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 proclaimed, lifting 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.”

Emeriel 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 erupted 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 positioned proudly on the left side of the dais.

“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.

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, Aekeira 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, reading 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.

“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

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. “Conception 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 ‘conception 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 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 souls 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.”