Chapter 392
Chapter 392
FOUR MONTHS LATER
“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
Emeric 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, Ern!” Aekeira beamed from her place of honor, bouncing Emeriel’s twins in her arms. Across from her, Madam
Lívia 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
“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.
1/3
11:41 Sat, 12 Apr
Chapter 392
99%
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, Ackeira 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.
She extended the smile to him. “Something beautiful... for the future.”
TWO HUNDRED YEARS LATER
The grand king paced restlessly before her, while the second ruler stood aside, observing him with barely concealed humor.
“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
2/3
641 Sat, 12 Apr w
Chapter 392
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 soilles sill carrying the glow of
happiness and fulfillment.
“I’ll begin research immediately,” she promised. “I suspect more than just you two may need it. Barths 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 Goaud
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?”