That Prince Is A Girl The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate novel Chapter 228

That Prince Is A Girl: The Vicious King's Captive Slave Mate Chapter 228

PRINCESS AEKEIRA "When will you go back home?" Aekeira asked.

Beside her, Lord Vladya’s body went taut.

They were fishing by a secluded stream. Lord Vladya had caught several fish, while Aekeira hadn’t managed to catch any. Not that she expected to.

Emeriel had always been the expert in this, but Aekeira enjoyed the simplicity of the act with him.

"Not anytime soon," he said, noncommittally.

It had been three weeks since Aekeira began visiting him regularly. She would arrive each morning and stay with him for most of the day. Whenever she asked about his return to his people, she received the same answer.

She understood his hesitation. After what had happened, going back wasn’t easy. But the people of Blackstone needed their lord.

Every morning, Aekeira found baskets of fruits on her doorstep. The people knew where she went, and they approved.

She spent more time here than in the fortress. In truth, she practically lived here now, returning to her quarters only at nights.

Except on the ‘bad days'. When he went through dark episodes of feral madness. On those days, he would insist she leave.

"Another one," Lord Vladya's eyes brightened.

A subtle tug on his fishing line signaled a bite, and Aekeira smiled as he expertly reeled in a large, flapping fish. That was his fifth.

"Dinner, my lady, is going to be delicious."

"It certainly will be, my lord," she chuckled, her heart swelling.

Aekeira would never get tired of having all of his attention. Spending the entire day with him, soaking in the sight of him. It felt like one of her fairytales, where this male was all hers.

Moments like this made her wish the outside world wouldn't intrude.

Lord Vladya seemed more relaxed. Lighter.

Was she finally getting glimpses of the male he used to be?

Her insides warmed up at the thought. She was happier in the past few weeks than she had been in years.

********* Back in the cave, after their satisfying meal, Lord Vladya went outside to gather firewood to keep the cave warm. It gets chilly at evenings.

Alone, Aekeira wandered to another part of the cavern. She discovered...a pool?

Smooth rocks formed a basin, holding the crystal-clear water. A waterfall oozed down from above, feeding the pool. This must be Lord Vladya's bathing spot.

The water was inviting. Aekeira had the urge to shed her clothes and slip inside, letting it soothe her tired muscles.

"You know you can use it, right?"

She pivoted.

Lord Vladya leaned casually against a rock, arms crossed.

Aekeira blushed. "I was just… thinking."

His gaze soft and lazy with affection. "You could take off those pretty clothes and enjoy the cool water."

"It’s tempting," she admitted, her heart beating faster.

"Then do it." Pinning her with a look that held fire, he ordered softly, "Take off your clothes, Aekeira."

A shiver snaked down her spine, and she lowered her head, shy.