Page 47 of THE SOULBOND AND HER BELOVED (Beasts Of Wrath And Madness #4)

"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 triumph, echoing the moment through all of Urai.

Happy tears welled in Emeriel’s eyes. So this day came. She, young Emeriel, was now Grand Queen.

She had come this far.

Once a nameless boy who never dreamt, now a Grand Queen of the Urekai. They accepted, honored, and cherished her.

“Congratulations, Em!” Aekeira beamed from her place of honor, bouncing Emeriel’s twins in her arms. Across from her, Madam Livia cradled Aleksian, her own eyes shining.

Emeriel sent her sister a watery smile. Aekeira turned, pressing a kiss to Lord Vladya’s cheek—and Emeriel’s gaze fell to the mating mark at her sister’s neck.

Reflexively, Emeriel’s fingers touched her own. It brought her contentment.

Aekeira’s full-heat had come two months ago, allowing them to seal their bond before Emeriel. Hers had come just a month after, and now both of them were officially, eternally, mated to the loves of their lives.

And just weeks after, Emeriel stood here, crowned Queen, staring at her throne a few feet away.

The Grand Queen’s throne, removed after the tragedy, has been restored today. Alongside the Grand Ladies’ thrones, all positioned proudly on the left side of the dais.

“Look at them,” Daemonikai said softly beside her, his voice rich with pride. “Look how happy they are to have you, my Riel.”

“It all feels like a dream,” she whispered, overwhelmed by the roaring crowd before them.

“Much of what we have still feels like a dream,” he said, squeezing her hand. “But this is reality. You are the First Lady of Urekai now. The Grand Queen.”

Her heart expanded. Look at you, Emeriel—you did it.

Once, you fantasized about marrying a protector, someone strong enough to shield you from harm, fight for you, sweep you off your feet, and love you fiercely. Who would have thought you would find him?

Who would have believed that after all the challenges and tribulations, all the winding roads and hard-earned scars, you would be mated to this Urekai? Bear his two beautiful children. Stand beside him as his partner for eternity.

She wiped the tears from her eyes. My life was not easy, but I would not have lived it any other way. I love my reality now, and I hope it stays this way… forever.

Across the chamber, Aekeira gestured for Madam Livia to bring Aleksian over. The older woman rose with the child and began to cross the hall—only to stumble slightly.

A nearby noble stepped forward, steadying her with a hand to her elbow.

Emeriel watched the brief exchange, read their lips.

“Careful.”

“Thank you,” Livia responded, flustered.

And then, Emeriel saw… colors floating near Madam Livia. Almost the same hue rose beside the male who had helped her.

Even Madam Livia?

She’d never once considered the older woman might carry dormant Syren traits—but here was clear proof. And the male… he looked kind. Noble. Refined. Perhaps a lord?

The possibilities stirred something tender and excited in her chest. It was so unbelievable, but oh, Emeriel was so happy .

“What are you smiling about?” her king asked, swiveling his head toward her.

She extended the smile to him. “Something beautiful… for the future.”

***

TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER

“What do I prepare for this visit, Your Grace?” the old healer asked patiently, her hands folded in front of her.

King Daemonikai cleared his throat. “Your knowledge of medicinal herbs is extensive, is it not?”

The old healer nodded proudly. “Yes, it is.”

The Grand King scratched at his temple. “I’d like you and your team to start researching something... very specific.” Another awkward throat clearing. “ Conceive control herbs .”

The healer’s eyes twinkled as she chuckled, unsurprised. “Eight offspring in two hundred years. There’s certainly cause for concern.”

“I mean… personally , I don’t mind,” King Daemonikai replied with a helpless shrug. “But when your mate starts giving you the stink eye every time you try to crawl between her legs, well… it’s time for action.”

Lord Vladya snorted. “The Grand Queen is giving him a hard time. Poor male.”

“Don’t look so smug,” King Daemonikai fired back. “Four younglings in two hundred years? That’s a ‘conceive control herb’ waiting to happen in the near future.”

The healer nodded sagely. “The Grand King is right.”

The Second Ruler grimaced.

“Well, look at you both.” The old healer smiled fondly at them. “Blessed beyond abundance. What so many of our people have prayed for, bled for, begged for—you were given in overflowing measure. So much that now, you come seeking herbs to avoid building an army from your own loins.” She chuckled. “I’m happy for you, great rulers.”

Despite the nature of their visit, both kings stood a little taller—pride in their eyes, love in their smiles. Still carrying the glow of happiness and fulfillment.

“I’ll begin research immediately,” she promised. “I suspect more than just you two may need it. Births have been increasing across the realm these past two centuries. Something is in the air—and whatever it is, has been a great blessing. Our Grand Queen has played no small part in that. So many bonds. So much happiness.”

“She is extraordinary, isn’t she?” King Daemonikai beamed, unable to hide it.

The healer chuckled again, nodding. “She is. Even the rate of feral madness has declined. People are finding joy, lifelong connection, companionship. It’s all thanks to her. Our people are blessed with the greatest gift—a Grand Queen like her.”

“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, Second Ruler—I hear tales of the House of Stitches through every quarter of the kingdom. The Grand Lady’s designs are inspiring awe. No one has forgotten the costume festival with the werewolves. It’s still talked about in every species.”

Now Lord Vladya was the one beaming, his chest swelling with pride. He scratched his head, bashful.

The grand king rolled his eyes. “Look at that face. Now, who’s forgetting why we are here?”

They all laughed.

***

After dinner, as the servants cleared away the dishes, the energy in the grand dining hall shifted—as it always did. The large, lively family rose, and as usual, scattered like autumn leaves in the wind.

“I’m off to the training grounds. Alek is waiting,” Scar declared, already halfway to the door.

“Mal and I will be in the library, if you need us, Father,” said Viozzidray. Both brothers leaned in to kiss their mother’s cheek before offering Daemonikai a respectful bow and vanishing through the corridor.

“Faval and I are going to see Grand Lord Herodis,” Hasydan, his fifth, added.

“Wait.” Daemonikai narrowed his eyes. “You two are still pestering him, aren’t you?” He folded his arms. “I understand your interest in agriculture, but you're a handful. The male just had a newborn with his mate, don’t overwhelm him.”

“No, he asked us to come. We didn’t push it,” Hasydan said quickly, raising his hand in surrender. “Did we, Faval?”

His sixth son echoed the motion. “We did not. ”

“Are you sure?” Emeriel asked, her tone sweet, her stare anything but.

“Honest, Mother,” they chorused.

“I don’t believe them,” said a dry voice from across the table—Heraxiola smiled. “Lord Herodis is too kind to them. They practically follow him around like ducklings.”

“Hey! Mind your own business, Princess Hera!” Faval stuck out his tongue.

“I’m beating your butt once I get up from here,” she deadpanned.

“Language, Heraxiola,” Emeriel warned, dabbing at her mouth with her napkin. The barest smile stayed on her face.

“Sorry, Mother.”

“You’ll have to catch me first,” Faval tossed over his shoulder as his brother dragged him away.

Heraxiola shook her head in exasperation. “Lord Herodis really needs to put up boundaries with those two. And his mate’s no better—Lady Amie enables them.”

“She adores them,” Siesca chimed in, smiling as she spoke. “You should see how they act around her. Such perfect gentlemen. You wouldn’t believe they’re the same brats.”

“They’re your elder brothers, Siesca,” Daemonikai said, though he was clearly holding back laughter.

“They’re not here,” she replied primly. “Besides, if they try anything, I’ll report them to Scar.”

Daemonikai grinned. Yes, his firstborn was notoriously protective of his sisters, and they all knew it.

“Alright, that’s enough chaos for one night,” he declared. “I’m retiring early.”

“But Papa!” Gaelziezora piped up. His youngest, at only twenty, gave him those big green eyes that could soften stone. “What about what we discussed? You promised to help me with it yesterday!”

“I promised you tomorrow,” he said with a teasing wag of his finger. “And tomorrow it is.”

“Okay, Papa. Love you.”

Daemonikai’s heart melted. “I love you too, dearest.”

“Let me guess,” Heraxiola gave him a narrowed stare. “You’re retiring with Mother, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am,” Daemonikai said without shame. He moved toward Emeriel as she rose, wrapping a possessive arm around her waist. “See you all in the morning.”

“Wait,” Emeriel said, cheeks faintly colored but her smile radiant. She slipped from his grasp and walked around the table, kissing each of their children left on the cheek, one by one. It had become a nightly ritual—and Daemonikai loved watching her do it.

And what he loved even more?

That no matter how bratty, chaotic, or rebellious their children could be on any given day, they never joked with her feelings, disrespected her, or failed to return her affection. All of them loved her deeply, fiercely.

And for Daemonikai, that was everything.

***

Later that night, after their slow, unhurried lovemaking, Daemonikai lay with Emeriel tucked into the crook of his arm, fingers brushing along her back, nose buried in her hair. Breathing in her calming scent.

“Did you ever look into the... um, the conceive control herbs?” she asked, voice drowsy but curious.

“Of course I did,” he palmed her breast lazily, content just to feel her softness. “Told you I would. The old healer’s working on it.”

Emeriel turned her head to face him, her smile sheepish. “I hope you don’t mind. I mean, I never want to force—”

“Shhh. It’s okay, my radiant star. It’s time.” He chuckled softly. “The old healer was right, we’ll end up creating an army if we don’t start looking for control methods.”

She blushed. “I thought so too.”

“The natural way, abstinence, is not an option. I can hardly keep my hands to myself when you’re near,” he added with a growl, voice dipping low. “Every moment I’m close to you, I want to reach for you. It’s safer this way—to pace how many little stars we bring into the world.”

Her laughter was soft and golden.

She kissed him. “I love you so much.”

He pulled her tighter into his arms. “And I love you more. Thank you for coming into my life as a brave boy... and staying in it as the strongest female I’ve ever met.” His voice thickened. “I will love you for all eternity.”

THE END