“We need a witness who can attest to our claims when we take over control of the continent. We need as many of the Lords on our side as possible, and the more proof we have, the better. You will tell everyone exactly what happened, won’t you?” Kain raised his voice slightly toward the end, giving their captive a pointed stare.

Whatever conviction had made the female join forces with the Prince, it had withered after seeing her comrades slaughtered like animals. She made a raspy sound until Kesh eased his hold on her neck.

“Y-Yes, my Lord,” she croaked. “Whatever you want, my Lord.”

“Your Majesty.” Kirigan strolled over to the captive and put a finger under her chin, forcing her to look up. “My son is your king now, wretch. Get used to addressing him as such.”

The smaller demon looked stunned, but when Kesh dug his claws into her neck, she came around quickly enough.

“O-Of course, Your Majesty. I’m sorry, Your Majesty! Whatever you say, Your Majesty!”

Kain smothered a sigh. He didn’t give two flying shits about his title, but his family’s insistence on drilling it into their surviving witness was undoubtedly a wise decision.

All that mattered was keeping Selma and his unborn son safe, and for that to happen, he needed every Lord on the continent to bend their knee to him.

Reluctantly, he let go of his mate and stepped over to the fallen Prince. He grabbed him by the horns, and with a twist, tore his head clean off his body before turning to his father and brother.

When he’d left his father’s house on the same day he’d matured into an adult, he’d turned his back on them, never once wishing to lay eyes upon them again. Yet in his most desperate hour, they’d both rallied behind him, all for the sake of the woman who’d brought love into his life at last.

Perhaps in time, there would be more than the loyalty of blood between them.

“Let’s go,” he said. “We have a continent to conquer.”

31

Selma

“I do not appreciate being strong-armed into hosting a meeting for the continent’s Lords without first being given a reason. I hope you understand that if this turns out to be a waste of my time, and that of everyone else who travelled here, there will be consequences.”

Selma fidgeted by Kain’s side at the less-than-amused look the large demon across the desk was giving her mate. Being back at the Governor’s mansion did not bring back entirely pleasant memories, even if she couldn’t recognize her auctioneer in his current form.

“Naturally, Your Excellency.” Kain gave her shoulder a small squeeze and then stepped forward, leaving her flanked by Kesh and Kirigan, the latter of whom had the female demon they’d captured on a chain.