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

Chapter 298: He resumed walking, and Aekeira followed, her heart heavy. They crossed the meadows, then the sun-dappled trails winding through ancient woods, and finally, the vineyards heavy with ripening grapes. They walked into the courtyard, where Yaz and the other soldiers awaited them beside a carriage.

Lord Vladya stepped inside, leaving Aekeira in a quandary. Slaves did not ride in carriages, especially not alongside their masters.

Would she be expected to trudge behind the carriage on foot? The thought made her shudder.

"Get in." Lord Vladya closed his eyes, his voice carrying a hint of weariness. "Inside, wi-with you?"

"Get in, Aekeira." There was an uncharacteristic subtle softening in his tone.

Trying to mask her surprise-and the thrill shooting through her-Aekeira climbed into the carriage, settling beside him. The space was intimate, their bodies pressed close together.

"May I ask where we're going?"

"Don't worry. I'm not abducting you to bury your corpse in some unmarked grave."

That startled a laugh from her. And the grand lord's eyes opened, swiveling his head to stare at her face for a moment too long. Her smile faded under his intense gaze.

"Did you just make a joke?"

A frown creased his brows before he closed his eyes once more. "We're going to Merrilyn's. If I want to maintain a semblance of normalcy, I need to feed properly from my bloodhost."

Aekeira's stomach twisted in a knot, and an ugly feeling rose within her that she forcefully pushed aside. If feeding from his bloodhost helped keep the madness at bay, Aekeira would support it.

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The carriage rolled to a stop before a magnificent manor house nestled inside a luxurious estate. Servants lined the entrance, bowing deeply as Lord Vladya got out. They ushered him inside, Aekeira trailing behind.

"Master Henry is away, Your Highness," the steward informed him, "but Madame Merrilyn is in her chambers. Shall I inform her of your arrival?"

"I know she's indisposed, Bazo. I will go to her."

They followed the steward to a closed door, and she announced their presence, then stepped aside. Lord Vladya opened the door, and Aekeira walked behind him. Lady Merrilyn sat propped up in bed, a warm smile gracing her lips.

"My Lord."

"How are you feeling, Merry?"

"Well enough." Lady Merrilyn's gaze shifted to Aekeira with a flicker of curiosity. "I see you've brought company."

Aekeira inclined her head.

"How is the little one?" Lord Vladya asked.

The lady's face softened with radiant joy. "She's perfect." She raised her voice slightly. "Kadiri, bring my child."

The door opened, and an Urekai female, presumably the nursemaid, entered carrying a swaddled bundle. Only the infant's head was visible, a wisp of dark hair peeking out from the folds of linen.

Aekeira's heart swelled with pure love. She had always adored babies. It took every ounce of restraint not to reach out and beg to hold the child, even for a fleeting moment.

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