Chapter 497:

“I don’t think this is about the bond anymore,” Aekeira said, looking both certain and amazed. “I think he genuinely cares about you. He took the poison into himself, bore the pain for days. The antidote only arrived yesterday.” Shaking her head, she added, “You would have died.”

Emeriel’s mind was spinning. She couldn’t comprehend the depth of his sacrifice, or why he would do it for her—especially when he wasn’t fully recovered from his illness.

Emeriel swallowed the tight knot in her throat. “Do they know who was responsible?”

“His bloodhost,” Aekeira’s eyes turned fierce. “That damned mistress. I don’t know why she hates you so much.”

Of course. Why am I not surprised?

Emeriel’s eyes narrowed. “That foolish woman.”

“The grand king investigated it himself.” Her sister’s expression softened. “When no one else could find a clue, somehow, he did. He nearly lost his mind that night… all because of you.”

fluttered, an

up with him?” Aekeira’s voice was gentle,

“Em…”

terrified to,”

sister looked at her, pity visible in

traced the uneven, faded lines of dirt marring the wall. “What if he says the wrong thing? What if it’s pity, or he’s only trying to ease his guilt? What if he’s

tales on

my darling sister,”

“What if he does say the right things?” Her voice was filled with trepidation. “I’m terrified to walk the path of love again, Aekeira. I’ve been there, and it’s heart-wrenching. I feel too

“Oh, Em…”

call me that,” she

Em,” Aekeira said, ignoring her disapproval. “Yes, those protective walls shield you from pain, from all the harshness of the world, but they

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