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

16

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.

belly, causing

the first wave

tear inside him. Clutching his abdomen, he sobbed in agony as the spasms continued. "By the gods..." Madam Livia's

hand gripped the floor tightly as he rode out the wave. Spasms after spasms racked his body. His private area

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Chapter 17

It wanted to rend Emeriel apart. O Light, I don't know if I can bear

71%

with you. I'm here." Madam Livia's hand rubbed soothingly

wave finally

GRAND LORD VLADYA

attired, prepared to venture to the festival grounds. He had been so engrossed in his duties, it was no surprise that he was running late.

beast had broken

the Gods, not tonight. The fortress was filled with festival-goers, and if the beast were to roam free, it would slaughter every last soul

steps, hastening from the western quarters toward the southern wings. His soldiers intercepted him halfway, clearly having heard the clamor as

broken free, your

he declared. "Two of you, locate the maids and instruct them to evacuate everyone from the southern wing. They must guide them outside the fortress and toward the festival grounds. Our foremost priority now is to vacate everyone from the fortress and prevent the beast

hear it too?" Ottai's voice rang out as he emerged from the eastern

is Morina?" Vladya asked as they met at the intersection. Together, they set off

festival grounds," Ottai said, relief all over his face. "We must ensure the beast remains within

enveloped them as they pressed on, exchanging no further words. "Do you think Zaiper was right?"

right, but about what specifically?" Vladya

drew a deep breath, his tone tinged with sorrow. "We gamble with our people's lives each day, Vladya. If the three of us

into the corridor that

best friend, so it is a difficult decision to make," Ottai continued. "And Ukrae forbid we listen to Zaiper, but

fast approaching, and when that night arrives, Zaiper can do as he pleases-kill the beast or whatever the hades he desires. But until then, I will take no action," Vladya asserted vehemently. Ottai sighed, regarding him with

should not be surprised by my response, I have

do I judge you for

past

five hundred years."

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Chapter 17