Chapter 195 Chapter 195 But they are of marriageable age , another one 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 will not condone this discussion in my court again , the king hissed , his patience visibly thinning .
I am the king , and I make these decisions .
Until I devise a solution , no one none is to bring up this conversation about the princesses ever again .
Do I make myself clear ? They straightened immediately , bowing deeply .
Yes , Your Highness .
Voices rose in unison .
Aekeira released a slow breath .
It will be brought up again , she knew .
If not tomorrow , then in another six months , yet again .
Because the truth was , everyone truly was talking about it .

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Since returning to Navia , Aekeira had once again been reminded of the curse that plagued 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 either in the brothels or breeding houses .
And yet , she couldnt 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 .
He had provided them with bodyguards who took their roles seriously , making sure no harm came to them .
Aekeiras heart alternated between grateful and suspicious .
There had to be a catch .
A motive .
Men like King Orestus did not change overnight .
The problem was , she had no idea what his motive could be .
Her greatest worry upon their return had been Emeriels punishment for her years of deceit .
Yet , two years along the path , King Orestus never once brought it up .
Not in public , not in private .
He treated them both as if a change of that magnitude hadnt occured .
As though Emeriel hadnt suddenly transformed from a boy into a girl .
The kingdom , however , was a different matter .
The court was in tumult , the city in uproar .
And for two years , King Orestus turned a blind eye .
Even his son , the crowned prince , had taken notice , developing a strong interest in Emeriels gender revelation .
Not only had he confessed his feelings for her , but he had also been relentless in his pursuit .
Using charm to mask an iron- willed determination to have Emeriel that , at times , unsettled Aekeira .
Was this why King Orestus protected them so fiercely ? Aekeira had once asked herself .
Did he want Emeriel for his golden prince ? But that theory quickly fell apart when the king discovered his sons courting .
He had not only erupted in a fit of rage , but also forbidden Prince Daviel from getting close not just Emeriel but also Aekeira .
As though they were more precious than his favorite son .
1/2 10:30 Tue , Jan 21 GOR Chapter 195 Or , perhaps , they carried some deadly , contagious disease .
Aekeira was more inclined to believe the latter .
King Orestuss protectiveness seemed less like the doting care of a guardian and more like the calculated caution of a man harboring secrets .
But what could it be ? What was driving him to shield them so fiercely ? Not that Daviel had taken his fathers command to heart .
If anything , his chase had tripled since then .
Only more discreet , slipping through the shadows and around corners to find moments with Emeriel .
Her mind came back to the present .
Just how long before the people went defiant and rebelled because they were not fulfilling their roles in society ? It worried Aekeira more than she cared to admit .
Sliding the needle through the linen , Aekeira pulled carefully until the thread emerged from the other side .
Embroidering had always been her peace .
A calming ritual that helped steady her thoughts .
After a long day of tending to the gardens , she needed this quiet moment to work on the needlework shed been piecing together for weeks .
How was he ? Is he doing alright ? Her hand stilled .
A familiar , crash of longing blasted her , threatening to pull her under .
Deep breaths .
Take deep breaths .
She closed her eyes , fighting to steady herself .
Are you alright , my princess ? Aekeira blinked , opening her eyes to clear the blur of unshed tears .
Otto stood before her , gazing at her with worry .
Im fine , Aekeira forced a smile to the older man .
Otto had cared for them when they were children , having served as their mothers personal servant .
After their parents deaths , he had been dismissed , leaving Aekeira and Emeriel to fend for themselves .
King Orestus had never provided them with servants , guards , or much of anything .
It had been … surprising to say the least when , upon their return , the king not only reinstated Otto but also assigned troops of bodyguards to protect them .
Are you sure ? Otto pressed .
Yes .
Aekeira took a shuddering breath .
Yes , Im fine .
Worry not , Otto .
Its nothing .
He still looked skeptical , his eyes searching hers for the truth .
His concern was genuine , a kindness that made Aekeira ache for the simpler days of their childhood .
Unlike King Orestus , whose motives were a mystery , Ottos care was real .
He had been there the night they were born , 13 ) 10:30 Tue , Jan 21 GOR Chapter 195 tending to their mother in one of the hidden underground rooms .
Since their return , he had become their len protero always fretting over them … especially since they refused to speak of Urai .
Really , Im fine , Aekeira reassured him once more .
Your sister hasnt been in her chamber all day .
Otto shifted uncomfortably .
The hunting party returned hour ago , bert hasnt been seen since .
Case in point .
Aekeira sighed , placing her needlework carefully on the table before standing , He does have a point though .
She hadnt seen Emeriel since her abrupt dismissal from court earlier that day .
Ill go find her .
After searching all the usual places , Aekeira finally found Emeriel in Prince Daviels garden .
She had avoided searching there , making it her last resort .
Emeriel usually stayed away from this place .
Hands crossed , her sister stood motionless before the meadows , eyes watching the twinkling stars above .
The night was beautiful , glowing softly , but Aekeira knew it was never truly safe Stepping up beside Emeriel , Aekeira turned her eyes to the sky as well .
We are not being married off , she said at last , breaking the silence .
Orestus put a stop to it .
Id say were safe for another six months , Em .
Dont call me that , Emeriel mumbled , her gaze never leaving the stars .
Aekeira ignored that .
Her eyes followed her sisters line of sight , but her thoughts were elsewhere .
Do you think they are alright ? Emeriel didnt pretend not to understand who she meant .
She remained silent .
I cant help it sometimes , Aekeira admitted .
Has he gone feral ? Is he doing better ? Has the darkness consumed him yet pause .
Does he think of me ? The longing rose again .
Approaching like a forceful tide , hell bent on sweeping her away .
She fought to keep it from spilling into her words .
Sometimes , I fight for hours on end not to think of him .
Why are we talking about them ? Emeriel asked , coolly .
We agreed not to .
Maybe its time we did .
I dont think so , her sister stated firmly , her face devoid of emotions .
Its best not to .
They never did , not anymore .