That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King’s Slave Mate Novel

Chapter 147: "Slave master, I am afraid that I must interrupt," a cool female voice interjected.

Hope, fragile as a sparrow's wing, flickered within Aekeira. But as she turned, that hope withered. The woman was undeniably a wealthy lady, with her extravagant gown and jewels. She was also heavily pregnant.

A mistress, perhaps? Aekeira's stomach twisted.

Aekeira recalled her encounter with Mistress Sinai and knew well that appearances could be deceiving. Even the seemingly gentlest Urekai mistress could be far crueler than the slave masters. Was this retribution? Had she come to make her pay for being the cause of Mistress Sinai's punishment?

"I hope you don't mind if I borrow your slave?" the mistress added, her voice as smooth and polished as the gems at her throat.

The slave master, previously puffed with rage, deflated. The whip fell from his numb fingers. "Of course, Mistress," he stammered, bowing so low his greasy hair nearly brushed the dirt.

The mistress's gaze landed on Aekeira, heavy and appraising. "Come with me," she commanded, her tone brokering no argument. She turned, her swollen belly shifting beneath the elaborate fabric of her dress.

Aekeira straightened her tunic, the harsh material rough against her fear-slicked skin. She fell into step behind the mistress, her every sense strained. The mistress's maidservants trailed behind, their gazes sharp as needles. The silence stretched thick between them.

The silence between her and the mistress stretched, each unasked question tightening the knot in Aekeira's gut. Who was this woman? What did she want from her?

AEKEIRA

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The unknown mistress led Aekeira through the courtyard of the southern wings, then deeper into the western wings. With every step, Aekeira's dread deepened. Slaves and soldiers alike bowed low as they passed, whispers rustling in their wake. This woman held a palpable force that thrummed in the air around her. Finally, they stopped by the river, its gentle murmur a stark contrast to the tension crackling between them.

"I am Lady Merilyn," the woman declared, her voice clear and cool. "Bondmate to High Lord Henry, overseer of domestic affairs. And-" she paused, her lips curving into the barest hint of a smile. "I am the bloodhost to the third ruler of Urai."

Aekeira's eyes widened. "You are Grand Lord Vladya's bloodhost?" Now it all made sense-the deference this woman received. Not only was she the closest to a grand lord, but also the wife of a high lord of the court.

The mistress nodded. "And you are the human princess, Aekeira, am I correct?"

"Yes, Mistress," Aekeira confirmed, her voice small.

"I have been eager to meet you. My…condition has made navigating this vast fortress quite difficult." Her gaze swept over Aekeira, lingering in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. "You are remarkably beautiful for a human. Now I understand why Vlad is so… captivated." The last word hung in the air, heavy and strange. Aekeira blinked, utterly baffled. "Huh?" What did the mistress mean? Captivated?

"I have heard that Grand Lord Vladya has taken a particular interest in you. Is it true that he has claimed you?" The question, while not unexpected, felt like a hand closing around Aekeira's throat.

"Uhm… I don't under-"

"He mounts you, does he not?" The mistress's bluntness sliced through Aekeira's hesitation.

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