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

Surprisingly, the slave master ignored them, leaving Emeriel utterly bewildered, and

with Grand Lord Vladya. Tears streamed down her face, hot and unchecked, as

you in the neighboring chamber?" she queried, a lingering sniffle betraying her tears. Her wild smile held a flicker of uncertainty beneath its joy. Emeriel embraced her, nodding

forbidden chambers?" Her smile 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 him would bring you far worse harm

you be so sure?" she asked, her voice

me, yet he has not. It is not mere luck," Emeriel gently cupped her cheek, his gaze- searching hers. "Look into my eyes, Aekeira. You

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

change in Aekeira. She

his sister ever acknowledged, and the thought that he'd lifted

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his beast. And yes, sometimes, Emeriel could not help but refer to the beast as 'mine, especially

shoved, him now cleared his path. Emeriel would never openly acknowledge the trickle of satisfaction it brought him He entered through the small gate and door, and the beast uncurled itself

to the wall. Its swift movement no longer frightened Emeriel as it would have before. Instead, he willingly bared his throat to the

licked his throat, its rough tongue leaving trail of

bloodfed days ago, so the fear eased, and he

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

gaze sent shivers down Emeriel's spine. Made him feel like a rabbit trapped befor the wrong food, Emeriel was the one he

if he was eating

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