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

Chapter 694: Emeriel sat beside her, looking worried.

"Why are you crying, Keira?"

"Am I?" Lifting a hand to her cheek, Aekeira touched the wetness, which surprised her.

"Is this about the lantern? Very well, you may go-" "No, no," Aekeira shook her head, looking at her palm resting over her flat stomach.

"It's just… I was thinking about everything that has happened. How much has changed for me… for the better."

Emeriel let out a visible sigh of relief.

"Thank the gods. Now, you do not wish to ruin your makeup, do you?" She wiped at Aekeira's cheeks with the pad of her thumb.

"Stop crying. I know you want to be beautiful for Lord Vladya tonight."

Aekeira sniffled.

"I do."

"There you go." Emeriel smiled, brushing away the last traces of tears.

"You are so beautiful."

"It's kind of you to say, but I cannot put into words how stunning you look tonight."

Emeriel beamed, her eyes shining with delight.

"That is the spirit! Now let us-"

Her eyes widened, and she cupped a hand over her mouth. In the next instant, Emeriel hurried off to the adjoining room.

"Em?" Aekeira pushed to her feet too quickly, and dizziness crashed over her, forcing her to pause.

She gripped the table as the world spun around her, squeezing her eyes shut as she waited for it to pass. At least now, the dizzy spells did not last as long as before.

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Aekeira hurried after her sister, hearing the harsh retching as she neared the doorway.

"Em…"

"I'm fine, it's nothing," Emeriel rasped, another heave following.

Aekeira frowned.

"Are you sure? This is your third time today. Twice this morning, and now again."

"That damned porridge Madam Livia served earlier," Emeriel straightened, her face pale as she reached for a nearby basin and rinsed her mouth.

"I told you it was bitter and did not agree with me."

Aekeira folded her arms.

"It did taste bad, but I ate it too, remember?"

"That does not mean it was not the porridge." Emeriel waved her off.

"We may be sisters, but we are two different people, Keira."

"Right." She bit the inside of her cheek, unconvinced but not pressing further.

"Anyway, I will wait here while you go fetch our lanterns."

Wiping her damp hands on a cloth, Emeriel looked exhausted already, even though the night hadn't started, but that familiar stubborn light shone in her eyes.

"Certainly. I shall return shortly."

PRINCESS EMERIEL

The sisters stepped out into the cool night, their lanterns glowing softly in their hands.

The sky above them was ablaze with drifting lights, the scent of roasted meats and sweet festival wines heavy in the air. Laughter and music came from the distance, weaving through the murmur of gathered crowds. A gentle breeze stirred the silk of their gowns, crisp and refreshing against their skin.

Everywhere, Urai was alive with celebration.

What Emeriel loved most about the Lantern Festival was the joy the air gathered. The thrill of dancing figures, the laughter of younglings. The way humans and Urekai mingled without division. The slaves moved freely, happy as they released their lanterns into the sky.

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