Any Story LGBTQ+ Paranormal/Supernatural Romance

Chapter 20

Charles

My mind felt like ten tornado demons set me on a hunt in a desert of bees. I’d never had my light demon shoved on me so fully before that it snuffed out my other side, stealing away all the heat that I normally held. Hadn’t even known it was possible. There was a lot I didn’t know was possible. Or know for that fact. Even with the thousand stingers in my mind, all I could focus on was the words of Lord Thaddus.

“. . . I chose to give my grandson . . .”

The words before and after never had faded. Didn’t exist in my mind, even now. All I’d been able to lock onto was that he was my grandfather. That it had been his son that raped my mother, leading to her taking her life. His son was a . . .

“Baby,” Daro ran his finger across our mating mark, allowing me to clear my mind a bit more. “You feeling any better?”

How did I answer that? I was warm. Could feel my beast and light demons both now, which felt amazing to do. Yet . . .

“Honey, I don’t know how to handle this. What am I supposed to do?”

“Not a thing if you don’t want to, baby. He only came because he did not want his grandson to kill his mate.”

“His what?” What was I missing? I glanced toward Lord Zarus wrapped beneath Lord Thaddus’ arms, plastered to his side with a grim, yet loving smile on his face. “They are mates?”

“Yes. Apparently, they chose to separate the Kingdoms when Thaddus son raped your mother, so that you could be raised by the light side and so that Zarus did not have to kill Thaddus’ son and start a war between the two Kingdoms. Unfortunately, . . . Thaddus had to kill his son five years ago because he tried a coup.”

Demon mercy, what a fucked up monster who created me. I thought it had been bad he raped my mother when she was a young girl, but to try and overthrow his own father. Thaddus was a fair Lord, or everyone thought so until he parted ways from Lord Zaus and closed the realms

“Have you always known what was taking place with me?” The words were barely audible for even us demons, but Lord Thaddus’ walked closer, bringing Lord Zarus with him.

“No. I can only locate you when you pull on our family blood ties. Like you did today.”

“So two other times, but you did not come those times. How come?”

“I could not step in without breaking the treaty, but today . . . I could not stand by any longer, especially with both my grandson and mate in danger. It was too great a price. I’d done given up both of you for my son’s life, and he spoiled that sacrifice by turning on me, so I owed him nothing else.” His head lowered but not before I caught the fleeting shadow of sorrow flash through them. “I should have known all those years ago that he truly was the unredeemable monster he was. There was no way anyone could have done what he did to your mother and . . .” He shook his head. “I am truly sorry for what my son did to that poor young child, but I am grateful she chose to keep you.”

“Even if I am light?”

“Yes. Being light is a greatness that allows so much to aid the dark demon lurking inside you to grow stronger than I could every image my son to be. And you have been raised right, according to what your former mates told me about you.”

“How did you discover I was your grandson?”

“The first time you had to pull on your dark beast. I felt it. Went to my son and asked him where his son was and why I did not know he had one. He was as confused as I was. Dumbass had not even taken note of our family line being pulled on. Called me a liar and accused me of going insane. After the signature died out, I went to the location and used my power to replay what had taken place. When I did, I brought the incident to Lord Zarus for information on who my grandson was, and we figured out what my son had done and came up with the best solution we could to keep peace between the Kingdoms.”

“Honey, my birth caused so much harm to so many demons. Including myself.”

Daro gripped my face, forcing me to look him in the eyes, and said, “You did no such thing, my love. You did not make the decision to close the realm. You did not, nor would you ever, rape a woman or man. You caused nothing but good for the Kingdom. Never let me hear you say that again. We clear, baby?”

I nodded, tucking my knees under me, and letting Daro help me to my feet. I was still a bit wobbly, but I managed to stand upright and tall with him beside me.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about the entire situation, or the fact I was truly Dark Demon Royalty, but if I could use any of this to my advantage, I would. “Lord Thaddus, this is not how Prince Daro hoped to meet you to make a request of you, but I hope you will accept his invitation to speak with you soon so that we might once again open the realms.”

Lord Thaddus smiled over at me, held his hand out, nodding. “I think that can be arranged, Sire Charles, but first may I make a request of Lord Zarus that I get to know my grandson, Sire Charles.”

“I think that request has to go through Lord Daro,” Zarus said, smiling at his son. “It has not been officially announced, but he is the Lord of the Light Kingdom now.”

“My sweet Zarus has retired,” Lord Thaddus kissed Zarus cheek, nipping it a bit. “I like the idea of that.” He let his hand rest over his ass. “I can think of many things to do to catch up.”

“Oh. Gross.” Daro and I said in unison, getting a chuckle from them both.

“We will set up a time to meet before you leave, but I’m unsure if Charles is up to getting to know you today. It is up to him.”

“I don’t want to lose control again.”

“I don’t think he will let you, baby.”

“I’ve never liked this beast inside me. I don’t know how to control him. I can pull on his strength and speed, but control him no.”

“Ask him to help you do so. It would be a way to get to know your grandfather. He seems nice. And it would be a great way for us to show the Kingdom that we are interacting with his Kingdom again. And I think it would be helpful for you, baby.” He leaned down and kissed me softly.

“We can talk some today, if you would like.” I looked around the Throne room. “Why did the guards not come running when I went apeshit? I’m going to kick their asses.”

“I sealed the room.” Lord Zarus said. “You may have some explaining to do, Sire Charles.”

“Great. Thanks, but now I’ve got to come up with an excellent story.”

They all busted out laughing as I shook my head and walked off toward the door. “You all head to the private chambers. I’ll join in a few minutes.”