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

Chapter 386: As though they were more precious than his favorite son.

Or, perhaps, they carried some deadly, contagious disease.

Aekeira was more inclined to believe the latter.

King Orestus's protectiveness seemed less like the doting care of a guardian and more like the calculated caution of a man harboring secrets. But what could it be? What was driving him to shield them so fiercely?

Not that Daviel had taken his father's command to heart. If anything, his pursuit had tripled since then. Only more discreetly, slipping through the shadows and around corners to find moments with Emeriel.

Her mind came back to the present. Just how long before the people went defiant and rebelled because "they were not fulfilling their roles in society?"

It worried Aekeira more than she cared to admit.

Sliding the needle through the linen, Aekeira pulled carefully until the thread emerged from the other side.

Embroidering had always been her peace. A calming ritual that helped steady her thoughts. After a long day of tending to the gardens, she needed this quiet moment to work on the needlework she'd been piecing together for weeks.

How is he? Is he doing alright?

Her hand stilled.

A familiar rush of longing blasted her, threatening to pull her under.

Deep breaths. Take deep breaths. She closed her eyes, fighting to steady herself.

"Are you alright, my princess?"

Aekeira blinked, opening her eyes to clear the blur of unshed tears.

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Otto stood before her, gazing at her with concern.

"I'm fine," Aekeira forced a smile for the older man.

Otto had cared for them when they were children, having served as their mother's personal servant. After their parents' deaths, he had been dismissed, leaving Aekeira and Emeriel to fend for themselves. King Orestus had never provided them with servants, guards, or much of anything.

It had been… surprising, to say the least, when, upon their return, the king not only reinstated Otto but also assigned troops of bodyguards to protect them.

"Are you sure?" Otto pressed.

"Yes." Aekeira took a shuddering breath. "Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry, Otto. It's nothing."

He still looked skeptical, his eyes searching hers for the truth. His concern was genuine, a kindness that made Aekeira ache for the simpler days of their childhood.

Unlike King Orestus, whose motives were a mystery, Otto's care was real. He had been there the night they were born, tending to their mother in one of the hidden underground rooms. Since their return, he had become their silent protector, always fretting over them… especially since they refused to speak of Urai.

"Really, I'm fine," Aekeira reassured him once more.

"Your sister hasn't been in her chamber all day." Otto shifted uncomfortably. "The hunting party returned hours ago, but she hasn't been seen since."

Case in point.

Aekeira sighed, placing her needlework carefully on the table before standing. He does have a point, though. She hadn't seen Emeriel since her abrupt dismissal from court earlier that day.

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