Page 100 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

Emeriel's head snapped up. "What?"

"Our women have a theory. If the last discharge is particularly painful, it's because your body wanted to hold onto that last release, and the discharge ends up fighting to be released. Like a prisoner struggling to escape a soldier's grasp."

"I didn't c-conceive?"

He shook his head, his expression sympathetic.

"It's okay. I never r-really thought about it until now." Emeriel laid her head back on his chest, hiding the tears streaming down her cheeks.

It was true, she had never given pregnancy any thought.

But why did the news that she wasn't carrying the grand king's child hurt more than the physical pain in her abdomen? Like a crushing weight pressed on her chest, making it hard tobreathe.

"Em..." Lord Herod sighed, his all-too-seeing eyes staring at her. "Do not torture yourself. Do not do that to yourself, little princess."

A sob tore from her throat, then another. Soon, Emeriel was weeping uncontrollably.

Lord Herod held her, offering comfort, murmuring soothing words as she cried and trembled in his arms.

When the pain surged again, Emeriel squeezed her eyes shut.Maybe if she fought alongside her body, the final discharge wouldn't happen, right?

Bracing herself, Emeriel squeezed her thighs together, clenching her muscles, sohard,herbody shook violently, teeth chattering.

"Ukrae, stop that. Emeriel, let it out," Lord Herod scolded, giving her a gentle shake. "Emeriel, let it out, damn it."

But she held firm, her fingers digging into his skin, drawing blood. When the pain finally receded, she collapsed against him, utterly drained.

"How can someone so small, so young, be so stubborn?" he asked, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

"I-I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"Don't apologize. I understand. Vera used to do it too. But your willpower alone cannot force a conception, young one. Our kind simply doesn't bear offspring as easily as other species. You have to accept that now; it will make things easier for you in the future."

I wish I carried his child.

Emeriel sniffled, keeping her face buried in his chest. "Thank you for being here, My Lord. I know I've inconvenienced you—"

The hand stroking her back paused. "Don't even start with that. Friends don't inconvenience each other."

"How can I ever repay you for all this?" she asked, her voice small.

Lord Herod sighed, as if she were a lost cause, and he was tired of the conversation. He resumed gently running his hand along her back.

When the suffocating pain returned, Emeriel whimpered and stiffened.

He pulled her back slightly, locking eyes with her. "Bear down, little princess."

With a trembling, aching heart, she did as he instructed, pushing with all her might. A gush of fluid left her body soaking his thighs, bringing immediate relief. "Oh..."

"Feel better now?" he asked softly.

"Yes," she breathed, feeling better than she had in days. But with the relief came exhaustion and dizziness.

"Time to sleep, princess." He lifted her with care, and gently laid her on the bed, then sat beside her, stroking her hair."You're a very strong girl, Emeriel. No wonder fate chose you to be a grand queen. You fought this battle and won. I am proud of you."

Wouldn't it be easier if this male were herSoulbond?

Wouldn't her life be less complicated if he were the one her heart longed for, the one her soul was tied to?

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