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

Chapter 602: At the sight of Emeriel sitting up, Aekeira froze. Her eyes widened in shock. The basket slipped from her hands, the herbs spilling across the floor.

"Em! You're awake!" she cried, her voice breaking as a wild smile split her lips. Before Emeriel could say a word, Aekeira ran to the bed, hopping onto it and pulling her into a tight hug.

"Oh, thank the gods! Thank the lights! You are awake!" she sobbed, clutching Emeriel tightly as though afraid she might vanish if she let go. "Thank you! Thank you!"

"Keira…" Her voice came out raspy. The sound surprised her, but it was a good thing. She hadn't regained her voice during the previous brief moments she had woken. "Yes, it's me!" Aekeira's sobs grew louder, trembling with relief.

Emeriel's heart ached as she hugged her sister back, though her arms felt weak. "How long has it been?" she asked softly, her throat still raw.

"Nine days," Aekeira pulled back slightly to look at her, tears streaming down her face. "Nine days, Em. For nine days, you were in pain. You were fighting for your life, you were…" A shudder ran through her, and she sniffled, wiping at her eyes. "Don't ever do something like that again! Please!"

Guilt gripped Emeriel's chest. "I'm sorry."

Neither spoke for a while, only Aekeira's occasional sniffles surrounding them. Eventually, her sister pulled herself together and climbed off the bed, returning to the basket she had dropped. "These are for you. It helps you get better." Crouching down, Aekeira gathered the scattered herbs before setting them neatly on the bedside table.

L????tєѕτ ϲh????ρτєrs ιn g????l????ovєl????.????оm

The next few hours passed in a flurry of activity.

The healers came in to administer their routine treatments and examined her closely. Madam Livia arrived shortly after, with Amie trailing close behind. Both women were overjoyed to see Emeriel sitting up. The head maid had a gentle smile, and Amie openly wept.

Emeriel had to hug the girl in consolation. She always had a soft spot for Amie. They helped her eat, the warm broth soothing her sore throat.

Aekeira assisted her with a bath, carefully helping her freshen up and change into clean clothes. The simple act of being clean and groomed made Emeriel feel more alive.

By the afternoon, the chamber was busy with visitors. Lord Vladya and Lord Ottai arrived together to see her. Emeriel could see the relief in their eyes as they looked at her, mingled with the lingering shadow of worry.

"It's good to see you looking better," Lord Ottai said in a sincere, relieved tone.

Emeriel offered him a faint smile. "Thank you."

While Lord Ottai remained by her bedside, Lord Vladya stood a little farther back, his eyes flickering between Emeriel and Aekeira.

Emeriel noticed how her sister refused to meet his eyes. Her stiff posture. Whenever they passed too close to one another, Aekeira would subtly shift, moving to avoid him.

Oh yes, there was tension there.

.

.

.