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

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Chapter 17

EMERIEL

"What in the sky were you thinking, Emeriel!?" Madam Livia scelled yet again. They had returned to Ackeira's chambers.

"Shouldn't you be in the festival grounds, serving drinks? What were you doing here? Do you always wish to be whipped!? Why do you disobey direct orders?" The older woman's voice brimmed with anger.

Emeriel ignored the prickling sensation in his arm and lowered his head respectfully. "I apologize, Madam Livia. I am aware you specifically instructed me not to see Ackeira, but I could not resist. I needed to see her, to ensure she was safe."

"Do you think it was my idea? Grand Lord Vladya issued that order himself. You do not want to test that male, Emeriel. He would devour you for breakfast and cast you into a lion's den if he so wished. That is the kind of male he is." The older woman huffed. "What were you thinking?"

That was the point. Emeriel was not thinking.

The truth is, he did not regret searching for his sister. Even if Lord Vladya punished him, he still would not regret it.

Absentmindedly, Emeriel scratched his arms, saying nothing.

Madam Livia took a deep breath. "Now go and dress up in your festival uniform. We must proceed to the festival grounds. That is the only favor I can grant you. But if anyone notices you were not there on time and reports it to Lord Vladya, I will not help you evade punishment."

It was more than Emeriel could ask for. "I understand. Thank you, Madam Livia."

As he turned to leave, he scratched his arms again, trying to alleviate the itching. The room felt stiflingly hot. Perhaps he could find some fresh air-

Then, it dawned on him.

No.

The hotness, the itching. The familiar burn in his lower body.

Heat. He was about to go into heat again.

"No, no, no," Emeriel cried out in horror, eyes widening like saucers. He took two steps back, away from Madam Livia. The older woman appeared bewildered. "What is it, Emeriel?"

"No, by the lights, no. Not again." It seemed like just as he had identified the problem, the heat intensified.

sensation focused on his lower belly, causing it to ache intensely.

the first

would tear inside him. Clutching his abdomen, he sobbed in agony as

streamed down his cheeks. One hand gripped the floor tightly as he rode out the wave. Spasms after

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Chapter 17

wanted to rend Emeriel apart. O Light, I don't know

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Madam Livia's hand rubbed soothingly

wave finally

GRAND LORD VLADYA

had been so engrossed in his duties, it was no surprise that he was running late. As he stepped

beast had broken free once

was filled with festival-goers, and if the beast were

toward the southern wings. His soldiers intercepted him halfway, clearly having heard the

king's beast has broken free, your majesty." Yaz, his

of you, locate the maids and instruct them to evacuate everyone from the southern wing. They must guide them outside the

too?" Ottai's voice rang out as he emerged

the intersection. Together, they set off along the

festival grounds," Ottai said, relief all over his face. "We

they pressed on, exchanging no further

is never right, but about what

with our people's lives each day, Vladya.

silent as they veered into the corridor that

Ottai continued. "And Ukrae forbid we listen to Zaiper, but I believe

when that night arrives, Zaiper can do as he pleases-kill the beast or whatever the hades he desires. But until then, I will

response,

neither do I judge you for

past

five hundred years."

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Chapter 17