Chapter 333

Daemonikai stood outside his chamber, alone with the healer.

“So, uhm, I know you’ve had children before, but you may have forgotten some things,” she began carefully. “It’s my duty to remind you.”

Daemonikai gave a small nod, signaling her to continue.

“First and foremost—rest. While she must remain active, she also needs plenty of rest. It’s essential for both mother and child.”

He listened intently.

“Sexual intimacy is very important during this period. Your semen is needed to help keep both the mother and child healthy. Even when the pregnancy progresses into later months and becomes uncomfortable for her, you will still need to find a way to make it happen,” she added matter-of-factly.

Daemonikai winced. A significant obstacle lay in their path; Emeriel wasn’t ready yet.

“If you are…well endowed,” the healer’s cheeks colored slightly, but she remained professional, “she may not be able to accommodate you as she once did. That’s normal. Listen to her and adjust accordingly. Reaching her womb, or even near it, will cause discomfort, or outright pain. Avoid that, but you may…” she cleared her throat, “if she’s climaxing, you may coat the surrounding areas with your…uhm…”

Daemonikai lifted a brow.

“Your semen,” the healer regained her composure. “As for feeding…unless she finds it pleasurable, avoid drinking from her. As she is not a host, the experience will become uncomfortable as the pregnancy advances. If you must take from her, drink only sips. And ensure you flood her with pheromones before and during.”

He gave a short nod.

The healer glanced at the chamber door. “I’ll have my apprentice deliver the herbal mixtures she’ll require. Ensure she avoids stress and eats well.”

He stored every instruction like scripture as she continued. Finally, when she had covered everything, she bowed and took her leave.

A throat cleared behind him. “I wish to speak, Your Grace.”

Daemonikai turned and regarded Faiwick, then waved a hand of approval.

“It’s essential you satisfy the basic instincts, sexlust especially. We must prevent another feral episode at all costs.”

Daemonikai’s heart sank. What if I lose control and attack her again?

He growled, banishing the thought, “I cannot allow that to happen.”

Faiwick regarded him. He was one of the few who knew of his madness’s return…what happened with Emeriel.

“You truly cannot, Your Majesty,” Faiwick said gravely. “Something must be done. Even if it means taking other females to bed.”

Daemonikai gave him a sharp, lethal glare. “Never.”

“Your Majesty…”

“I feel no desire for another,” he said, his voice cold as iron. “Even the thought enrages me.”

“I apologize, Your Grace, but you may have to, especially as she is unable to engage in intimacies,” Faiwick grimaced. “It’s for the greater good. If you were to have another episode, you would greatly endanger her life—”

“Shut the fuck up, Faiwick,” Daemonikai gritted out. “I would never endanger them.”

“I apologize, Your Majesty,” Faiwick’s eyes lowered. “It’s my duty as her healer to remind you. I believe we both want what’s best for her and the little one.”

Daemonikai’s jaw locked so hard it ached. He looked away.

“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 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, or taint the euphoria within 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. She was seated upright, embracing her grinning sister. Their foreheads pressed together as they whispered and laughed. Then, Emeriel raised her head and looked at him. She smiled shyly.

Daemonikai’s chest felt free as he held her gaze.

“We will leave you two alone,” Vladya said.

“But Em and I were just—” Aekeira began.

Vladya threw an arm around her 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 colored her cheeks. She was glowing.

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

“The festival deserved to be ruined,” he 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, as if she couldn’t believe it.

“You and me both, dearling,” he said. “You are.”

“I knew I wasn’t feeling well all day, and I just—”

Daemonikai knelt down.

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 a sorrowful half-moon, with a shattered heart and crippled soul, weeping for the third child he lost and never got to meet. And before that, on 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 upon him that radiant smile again. He didn’t return it. Instead, he took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing each 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…”

“You have no idea the blessing you’ve given me. You cannot fathom the joy I feel within me.”

“I feel truly happy as well,” her voice was breathless laughter as she glanced down at herself. “I can’t believe it…oh, the gods. I truly can’t believe it, Daemon.”