32. IN THE FACE OF THE COUNCIL
Chapter thirty-two
IN THE FACE OF THE COUNCIL
Gasps rippled through the court, stunned silence following.
Jaws dropped. The high lords and the grand lords.
Only Grand Lord Vladya seemed unaffected, one brow arching to his hairline as he leaned back in his chair.
Grand King Daemonikai extended his hands toward her, his emerald eyes softening as they locked onto hers. “Come to me, dearest.”
Emeriel moved automatically, her feet carrying her forward before her mind could catch up. She felt dazed, her body acting on instinct as if pulled by an invisible tether.
Reaching him, she placed her trembling hands atop his, her gaze never leaving his.
“Her name is Emeriel Galilea Evenstone,” Daemonikai announced, his voice unwavering. “Ukrea has blessed me with the gift of her, and today, I officially show her to you so she will be accorded the respect and honor she deserves—as my woman, and as my Soulbond .”
A pin could have dropped and been heard. Not a single breath, not a whisper.
Or maybe it was just the ringing in Emeriel’s ears.
His words hit her like a tidal wave. His woman. His Soulbond.
He was announcing them publicly . Officially claiming her.
Her heart pounded a fast, uneven rhythm as if it might burst free of her chest at any moment.
He smiled softly, just for her, as he gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. “As many of you know, I lost my family centuries ago.” Daemonikai’s deep voice rose in the stillness, his eyes sweeping across the room, locking onto each noble as if daring them to look away.
“It hasn’t been easy. That pain… I never thought I could heal from it—Many of you witnessed what it did to me—how I fell apart. Descended into madness. I never thought I could find my way back. I thought my life was over… I wanted my life to be over.”
Emeriel’s eyes fell to their hands, still intertwined. Slowly, she raised her eyes to his.
“But this woman, pulled me back from the brink. Not just once but over and over again.” His gaze returned to the court, his words ringing out with absolute clarity. “While many of you fought to eliminate my wild beast, she fought to save me. She offered her body and her blood, bringing me back from madness. I was drawn to her, even when I had no memory of who she truly was. Repeatedly, I sought her out, wanting to be near her… even when I thought she belonged to another.”
They gasped again.
Emeriel couldn’t bring herself to look away from him. His words were so raw, so sincere, they caused tears to blur her eyes.
Daemonikai released her hand, stepping back. Clasping his hand behind his back, he walked to the raised podium with regal grace.
From his new vantage point, he faced the court once more.
“And after I discovered who she truly was, I sent her away. But whatever was left of my empty heart—whatever small measure of life remaining—went with her. A sickness took root in me. My soul was dying, and I was sure that would be the end. But she came for me.”
A muffled sob escaped Emeriel’s lips, and she pressed a shaky hand to her mouth, trying to stifle her cries further.
“Even when she was hurting, even when anger burned in her heart, she came back ." His voice softened, though it carried just as far. "And she saved me once again. Night and day, she stayed by my side, tending to me.”
Her other hand frantically wiped at her tears, but it was a futile effort. They fell faster than she could chase them away.
Daemonikai’s gaze finally rested on her again, filled with tenderness. “Today, I stand before this court to tell you all about this kind, beautiful princess Ukrea saw fit to bless me with.” His lips curved into a soft smile. “And to announce that she is mine .”
All eyes turned to her.
The nobles regarded her with shock, awe, and disbelief, as if they were seeing her for the first time.
Emeriel’s heart swelled and ached all at once. This is real, right? Heavens, let this not be a dream.
“I wish to court her,” Daemonikai announced suddenly. “To build something meaningful with her. Something that can, I hope, grow into something even more profound. So that one day, she may stand beside me as my Grand Queen.”
The court erupted into chaos . That, apparently, was the last straw.
Loud murmurs, gasps, and shocked exclamations filled the air, echoing off the walls.
“How could you say such a thing, Your Grace?” A voice rose.
“It hasn’t gotten to that!”
“Our Grand Queen… a human ?!” one from the back exclaimed.
“After all they did to us? This cannot be happening!”
***
Daemonikai let the noise swirl around him, his watchful gaze sweeping across the court as he observed them. Then, he swiveled his head, meeting the eyes of his grand rulers.
Zaiper’s expression was a stormy scowl, his jaw clenched. As if he’d swallowed something bitter and couldn’t spit it out.
Ottai wore a beaming grin so bright his eyes crinkled at the corners.
While Vladya offered a more reserved smile.
Glancing back at the court, his voice cut through the chaotic murmurs like a clap of thunder. “Silence.”
The hall fell deathly still, leaving a ringing silence in its wake.
A nervous cough broke the quiet, drawing Daemonikai's attention to the right.
High Lord Jakal rose, stiff in his military uniform, as he raised a hand. “May I address the court, Your Grace?”
“Go ahead, Lord of Military Affairs.”
Jakal shifted uncomfortably, his hands clasped tightly in front of him. “I understand where you are coming from, Your Majesty. Many of us do… it’s just…” He hesitated, his eyes darting across the room before returning to the king. “It’s going to be incredibly hard for our people to accept the idea of a human as our future Grand Queen. I mean, we lost so many to their kind. Entire families shattered. Many of us still carry those scars—both seen and unseen.”
“Lord Jakal is correct,” Lord Belzebob added, rising to his feet, his chair scraping harshly against the stone floor. “We understand she is your destined mate, Your Grace, but this will truly be difficult for our people to accept. Humans are our sworn enemies. Their treachery has cost us dearly. Should we not be focused on eradicating their kind rather than elevating one to a position of power over us?” He bowed deeply, his head nearly touching the table before him. “Please reconsider, Your Grace.”
“Please reconsider, Your Grace!” came the shouted chorus from others in the room, their collective voices tinged with desperation and unease as they bowed.
An oppressive silence followed.
“I have served as the Grand King of Urai for five millennia,” Daemonikai began, his voice resonating authority and sorrow. “I have always placed my people first—above myself, above all else. There are none here who can claim otherwise. I love my people dearly.”
Heads nodded around the room. Some murmured in agreement.
“During the Eclipse Moon, I fought to save countless lives. Even as my strength drained and my sanity teetered on the verge of collapse, I fought tirelessly for your families. I gave everything I had to protect my people." His voice dipped into a somber cadence. "And in doing so, I lost my family. The ones who meant more to me than anything in this world. While I protected your loved ones, I failed to save mine.”
Guilt and pain flickered in their eyes.
Slowly, heads lowered, their gazes cast down, including Belzebob’s.
“I never blamed any of you for what I lost. Instead, I bore my pain alone, even after the loss drove me mad. Even in my darkest hours…" Daemonikai's voice held an ache that could be felt in every corner of the room. "However, for the first time in five thousand years, I am choosing something for myself. I am taking something that brings me happiness, something that reminds me of what it feels like to live rather than merely exist.”
His tone grew firmer. “Many may not like the idea of me courting Princess Emeriel because she is human. But that is something you will simply have to learn to accept. She is my Soulbond . The one woman in the entire universe made for me.” His eyes burned with fire as they swept across the room. “I will not forsake her. Not for anyone or anything. If accepting her as my woman is too much for you, then so be it. But make no mistake. I would sooner relinquish the grand throne than let her go again.”
Shocked exclamations rose, jaws dropping in collective disbelief.
A few pairs of eyes were on the verge of popping out of their skulls in sheer astonishment.
Daemonikai almost allowed himself a smile at their stunned faces. Almost.
They hadn’t expected him to go this far, but his mind was made up. His decision had been cemented long before this moment.
“I have given everything for this kingdom. My strength, my family, my sanity. Today, I am claiming something in return. If my people cannot stand by me in this, then perhaps they do not deserve me as their king.”
“But, Your Grace, it has not gotten to that,” Jakal said in sheer horror.
“I would rather give up the grand throne than throw away this second chance. A rare opportunity for happiness the gods themselves have gifted me.”
No one said a word.
A pang of pity rose within Daemonikai at the look on their faces. They hadn’t asked for this.
“I understand this is not what you expected. I know this is difficult for you. My people did not ask for these circumstances, nor did I.” He took a breath, his tone shifting to one of earnest plea. “I will not impose this as law, nor will I force any of you to accept Princess Emeriel. All I ask is that you give her a chance. Do not see her as a human; see her as mine. My Syren, my woman, my Soulbond .”
His voice deepened with emotion. “She has proven herself worthy time and time again. There is no one more befitting to stand as Grand Queen. All I ask is that you give her a chance.”
He turned to Emeriel, his gaze locking onto her tear-streaked face, her muffled sobs threatening to break the fragile quiet of the court.
Warmth filled his chest, a fierce protectiveness rising in him.
“Join me, Beloved,” he said gently, extending his hand toward her once more.
Emeriel's steps were tentative, but each footfall echoed, her silken gown rustling softly. Her hand found his, and Daemonikai pulled her onto the podium beside him.
Turning, he faced her, looking deep into her eyes. “I know I have apologized to you in private, but I want to formally apologize to you here, in front of everyone.”
"Daemon—"
“I am sorry for hurting you." His voice soft easily carried through the room. "For making you endure the excruciating pain of a severed bond. For every moment of suffering I caused. I apologize for it all.”
“Shhh, it’s okay.” Emeriel’s hand covered his mouth, her watery smile lighting her tearful face. “How many times will you apologize, Daemon? Please stop. I’ve heard everything, and…” She swallowed hard. “I don’t deserve you.”
She turned her gaze to the court, her voice wavering. “I don’t deserve any of this.”
Her eyes returned to him, glistening with new tears. “But I hope one day I will. I hope one day I can stand proudly by your side, my head held high, confident that I deserve to be there.” She smiled.
“To the court, I wish to offer my deepest apologies." She faced the council fully, drawing a deep breath. "I deceived all of you in the past, disguising myself as a male when I was, in fact, a female. I did what I felt I had to, to survive. I know that may not excuse my actions, but it is the only explanation I can give.”
Placing both hands gracefully against her belly, Emeriel stood tall before them, keeping her voice steady. “I love the grand king deeply. I have for a long time, even when he was only a mindless feral. Please, grant me a chance. Teach me how to be better. I wish to learn from the noble lords of this court how to properly serve Urai.”
Her eyes looked around the hall, unwavering yet soft. “I know it will take time for the people to accept me, but I will wait. I will work tirelessly for it. So that one day, the people will look beyond my species and see just me… Emeriel Evenstone, the Syren. The Soulbond of Grand King Daemonikai.”
With that, she bowed. A deep, full-belly bow of humility and respect.
Complete silence.
Only the soft rustle of Emeriel's gown and the quiet echo of her last words hung in the air.
A single pair of hands began to clap, Vladya's. His eyes shining with a newfound respect.
Soon, Ottai joined in, his clap enthusiastic and booming.
Then a high lord from the roundtable. And another.
One by one, others around the roundtable joined the applause, the sound swelling and reverberating through the grand hall.
It was not just polite; it was genuine. Carrying with it an undercurrent of approval.
Many high lords nodded, some even wore smiles that were rarely seen in the cold austerity of court.
Daemonikai’s chest swelled with pride. It rushed through him, warming him like a draught of fine wine.
He had expected a long, tiring resistance. A slow, uphill battle to win over the court.
But here she was, his woman, making impressive progress. Already she was bridging the gap with her sincerity and strength.
Emeriel raised her head, tears falling from her eyes. She gave them a watery smile, wiping her cheeks. “Thank you, everyone, for hearing me out.”
They might be doing more than just hearing you out, Beloved.
As the applause quieted, a few high lords rose from their seats… and tilted their heads to the side .
Emeriel was confused.
Keeping her eyes on them, she inched closer to him. "What are they doing?" she whispered in apprehension.
But Daemonikai could not speak for he was stunned. He hadn't expected this, not so soon.
“Your Grace?” she whispered again, her tone uncertain.
“They are acknowledging your greater position,” Henry interjected. Merilyn’s bondmate.
He rose to his feet. “Princess, it means that the high lords of Urai are willing to give you the chance and support you asked for.”
“Our Grand King was right, we wouldn’t have him here today if not for you,” Belzebob said, his gruff voice now surprisingly gentle, rising as well. “And you may not realize it, but we do not take our Ultimate Ruler lightly. His well-being is deeply tied to ours.”
“Our people are fiercely attached to him,” Gaff added, standing beside Belzebob. “And if there’s even a sliver of hope that he could find happiness again, we do not wish to stand in the way.”
Henry inclined his head. “So, to show that we not only grant you the chance you asked for but also acknowledge you as the female he is courting, we bare our necks to you.”
One by one, the standing lords mirrored the gesture, their throats exposed.
***
Rooted to the spot, Emeriel could only stare at the lords before her, floored by their gesture. Words evaded her entirely.
“Do not keep them waiting, dearest,” Daemonikai murmured, his tone as tender as it was encouraging.
“I-I don’t know what to do.”
He smiled softly, his eyes gleaming with pride. “Walk to them, one by one, and press your nose to their necks to accept the respect they offer. Take it as they give it.”
Having witnessed this sacred gesture before, Emeriel understood the weight of the act.
This was not a mere acknowledging her, they were accepting her. Offering her not only respect but also a tentative trust.
It was more than she’d dared to hope for.
Joy rose within her, a budding warmth spreading to every corner of her being, awakening a hope that shone like a newborn sun deep in her chest.
Sniffling, she steeled herself, forcing her legs to move even as her sore muscles protested.
She reached Lord Gaff, who bent slightly to meet her, sparing her the discomfort of standing on her toes.
Heart pounding, Emeriel leaned in and pressed her nose gently to his neck, the act both humbling and empowering.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Gaff inclined his head, his stoic expression softening.
Emeriel moved to the next lord, then the next, repeating the act with each.
When she reached High Lord Henry and whispered her gratitude, his quiet response caught her breath.
“Take care of him, My Lady. He deserves true happiness.”
She gave a nod. “I will, My Lord.” A promise she intended to keep with all her heart.
As she completed her rounds, the load that had pressed on her shoulders for so long felt lighter.
She glanced around the roundtable, her gaze lingering on the faces of the lords who had bowed to her in respect.
For the first time, she saw not adversaries but a fair council. Perhaps the court wasn't so terrible after all. Perhaps these nobles weren't as heartless as she had once believed.
A sudden pang struck her chest. Nostalgia, wrapped in melancholy, gripped her as her thoughts turned.
High Lord Herodis.
Tears filled her eyes again, even as she smiled.
Dearest friend, I hope you are fine wherever you are. You were right, after all. Two years ago wasn’t the end of the world. The day did come when the world would give me a chance.
Her gaze swept the court once more, at the council who had once sentenced her to death, accepting her now as their grand ruler’s woman.
“Look at me now, Lord Herod,” she muttered under her breath, tears falling. “Look at your slave friend who, once upon a time, had to dress as a boy to survive. Today she stands before the council of Urai, not as a slave boy in hiding, but as a Soulbond to their Ultimate Ruler.”