Page 93 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Aekeira did not hide her dramatic sigh. "Come now, you know making and releasing a lantern is one of the best parts of the festival! You already took the fun out of the crafting—now you would deny me the release as well?"

"Yes."

Aekeira groaned. "I do not know who is more overbearing, you or Grand Lord Vladya! If it were up to him, he would confine me to the residence and prevent me from any activity at all."

Emeriel snickered. "I see how he is with you, it's almost comical. But you have been sick as a dog for weeks now, can you truly blame him?"

"But Lady Morina said it is normal and to be expected." Aekeira’s hand drifted to her belly.

Even now, it was still hard to believe. A week had passed since King Daemonikai sniffed her neck and announced her pregnancy, and still, she could scarcely believea life was growinginside her.

That nestled just beneath her heart, was a child conceived by her and the male she loved most in the world. Who could have imagined so much could change in a single month?

At this time last month, Aekeira’s most unattainable wish had been to become a Syren. To be compatible with Lord Vladya. To see their bonding ritual succeed.

And now… she was a Syren. ASoulbond. Pregnant with his child.

"Hey…"

Aekeira blinked at her sister's voice.

Emeriel sat beside her, looking worried. "Why are you crying, Keira?"

"Am I?" Lifting a hand to her cheek, she touched wetness, which surprised her.

"Is this about the lantern? Very well, you may go—"

"No, no." Aekeira shook her head, looking at her palm resting over her flat stomach. "It's just… I was thinking about everything that has happened. How much has changed for me… for the better."

Emeriel let out a visible sigh of relief. "Thank the gods. Now, you do not wish to ruin your makeup, do you?" She wiped at Aekeira’s cheeks with the pad of her thumb. "Stop crying. I know you want to be beautiful for Lord Vladya tonight."

Aekeira sniffled. "I do."

"There you go." Emeriel smiled, brushing away the last traces of tears. "You are so beautiful."

"It's kind of you to say, but I cannot put into words how stunningyoulook tonight."

Emeriel beamed, her eyes shining with delight. "That is the spirit! Now, let us—"

Her eyes widened and she cupped a hand over her mouth. In the next instant, Emeriel hurried off to the adjoining room.

"Em?" Aekeira pushed to her feet too quickly and dizziness crashed over her, forcing her to pause.

She gripped the table as the world spun around her, squeezing her eyes shut as she waited for it to pass. At least now, the dizzy spells did not last as long as before.

Aekeira hurried after her sister, hearing the harsh retching as she neared the doorway. "Em…"

"I'm fine, it's nothing," Emeriel rasped. Another heave.

Aekeira frowned. "Are you sure? This is your third time today. Twice this morning, and now again."

"That damned porridge Madam Livia served earlier." Emeriel straightened, face pale as she reached for a nearby basin and rinsed her mouth. "I told you it was bitter and did not agree with me."

Aekeira folded her arms. "It did taste bad, but I ate it too, remember?"

"That does not mean it was not the porridge." Emeriel waved her off. "We may be sisters, but we are two different people, Keira."

"Right." She bit the inside of her cheek, unconvinced but not pressing further. "Anyway, I will wait here while you go fetch our lanterns."

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