Page 206 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

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 sohappy.

“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,beggedfor—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.

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