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

Chapter 456: "Now, would you please let me go? I beg of you."

He slowly released her, his hands falling limply to his sides. Stepping back, she created a physical distance that mirrored the rift between them.

"Thank you, Your Grace." She stepped away, brushing off her clothes.

"I'm not going to give up," Daemonikai stated. "Not on you, not on us." She stopped dusting off her garment and gave him that look again-as if he'd sprouted a second head. Turning her back on him, she began to walk away.

"Emeriel…"

She stopped, her back to him. "I don't know what you want from me, but I can't give it." She took another deep breath. "I just… can't. Too little, too late, Your Grace. I have nothing left in me to give." Without another word, she walked away, not looking back.

PRINCESS AEKEIRA

"When will you go back home?" Aekeira asked.

Beside her, Lord Vladya's body went tense.

They were fishing by a secluded stream. Lord Vladya had caught several fish, while Aekeira hadn't managed to catch any-though she hadn't expected to. Emeriel had always been the expert in this, but Aekeira enjoyed the simplicity of the act with him.

"Not anytime soon," he replied, his voice noncommittal.

It had been three weeks since Aekeira had started visiting him regularly. She would arrive each morning and stay with him most of the day. Whenever she asked about his return to his people, she received the same answer.

She understood his hesitation. After what had happened, going back wasn't easy. But the people of Blackstone needed their lord.

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Every morning, Aekeira found baskets of fruit on her doorstep. The people knew where she went, and they approved.

She spent more time here than in the fortress. In truth, she practically lived here now, returning to her quarters only at night-except on the 'bad days,' when he went through dark episodes of feral madness. On those days, he would insist she leave.

"Another one," Lord Vladya's eyes brightened.

A subtle tug on his fishing line signaled a bite, and Aekeira smiled as he expertly reeled in a large, flapping fish. That was his fifth.

"Dinner, my lady, is going to be delicious."

"It certainly will be, my lord," she chuckled, her heart swelling.

Aekeira would never tire of having all his attention. Spending the entire day with him, soaking in the sight of him. It felt like one of her fairytales, where this male was all hers.

Moments like this made her wish the outside world wouldn't intrude.

Lord Vladya seemed more relaxed. Lighter.

Was she finally seeing glimpses of the male he used to be?

The thought warmed her from the inside. Over the past few weeks, she had felt happier than she had in years.

Back in the cave, after their satisfying meal, Lord Vladya had gone outside to gather firewood, intending to keep the cave warm. The evenings could get chilly. Left alone, Aekeira wandered to another part of the cavern. She discovered… a pool?

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