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

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.”

heart fluttered, an

Aekeira’s voice was gentle, but Emeriel stared blankly ahead,

“Em…”

terrified to,”

looked at her, pity

hear him, to know what he has to say,” Emeriel confessed aloud for the first time. “But I’m terrified out of my mind, Aekeira.” Her eyes 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 just being friendly, with no plans for a future between us?” Another tight swallow. “What if he’s doing all this because he feels he owes me

tales on

ifs,’ my darling sister,” Aekeira

the nearly healed wound. “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 much for him. If I let those feelings out again, and he

“Oh, Em…”

call me

isn’t truly living, Em,” Aekeira said, ignoring her disapproval. “Yes, those protective walls shield you from pain, from all the harshness of the