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

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Chapter 24

"Where is he?" Lord Vladya asked, quickening his pace as he descended the stairs.

"He is at the sixth square, Your Highness," replied Yaz, his head soldier, keeping stride. "The people have gathered there. It is quite a crowd."

Lord Vladya clenched his teeth, striding forward with purpose. Servants and maids scrambled out of his way as soon as they saw him.

Turning a corner, his sharp eyes caught sight of Lord Ottai approaching from the opposite direction with his own group of soldiers. The grim expression on Ottai's face mirrored Vladya's Zaiper has gathered the people at the square," Ottai announced as they drew closer, his tone edged with frustration. "He is informing them about the beast's escape last night."

"So I have heard," Vladya stated, his voice clipped. "This must be stopped."

"What is wrong with Zaiper? This is a matter for the court, not the public." Ottai's brow furrowed. "Why would he do such a thing?"

"It is clear he is trying to gain more support."

The two walked together toward the square. Lord Vladya shook his head. "Lately, he has grown desperate for the throne."

When they reached the sixth square, a large crowd had already formed. Their heightened senses allowed them to hear Zaiper's voice as they approached.

"We cannot keep living in fear. The beast will continue to break free, and more innocent people will be harmed," Zaiper's voice boomed, holding the crowd's attention. "We all loved the grand king. For thousands of years, he was our greatest ruler -the finest the Urekai have ever had."

"Yes! Long live the grand king!" someone in the crowd shouted.

A chorus of voices echoed, "Long live the grand king!" three times

Zaiper's jaw tensed, his eyes darkening with anger, but he masked it well, flashing his practiced smile.

he said smoothly. "We all cared for our grand king, without question. That is why this tragedy is so painful. None of us would wish the fate of going feral on anyone, even our enemies. The grand king's mind has been lost for five

the rest of us rulers work tirelessly to protect you from the beast. But we cannot always succeed, for the beast is stronger than most of our defenses," Zaiper continued, his voice carrying through the square. "As

but their affection for the grand king even

grand king who had ruled with kindness and brought peace to their lands. The same Urekai who despised and hunted all ferals preferred their grand king

they stood

they would have to face

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Chapter 24

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Lord Zeper, Lord Otial Interjected, drawing all eyes as he stepped onto the podium. The people have the right to decide for themselves how they wish to

in agreement, inurmurs

Ottai. But how can they decide when they are kept in the dark? Most of them do not know that, ust last night during the festival, the beast escaped

what might have happened if we had been too late-or made a mistake-and the

widened in horror, and the murmurs turned to frightened hatter. Amidst the clamor, a few

"May Ukrae protect us."

"By the gods...!"

was at the festival. I

"This is a matter for the court. As Lord Zaiper mentioned, the beast was contained, and no harm came to anyone. He directed a pointed gaze at Zaiper. "Lord Zaiper should not stir fear among the people when the

people have a right to know when their lives are at risk,"

drew attention. "We would have all died that night if not for him. We are alive

"Yes!" the crowd shouted.

the woman

"Yes!" they chorused.

are not ready to

broke into uproarious cheers

Lord Vladya said nothing.

simply watched Zaiper spinning his web of

They weren't ready yet.