Page 77 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

"This is the finest wool in the market. Only the best for nobles and the privileged." The market vendor ran her fingers along the soft material. "Not too scratchy, and perfect for winter cloaks."

"I like this one," Amie said.

Aekeira pursed her lips, studying the fabric. “What other materials do you have?”

The vendor nodded and disappeared into her shop to fetch more samples.

As they waited, a passing Urekai female caught sight of Aekeira—and stopped, looking excited as she took a hesitant step closer.

Aekeira, uncertain what to do, inclined her head first, offering a hesitant greeting.

The female’s eyes shone as she bent into a bow. "May your days be blessed, Human Princess."

"Oh..." Aekeira fidgeted at such direct reverence. "Th-Thank you."

“You have no idea what you have done for my people, do you?” The female reached out to take Aekeira’s hands in hers, patting them gently. “I am a southern Urekai.”

Ah.Lord Vladya’s clan.

Moments like this had become her new normal, but they still unsettled her.

In the past, Urekai acknowledged her reluctantly at best. Some referred to her only as the Third Ruler’s human mistress, while others blatantly ignored her altogether.

Now, they looked at her differently. Some even approached her warmly—like this female.

"So many of us had lost hope." The female’s eyes glistened. "We thought his lineage was doomedto end forever. It is onething to know there is no heir to the southern throne, but after all those failed bondings, after watching his attempts end badlyagain and again—it was another thing entirely to realize he might never have a bondmate.”

She swallowed hard, sniffling as she wiped her eyes. "And then, the feral symptoms appeared. We all lost hope. Who would have thought we would be here today...?”

Now,Aekeirawas tearing up. Her emotions were everywhere lately.

Sniffling, she squeezed the female’s hand. "I am the blessed one. I am lucky to have him."

The Urekai female beamed, nodding fervently. "Perhaps the gods have finally woken... and at last, they are smiling upon our people."

With another graceful bow, she turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Aekeira swiped at her eyes, clearing the moisture before it fully fell. She barely had time to collect herself before the market vendor reappeared, holding up a luxurious roll of silk.

"What about this fabric? Imported from the East. The finest quality."

Aekeira stepped forward to touch it, and the worldtilted.

A violent dizziness crashed over her, so strong it sent her swaying. She barely registered Amie’s panicked gasp before her legs buckled.

"My Princess!" Amie caught her before she could hit the ground.

Aekeira leaned into her support, gripping her head to force the world to stop spinning.

"I knew we should have waited before coming to the market!" Amie scolded, panic thick in her voice as she steadied her. "You are not fully recovered yet! Oh, Goddess, Princess Emeriel is going to kill me!"

Aekeira squeezed her eyes shut, focusing on her breathing. "I am fine. It is just a dizzy spell—nothing I have not been having for a while now. I will be alright."

Amie was not convinced. "You are shaking."

Aekeira gritted her teeth, gripping her arm tighter. "Please, do not tell Em. If she finds out, she will never let me out of the fortress again."

Amie sighed, clearly torn. "Fine," she relented. "But only if you promise to tell me immediately if this happens again. If you fall to the ground, Grand Lord Vladya will have my head!"

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