Chapter - 22
"The kingdom of Celadrin finally has its future secured!" Lirael's voice rang out with confidence and passion, carrying over the sea of citizens gathered in the Main City Square. "My son, Prince Damon Vallore, has triumphed over his illness! By a miracle of the heavens, he has inherited the true essence of the Vallore bloodline and has emerged as a Tamer!"
I stood tall beside my mother, her presence as regal and commanding as ever. Her golden hair shone like sunlight against the elaborate crown she wore, and her crystal-blue eyes sparkled with pride. I was tasked to stand by her side and project the image of a strong and capable Crown Prince. I kept my expression composed and my posture straight.
The square was packed, with nearly the entire city present to witness the occasion. People filled every inch of the space, spilling into side streets and even climbing to higher vantage points to catch a glimpse of the royal family. Their cheers and applause created a thunderous wave of noise as Lirael spoke.
Her speech, as I expected, revolved around praising me and celebrating the restoration of the Vallore dynasty. "The future of Celadrin has never been brighter! Soon, my son will take his rightful place as King, and together, we will lead this kingdom into a new era of prosperity and strength!"
The crowd erupted into jubilant cheers and applause, their enthusiasm resonating through the square. I inclined my head slightly, offering a small, practiced smile of gratitude. My part was simple—to embody the image of a prince ready to lead, to assure the people that the kingdom's future was in capable hands.
As Lirael concluded her speech, the applause reached a fever pitch, the citizens' excitement spilling over like a roaring tide. It was a grand spectacle, one that underscored the importance of the moment. The Kingdom of Celadrin had been holding its breath for years, fearing the collapse of the Vallore bloodline. Now, they could exhale, confident that their monarchy was secure.
A short while later, we were escorted back to the royal palace. The streets were lined with citizens cheering and waving as our carriage passed, a symbol of their loyalty and hope. Inside the carriage, it was just me and my mother, the curtains drawn to grant us privacy.
Lirael was practically glowing with excitement. Her hands were clasped in her lap, her smile radiant as she gazed out of the window for a moment before turning her attention back to me. I could see the relief in her demeanor—the weight of years of uncertainty finally lifting from her shoulders.
I studied her quietly, wondering if in some way, this day was as much for her as it was for me. Lirael had endured more than her fair share of hardships. Cast aside by her husband just a few years into their marriage, she had fought her way through a world that sought to diminish her, eventually securing her position as Queen. Despite her triumphs, the shadow of my illness had hung over her for years, threatening to undo everything she had worked for.
Now, with the restoration of the Vallore dynasty, she could finally breathe freely. She had fought and endured, and now it was my turn to take up the mantle and shield her from further burdens.
Reaching across the space between us, I took her hand in mine and pulled her toward me. Lirael let out a soft gasp of surprise as I guided her to sit on my lap. My arms encircled her slender waist, holding her close as I looked into her radiant face.
"Mother," I began, "thank you for everything you've done for me—for fighting so hard, for never giving up, even when things seemed hopeless."
She cupped my cheek with one hand, her touch soft and reassuring, her smile full of love. "Damon, you are my son. I would walk through fire for you if that's what it took to keep you safe. Seeing you strong and healthy now... that is all the thanks I could ever need."
I leaned my forehead against hers for a moment, drawing strength from her presence. "Still," I said, my tone firm yet affectionate, "from now on, it's my turn to take care of you. Soon, I'll take over all your responsibilities—every last one—and leave you with only a single job to focus on."
Her lips curved into an amused smile as she tilted her head slightly, her golden hair brushing against my cheek. "Oh?" she said playfully. "And what, pray tell, will that one job be?"
I smirked, my hands finding purchase on the soft, yielding flesh of her ass. I squeezed roughly, eliciting a soft moan from her lips. The sound was music to my ears, a testament to the power I held over her. "You'll be tasked with taking care of the future King's sexual needs," I said, my voice low and husky, "no matter how debauched they are." I ground her ass against my cock.
"I'll be... I'll be honored to take on that great duty," she breathed, her voice thick with excitement. Her lips were parted slightly, her breath coming in short, rapid gasps. The pleasure she was experiencing was palpable.
"Mother, I'm serious," I said, "I want you as my first wife." Before she could respond, I continued, anticipating her objection, "I know we can never marry publicly. But in the palace, you'll be my wife. The Queen of my harem. All my wives and concubines will know who the first woman in my heart is."
Her eyes widened, a mixture of shock and intense longing swirling within their depths. "The Queen... of your harem?" she whispered, the words barely audible.
I nodded before pulling her in for a deep, sloppy kiss, my hands continuing their exploration of her ass, squeezing and kneading the soft flesh.
"The Queen of my harem, and the Queen of my heart," I repeated, "That will be your duty, Mother."