"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
PRINCESS AEKEIRAWhen Aekeira stepped into the grand hall and didn’t see Lord Vladya, it stung.Disappointment flared, then relief. At least, she does not need to face him yet.She quickly schooled her features, walking further into the room.Yaz, and the grand king's head soldier—what was his name again?– straightened at her arrival, stiff and formal. Lord Ottai, who had been gazing out the window, turned to face her.Those familiar, beautifully crafted black robes filled her with such nostalgia it was all she could do to maintain her composure. Because now she remembered them on a certain someone as well."Princess Aekeira." Lord Ottai inclined his head with a respect that was foreign.It was unsettling to see three of them bow to her. Strangely comforting."Grand Lord Ottai," she curtseyed. "To what do we owe this visit?""It's a matter of great importance. Is your sister on her way?""She will not be joining us."Lord Ottai's face turned sad, but he didn't seem surprised. "Thank y
The fourth ruler shook his head. "It's not dead, but there's no such hope. Only dark magic can bring it back, and even then, the cost is too great. To make such an exchange, one would have to give up something of immense value. Like a life."He turned back to the window, his gaze distant. "Then, there's the part where Hav'zie de Baah might 'take' but never ‘give.’"Aekeira's shoulders slumped. Her hope disappeared. She'd forgotten that crucial part."So, the grand king... might die?" she asked."He will die, when the symptoms complete. Which is why we are here." The grand Lord released a deep breath. "We need Emeriel close to him. We need her to save his life.""Em saved it once before. She did, and all she got in return was pain." Aekeira shot back. "More pain than anyone should bear. Hate from everyone around her. A heartbreak that almost killed her."The three men averted their eyes, guilt written all over their faces."I'm sorry for—" Lord Ottai began. "Save the apology, Your Maj
No suitor had dared before. Emeriel would have deflected with a well-placed shove, a swift punch or a biting retort. But tonight, she felt raw, her defenses frayed.The kiss was agony.It was like a thousand tiny needles pricking her skin from every angle, her stomach churning with nausea.Memories of another's lips, another's touch, flooded her. King Daemonikai's deep kisses, the feel of his tongue against hers. The recall assaulted Emeriel’s whole being.Longing rose, clawing its way up from the pit of her stomach...No, no, no.She tore her lips from his, stumbling back so fast she lost her footing, and fell hard onto the ground."Are you alright?" Daviel reached for her, but she scrambled to her feet, moving backward to put as much distance between them as she could."I’m fine," she gasped, dusting off her garments with trembling hands, trying to keep the despair rising inside her at bay. "Let’s call it a night, Prince Daviel.""But, Emeriel—""Good night." She turned and walked
MISTRESS SINAISinai had always wanted two things in life. To be rich and to be Grand Queen. The first would come, sooner or later, but the second… the second was always slipping just out of her reach. Some obstacle, always in her way.It infuriated her beyond reason.Daemonikai was as stubborn as a mule, but as long as he was alive, he belonged to her.Still, it wouldn’t hurt to spread her wings a little. To secure her future elsewhere. Zaiper. He was ambitious and dangerous.No one outlived the repercussions of a dead soul, and If Daemonikai died, Sinai would ensure her place at the side of the next grand king.She let the thought simmer, a slow smile curling her lips as she imagined Gaille’s reaction. Oh, how delicious it would be.But no. She couldn’t act on it yet.Daemonikai had beaten feral once before, what if he fought through being soulless, too?He was unpredictable, and Sinai wasn’t foolish enough to gamble her future before she knew which way the wind would blow.She wou
“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