Chapter 108 Two Months Later What about this ? Ackeira asked , her knees bouncing with infectious excitement .
Emericl smiled warmly at her sister .
I think itll look stunning on you Ackeira clutched the dress to her chest , a delighted squeal escaping her lips .
Yessss ! This is the one ! Amie giggled , clutching her own chosen garment with equal enthusiasmu ..
They were gathered in Emeriels chamber , abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming Lantern Festival .
The entire fortress was brimming with an unusual air of merriment , a profound joy that had reached everyone even the slaves .
For the first time in living memory , there was a festival where slaves were not merely servants , but participants .
Instead of serving drinks , enduring humiliating introductions , and being mounted or whipped for fun , they were permitted to dress up and partake in the festivities alongside the Urekais I think I finally understand why these people were so lost without their grand king .
Amie said , her eyes sparkling with admiration .
He truly is a remarkable male .
Rumors say Grand Lord Zaiper and several others objected to allowing slaves to attend , but Grand King Daemonikai put his foot down .
He said , and I quote .
Amies hands went to her hips , her chin lifted as she deepened her voice in imitation .
They will attend the Lantern Festival .
Zaiper .
According to all Ive heard , they have not had a day to themselves in over five hundred years .
I have more reasons to hate them than you do , and I do , but they will still have this day Amies voice returned to its normal pitch , brimming with excitement .
Then , he marched out of coun , leaving the lords speechless .
Emeriel chuckled and shook her head .
Amie , youre quite the gossip and storyteller .
Of course .
Amie smiled .
The slaves who served in court during that meeting said Lord Zaiper was furning , but he didnt dare utter a word in protest .
To make matters worse , Lord Vlady even made snide remarks at Lord Zaipers expense .
The three of them burst into laughter , unable to contain their amusement .
I wish I could have seen the look on Lord Zaipers face , Amie added with a mischievous grin .
Tm just thrilled that we get to have tomorrow to ourselves , Ackera said , her gaze returning to the dress in her hands .
Oh , I need to start making my lantern ! Emeriel watched her sister , a warmth spreading through her chest .
She had never seen Aekeira so genuinely happy before .
and it filled her with contentment .
I know a place in the woods where some slaves are making lanterns , Amie chimed in .
They could teach us .
Who knows , Hansel might even muster the courage to speak to you if you have a beautiful lantern She nudged Ackeira , wiggling her brows meaningfully .
The slave boy of Aekeiras age , was known for his awkward stumbles and stutters whenever he crossed paths with her .
Amie was convinced it was due to a secret crush he harbored for Ackcira but was too shy to express .
Ackeira rolled her eyes .
Youre full of jokes , Amie .
Then , turning to Emeriel , she asked , Youre going to Lord Herods again , arent you ? Yes Emeriel nodded as she brushed her hair .
He mentioned he already has a lantern prepared for me .
I could ask him to provide some for you both if youd like Ackeira waved her off .
Wheres the fun in that ? Well make our own lanterns .
She paused , then asked with a hint of Mon , Dec 30 Chapter 108 curiosity , So , does this mean you two are … you know ? Is there something going on ? B Emeriel scoffed .
Nothing at all .
He doesnt see me that way , and dont see him that way either .
We are simply friends .
Unfortunately , the one I do see that way does not even know I exist .
The light in your eyes just dimmed , Prince Emeriel , Amic observed softly , her words pulling Emeriel from her thoughts .
What ? Dont be ridiculous , theres no such thing .
Today is a happy day , and tomorrow will be even happier .
Emeriel forced a smile .
But some of Ackeiras happiness slipped too .
Are you alright , Ein ? Yes .
Yes , of course .
Its for the best , Aekeira said , her voice filled with conviction .
Keeping a low profile , staying out of sight with your head .
down , no one will never discover your secret , and you will be safe .
Thats all I want .
Em .
For you to be safe.
Emeriel understood the unspoken message behind her sisters words .
Avoid the grand king , avoid any connection with him , and youll remain hidden , your true gender a secret .
Emeriel knew all that .
Lord Vladya had told her so in many words .
She had dutifully used scent suppressors every day for the past few months , except for the occasional inornings when she ventured out of the fortress to meet Lord Herod .
Like today .
Em ? Ackeiras voice was suddenly closer , Gentle fingers brushed away the tears that had silently slipped down her cheeks Emeriel had not even realized she was crying .
What was wrong with her ? With another forced smile , she quickly wiped away the remaining tears .
Tm fine , she insisted , her voice a bit too bright .
Really .
Please , lets not ruin the excitement .
Please .
Okay , okay .
Ackeira nodded , her own smile faltering slightly , Go and meet Lord Herod .
Just so you know , Im rooting for you two , Emeriel chuckled weakly .
Just as Im rooting for you and Hansel Its not like that , Ackeira insisted .
Why , Emeriel wondered .
Does it have anything to do with Grand Lord Vladya ? But Emeriel did not ask .
Her sister got weird whenever Lord Vladya was brought up .
Ackeira insisted she hated the male , and yet … Yet ….
Emeriel could not even put to words , the way Aekeira got whenever she caught a glimpse of him .
For over a month , Lord Vladya had kept his distance .
He had not visited Aekeiras chambers , neither spared her a glance , nor utter a word to her .
They had all been consumed by court matters since the grand kings return .
As for the grand king , Emeriel only caught fleeting glimpses of him from afar .
She always maintained a safe distance .

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And she had made peace with that arrangement .
Well , she had .
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