Chapter 264 55 % 13 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 .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

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 Belzebobs .
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 … Daemonikais 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 hadnt 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 hadnt asked for this .
1/2 12:11 Sun , 23 Feb w Chapter 264 55 % +13 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 .
Emeriels 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 , its okay .
Emeriels hand covered his mouth , her watery smile lighting her tearful face .
How many times will you apologize , Daemon ? Please stop .
Ive heard everything , and … She swallowed hard .
I dont deserve you .
She turned her gaze to the court , her voice wavering .
I dont 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 .