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

Chapter 267

Chapter 267

Emeriel cleared her throat. "Tell me about you and Lord Vladya. How is his... health?"

+13

Ackeira brushed her hair, the bristles gliding in gentle strokes from root to tip. "It's gotten much better. There are still days when things are hard-when his episodes are really bad. The voices in his head grow stronger, and his beast becomes ruthless. But we have learned to navigate those days together, better than before."

Her strokes faltered, the brush pausing mid-air as the light in her eyes dimmed. "Even so, those days, though rare, remind me of the inevitable... that he won't always be here."

Emeriel balled her hands into fists in her lap.

She wanted to rise, to wrap her sister in the kind of hug that could chase away the pain in her voice. But hesitation rooted her in place.

I haven't hugged her to comfort her in over two years. How do I start now?

Aekeira took a deep breath, her eyes clearing, the heavy misery leaving her. "But we won't let days like that rule our lives-or his."

The sadness ebbed from her voice as she resumed brushing. "He asked me to bond with him, and I said yes."

Emeriel's head snapped up.

She turned sharply, her wide eyes locking onto her sister. "You mean Lord Vladya asked you to be his mate? To perform the bonding ritual and everything?"

Aekeira gave an enthusiastic nod, smiling widely.

Emeriel stared, the weight of the revelation settling over her like a storm breaking on the horizon. She didn't know all the details of the bonding ritual, but Lord Vladya's history with it was infamous.

The idea that he was willing to give this relationship with Aekeira a true chance, to the point of committing to the ritual- was breathtaking. Incomprehensible.

No wonder my sister is so happy.

before Aekeira, she took her sister's hand in

so happy for you, Aekeira. It brings me immense joy to see you like this. You

would find happiness with a male who truly loves and cherishes you. A male who could put this kind of light in your eyes and smile on your face." Her lips curved into a tiny smile. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think

Vladya."

staring at their

that terrifying lord stood in Navia's court, holding your cheeks and examining you with such disgust. Certainly not in those first months after we arrived in Urai, when he looked at you with hatred so strong it was frightening. And definitely not the day he punished you in court-or later that night in

filled Aekeira's eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke. "We have come a long way, have we not?" Emeriel nodded, a bittersweet smile on her lips. "Truly, love is found in the most unexpected places. I'm so genuinely happy for you, Keira. If any male can take care of you and protect you, it's him. This

1/3

10:21 Mon, 24 Feb

Chapter 267

tear slipped down her cheek. "This. Us, together again. Me and you." Her voice broke in a whisper, "You, Em. Seeing you

heart grew too

her hugs and pulled Emeriel back into her arms. "Thank you for coming back to us.

so sorry I pushed you away, It's been so hard, staying all

changed. No more grieving, crying, or moping. I was relieved at least one of us was

head slowly, "No, Keira.

there is something." Ackeira suddenly looked determined.

nothing." Emeriel took a step back, the warmth fleeing, a chill spreading through

garment, her knuckles white. "Nothing

frustrated. "I have thought about it for years. Did the

talk about it," Emeriel's voice shook. Her body betrayed her as she trembled, the tremors impossible to hide. "Keira,

Aekeira's voice rose, her worry spilling over into anger. "You are

anguish. "Let it go. It's all in

I need to

"I lost

my

child!"

scream ripped from the depths of her soul. "I was

hurt too much. And because there was no more room for the pain, it was bursting

her.

too weak, and because of that, I lost my p- pregnancy!" The more she screamed, the