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

awaited their punishment. Surprisingly, the slave master ignored them,

with Grand Lord Vladya. Tears streamed down her

chamber?" she queried, a lingering sniffle betraying her tears. Her wild

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 than anything he could do to

be so sure?" she asked, her voice small,

Emeriel gently cupped her cheek, his gaze- searching hers. "Look into my eyes, Aekeira. You will see the truth. I want to do this, not just to save you, but because...something within me knows

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

Aekeira. She became happier, radiating

than his sister ever acknowledged, and the thought that he'd lifted that burden from her shoulders filled

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Chapter 74

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

once yelled at him to leave. hurled threats, and 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 from the ground as

next, it had Emeriel pinned to the wall. Its swift movement no longer frightened Emeriel as it would have before.

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 bite? Would the beast finally drain him dry as the

had bloodfed days ago, so the fear eased, and he

feast-slabs of raw meat and steaming bowls of offal-the beast devoured them with

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

he was

was an illusion. Emeriel found himself