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

Captive Slave 195

Chapter 195 Chapter

195

"But they are of marriageable age," another one protested. "Well past it, actually. If they will not serve in the traditional ways, then they should at least marry. They could bring happiness to some of our males-"

"I will not condone this discussion in my court again," the king hissed, his patience visibly thinning. "I am the king, and I make these decisions. Until I devise a solution, no one-none-is to bring up this conversation about the princesses ever again. Do I make myself clear?" They straightened immediately, bowing deeply. "Yes, Your Highness." Voices rose in unison.

Aekeira released a slow breath. It will be brought up again, she knew. If not tomorrow, then in another six months, yet again. Because the truth was, everyone truly was talking about it.

Since returning to Navia, Aekeira had once again been reminded of the curse that plagued humans. Scarcity of females.

The way these vultures eyed them, hungry for the prospect of more women in their midst, was a constant reminder of how much they wanted her and Emeriel either in the brothels or breeding houses. And yet, she couldn't quite believe how safe they had been since their return, thanks to King Orestus.

The same king who had once pawned them off to the highest bidder now stood as their biggest protector. Ironic, really.

He had provided them with bodyguards who took their roles seriously, making sure no harm came to them. Aekeira's heart alternated between grateful and suspicious.

There had to be a catch. A motive.

Men like King Orestus did not change overnight.

The problem was, she had no idea what his motive could be.

Her greatest worry upon their return had been Emeriel's punishment for her years of deceit. Yet, two years along the path, King Orestus never once brought it up. Not in public, not in private.

He treated them both as if a change of that magnitude hadn't occured. As though Emeriel hadn't suddenly transformed from a boy into a girl.

The kingdom, however, was a different matter. The court was in tumult, the city in uproar. And for two years, King Orestus turned a blind eye.

Even his son, the crowned prince, had taken notice, developing a strong interest in Emeriel's gender revelation.

feelings for her, but he had also been relentless in his pursuit. Using charm to mask an iron-willed determination to have Emeriel that, at times, unsettled Aekeira. Was this why King Orestus protected them so fiercely? Aekeira had once asked herself.

quickly fell apart when the king discovered

a fit of rage, but also forbidden Prince Daviel from getting close

more precious than

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Chapter 195

carried some deadly,

inclined

Orestus's protectiveness seemed less like the doting care of a guardian and more like the

driving him to shield them

command to heart. If anything, his chase had tripled since then. Only more discreet, slipping through the shadows and around corners to

present. Just how long before the people went defiant and rebelled because 'they were not fulfilling their roles

more than she

carefully until the thread emerged from the

A calming ritual that helped steady her thoughts. After a long day of tending to the gardens, she needed this quiet

Is he doing alright?

Her hand stilled.

familiar, crash of longing blasted her, threatening

She closed her eyes, fighting to

you alright, my

of unshed

Aekeira forced a smile to the older

their mother's personal servant. After their parents' deaths, he had been dismissed, leaving Aekeira and Emeriel to fend for themselves. King Orestus

when, upon their return, the king

you sure?"

took a shuddering breath. "Yes, I'm fine. Worry not, Otto.

eyes searching hers for the truth. His concern was genuine, a kindness that made Aekeira ache for the simpler

were a mystery, Otto's care was real. He had been

13)