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

Chapter 293: He caught her scent before he saw her.

A low growl reverberated in Vladya's throat as the sweetness wafted through the air, capturing his senses. There Aekeira stood, a slave master berating her. The warm feeling that had ignited in his cold heart that night in the woods resurfaced, spreading through him.

"Have you no sense, you foolish human?" the master barked, his voice sharp as a winter wind. "How dare you sit in a corner resting when there is still so much work to be done?"

Aekeira bowed humbly, her voice respectful. "I have completed my morning duties, Master Tyke. I merely took a moment to-" "To do what?" he sneered, his eyes raking over her with open contempt. "Have you grown weary? Are your delicate fingers sore? There is still so much to be done in the scullery. The flagons are streaked with grime, the platters still bear the remnants of yesterday's feast. Do you expect me to attend to them?"

"But there are others assigned to-"

"Silence!" Tyke thundered. "Worthless human! I order you to enter and scrub those dishes until they gleam brighter than a knight's armor. Is that understood?"

"Aekeira," Vladya called.

She and the slave master jolted, whirling around in surprise.

Vladya crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze fixed on Aekeira.

She scanned his body thoroughly, drinking in the sight of him as if checking for injuries. Her eyes filled with unshed tears as they met his. Relief visibly washed over her face.

She had noticed your absence. She was concerned for your well-being. And now, she is relieved to see you unharmed.

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Vladya's first instinct was to dismiss the notion. Impossible! A human concerned for me? Preposterous. But as he gazed into those wide, expressive eyes, he could not deny the sincerity etched on her face. She cares.

Aekeira really cares.

Why, he had no idea. But he found himself believing it.

AEKERIA

When she heard his voice-a sound so deeply familiar and comforting-Aekeira could not suppress the surge of emotions that flooded her. Her heart raced, and butterflies erupted in her stomach, a tumult of excitement and relief crashing over her.

She rushed toward him. "Your Highness." Her hands fluttered over him, touching his chest, belly, and shoulders in a flurry of worried motions. "Are you alright, my lord? Are you hurt? Did something happen?" Aekeira scanned him for any sign of injury.

Then, she froze, her hands stilling on his body.

What in Tartarus had possessed her to touch him in such a manner without his permission? And in public, no less. His body stiffened under her touch.

Aekeira's hand recoiled as if burned, her eyes darting around in sudden panic. The expressions on the faces surrounding them-slave masters, Urekai maids, and human slaves alike-ranged from shock to outright horror. Even slave master Tyke, with his usually sneering face, stared at her as though she'd sprouted a second head.

"I-I'm sorry, Your Highness," Aekeira choked out, her head bowed, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Shame rained over her, and her heart raced with embarrassment and confusion. "I didn't mean to… I was just worried."

Since when do I make rash decisions concerning the well-being of anyone but Em? she thought despairingly. Why, oh why would I do this?

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