Page 79 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Sure enough, Dale leaned casually against a tree, arms folded, nudging a small stone with the toe of his boot. When their gazes met, his son immediately feigned deep interest in the sky, as if that had been his focus all along.

Herod pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ignore him."

Emeriel chuckled. "He looks out for you. He is a good male." Then, teasingly, she added, "How do I convince him no harm will come to his father for being friends with his ruler’s female?"

“Do not bother. I have tried—repeatedly. It does not work.” Herod shook his head. "Dale was born when the grand king was still feral, so he grew up on stories and legends. Tales of Daemonikai the Cruel, Daemonikai the Heartless, the Berserker King. Dale has never met him, only knows him by reputation."

The smile lingered on Emeriel’s face as she looked again. “I can only imagine what's going through his mind right now.”

They stepped into the garden, the scent of fresh flowers drifting through the evening air, and Emeriel halted.

"It is still the same," she murmured, staring at the rows of roses and vines woven into the trellises. "I miss this place."

"I knew you would."

Herod remained where he stood, simply watching her, content to observe as she moved from one flower bed to another. Grazingthe petals,caressingthem with reverence, whispering quiet words to them he could not quite catch.

“So, tell me, my lord.” The words sudden, her tone light as she spared him a glance. “Is there any new female in your life?”

Herod arched a brow.

“I will admit, I worry about you.” Emeriel plucked a rose, bringing it to her nose, inhaling deeply. “I wish you had someone new in your life, a companion to share your days with.”

I am fine. I am not lonely.Had it been anyone else, Herod would have given them that standard answer. But Emeriel was not just anyone.

“That would be nice," he confessed. "A companion would be a good thing... it does get rather lonely behind these walls. But the idea of courting for our kind, is rather terrifying.”

She quirked a brow.

“There is a lot atstake,” he explained. “You must first develop genuine feelings for someone before even standing a chance at a successful bonding ritual. And more often than not, the ritual fails. Then you are left to deal with the heartache of loving someone who can never be yours."

Emeriel sighed, staring at beds of vibrant blooms. "A true vicious cycle."

***

Grand King Daemonikai had been in his study since morning, buried amidst ledgers, missives from foreign kingdoms, and matters of trade.

Yet, the petitions stood out. The pleas of his people, begging for Sinai’s release.

He had no doubt she had sent word to them, rousing their sympathy, imploring them to speak on her behalf. And they had answered.

Over the past days, the petitions had multiplied, each one urging him to grant her freedom. Soon, he would have to address them. Either stand firm or yield to their demands.

Wearied by the long hours, he pushed back his chair and rose, stretching the stiffness from his limbs. The study had begun to feel stifling, he needed air.

He was to run the woods with Vladya and Ottai later in the evening. Zaiper was expected to join them, but of late, the second ruler had been scarce—so much so that Daemonikai rarely saw him at all.

Zaiper, who seldom missed a hunt or gathering, had withdrawn from court, neglecting his duties and avoiding matters concerning his clan. Instead, he was often seen going in and out of Ravenshadow.

Whatever he busied himself with was of little concern to Daemonikai. His mind was occupied with graver matters.

Like the disappearances.

Females had been disappearing, taken during their heat and never seen again. What had first seemed like an isolated crime revealed itself to have been happening for months. Not a single one of the missing had ever returned.

The crisis bothered Daemonikai as he made his way toward the living quarters. Voices reached his ears, filled with lightness, and untroubled. Emeriel and her sister.

Pausing at the threshold, he folded his arms, observing them.

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