Gleefully she said, “We have a cook now! We’ll have pies! And jams!”
Thank the gods. “Any valet will despair of me.”
“I do like your beard, but you know he’ll pout if you don’t let him shave it.” She flicked his bristled chin, then trailed her fingers down his chest. Lower. “And these leathers, with their old laces—off they’ll go in exchange for golden robes.”
His cock hardened at her light touch. “Tease.”
“I can be a little mean.”
“A little evil.”
“You like it?”
“I love it.” He palmed the swell of her belly. “I love you, wife. And our children. With all my heart.”
Her hand covered his. “When they’re born, we won’t mark which comes first or second. They will be equal.”
Emotion filled his throat. “You are the most glorious of all queens.”
“You are the most wonderful and perceptive of kings. And so very big.” She smiled up at him. “I would court you if I could lift you.”
“You will always get a rise out of me, my queen,” he said, then caught her face in his hands when she laughed. His voice thickened. “You lift me up simply by being near to you, Echo.”
Her eyes glistened. “You don’t mean physically.”
“I don’t mean physically,” he confirmed quietly. “My heart has been hovering somewhere near the stars since I first made you mine.”
“You’re not alone, my king. Because my heart is right there with yours.” Smiling, she touched his cheek. “Do you know what is my next evil scheme?”
His gaze narrowed. “What are you planning, my wife?”
“Only for us to have the happiest of all endings,” she said.
“So we will,” he agreed.
And so they did.
THE END