Chapter 229: Kai on the Ridge
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"Highness?" she whispered.
"Yes?"
Vel hesitated, her antennae curling slightly. "Tell me... was it frightening? To surrender to a male? And... Are you truly serious about... sharing him with us? You’ve always treated us like sisters, but... we’re not royalty like you."
Akayoroi’s expression softened. She reached out and placed a gentle hand on Vel’s shoulder, her touch warm, steady.
"It was terrifying," she said, voice low. "And perfect."
Vel blinked.
"I didn’t surrender because I was weak. I chose him because he made me feel seen, cherished not for my title, but for who I was beneath the shell. And yes," she added, a playful gleam flickering in her eyes, "I meant it when I said I can’t handle him alone."
Vel’s face flushed with confusion and something more.