It barreled through her defenses, flooding her with pleasure after pleasure. Lord Vladyaâs furry hand held her writhing body still as he continued thrusting his fingers into her starved body.His grip possessive, as if Aekeiraâs private place were his right. His to invade, his to open up, his to claim. Fangs withdrawing, he took the thoughts right out of her head. "This is mine," he snarled, plunging his thick fingers deep and scissoring."Every part of you is mine, my sweet, pretty little Aekeira."Her body convulsed in his grasp. Aekeira was submerged in ecstasy. Drowning.At last, she slumped against him, boneless and utterly spent.Only then, did he withdraw his fingers. Giving her a raw, heated look, he brought them to his lips, licking them clean. Then, let out a guttural groan of absolute, undisguised hunger."Hearths, it almost feels like my sex drive isn't asleep." He growled, staring pointed between her open legs, to her exposed core, a savage look in his eyes. "The things
"I donât think youâve lost her, either. Beneath all those layers of armor is a woman who loves you more than life itself, Your Grace." Ottai said quietly, glancing back at her. "She stayed by your side through it all. Even when the chill of the frostfever became unbearable, she never left. Fought to keep you warm with her own body, despite the danger to her own health.âThe grand lord shook his head in remembered disbelief. âBeneath that tough exterior is a girl who is hurting, afraid to extend her love again."Daemonikaiâs eyes followed Emeriel as she approached an elderly slave woman struggling to carry a heavy bucket. Without hesitation, she took the bucket, lifted it, and carried it across the garden. Underneath it all, she's still the same soft-hearted female he once knew as Galilea.And Daemonikai would reach her.He would tear down her defenses, one brick after another, until he found that girl again. And this time, he would never let her go."And Vladya? What about him?" he a
PRINCESS EMERIELThat night, she slipped under the covers, a soft, unguarded smile still on her face. She hadn't felt this happy in ages.Both the male and beast occupied her thoughts even long after their parting.While the male stirred up emotions she wasnât ready to face, the beast was different. Easier. Safer.She could manage the beastâs affection without risking the walls she had carefully built around her heart.Lord Herod had said Urekai males were basically linked to their beasts, two halves of the same whole.But Emeriel didnât allow herself to dwell on that, casting reason aside, and embracing the simplicity of her beastâs company.That day in the woods had been agonizing.Leaving him there had been one of the hardest decisions sheâd ever made, but she'd had to do it.It was either that or succumb to the all-powerful urge to collapse into his arms. Beg him to take her back. To see beyond pity and offer her even a fraction of his love.She had left with the last shred of her
Emeriel was led to the grand kingâs study, where her presence was formally announced."Come in," came the deep voice from inside.Emeriel entered, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she braced herself before finally turning, her eyes settling on him.Like frost over a windowpane, a shiver of awareness spread through her.Her traitorous body reacted instantly, sending a clear message: Hey look, itâs our sexy-as-hell beloved.Needless to say, her every nerve ending was in a state of disarray.Her legs wanted to move toward him.Her hand itched to reach out and touch his neatly styled black hair, then trail over the white strands.Her lips longed to move closer to his, to brush against them in the guise of an accident.Her tongue wished to go on an adventure inside his mouth.And her behind shamelessly wanted to sit on those strong thighs again.Yeah, she was pathetic like that.Even âbad badâ didnât begin to cover how bad she had it for this
Emeriel stiffened.Control your reactions, or you will break this fragile moment. So Grand King Daemonikai curled his hand into fists, resisting the urge to let his hand wander.Since his return, he had longed to do this. To hold her, just like this.Maybe he had imagined it happening horizontally. On a bed. On the floor. Her naked body writhing under him while he spread those pretty little thighs apart and bury his dick deep insideâUnsafe zone. Retreat.Don't think about those sexy legs wrapped around your waist, her broken cries in the air while youâEmeriel drew back.Reluctantly, Daemonikai let his arms fall away. "Thank you, sweetheart. I needed that."For a second, he saw something unguarded in her eyes. A naked longing that mirrored his own.But she blinked, and the walls came back up."What work do you need assistance with, Your Grace?" she asked, politely.Daemonikai gestured to the empty chair opposite him, using his other hand to adjust his erection.Settling into it, thei
Emeriel kept her suspicions to herself. She was beginning to understand how Urekai society worked.An accusation of this magnitude, even in casual conversation, could have serious repercussions.âDid he⌠lose anyone on the night of the eclipse moon?" she asked cautiously.Daemonikai stiffened, his hand pausing. He looked up at her, his face unreadable.There it was â the shutting down.Emeriel had almost forgotten how sensitive the subject was. "I apologize for oversteppingâ"âNo,â he squeezed his eyes shut. Taking a deep breath. âNo, itâs alright. Yes, he lost Kristof, his elder brother.ââElder?â she echoed, surprised. âI thought every kingdom chose heirs by birth order. How did Zaiper become Grand Lord if he had an elder brother?ââKristof was never interested in the throne,â A hint of a smile crossed King Daemonikaiâs face again. âEven as younglings, it never appealed to him. His dream was to be a high-ranking soldierâthe best. And that was what he became. He was different from th
"Frustrated about my Daemonâs return?"Zaiperâs expression darkened. "I donât know why he refuses to stay dead." His thrusts became sharper, angrier. "Twice now, heâs wrestled with the impossible and won. Who walks through the valleys of death and comes out alive?â"Perhaps a righteous male," Sinai teased, her lips quirking.Zaiper shot her a glare. "Youâre not funny.""Apologies, Your Highness," she replied smoothly, arching a brow. "It was only a joke.""As I said, thereâs"âthrustâ"nothing"âagressive thrustâ"funny"âthrustâ"about it." he punctuated with more brutal thrusts.The girl screamed, then passed out beneath him."Finally, some peace and quiet," he grunted, stepping back to survey her unconscious form with a look of annoyance. "Every time things start going my way, something switches, and Iâm back at square one. Itâs infuriating."Pausing, Sinai glared at her nails. "Itâs all Emerielâs fault," she said resentfully. "That little human is a thorn in the flesh. She even saved my
The quiet concern in his tone startled her, and when she looked at him, his eyes were studying her with the same attentiveness that had begun to undo her.She forced a smile, her worry fading like mist under the warmth of the sun. Because she knew, deep down, that it didnât matter.No matter what side of him re-emerged when they returned to Blackstone, Aekaeira would still love him anyway. "Iâm fine, Your Highness."His expression tightened slightly, and for a moment, she thought she had said something wrong. Then, his tone grew firm, resolute. "Vladya."âHuh?â"Call me by my name, Aekeira," he asserted. "Not Lord Vladya. Not my lord. Not Your Highness. Just my name."Her eyes reached her hairline. A blush crept up her cheeks. "B-butâŚitâs not proper."He leaned closer, his voice soft, but no less commanding. "Weâre alone here. Go ahead.""VladyaâŚ" she breathed, tasting the word. It felt strange on her tongue, foreign and intimate, but there was something right about it, too. Her voice
âPlease stop saying these things to him,â Lord Vladya groaned. âHeâs smiling like a thief who just got promoted to head guard. He might forget why weâre here.âDaemonikai smacked him upside the head. âShut it.â 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 yetâearn her favor directly.It warmed her to see them this way. Whole. Strong. Hearty. Happy.âNow, letâs return to the original matter. What can you do for us, old healer?â King Daemonikai asked.âIâll begin work immediately on the herbs. Iâm certain something like it exists. Our people have simply never had reason to search for it. Iâll start gathering ingredients, reviewing ancestral scrolls, and see what I can develop. With luck, Iâll have good news for you soon.ââThatâs excellent,â Daemonikai said, nodding with satisfaction.The healer turned to Lord Vladya. âAnd 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. âRise, 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. âBehold! Your Grand King and Grand Queen. Long may they reign!âThe 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 itâdeeper, hungrierâwas 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.âMmm.â His eyes slitted shut as time dissolved. Her moans grew louder, hips grinding against his thigh, but he didnât 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 tormentâcircling her clit just enough to tease, never enough to satisfy.She squirmed, sobbing, her slick painting his thighs. âDaemon⌠please. Please.âHe ignored her. Not yet.Only when the flow dwindled to drops, then drained int
That night, Daemonikai slept, and saw them.Standing at the riverâs edge were his sonsâMyka and Alvin. But unlike in the past, they werenât 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.âFatherâŚâ Alvin whispered hoarsely. âIâm sorry.ââFor what?â Daemonikai pulled back, his hands firm on Alvinâs face, forcing his boy to meet his eyes. âIt was never your fault, and Iâm sorry you left the world believing it was.âHe turned to Myka. âIâm sorry I told you to protect everyone else. I shouldâve told you to save yourself first. Maybe then, youâd still beâââItâs alright, Father,â Myka interrupted with a smile. âI donât regret protecting Mother. Or our people. Iâm a protector, just like you, and Iâm proud of that.âBehind 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 cutlassâwhistling a slow, melodic tune. Blood sprayed, splashing onto Daemonikaiâs robes, forming a growing puddle.âThis bladeâs gone dull,â he said conversationally, examining the edge. âGet me the dagger.âA 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.âPlease! AHhhhhhh!â 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.âI hope you donât mind if I keep this,â he said casually, inspecting the severed limb. âItâs a clean slice. Unfortunately for you, it wonât regenerateâconsidering Iâve taken the entire limb. Youâll have to forgive me.
â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘â˘Three Weeks Later PRINCESS EMERIELâBy 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.âThe 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. âI 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 youânot by royal decre
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIDaemonikai delayed just outside the dungeon corridor until he heard Zaiperâs 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.Daemonikaiâs mouth went dry.He was not a male to steal his younglingâs foodâhe had never done so beforeâbut in the past few days, the thought had settled into his mind like an unsealed scroll. It was all he thought about.âYour H
âYes,â the male continued coolly. âVladya 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.â Daemonikaiâs lips twitched. âThen thereâs you. Hanging here like a carcass in my dungeon. With a dead lover, no heir, no legacy. No throne.âZaiperâs scream tore from deep within his soul. âDONâT YOU DARE TALK ABOUT HIM!ââWho? Oh you mean the dead lover?â Daemonikai smirked, adding with a drawl. âI never did tell you, did I? Just how good it felt to kill him.âZapier struggled even harder. One leg jerked so hard, causing the chain to snap taut, nearly dislocating him, but Zaiper didnât care, writhing and snarling like a feral.âHis 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.ââFuck you, Daemonikai! Iâll fucking kill you!â Zaiper was out of control, spitting rage with
âYouâve 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.â His grin was unrepentant. âBut donât 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.âHe let out a wheezing cough of amusement. âThe 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.â Zaiper sighed. âEven 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