COMMENT Chapter 161 MADAM LIVIA Madam Livia stood at the edge of the garden , her eyes scanning The slaves under the pale glow of the moon as they worked diligently around her .
Elsie , stari watering over there ! Yes , madam .
The young girl hefted her watering can to the designated area .
Under the moonlight , a dozen figures moved like shadows , tending to the gardens needs .
A woman , hunched over flowering vines , expertly pruning each branch with quiet , rhythmic snips .
A young boy carefully nurtured a row of delicate herbs , his touch gentle to avoid damaging the tender stems .
Further down the path , a group of figures worked together , harvesting ripe vegetables , their baskets gradually filling .
Madam Livia oversaw them , her gaze vigilant for any sign of soldiers .
They were not supposed to be out here this late , but Livia had to ensure nothing drew attention to Emeriels absence That girl would be the death of her yet .
It had been six days , and although Livia knew it wasnt her fault , six days was a long time for a slave to disappear .
Whispers and questions were already circulating amongst the others .
Their secrecys fabric was thin .
Excuses could only cover so much .
Risa , be careful , Livia cautioned as the girl struggled with a heavy bucket of water , her small frame straining under the weight .
When had her life become this ? Covering for slaves instead of maintaining her usual stern and unforgiving demeanor ? But then , she remembered Emeriels wide , agonized eyes as merciless heat cramps wracked her body .
How was the girl faring now ? How was she recovering ? Livia tried to push aside her worry , but sometimes , like now , it was impossible .
Poor child .
Was Emeriel truly the female the grand king had left the fortress to aid during her heat ? When Livia had first heard the rumor , her relief had been crippling .
She had been so terrified of how Emeriels first heat would manifest without the sanctuary of the beasts forbidden chambers .
Fate truly worked in mysterious ways .
Yet somehow , even amidst the cruelty of their world , things had a way of working out .
Fate truly worked in mysterious ways .
Careful with those sacks , she whispered to the two men in the distance , their shoulders burdened with heavy bags of compost .
Everyone , hurry now .
They needed to finish quickly .
EMERIEL Emeriel snapped awake as a biting pain ripped through her lower abdomen .
It felt as though a cannibal was ruthlessly devouring her insides .
Oww … a helpless moan escaped her lips as she drew her knees to her chest , wrapping her arms around them .
1/3 14:34 Tue , Jan Chapter 161 The pain grew , like vitriol being poured into her organs .
Emeriel let out a high pitched scream , her thin nightrobe riding up her thighs as she squeezed her knees so tightly that her fingers dug into her skin , drawing blood .
The door burst open , and Lord Herod rushed in , his hair sleep tousled and nightshirt rumpled .
Are you alright , young one ? She opened her mouth to answer , but a fresh dose of agony bombarded her , cutting off her words .
A pained wail was all she could manage .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

Come here .
He lifted her gently into his arms .
Emeriel braced for the pain of his touch , but relief came when only mild discomfort accompanied it .
Worry not , it wont be as bad as the first day .
He sat on the chair beside the bed ; cradling her in his lap like a child .
A sensation like something being squeezed within her made her cry out again , barely aware of his soothing hand stroking her back .
This one feels different , Emeriel sobbed .
Yes , its the final discharge from your womb as it closes and ascends .
Sadness flashed through Lord Herods expression .
It feels this way because you did not conceive .
Emeriels head snapped up .
What ? Our women have a theory .
If the last discharge is particularly painful , its 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 soldiers grasp .
I didnt c conceive ? He shook his head , his expression sympathetic .
Its 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 wasnt carrying the grand kings child hurt more than the physical pain in her abdomen ? Like a crushing weight pressed on her chest , making it hard to breathe .
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 wouldnt happen , right ? Bracing herself , Emeriel squeezed her thighs together , clenching her muscles , so hard , her body 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 .
14:34 Tue , Jan 7 G Chapter 161 How can someone so small , so young , be so stubborn ? he asked a hint of exasperation in his voice .
I Im sorry , she mumbled .
Dont apologize .
I understand .
Vera used to do it too .
But your willpower alone cannot force a conception , young one .
Our kind simply doesnt 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 Ive inconvenienced you The hand stroking her back paused .
Dont even start with that .
Friends dont 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 .
Youre 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 .
Wouldnt it be easier if this male were her Soulbond ? Wouldnt her life be less complicated if he were the one her heart longed for , the one her soul was tied to ? Emeriel drifted off to sleep .
Life was so unfair .
SEND GIFT