Page 99 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

"At this point, you must do everything in your power to avoid anything that might remotely trigger an episode," Faiwick cautioned quietly. "In the meantime, please stay away from bad news, intense strain, and excessive worry."

Daemonikai merely nodded once.

When both healers finally departed, he was left alone with his thoughts. His work was cut out for him. Challenges lay ahead, but he pushed those concerns aside.One step at a time.

For now, nothing would dim his joy, extinguish his happiness, nor taint the euphoria in him.

I am a king with an heir once more. My lineage continues.

I am to be a father again. Who would have thought?

His knees were weak. But he moved in a trance, returning to his bedchamber.

Emeriel was awake, seated upright, embracing her sister who was grinning. Their foreheads pressed together as they whispered and laughed.

Then, Emeriel raised her head, and looked at him, smiling shyly.

Daemonikai's chest soared as he held her eyes.

"We will leave you two alone," Vladya said.

"But Em and I were just—"

Vladya threw an arm around Aekeira’s waist and effortlessly guided her away. "Another time, Princess. They need a moment to themselves."

The door clicked shut, leaving them in silence.

Emeriel's hands fidgeted in her lap, a charming blush coloring her cheeks. She was glowing.

"I must have ruined the festival for everyone," she said at last.

"The festival deserved to be ruined." Daemonikai walked toward her. "You, my favorite star, have earned the right to ruin any celebration in this kingdom and beyond."

"I am pregnant," she whispered, like she couldn’t believe it.

You and me both, dearling."You are."

"I knew I was not feeling well all day, and I just—"

Daemonikai knelt.

She drew in a sharp breath, sitting up straighter. "What are you doing?"

He was a grand king, and he knelt for no one. Not in battle. Not in diplomacy. Not for any reason.

The last time his knees met the ground was under the sorrowful half-moon with a shattered heart and a crippled soul as he wept for the third child he lost, and never got to meet. Before that, was in a battlefield centuries ago, to celebrate victory.

But tonight… on this night… he knelt with a grateful heart and a vulnerable soul.

"Thank you," he said hoarsely. "Thank you so much, Emeriel."

She bestowed him that radiant smile again.

He did not return it, but took her hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing each and every finger.

"Emeriel, you are the most incredible female I have ever come across in my entire five thousand years of existence."

Those bright eyes turned shiny. "Oh, my king…"

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