Chapter 171 Chapter 171 EMERIEL Emeriel slipped into the last of her clothes , catching sight of her reflection in the tall , elegant wooden frame mirror .
A sad , almost bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she stared at the girl looking back at her .
It wasnt Princess Galilea in the reflection , but Emeriel .
Thank you , she murmured , sincerely , The household slaves bowed deeply before filing silently out of the bedchamber .
Emeriel sighed .
The servants had drawn her a bath , helped her dress , and assisted with her ablutions .
No matter how she hinted or outrightly stated her ability to take care of herself , Lord Herod either ignored her or deflected easily .
They even tied her chest bindings .
Emeriel glanced at her chest .
The binds were looser than normal , her breasts still tender and swollen from her recent heat .
For that , she wore three layers of shirts .
Taking a breath , Emeriel let the moment sink in .
Finally .
Its all over .
Are you ready to go , little one ? Lord Herods voice broke the quietness .

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He stood by the open door , waiting patiently .
She nodded , turning to him .
Thank you for everything .
He leaned against the doorframe .
How does it feel to be going back to the real world ? Emeriel stared at her reflection once more .
She felt … different .
It was hard to put into words , but she didnt feel like the girl she was before her heat .
Usually , she was burdened by the weight of her secrets , by the deceit and guilt .
Her every moment was filled with anxiety and fear of being discovered .
But this Emeriel , the one staring back at her in the mirror , simply looked … resigned .
Sad and resigned .
Guess the sadness never changes .
Perhaps it was because she had finally experienced a taste of what could have been , what she was missing .
What was meant to be hers but would never truly belong to her .
It had felt like touching the clouds , reaching for the heavens , only to be reminded that it would never be hers .
It didnt hurt , not the way she expected .
For once , pain wasnt the defining emotion .
Maybe because she had been in so much pain these past few days , she had gone numb .
There was this bone deep sadness .
And resignation .
Emeriel ? Lord Herods voice softened as he moved closer .
Are you alright ? Yes , Im alright , she forced herself to smile .
Lets go , please .
Im sure they must have noticed my absence by now .
Lord Herod studied her a moment longer , then offered his arm , which she took gratefully .
Together , they walked through the halls toward the main entrance of the estate .
When they reached the gates , Emeriel turned to him .
Thank you once again for everything , she said softly .
There we go again .
Considering how many times youve said that , you sound like a broken record .
1/3 15:42 Fri , Jan 10 Chapter 171 Im sorry , My Lord , she said .
Its just … no one has ever been this kind to me before .
In the beginning , I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop .
It took me a while to realize there was no shoe , and after … everything , it still feels unbelievable .
That you would be so kind .
I guess it makes me feel better that you see my gratitude .
Lord Herod chuckled .
I see your gratitude , little Em .
How can I ever repay you ? He took her by the shoulders and , with a final , amused smile , guided her through the open gates , remaining on the other side .
Repay me when you become the grand queen .
Emeriels eyes widened .
You know thats not possi- The heavy doors swung shut , his laughter , fading into the distance as he walked away .
AEKERIA Aekeira sat on the edge of the bed , her fingers entwined in Lord Vladyas hair .
He sat on the floor , his head resting on her thighs ….
close to her core .
A position so crazily intimate it had made her uncomfortable .
But as she stroked his black silken strands and he nestled closer , a rush of warmth spread through her chest .
She liked .
It seemed now that Aekeira had finally put a name to the nagging feeling inside her , it b itself deep in her heart .
A to blossom , making a home for Her love for him shone , forbidden and hidden , but alive nonetheless .
Glowing like embers beneath the ashes .
The silence between them was a comfortable one .
Lord Vladya still looked like he was struggling with sexlust , but there was no urgency in him now .
Eyes closed , but she could tell he wasnt asleep .
Merilyn was one of my oldest friends , his voice low , unexpected .
I watched her struggle with infertility for centuries .
Aekeiras fingers stilled in his hair .
She tried every herb known to man , Lord Vladya continued .
One time , out of desperation , she snuck out of Urai to visit the mages .
It was a foolish thing to do , the journey was risky , and she had just one guard for protection .
But she was willing to risk everything for the child she wanted so badly .
He was talking to her .
Sharing something personal with her .
Opening up to her .
Aekeiras heart sang .
The mages couldnt grant her a real pregnancy , they do not have such powers .
But they could give a fake one .
They performed a spell that made her feel pregnant .
He paused .
That was over a hundred years ago .
She returned so happy , even the cost of the magic didnt sway her joy .
Henry was terrified , but Merry … she was glowing with happiness .
The magic lasted only a few hours , but in that brief time , she was the happiest Id ever seen her .
What was the cost ? Aekeira asked , tone soft , her hand resuming its gentle strokes .
Paralysis .
Lord Vladyas eyes remained closed .
Merilyn sacrificed the use of her legs for two weeks , just to experience four hours of carrying a child .
Basking in the feeling .
That what Ukrae finally blessed her with .
was how desperately e wanted wo No wonder Lady Merilyn radiated such joy , even confined to her bed A conversation was leading .
a had a sinking feeling she knew where this Shes my bloodhost , my dear friend .
I should be overjoyed for her .
I saw everything And I am happy for her , but … she wa through ; I should be ecstatic .
2/3 SEND GIFT 15:42 Fri , Jan Chapter 171 His eyes opened , fixed on the wall .
When I look at that child , all I feel is pain .
An ugly jealousy , a sadness so deep it festers in me .
Ive never had that .
I will ne person am I that I would hate an innoce newborn ? Wh He stated calmly , his tone aloof .
I almost hate that child .
What sort of sort of friend am I ? Who have I become ? 0