That Prince Is A Girl The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate by Kiss Leilani

15

Chapter 16

You should not be here, Em. Please, go away."

"And what are you doing here?" Emeriel countered, casting an apprehensive glance toward the imposing metal gates. "Come on, let's leave this place," he urged, taking hold of Aekeira's hand "No!" Ackeira jerked her hand away. "I need to be here. But you, Emeriel, you should not. Leave."

"What? No! You do not need to be here. No sane person should be here!" Emeriel seized her hand once more, this time his grip tightened. "Come on, Keira, please, let us go!"

"I can't, okay!?" Aekeira's voice cracked, tears falling, smearing her makeup.

She looked completely tired, as if burdened by the weight of the world. The sight pierced Emeriel's heart like a dagger.

His sister no longer tried to withdraw her hand; simply too weary to fight.

"I cannot leave, Em," she whispered tearfully. "If I do, it will be you who goes behind those closed doors."

Emeriel recoiled at the thought.

But he quickly recovered. "Fine, I will go to the forbidden chambers-"

"No, you cannot!" Aekeira stated vehemently, her eyes

wide. "Not you, Em. Never you, do you hear me. I will do it."

Emeriel did not want to enter that chamber, barricaded with metal rods, and face the most terrifying beast that lurked within, either. The mere idea frightened him to the core.

But he would do anything to protect Aekeira. Seeing her so defeated, he couldn't bear to witness her suffering.

"Please, Kiera, let me go. I want to protect you," Emeriel pleaded, tears welling in his eyes. His lower lip quivered with

emotion.

Aekeira shook her head, and this time, she drew Emeriel into her embrace. Emeriel clung to her, buring his face to her neck as tears streamed down his face.

allow me

back, cupping his cheeks. She offered a watery smile. "I am the elder

Aekeira's eyes.

at last, conceding.

Aekeira nodded as well

wider. "Very well. That's my brave sister," she said, planting a kiss on Emeriel's forehead. "Now, please leave before Madam Livia returns. She stepped away

appeared on the verge of protest, but Emeriel gently took her hand and guided her forward.

Aekeira tried to appear composed, her hand trembled in Emeriel's grasp, and her shoulders tense. She's terrified. New tears welled in Emeriel's eyes, but he quickly blinked

Sat, Dec

Chapter 16

least he could do

metal gates. Emeriel turned to Aekeira. "I will remain here waiting for

low rumble emanated

so scary he felt an overwhelming urge to flee. To run and never look

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running, she clutched his hands tightly,

Emeriel

are you two doing!?"

into view.

desperately wanted to protest.

Instant." Madam Livia punctuated her

growl pierced the air, even more

Emeriel reluctantly released Aekeira's hand. He walked away

Emeriel, come with me." Madam Livia marched off, leaving him

Emeriel complied and followed.

a part of him-the same instinctual part that urged him to run and never look back-screamed at him to stay. With every step he took away, his skin prickled, and a sensation akin to needles spread

AEKIERA

made it that way so they could enter in their human forms without opening the main gate. She stood frozen like a mouse ensnared in a trap, her heart pounding as the towering beast loomed above her. Its

the feral king seemed even more restless than it had been

on high alert. Aekeira held her breath, afraid the slightest movement would provoke

massive hand reached out, its claws pressing against her arms as it effortlessly lifted her off the ground. With a wave of its hand, she was dropped to another corner of the dark room, deliberately away from the door. Then, the

creature exerted an astonishing force, pushing against the sturdy oak door. With a resounding crash, the door yielded to its strength,