Page 151 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

They want us gone so badly they are willing to set us free for it.

"It h-hurts." Emeriel’s broken whisper made Aekeira's eyes water.

"I know, Em," Aekeira’s hand clenched into the fabric of her skirt. “I know.”

Being free was exhilarating, but at what cost?

Freedom, it seemed, came with its own kind of pain.

Standing at the gates of Ravenshadow with Emeriel, they gazed back at the towering castle that had been their home and doom for nearly a year. Its magnificent pillars stretched high, almost reaching the sky.

Aekeira noticed the glares from the Urekai people passing by, their hatred directed squarely at Emeriel. The strength of their disdain made her stomach churn.

If it weren’t for the protective troop of soldiers surrounding them, Em would surely have been attacked.

Moving toward the carriage, she asked Em. "Are you ready to go?"

Em did not respond immediately, her eyes lingering on the stone walls, tracing every corner of the fortress as if to carve it into memory.

Finally, she turned to Aekeira. "Yes, I’m ready."

Just as they were about to step in, a voice called out. "Wait!"

Both Aekeira and Emeriel paused, glancing toward the source. A female Urekai hurried toward them, and the troop parted to allow her through.

Aekeira raised an eyebrow. The soldiers had been ordered to block anyone from approaching them—friends or foes. She had seen them turn away Amie, Madam Livia, and others, but now they stepped aside with ease. The woman must be someone of importance.

A mistress or a lady of considerable rank, judging by her attire and the presence of soldiers behind her. She was a bit on the thick side, her face strikingly pretty, with an air of confidence that demanded attention. Aekeira hadn’t seen her before.

"Emeriel?" The woman glanced at Aekeira before her gaze settled on Emeriel.

Em stepped forward. "I am Emeriel."

The woman’s eyes lingered on Emeriel for a moment, studying her intently before she said. "I am Lady Morina."

Morina.Where had Aekeira heard that name before?

"The fourth ruler's bondmate." The female added.

Ah.

Aekeira inclined her head, and Emeriel followed suit. Grand Lord Ottai’s bondmate had barely left the eastern wings in recent years.

Aekeira knew they lost their only son. Could that be why Lady Morina had secluded herself in their domain?

The lady reached for Emeriel’s hand. "I know we were never acquainted, but I have heard so much about you—both of you. I wish we had more time to get to know each other. Unfortunately, over the years, I have barely left Mabblewood." Her eyes turned sad.

"I won’t take up much of your time," Morina reached into the folds of her gown, retrieving three small bottles. "Take this, Emeriel." She pressed the bottles into Emeriel’s hands.

Emeriel stared down at the bottles in confusion. "What…?"

“It’s a herbal mixture. These three bottles should last you anywhere from five to ten years."

"What’s it for?" She looked from the bottles to Lady Morina.

"You don’t need it, but I’d like you to have it anyway. I can’t imagine how difficult this must have been for you, being hisSoulbond. I wish he would see your departure for the horrible mistake it really is." Lady Morina took Aekeira’s hand, squeezing it too. "Both of your males are blind to what is right in front of them."

Aekeira felt a lump rising in her throat. Hades, she was going to cry again, wasn’t she?

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