"Hmm." Hands clasped behind his back, Zaiper pondered her words. "Then she must be dealt with. Razarr, make arrangements. Poison her next meal. Ensure it’s untraceable."

Razarr bowed and left the room.

"I still can’t believe that little breeze of a girl managed to defeat my assassin.” Zaiper’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Pure luck, no doubt. But lately, it seems she has too much of that on her side. I don’t like it."

"I told you before, everything is different with that girl since her return," Sinai said. “It’s not just her status that’s changed. Her strength, her poise, even the way our people look at her now. Especially since she’s been spending all her time tending to my Daemon."

"That’s where it ends,” Zaiper asserted confidently. “No matter how civilized our people become, they will never accept her mating Daemonikai. Neither would Daemonikai himself. I don’t understand why you are so concerned, she’s nothing but a minor nuisance."

"And that minor nuisance just stirred up an investigation that could lead directly to you, Lord Zaiper." Sinai's grin widened, all teeth. "Take my advice. Donotunderestimate her."

"I will waste no time worrying about a mere human girl."

The mistress clucked her tongue. "And make no further attempts on the grand king’s life. Let this situation blow over. If you're lucky, he won't recover, and his dying soul will finish him off for you."

"True," Zaiper concede, casting a sidelong glance at her. "You really are a mean little thing, aren't you? I would have sworn you cared for that male."

The mistress had the decency to look guilty. She cleared her throat. "I do care for him."

Zaiper rolled his eyes. "Of course you do."

She shrugged. "So, what’s your next move, My Lord?"

"What do you suggest?" he asked, crossing his arms.

"I think it’s time you secure an heir.”

Zaiper was sure the woman was joking. He looked at her like she had just grown a new pair of arms. “Excuse me?”

“The grand throne has always remained stable because Myka was the heir. But with him and Alvin gone, the throne has only Daemonikai left.” A smile touched her lips. “His family is gone, his bloodline is empty once again."

Zaiper’s brows furrowed as he listened intently.

“You need an heir, My Lord. If Daemonikai dies and you assume the throne, an heir solidifies your claim. Fortify your hold as the undisputed ownership of the throne,” Sinai drawled, blowing air at her manicured fingers. “An heir will secure the future of Dragaxlov as theNil'nhile, and the grand throne will remain within your lineage."

Zaiper was struck by the brilliance of her suggestion. Why hadn’t he considered this before?

Anger vanishing, a wicked grin spread across his face. He strode to Sinai, cupped her face, and planted a filthy, possessive kiss on her lips.

Sinai chuckled through it, kissing him back.

"That—" he gave her another noisy kiss "—is a brilliant idea."

"I know," Sinai said, smug. "But don’t get too ahead of yourself, My Lord. Conceiving the idea is the easy part. The execution is where the challenge lies.”

“I know our people do not birth easily, but I must father an heir. Imust.” Zaiper stepped back, filled with resolve.

The mistress cackled. "Look at that determination."

"I'll have my men discreetly kidnap every girl that goes into heat in this kingdom for me, bonded and unbonded, and breed them all, if that's what it takes. I will be the next and only ruler with a child in this fortress," Grand Lord Zaiper vowed.

***

Exhaustion finally claiming her, Emeriel dozed off into a restless sleep in the armchair, when a jolt snapped her awake. Suddenly on high alert, she followed her instinct, rising and moving toward the bed.

King Daemonikai’s color had changed to an evenmoredeathly pale. As white as freshly fallen snow.

"My King?" She rushed to his side, grasping his arm. Only to recoil the instant her skin made contact.