Page 2 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Another minister rose, looking stern. "Your Highness, you cannot let such insolence go unpunished. She insulted not just one of us, butallof us. Such defiance must be met with consequences."

Emeriel didn’t flinch, her cold eyes locked on the vultures of court.

Times like this, Aekeira found it difficult to reconcile this Emeriel with the sister she once knew.Who was this angry bull of a stranger facing off the court?

Over the years, Emeriel had… changed.

Aekeira had seen each gradual shift, witnessed every small difference until the change was complete. Now, Em was warm with only one person, Aekeira herself.

With everyone else, she was either frigid or burning with anger. Her defenses were constantly up, and the caring, compassionate Emeriel was long gone.

This Emeriel didn’t care about others’ feelings. She spoke her mind with no regard for the fallout, daring anyone to challenge her. It was almost as if shewantedto be punished.

Like now.

No one, absolutely no one, mouthed off to the ministers. Others who had dared were either banished or executed.

They were known as theMinisters of Doomfor a reason,just as King Orestus was known as theTyrant King.

"We cannot condone such an act," a minister sneered. "We demand punishment—"

Emeriel scoffed, crossing her arms. "A bunch of scums hiding under the veil of power—"

"Em…!" Aekeira hissed, fear prickling through her.Stop before you go too far!

"That's enough," King Orestus snapped. "Leave the court, Emeriel."

Emeriel looked ready to defy him, her jaw set, eyesburning. But then her gaze met Aekeira’s.

Something in Aekeira's eyes seemed to reach through the fury. Was it the fear, the concern, or her pleas? She had no idea, but some of the anger seeped out of her sister, her shoulders deflating.

Without another word, Emeriel whirled around and stormed out.Thank the gods.

King Orestus faced his ministers. "As I have said before, this matter is not up for discussion. The princesses were my brother’s children. Now, they aremine.They will not be treated in such a manner."

His gaze swept across the court. "Aekeira has transformed the gardens and plantations. Thanks to her, we’ve had bountiful harvests over the years. The overseer of agriculture will bear witness to that. Isn’t that right, Minister Edward?"

The minister flushed, clearing his throat. "V-very correct, Your Majesty."

"And Emeriel has returned to the soldiers, training and hunting. She is exceptional at that, having taken down more men in battle than most of our warriors. Many of you have witnessed her skills firsthand, haven’t you, Minister of Military Affairs?"

Minister Jacques shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet the king's eyes. He gave a stiff nod.

King Orestus clucked his tongue. "Just because they do not part their thighs for men and breed children doesn’t mean they do not serve this kingdom. Do you hear me?"

"But they are of marriageable age," another protested. "Well past it, actually. If they will not serve in the traditional ways, then they should at least marry. They could bring happiness to some of our males—"

"I willnotcondone this discussion in my court again," the king hissed, his patience visibly thinning. "I am the king, andImake these decisions. Until I devise a solution, no one—no one—is to bring up this conversation about the princesses ever again. Do I make myself clear?"

Everyone straightened immediately, bowing deeply. "Yes, Your Highness."

Aekeira released a slow breath.It will be brought up again. If not tomorrow, then in another six months, yet again. Because the truth was, everyone truly was talking about it.

Since returning to Navia, Aekeira had been reminded of the curse plaguing humans. Scarcity of females.

The way these vultures eyed them, hungry for the prospect of more women in their midst, was a constant reminder of how much they wanted her and Emeriel in the brothels or breeding houses. And yet, she couldn’t quite believe how safe they had been since their return, thanks to King Orestus.

The same king who had once pawned them off to the highest bidder now stood as their biggest protector. Ironic, really.

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