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

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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.

me to protect you, Keira," Emeriel

offered a watery smile. "I am the elder one here. It is my duty

continue arguing, but determination returned to Aekeira's eyes. His sister would never back down. "Okay," Emeriel

at last, conceding.

Aekeira nodded as well

said, planting a kiss on Emeriel's forehead. "Now, please leave before Madam Livia returns. She stepped away briefly to use the chamber pot in the closest restroom." "Allow me to escort you

gently took her hand and guided her forward. Eventually, Aekeira gave in, letting

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

Dec

Chapter 16

the least he could do was be strong for

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

low rumble emanated from behind

The growl was so scary he felt an overwhelming urge to

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running, she clutched his hands tightly, "Run, Em. Escape from this place. Leave the southern wings altogether!

together!" Emeriel

in Tartarus are you two doing!?"

barked at them, coming into view. "Come here

to protest. He opened

This. Instant." Madam Livia punctuated her

air, even more thunderous than the

Aekeira's hand. He walked away toward

Aekeira. Emeriel, come with me." Madam

Emeriel complied and followed.

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

AEKIERA

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

restless than it had

sniffed her cautiously, its predatory instincts on high alert. Aekeira held her breath, afraid the

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 beast turned its attention to the door.

as the creature exerted an astonishing force, pushing against the sturdy oak door. With a resounding crash, the