Demon King's Gardener Series by Rori Thornton

Demon King Jurao returns from his successful thirty-year Union Campaign and discovers something amiss - the castle gardens have a secret caretaker. Using his authority over the sentient plants, he discovers the gardener is... a human! But after hearing the man out, Jurao decides to appoint Braelin as the official Royal Gardener for all his hard work. Now he just needs to figure out why everyone seems to believe he is romantically interested in the human...

After a bit more encouragement, Jurao realizes he does have a romantic interest in Brealin - and decides to pursue it. But what should have been a simple matter of confessing his feelings turns out to be more difficult than the Demon King anticipated when he loses his nerve. Seeking advice from friends and family - including an excitable princess arriving to confirm the rumors of his crush - Jurao comes up with a new plan to express his feelings in the form of a courtship gift... moreAfter a bit more encouragement, Jurao realizes he does have a romantic interest in Brealin - and decides to pursue it. But what should have been a simple matter of confessing his feelings turns out to be more difficult than the Demon King anticipated when he loses his nerve. Seeking advice from friends and family - including an excitable princess arriving to confirm the rumors of his crush - Jurao comes up with a new plan to express his feelings in the form of a courtship gift.Now all that remains is whether or not Braelin is interested in being courted... less

Jurao and Braelin are, after all the hijinks, officially courting romantically. But their story is far from over... The first members of Braelin's scattered family - the elf-human twins Meir'ril and Ayelma, along with Braelin's fully human uncle, Owren - arrive in the Demon Realm. All are glad to be reunited, but it seems to stir up some bad memories for the Royal Gardener.. moreJurao and Braelin are, after all the hijinks, officially courting romantically. But their story is far from over... The first members of Braelin's scattered family - the elf-human twins Meir'ril and Ayelma, along with Braelin's fully human uncle, Owren - arrive in the Demon Realm. All are glad to be reunited, but it seems to stir up some bad memories for the Royal Gardener... Soon after, the envoy from the Temple of Iescula, Goddess of Seiges and Plants, arrives - and he's not happy about the human gardener tending his Lady's beloved plants... less

Braelin recovers from his recent surgery, and Jurao - after consulting his patron deity - takes some time away from the daily work of kingship to be with him. He ends up spending more time with his partner's family, and an old friend pays a visit.A ceremony is planned to celebrate Braelin's recovery and formally welcome him as both a peer of the realm and a member of Iescula's faithful, with his older brother's arrival expected around the same time...

Malson and Beneford get settled in as Braelin gets back to work... and as the King and his parnter prepare for their first court event together.Though perhaps there are other things on things on Jurao's gardener's mind than just mandatory social events...

In an effort to calm the conservative court faction's ire - and the progressive faction's enthusiasm - Jurao and Braelin continue to attend public events together. Meanwhile, they learn more about old acquaintances and make new friends as their relationship continues to grow.

Jurao and Braelin's affection for each other continues to grow, and life settles down - for them, at least. An old secret reveals new connections between their friends, and older friends arrive ready to settle in a new realm. Meanwhile, Jurao and Braelin consider their future together - and how they might extend it.

Brealin and his siblings are reunited with their parents while meeting Malson's wife and children, and all are overjoyed for it. But not all the feelings inspired by the reunion are happy...Meanwhile, it is time to begin preparing for the Golden Sun Feast to honor Maenscul, Deity of Kings - and the non-demons in residence new to the celebration are surprised by the after feast activities.