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

Chapter 515: "Let's give it a try-the bonding ritual," Lord Vladya repeated, his voice cool. The world seemed to tilt beneath her feet. He wanted to bond with her…? To truly go through with it, against all odds?

"Breathe, young princess," he gently commanded.

Aekeira's breath shuddered out of her. Happiness, hope, and disbelief flooded her all at once. Slowly, she turned to face him, her wide, tear-filled eyes meeting his.

Even as she moved, he didn't let her go. He pulled back just enough to allow her some space, his strong arms still holding her protectively against his broad body. "But the odds…" Her heart hammered wildly as she searched his face. "…the odds aren't in our favor. What if-"

"Damn them all," he said, his tone steady. "The odds won't favor us tomorrow, nor in the future." His voice softened, and he added, "I'm still going mad, you're still an unaltered human, and I have no soul."

She lowered her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek.

"But," he continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper, "let's do it anyway."

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring as she stared up at his handsome face. Was this real? Was she dreaming?

"Y-you really want to?" she stammered hoarsely.

He gave a single, firm nod, his confidence radiating from him.

Suddenly, uncertainty flashed across his features. "Unless you don't want to-"

"I do," she replied quickly, breathless. "I really do."

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Relief touched his stormy gray eyes. "I will understand if you don't-"

"I love you." The words escaped her before she could even think to hold them back.

He blinked at her, stunned.

But Aekeira wouldn't take it back. She couldn't.

"I'm in love with you," she said, her cheeks flushing, her voice steadier now. "I have been for a long, long time. I want to bond with you, to be with you. I want to love you in every way I can, for as long as we have."

The soft breeze of the night filled the silence between them.

"Why?" he asked, his voice gruff.

Aekeira's gaze focused on the silver embroidery at his neckline.

"I would be lying if I said it did not cross my mind," she replied, her voice gentle but firm. "However, there's one question that troubles me. Why?" She hesitated for a moment, her voice growing softer, tinged with sadness. "Why do you love me?"

He looked confused, his rugged features filled with a mix of disbelief and pain. "I never gave you a reason to," he continued. "I was brutal to you. A monster. I forced myself on you repeatedly…" He cut off, looking away. "Why? Why would a lady like you love a male like me, Aekeira? It's downright baffling."

Aekeira shook her head, her voice growing more tender. "I don't have a logical reason for you."

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