LAST CHAPTER OF PART 2.Both Aekeira and Emeriel paused, glancing toward the source. A female Urekai hurried toward them, and the troop parted to allow her through.Aekeira raised an eyebrow. The soldiers had been ordered to block anyone from approaching them—friends or foes. She had seen them turn away Amie, Madam Livia, and others, but now they stepped aside with ease. The woman must be someone of importance.A mistress or a lady of considerable rank, judging by her attire and the presence of soldiers behind her. She was a bit on the thick side, her face strikingly pretty, with an air of confidence that demanded attention. Aekeira hadn’t seen her before. "Emeriel?" The woman glanced at Aekeira before her gaze settled on Emeriel.Em stepped forward. "I am Emeriel."The woman’s eyes lingered on Emeriel for a moment, studying her intently before she said. "I am Lady Morina."Morina. Where had Aekeira heard that name before?"The fourth ruler's bondmate." The female added.Ah. Aekeira
PART 3TWO YEARS LATER.PRINCESS AEKEIRA"Are we going to keep ignoring the elephant in this court, Your Highness?"The court had been busy all day with talk of negotiations and upcoming festivities. You would think that after such a long deliberation, the ministers would want nothing more than to leave, go home, and have a hot bath.But no. Court was never truly complete until ‘the elephant in the room’ was addressed. The last time, King Orestus’s fury had been so frightening that the ministers had scurried away, like rats fleeing a sinking ship.Six months since it was last brought up, but now here it was, rearing its head again.All eyes turned to Minister Jacques, who was glaring at Aekeira. She met that glare with one of her own.King Orestus, who had been about to leave his seat, paused. With a sigh, he settled back down. "What do you mean, Jacques?" The overseer of military affairs broke his glare at Aekeira long enough to stand. "I mean those girls, Your Highness. At this poi
"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—no one—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.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 remin
Aekeira swallowed the lump in her throat. It was a double-edged sword really, because forgetting helped her move on...but at the same time, she yearned to reminisce.It was the only way she could feel alive again. To remember what it had once felt like to truly live.For Emeriel, it was easier to block it all out.In the beginning, Aekeira had almost lost her. The Soulbond had been so terrifying, that she had watched helplessly as it tore Emeriel apart. The pain of being separated from her beloved had pushed Emeriel to the brink of madness.She didn’t eat for days, barely slept, and spent most of her time in tears.When she wasn’t crying, she would fall into a hollow, distant state, staring into nothing for hours—sometimes days—on end, barely leaving her bed. Those were dark times. Dark, dark times.Aekeira shuddered at the memory of the worst of it. The time Emeriel disappeared. King Orestus had turned the entire kingdom upside down looking for her. They found her two days later at
"Give the order, come on." Emeriel crossed her arms. "It’s only been three years, but surely old age hasn’t made the tyrant king forget how to string those words together. Go ahead, order it."The silence was as loud as a trumpet.At last, King Orestus sighed, and rose from his seat, walking to a shelf laden with scrolls. He withdrew two, each decorated with intricate gold patterns on the rods at their ends. The sigil... It was unmistakable. Existed only in one place.Aekeira’s heart lurched. Even Emeriel froze still as a statue.`"I received these the night before your return," King Orestus said calmly. He unrolled one of the scrolls, its parchment crackling softly. He began to read aloud:From the third ruler of Urai, sovereign of the Urekai, sole monarch of the Western Clans, and protector of the Great Mountain.Let this be read under the gaze of the gods and the light of the moon.To King Orestus, ruler of the human kingdom, Navia,We deliver back into your hands the princesses o
GRAND LORD ZAIPER"That will be all for today," Grand Lord Zaiper declared, rising from his throne. The high lords scrambled to their feet, bowing deeply as he swept past. Razarr fell into step beside him. "Your Majesty seems to be in a great mood today.""Oh, Razarr. Every new day comes with its own brand of happiness, is what it is."As they walked through the corridors of Greyrock, slaves scurried out of his path, eyes cast down, avoiding even the air around him. They do not deserve to share the same space as him. "Grand Lord Zaiper." A voice he knows all too well stopped him.Turning with an exaggerated whirl of his robes, a full smile plastered on his face. "If it isn't Lord Ottai. Tell me, how are you, my dear friend?"The fourth ruler’s glare was coated with disgust."I know what this is about," Zaiper crossed his arms smugly. "Go on, ask me.""I heard you ordered the execution of those men. Is that true?" Ottai asked, furious."Of course, it is. They stole grain. They deserv
Mistress Sinai stood in Grand Lord Zaiper's study, her fingers trailing lightly over the large desk covered with maps and scrolls as she waited.The soft ticking of a grand clock in the corner caught her wandering eyes, then the bold paintings on the wall and the collection of ancient artifacts displayed in glass cases. "If it isn't our beautiful mistress," Lord Zaiper's voice behind her shattered the quietude.Plastering a practiced smile on her face, Sinai turned to face him. "Your highness.""To what do I owe this pleasant visit?" Zaiper stood before her, amused.She batted her eyelashes. "Can't a female decide to visit her favorite ruler every once in a while?"His chuckle vibrated through the room. "I thought Daemonikai held that title?""He did," she shrugged, reaching for the wrapped offering she'd dropped on his desk. Lifting it, she presented it to him with a flourish. "I had my servants prepare your favorite meal. I hope you like it."Zaiper's brows shot up in surprise. "A
PRINCESS EMERIELThree days later.After morning training, Emeriel freshened up quickly before making her way to the breakfast table.Her muscles still ached, but she welcomed the burn. it was the only thing that felt real these days. The large wooden doors creaked as she entered the dining hall. Aekeira was the only one seated, sipping from her cup."You’re here, Em, take a seat," Aekeira said warmly, gesturing to the chair beside her.Emeriel’s jaw clenched, resisting the urge to lash out. It wasn’t Aekeira’s fault that the name she’d called her all her life now stirred memories of slavery and Urai."Where is the king and Daviel?" Emeriel asked in a clipped voice as she sank into the seat."The king had an early court session, I think. And the prince?" Aekeira gave a half-hearted shrug, "he’s probably still in bed."They ate in silence. The food tasted like sawdust, but Emeriel forced herself to swallow. Everything tasted like ash these days.As they were about to leave, the door o
“Please stop saying these things to him,” Lord Vladya groaned. “He’s smiling like a thief who just got promoted to head guard. He might forget why we’re here.”Daemonikai smacked him upside the head. “Shut it.” But he was still grinning ear to ear.The healer hid her smile behind a cough. So, the rumors were true. The quickest way to find favor with the Grand King… was to speak kindly of his queen. Or better yet—earn her favor directly.It warmed her to see them this way. Whole. Strong. Hearty. Happy.“Now, let’s return to the original matter. What can you do for us, old healer?” King Daemonikai asked.“I’ll begin work immediately on the herbs. I’m certain something like it exists. Our people have simply never had reason to search for it. I’ll start gathering ingredients, reviewing ancestral scrolls, and see what I can develop. With luck, I’ll have good news for you soon.”“That’s excellent,” Daemonikai said, nodding with satisfaction.The healer turned to Lord Vladya. “And you, Secon
“Can I open my eyes now?” she asked softly.“Not yet.” Vladya raised his hands to cover hers, even though a blindfold already shielded her eyes—just to be sure.He was... nervous. His belly felt tight inside, his hands clammy. He wanted to impress her. Wanted Aekeira to love the surprise.Gently, he guided her forward. Step by step, deeper into the cave until they reached the center. Moving in front of her, he withdrew his hands, and untied the blindfold.He stepped back, waiting.She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the soft glow, then gasped.Vladya tried to see the space through her eyes. The rough cave walls had been transformed. Smooth panels of polished wood lined the interior, holding candle sconces bathing the space in a warm, golden light. A plush woolen rug stretched across the floor. In one corner, a large, canopied bed stood dressed in roses. Across from it a long table, elegantly set with a feast laid, and two chairs facing one another.Her mouth parted as she took it in. “
She gasped as he flicked her clit, over and over again, building tension. Soon she was wiggling, twitching, hips shifting restlessly, seeking more.Daemonikai was burning, yet his mouth never left her breast. Arousal pounded through him, but beneath it—deeper, hungrier—was peace. There was something sacred, yet utterly obscene about this, in how her breast felt against his tongue, the rich rush down his throat, and the soft sounds she made.“Mmm.” His eyes slitted shut as time dissolved. Her moans grew louder, hips grinding against his thigh, but he didn’t relent. Not until her back arched and she came with a cry, her pussy fluttering around nothing.He switched breasts, sealing his lips around the other nipple, drinking her in as his fingers resumed their torment—circling her clit just enough to tease, never enough to satisfy.She squirmed, sobbing, her slick painting his thighs. “Daemon… please. Please.”He ignored her. Not yet.Only when the flow dwindled to drops, then drained int
That night, Daemonikai slept, and saw them.Standing at the river’s edge were his sons—Myka and Alvin. But unlike in the past, they weren’t sad. Their eyes no longer carried the weight of guilt or sorrow.No, his sons were smiling, waving at him.Daemonikai ran from the opposite shore, water parting in soft ripples as he crossed, and when he reached them, he pulled them both into a tight embrace.“Father…” Alvin whispered hoarsely. “I’m sorry.”“For what?” Daemonikai pulled back, his hands firm on Alvin’s face, forcing his boy to meet his eyes. “It was never your fault, and I’m sorry you left the world believing it was.”He turned to Myka. “I’m sorry I told you to protect everyone else. I should’ve told you to save yourself first. Maybe then, you’d still be—”“It’s alright, Father,” Myka interrupted with a smile. “I don’t regret protecting Mother. Or our people. I’m a protector, just like you, and I’m proud of that.”Behind them, a crowd began to form. His people were watching from a
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIZaiper's screams rolled down the dungeon corridor, bouncing off walls as Daemonikai sawed through his leg with a cutlass—whistling a slow, melodic tune. Blood sprayed, splashing onto Daemonikai’s robes, forming a growing puddle.“This blade’s gone dull,” he said conversationally, examining the edge. “Get me the dagger.”A guard handed it to him from the wall of instruments, so much polished steel behind them.Daemonikai discarded the cutlass with a soft clatter and resumed with the dagger, slicing deep into muscle and tendon, never missing a beat in his whistle.“Please! AHhhhhhh!” Zaiper howled. An animal sound, born of unbearable pain.Daemonikai sawed clean through until the leg detached entirely. He lifted it, holding it up like a prized relic.“I hope you don’t mind if I keep this,” he said casually, inspecting the severed limb. “It’s a clean slice. Unfortunately for you, it won’t regenerate—considering I’ve taken the entire limb. You’ll have to forgive me.
••••••Three Weeks Later PRINCESS EMERIEL“By the power vested in me as Grand King of this court, and in the presence of these witnesses, I hereby declare all Bonds of Human Enslavement broken. From this day forward, you are no longer the property of Urekai but allies. Free people under the protection and respect of this kingdom.”The court was overflowing. Humans filled every space, trailing from the dais down the carpeted aisle, pouring out the doors, spilling into the hallway beyond. Every human in Urai was present.At the front of it all, Emeriel stood tall beside her king, heart brimming with emotion. Her gaze drifted across the sea of faces, landing on her sister. Aekeira was smiling through tears. Just like so many others.Grand King Daemonikai continued, voice firm but warm. “I have already sent word to the twelve human kingdoms, informing their kings that the humans here are no longer captives, but allies of Urai. From this moment, no harm shall befall you—not by royal decre
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIDaemonikai delayed just outside the dungeon corridor until he heard Zaiper’s first blood-curdling scream. Only then did he walk away from the dungeon hallway. He soon stopped hearing them. Almost a regret.He had instructed the guards to move Zaiper to the deepest, most fortified cell to keep his torture from disrupting the tranquility of the Citadel. But now, for the first time, he wondered about the wisdom of it.Reaching his bedchamber, the scene greeting him caused him to pause.There on the couch, Emeriel sat in sleep's soft embrace, holding their son, Daesovxscar, against her chest. His small mouth had slipped from her breast, milk dotting the taut, dark nipple still exposed to the cool air. Her arms held him close, even in sleep.Daemonikai’s mouth went dry.He was not a male to steal his youngling’s food—he had never done so before—but in the past few days, the thought had settled into his mind like an unsealed scroll. It was all he thought about.“Your H
“Yes,” the male continued coolly. “Vladya feels whole now. The male you always mocked for being cursed, then took away his bondmate. But she returned to him, not merely as a lover who may be compatible with him, but as his fated mate.” Daemonikai’s lips twitched. “Then there’s you. Hanging here like a carcass in my dungeon. With a dead lover, no heir, no legacy. No throne.”Zaiper’s scream tore from deep within his soul. “DON’T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT HIM!”“Who? Oh you mean the dead lover?” Daemonikai smirked, adding with a drawl. “I never did tell you, did I? Just how good it felt to kill him.”Zapier struggled even harder. One leg jerked so hard, causing the chain to snap taut, nearly dislocating him, but Zaiper didn’t care, writhing and snarling like a feral.“His spine snapping in two as it struck my knees… that sound... it stayed with me for months. It had a better tone than even the harp.”“Fuck you, Daemonikai! I’ll fucking kill you!” Zaiper was out of control, spitting rage with
“You’ve no idea how fun it was. Playing you like a puppet, note by note, from the sidelines, with you none the wiser. It was... exquisite.” His grin was unrepentant. “But don’t blame me too much, Daemonikai. The real culprit was your pride. You believed yourself invincible. Too strong to be touched, too feared to be challenged. And because of that arrogance, you gave someone like me the perfect opening.”He let out a wheezing cough of amusement. “The Dragaxlovs have always sought the throne, but the Naelzharoth was too powerful. My grandfather shared with me that it was his lifelong dream to sit on the First Throne, yet every minor scheme he attempted to wrest it from your grandfather failed. He was a coward, you see, just like the rest of them.” Zaiper sighed. “Even at a hundred, I knew I was different from those spineless relics. I knew I would achieve great things, and I knew you would assist me. Your casual dismissal, that prideful superiority… always a Naelzharoth, viewing the re