Page 10 of THE SOULBOND AND HER BELOVED (Beasts Of Wrath And Madness #4)

Chapter ten

WISHES AND SIGNS

One week later.

Emeriel woke in the early hours of dawn. Today was The Celestial Offering.

One of the most sacred ceremonies of the Urekai. And she wanted to help Daemonikai prepare for it.

After the feral incident , he had insisted she remain in her chambers instead of moving into his quarters. He did not trust himself not to hurt her again.

And although, Emeriel had fought to stay by his side, even she knew this was a battle she could not win, so she had reluctantly agreed.

But now, she barely saw him.

His duties kept him constantly busy, pulling him away at dawn until long past midnight. Each evening, she waited in her bedchamber, hoping to hear the announcement of his return. But exhaustion always claimed her before the hour grew too late, and she would wake to find another day had begun without him.

This morning, however, Emeriel was prepared.

Rising quietly, she slipped into a simple gown before making her way to the slave quarters. There, she roused Amie and two other human attendants who had volunteered to assist her, taking them to her bedchambers.

While they drew a bath, Emeriel went through the rows of ceremonial attire she had a royal servant bring to her chambers the previous day. Selecting one of the grandest robes, threaded with gold and silver, she laid it out carefully. Hoping she had chosen correctly as she paired it with matching footwear, a belt, and an ornamental hairpin.

With everything prepared, Emeriel made her way to the king’s bedchamber. The guards stationed outside nodded respectfully as she approached, stepping aside to allow her entry. Twisting the handle, she slipped inside, the heavy door closing softly behind her.

Daemonikai lay sprawled in sleep at the center of the massive bed, his broad chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

The fact that he did not stir at her entrance spoke volumes about his exhaustion. Pausing, she took a moment to look her fill.

This male, who carried the weight of the world upon his shoulders, who was depended upon by so many, yet bore his pain in silence—this male was hers.

Her throat closed up. I want so many things.

Emeriel ached with the desire to climb into that bed, slip beneath the covers to pull him close and rest his head against her chest. To stroke his hair, easing the tension clinging to him even in sleep.

To be there when he wakes from one of those nightmares. To hush his racing heart, offering her breasts to him for solace.

But there was an invisible rift between them now. A distance neither of them knew how to bridge.

They had not shared intimacy since that terrible night. Daemonikai had made sure of it. And that was… okay .

Emeriel was not yet ready for that . But she starved for everything else.

His touch. His warmth. His closeness .

Emeriel swallowed thickly, clutching her gown. She missed the way he would look at her as though she were the only light in his world.

So many wishes. So many cravings. So many dreams.

Wiping the lone tear trailing down her cheek, Emeriel breathed deeply stepping closer. Leaning in, she gently touched his arm. “My King…”

His eyes snapped open. Yellow. Fierce .

They startled her, and she immediately snatched her hand away, as if burned.

But his gaze focused. Recognition flickered. The yellow hue dimmed, retreating, until only warmth remained.

“Riel,” he rumbled, voice rough with sleep.

Butterflies attacked her belly. “Yes, I apologize for waking you from slumber, but I know what today is, and I know you have to leave early, so… I prepared your bath.”

Daemonikai rose, shifting to sit at the edge, reaching for her. Arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer until she stood between his legs. He buried his face in her chest, taking a deep, shuddering breath.

“You smell like heaven wrapped as a gift to mankind,” his muffled deep voice vibrated against her skin.

He missed me too. Emeriel bit back a moan. It’s good to know she wasn't the only one feeling this way.

Her hands hovered uncertainly for a moment before settling in his hair, fingers threading through the dark strands. His breath against her skin made her shiver.

Raising his head, eyes slitted drowsily, he said in a soft command. “Kiss me.”

Emeriel’s head lowered instantly, lips pressing softly to his, a shudder running through her at contact.

The familiar heat of his mouth was sweet heavens. This was the closest to intimacy they had been since that night.

Pulling back just enough for only a breath to separate them, his hooded gaze lifted to her face. “Kiss me harder.”

And so she did.

His lips remained still, letting her to take the lead. Tasting him tentatively at first, she explored the contours of his mouth, but soon, the pent-up longing inside her took over, and she kissed him with a desperate fire that left her whining and trembling. Hands gripping his shoulders, anchoring herself as the world tilted around her.

When they finally broke apart, she was dazed and breathing heavily. Her mind, blank. It took her a moment to remember why she was there in the first place.

Right. His bath.

“Come,” she whispered in an unsteady tone. “Your bath is ready.”

Daemonikai stared at her, as if debating whether or not to pull her back into his arms.

Then, at last, he exhaled and allowed her to take his hand. She led him out of his bedchamber and down the hallway to hers, savoring the feel of him at her side. The way his body leaned slightly into hers.

He would return tomorrow, and already, she missed him.

She wanted him so much it was unhealthy. Longed for him to, one day, be hers completely , no barricades between them.

Emeriel was obsessed with him, and she was not ashamed to admit it to herself. She would die for him.

Today, she would help him prepare for the Celestial Offering. Today, she would remind him he was not alone.

And tomorrow, when he returned, she would be waiting. Always waiting.

***

Daemonikai’s gaze lingered long after Emeriel was gone. She was just so precious.

Her gesture warmed him inside. Waking up so early to prepare everything, to help him get ready for the day was really kind and thoughtful of her... just as everything else.

He had known love before. Had built a family, lost one, and endured the weight of time, but somehow, with her, it all felt new again. As if he were rediscovering something long buried beneath the centuries. He had never felt so wholly seen, so deeply cared for.

She made him feel again.

Times like these, when his heart raced at the mere thought of her, he felt young again. Not the ancient Grand King who had walked the world for five thousand two hundred years, but a youngling experiencing the first flush of love.

If it felt like this now, he could hardly imagine what it would be like when their bond was fully restored.

And it would be restored.

Daemonikai refused to believe otherwise.

Straightening his cuffs, he heard footsteps approaching and glanced up, expecting Emeriel. Instead, Vladya entered, clad in his ceremonial robes.

“I’m going with you to the Celestial Offering.”

Daemonikai arched a brow. “Are you going for the Offering, or do you simply wish to see the Oracle?”

“Does it matter?” Vladya shrugged. “Your clan is traveling to the mountains, and I wish to pray as well. We go together.”

Daemonikai crossed his arms. “The Oracle specifically told you to wait for a sign.”

Vladya completed the first step of the ritual, three days ago. The Oracle had been clear. He was to wait for a sign that would determine whether he could proceed with the second rite. But if none came, he was to pay her a visit next week.

“I’m tired of waiting,” Vladya grunted. “At this point, I cannot tell if I have already received the sign or not. When one wants something so badly, everything looks like a sign.”

Daemonikai sighed. “You know our return is tomorrow, don’t you? That means we’ll be leaving the kingdom in Ottai’s hands.”

“His capable hands. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

“True,” Daemonikai conceded. “Fine. Get your ride ready. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

Vladya gave a curt nod before turning on his heel and striding out of the room.

***

"Why do you keep looking behind you, as if you expect Lord Vladya to appear out of thin air?" Emeriel's lips curled into a playful smile as she watched Aekeira glance over her shoulder for what felt like the hundredth time.

Aekeira caught herself, blushing.

"It’s not like that...” she muttered, avoiding her sister’s gaze.

Emeriel pursed her lips. "At least have the decency to admit you miss him. Honestly, you’re pathetic—it hasn’t even been four hours since they left."

“As if you don’t miss the Grand King,” she retorted, shooting Emeriel a glare.

"I do." Emeriel's chin lifted proudly. “If I had the capacity, I might have tied him to the bed so he’d never have to leave again.”

Her sister giggled. "You’re shameless, Em."

"I know." She laughed too.

But after that, Aekeira fell silent again, her gaze distant as they continued their walk to the market to shop for curtains.

Emeriel tried to engage her in conversation, but the more she spoke, the more she realized how distracted Aekeira seemed. In fact, now that Emeriel thought about it, her sister had been unusually quiet and pale since they’d set out.

Frowning, Emeriel nudged her. "Are you alright?"

Aekeira stopped walking, placing a hand on her forehead. “I’m fine.”

"Are you sure? If you’re not feeling well, we can go another time." Emeriel insisted, her worry growing.

Aekeira hesitated before sighing. "It’s just... I think I have a fever. I haven’t been feeling well since this morning.”

Emeriel was in her space in an instant, pressing the back of her hand to Aekeira’s forehead. “Why didn’t you say something?!”

"It’s not a big deal," Aekeira protested weakly. “I can ask Madam Livia for some herbs when we get back.”

“No way,” Emeriel took her hand. “We’re going back now.”

Striding quick and purposeful, she guided Aekeira back toward Ravenshadow. By the time they reached the gates, Aekeira’s breathing had grown uneven, sweat glistening on her forehead, matting her hair to her skin.

Emeriel helped her into her chambers, laying her gently on the bed and tucking the sheets around her.

“I’ll get Madam Livia,” she said hurriedly.

Aekeira didn’t respond, her eyes fluttering shut as she swallowed hard.

Emeriel fought to keep the fear away, but it was so hard. Gathering the heavy fabric of her gown, she ran from the room, searching the halls for the head maid, scratching her itching arms all the way. Stopping the maids and slaves, asking if they had seen Madam Livia.

Finally, one of them pointed her toward the royal kitchen.

Emeriel rushed in, her breath coming in short gasps, finding the older woman bent over a table, rummaging through bundles of dried herbs.

“Madam Livia! Madam Livia!” she called, breathless.

At the urgency in her voice, the head maid straightened at once, alert. “Is something the matter, Princess?”

“You have to come. My sister… I don’t know what’s wrong,” Emeriel's words tumbled out in a rush.

“Let’s go.” She hurried after Emeriel.

***

Emeriel pushed the door to Aekeira’s chambers open, stopping short, heart lurching in her chest. The bed was empty.

“Kiera!?” Panic sharpened her voice as her eyes darted wildly around the room. “Kei—”

A pained moan echoed from across the room.

Rushing toward the sound, Emeriel found Aekeira crumpled on the ground, curled tightly into herself, her body wracked with tremors. “I’m here now, I’m right here.”

Scratching her arm to alleviate the prickling itch, Emeriel knelt beside Aekeira, grasping her sister’s clammy hand in hers. “I brought Madam Livia—Keira, you’re burning up! What’s happening?”

Aekeira’s eyes fluttered open and—

Emeriel. Stopped. Breathing.

A furious, bloodshot red stained the center of Aekeira’s iris.

Full heat.

“I don’t… feel… good at all,” Aekeira rasped, sweat pouring off her in streams, soaking through her clothes. “I feel like… I’m burning up… from the inside.”

“We have to get Grand Lord Vladya right now! ” Emeriel shouted, turning to Madam Livia, unable to hide the terror in her own eyes. “Aekeira is going into full heat!”