"Stay with me," she cupped his icy hands in hers, ignoring the biting cold. Touching him everywhere she could reach…his forehead, his shoulders, his arms. "Please stay with me, your Grace. You can do this. I know you can."Driven, Emeriel sprang up and dashed out of the room, only to return with armfuls of blankets. She piled them on top of him, burying him under a mountain of wool.Yet, it didn't seem like enough. He needed more. He needed more!"I'm here! Step back, Emeriel!" Lord Ottai barged in, two buckets in hand, steam rising from them in furious spirals. "Get those blankets off him, quickly."Fumbling, she tore the blankets away and Lord Ottai wasted no time tipping the first bucket over him.The boiling water hissed as it hit his frozen skin, drenching him from head to toe.The heat vanished almost instantly. The water cooled within seconds.Light-gods... This is not real. There's no way this is happening.Swearing under his breath, Lord Ottai grabbed the second bucket and po
GRAND LORD VLADYA"This place is beautiful," Aekeira exclaimed, her sunny smile beaming as she plucked a delicate cherry blossom from a nearby branch. "So peaceful, too." Grand Lord Vladya couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. Every movement she made, every step she took, his eyes followed.He had brought her to his favorite sanctuary within the woods, a place he had discovered a millennium ago. Now, standing there watching Aekeira, he realized that the most beautiful sight here wasn’t the blossoms or the tranquil scenery—it was her.Aekeira had visited him every day, never failing to arrive with a bag filled with nourishing food, ripe fruits, and an assortment of herbs she claimed would be good for him.He hadn’t asked for it, yet she visited daily, taking care of him. Not only did she want him to fight, and she wanted to fight alongside him.Judging by her constant variety of herbs, she had clearly paid a visit to the royal healer. Faiwick must have been all too willing to help.
PRINCESS EMERIEL"You’re awake," Emeriel breathed, unable to believe her eyes.King Daemonikai gave a slow, weak nod. “I am.”Emeriel shoved down the giddy happiness that rose. "How do you feel?""Tired." King Daemonikai rasped. "Dearest."Dearest.He had called her dearest."It’s me, Emeriel, not..." Not Evielyn. She almost said it, but didn't.The barest hint of a smile touched his lips. "I know."O...kay. That was strange. She had expected to see confusion, maybe even disappointment at being forced to return to a reality he despise. Instead, he looked serene. Almost…happy? He was awake, alive, and aware. That’s all that matters.Emeriel pulled away, hating how she immediately missed the feel of his body as she rose from the bed. "I’m so glad you’re awake. Your people will be overjoyed when they hear the news."Gathering her scattered clothes, she quickly dressed, avoiding his gaze. Her hands trembled slightly as she fastened her garments. Then, she moved toward the window, tuggi
Emeriel moved gracefully across the room, carrying a tray loaded with vials and pouches, and placed it gently on the table at the far end.Dressed in a luxurious red gown, her full princess regalia was on display. And Daemonikai was dumbstruck.She was stunning.Hell, she was more than stunning...only he couldn't find words adequate to do her justice.There was something about her now, something that hadn't been there before. Yes, Daemonikai had seen Galelia, and this female before him looked exactly like her, but there was something...more.Was it the way she carried herself? A way only someone who has mastered the ‘royalty poise’ could manage."Good day, Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady as she focused on the herbs. “Madam Livia was indisposed this evening and has assigned me to deliver your medicines, I hope you don't mind?" Crossing the room to him, she held out a small cup filled with a dark, pungent liquid.Hand-feed me, like you did when I was feral. The words rose i
Daisies.A profusion of cheerful white daisies with sunny yellow centers.Emeriel's heart skipped a beat as she accepted the basket. Despite herself, her lips curled into a smile.What are you doing?But her hands refused to let go of the gift.Burying her face in the fragrant blooms, Emeriel inhaled deeply. The scent filled her lungs, warm and sweet. If the lilies from his people had calmed her, these daisies from the king warmed her entire being.Dangerous, dangerous path.The sensible thing would be to return the flowers, thanking the king for his hospitality but politely declining the gesture. Or, better yet, give the daisies away to someone else, and keep her distance.But her feet carried her across the room. Setting the basket down, she rummaged for an empty vase, filling it with water and gently arranging the daisies within it. She had no business placing the vase by the side of her bed.It’s okay, I’m not staying anyway, she reasoned as she stepped back, surveying her work.
She did not want to walk with him. Every part of her that had toiled, survived, and endured screamed against it.Yet, she took a step forward, not away from him, but towards him. The people erupted in a chorus of approval, some clapping their hands. In what alternate universe had she fallen into? The grand king calling her Beloved, and Urekai cheering them?Emeriel had no idea what was real and what wasn't anymore."Thank you, beloved," King Daemonikai said, once again pressing a kiss to her hand."Please don’t call me that," Emeriel snapped.The endearment carried the sweetness of what could have been and the bitterness of what was lost. And it made her heart lurch.His smile dimmed, and sadness flashed in his eyes. It was brief, gone as quickly as it came."Forgive me, beloved," he said smoothly. "I will take that into account."She glared.A broad grin lit up his face.Emeriel almost swallowed her tongue at the sight. Never had she seen him smile that way.Hell, she had never seen
The Soulbond had torn him to pieces.But if it had been that excruciating for him, Daemonikai shuddered to think how much worse it must have been for Emeriel.She had carried the bond longer, nurtured it more deeply."Are you alright?" Her voice brought him back to the present. She was standing in front of him, her expression cool but her eyes searching.No. No, I’m not, Emeriel.She was stronger than he’d ever given her credit for. Far stronger than her delicate frame suggested. Not just physically, but in every other way.She had walked through fire, and it had changed her. Hardened her. It was evident in every aspect of her being – the way she moved, spoke, and looked. The guarded expression in her eyes.Will she ever forgive me? Will she ever give us a chance?Daemonikai let the bow and arrow slip from his grasp, clattering to the ground, and in one fast move, seized her shoulders and spun her around. Moving with lightning speed, he pressed her against the rough bark of a nearby
PRINCESS AEKEIRA"When will you go back home?" Aekeira asked.Beside her, Lord Vladya’s body went taut. They were fishing by a secluded stream. Lord Vladya had caught several fish, while Aekeira hadn’t managed to catch any. Not that she expected to.Emeriel had always been the expert in this, but Aekeira enjoyed the simplicity of the act with him."Not anytime soon," he said, noncommittally.It had been three weeks since Aekeira began visiting him regularly. She would arrive each morning and stay with him for most of the day. Whenever she asked about his return to his people, she received the same answer.She understood his hesitation. After what had happened, going back wasn’t easy. But the people of Blackstone needed their lord.Every morning, Aekeira found baskets of fruits on her doorstep. The people knew where she went, and they approved.She spent more time here than in the fortress. In truth, she practically lived here now, returning to her quarters only at nights.Except on t
“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
FOUR MONTHS LATER PRINCESS EMERIEL"By the power vested in me as the Keeper of the sacred crowns, I hereby anoint thee, in the sight of gods and mortals, as Grand Queen of Urai." The Keeper lifted the ornate diadem from its resting place, holding it aloft for all to witness. “Rise, Sovereign of the Realm, and stand beside your King. Two as one, rulers over land and blood, bound by duty, and sanctified by this crowning rite."Emeriel rose on unsteady legs. This was real. A Grand Queen.The weight of the crown was considerable as it settled atop her head, but she bore it with pride, grace, and dignity.At her side, her Beloved extended his hand, eyes glowing with pride. She took it, fingers lacing with his, warmth spreading through her palm and heart. Together, they turned to face their people.The Keeper stepped back, voice booming. “Behold! Your Grand King and Grand Queen. Long may they reign!”The hall blasted in thunderous applause. Outside, the bells of the Citadel rang with trium
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