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

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Chapter 74

EMERIEL

In the following two days, Emeriel was relocated to Blackstone and Lord VLadya departed on his journey. He was assigned to work in the gardens-a prospect that filled him with unexpected relief.

Emeriel had always envied the slaves who worked in the gardens drawn to the earthy scents and the quiet rhythm of tending to life. It had been one of his indulgences back in Navia a haven of peace amid a life of turmoil.

Emeriel couldn't be certain whether it was due to what had happened in court or if the slaves in Blackstone were simply different, but he noticed a change in the way he was treated.

The slave masters no longer bellowed at him, and his fellow slaves no longer sought reasons to harm him. Even the Urekai maids displayed a newfound respect. They observed him with curiosity as he moved about and generally stayed out of his way.

Aekeira began visiting more frequently as well Once she had finished her tasks, she would hasten to help Emeriel with his work.

Of course, they had to be discreet about it, as the slave masters frowned upon slaves aiding one

However, yesterday, while Aekeira balanced a brimming clay jug helping Emericl soak the thi master in charge of their duties caught them. Emeriel tensed, the watering can slipping from hu sprang upright, rigid as the dried stalks bordering the garden. another

flowerbeds, the slave

mb fingers, and they

punishment. Surprisingly, the slave master ignored them, leaving Emeriel utterly bewildered,

shared the news of her meeting with Grand Lord Vladya. Tears streamed down her face, hot

with you in the neighboring chamber?" she queried, a lingering sniffle betraying her tears. Her wild smile held a flicker

waned. "Em, I am not pleased with that. I do not want the beast mounting you." Emeriel held her tighter, his resolve hardening. "Better me than you, Keira. Serving

she asked,

cupped her cheek, his gaze- searching hers. "Look into my eyes, Aekeira.

eyes But a flicker of reluctant acceptance softened her features. She ceased her arguments, her small sigh

a change in Aekeira. She became happier, radiating with

acknowledged, and the thought that

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Chapter 74

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time Emeriel left Blackstone was at midnight. To feed his beast. And yes, sometimes, Emeriel could not help but

who had once yelled at him to leave. hurled threats, and shoved, him now cleared his path.

Its swift movement no longer frightened Emeriel as it would have before. Instead, he willingly bared

that filled Emeriel with warmth and an odd sense of happiness. Twice it licked his throat, its rough tongue leaving trail of heat. For a heart-stopping moment, a jolt of fear prickled Emeriel's spine. Would it

he remembered that the beast had bloodfed days ago, so the fear eased, and he

and steaming bowls of offal-the beast devoured them with guttural grunts. Its yellow eyes never left him, tracking

rabbit trapped befor the wrong food, Emeriel was the one he wanted to eat. As if he wanted to bend

if he was eating

the beast, not thinking about him was an illusion. Emeriel found himself thinking about the