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.

once in our lives, allow me to protect you, Keira," Emeriel

smile. "I am

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."

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

to appear composed, her hand trembled in Emeriel's grasp, and her shoulders tense. She's terrified. New tears welled in Emeriel's

Sat, Dec

Chapter 16

the least he could do was be strong for

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

emanated

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

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instead of running, she clutched his hands tightly, "Run, Em. Escape from this

together!" Emeriel

Tartarus are you two doing!?"

them, coming into view. "Come

protest. He opened his

Livia punctuated her words with

air, even more

hand. He walked away toward the head

Madam Livia marched off, leaving him

Emeriel complied and followed.

look back-screamed at him to stay. With every step he took away, his skin prickled,

AEKIERA

side of the even larger gate. It was small and slim, the Urekai probably made it that way so they could enter in their human forms without opening the main gate. She stood frozen

seemed even more restless than it had been

on high alert. Aekeira held her breath,

its hand, she was dropped to another corner of the dark room, deliberately away from the door. Then, the beast turned its attention

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