Page 33 of The Princess In A 'Prince' Disguise

But he would do anything to protect Aekeira. Seeing her so defeated, he couldn't bear to witness her suffering.

"Please, Kiera, let me go. I want to protect you," Emeriel pleaded, tears welling in his eyes. His lower lip quivered with emotion.

Aekeira shook her head, and this time, she drew Emeriel into her embrace. Emeriel clung to her, burying his face to her neck as tears streamed down his face.

"For once in our lives, allow me to protect you, Keira," Emeriel pleaded.

Aekeira stepped back, cupping his cheeks. She offered a watery smile. "I am the elder one here. It is my duty to protect you."

Emeriel wanted desperately to continue arguing, but determination returned to Aekeira's eyes. His sister would never back down.

"Okay," Emeriel nodded at last, conceding.

Aekeira nodded as well, her smile growing wider. "Very well. That's my brave sister," she said, planting a kiss on Emeriel'sforehead. "Now, please leave before Madam Livia returns. She stepped away briefly to use the chamber pot in the closest restroom."

"Allow me to escort you to the door," Emeriel insisted.

Aekeira appeared on the verge of protest, but Emeriel gently took her hand and guided her forward. Eventually, Aekeira gave in, letting him to lead the way.

Although Aekeira tried to appear composed, her hand trembled in Emeriel's grasp, and her shoulders tense.She’s terrified.

New tears welled in Emeriel's eyes, but he quickly blinked them away. If Aekeira had to bear this horrific torment once again, the least he could do was be strong for her.

They stopped at the metal gates. Emeriel turned to Aekeira. "I will remain here waiting for you, dear sister—"

A low rumble emanated from behind the door.

Emeriel's eyes widened. The growl was so scary he felt an overwhelming urge to flee. To run and never look back.

Even Aekeira's eyes bulged. Yet, instead of running, she clutched his hands tightly. "Run, Em. Escape from this place. Leave the southern wings altogether! Go!"

"Let's go together!" Emeriel tried again, desperately.

"What in Tartarus are you two doing!?" Madam Livia barked at them, coming into view. "Come here this instant, Emeriel!"

Emeriel desperately wanted to protest. He opened his mouth...

"Right. This. Instant." Madam Livia punctuated her words with anger.

Another growl pierced the air, even more thunderous than the first.

Swallowing hard, Emeriel reluctantly released Aekeira's hand. He walked away toward the head maid.

"Enter, Aekeira. Emeriel, come with me." Madam Livia marched off, leaving him to follow.

Emeriel complied and followed.

But a part of him—the same instinctual part that urged him to run and never look back—screamed at him to stay.

With every step he took away, his skin prickled, and a sensation akin to needles spread through his body.

Stay, stay, stay!

Aekeira entered the forbidden chambers through the narrow gate at the side of the even larger gate. It was small and slim, the Urekai probably made it that way so they could enter in their male forms without opening the main gate.

She stood frozen like a mouse ensnared in a trap, her heart pounding as the towering beast loomed above her. Its menacing growls reverberated through the air, filling the room with an ominous presence.

Tonight, the feral king seemed even more restless than it had been the other night.

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