Page 95 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

"I'm afraid I don't understand—"

"Don't play coy with me!" He advanced menacingly. Aekeira stumbled back until her spine met the rough wall, trapping her. His eyes burned with rage, muscles tensed. "Lord Vladya despises your kind. He finds great joy in eradicating vermin like you. What did you do to earn his favor?"

Panic clawed at Aekeira's throat and she glanced at the door, longing for escape. "I swear, I've done nothing wrong."

"Liar!" he thundered, closing the distance, looming over her. His hand shot out, gripping her jaw tightly, forcing her to meet his stare.

"You're pretty, but so are half the women here. Your looks alone wouldn't fixate Lord Vladya. If it's not witchcraft, then what? Are you that skilled in bed? Is your cunt that enticing?"

Aekeira struggled, her jaw aching under his grip.

"Maybe I should find out myself, eh? See what all the fuss is about."

"Lord Vladya summoned me not long ago," Aekeira blurted. "I was just on my way to see him. If I'm late, he'll want to know why."

Tyke's grip tightened momentarily, before shoving her away in disgust. "Get out of my sight!"

She fled the shed without a second thought.

"You're Aekeira," the high lord of agriculture said, stepping into view.

Aekeira stood from the chair where she had been waiting and bowed respectfully. "Yes, My Lord."

"I've heard so much about you," he said with a warm smile. "I am High Lord Herod. I'm glad you could make it."

"Thank you, My Lord." Aekeira's gaze swept through her surroundings. “My Lord, if it's not too much trouble, I would like to see my sister."

The handsome lord nodded and turned. "Come with me."

Aekeira followed, navigating the luxurious space until they stopped at a door at the end of the hallway. The high lord faced her. "She's in recovery. A delicate state. Be gentle with her."

The door opened, and Aekeira entered to see Em on the bed, unclothed, a thick towel beneath her. Identical towels were stacked nearby—Aekeira counted ten—before her attention snapped back to Em.

Her sister made pained sounds, curled in a fetal position with her back to Aekeira. She hadn't reacted to the sound of the door.

Aekeira approached, heart aching. "Em..."

Em jerked, slowly unfurling to face her. Eyes fluttered open. "Keira?"

"It's me." Emotion thickened Aekeira's throat, and she leaned in, embracing her sister. "Em, I've missed you so much."

Em whimpered. "Don't touch me. Hurts."

"Sorry, sorry." Aekeira pulled away but remained close, worry etched on her face. "How do you feel? You look ill."

"Just very tired." Em’s face contorted in discomfort. She parted her legs slightly letting out a long, pained moan as a whitish fluid began to seep out from—

Aekeira's cheeks flushed.Oh.

Is that why Em's belly was swollen, like a woman newly with child?

Finally, Em slumped forward, the towel beneath her soaked. Concern far outweighed Aekeira's embarrassment. "Is it supposed to be like this?"

Em managed a weak nod.

"Do I need to change your towel?"

"Not yet." Em settled back onto the bed, her breath shallow.

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