates, with soldiers patrolling everywhere. What could possibly go wrong?"

One of them, looking particularly uncomfortable, cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, it is just that..." Heshifted awkwardly. "The grand king will skin us alive if anything happens to you. Perhaps it is best not to leave it up to chance?"

"What is best is that I get to spend time with my friend without bodyguards hovering over me like a noble youngling in a playground." Her frustration bled through her tone. "Give me some space."

They relented, stepping back to join the other soldiers.

“Oh, thank the gods,” she muttered under her breath.

With a relieved sigh, she turned back to the door, excitement bubbling inside her, and knocked.

The door swung open.

She beamed. “Look who it is—” But her smile dimmed.

The male standing before her wasnotLord Herod.

At first glance, he bore a striking resemblance. Same features, same strong, masculine build. But the longer she stared, the clearer the differences became.

Perhaps a brother?

The male smiled wide, shaking his head in astonishment. "I had no idea he knew someone this beautiful." His eyes roved over her with open admiration before reaching for her hand and bringing it to his lips with a courtly grace.

“You, my lady, look absolutely mesmerizing,” he murmured. “Who is it that graces our door on this blessed morning?”

Her lips curled slightly. "I am Princess Emeriel, and I am looking for Lord Herod."

His grip slackened, dropping her hand fast as if it had grown spikes. "Our grand king’s female?Thatprincess?"

Emeriel laughed softly. "It is I."

Just then, a familiar laughter rang from within the house. “Emeriel...!”

Her heart soared as she spotted Lord Herod. She barely registered the wide grin on his face before she hurried past thestranger, closing the short distance and throwing herself into his arms.

His laughter was deeply rich as he lifted her effortlessly, twirling her once before setting her down.

Tears burned behind Emeriel's eyes from pure joy, and she bent into a graceful curtsy, despite the dizziness. "My lord, it is a pleasure to be in your presence again."

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