Epilogue
He awoke with Anna still at his side, but they were in his bed chamber, in his bed… and across the room a stout woman sat in a rocking chair with Alex, giving him a bottle. Kahn wearily pushed the hair out of his face and carefully sat up so he wouldn’t disturb Anna.
“Ah, the sleeping beauties awake,” the woman said with some amusement. “We were beginning to think you would sleep the rest of the week away.”
“Week?” Kahn said, confused.
“Oh, yes, sir. You and your lovely lady have been asleep for three days and nights. This little fellow has been missing his mother.” Alex turned his gaze to Kahn and smiled, letting milk dribble out of the corner of his mouth before going back to his bottle.
“Alex?” came Anna’s sleepy voice.
“He’s fine, tarae , and in good hands from the looks of things. Do you need more rest?”
“No, but I could use a toothbrush really bad.”
Kahn laughed. “In the bath chamber, love. I think I’ll join you.”
Once they had showered and taken the necessary grooming and personal hygiene steps, Kahn and Anna entered the bed chamber once again. Alex had finished his bottle and gone back to sleep. The nursemaid stood with the little boy in her arms and looked to Anna.
“Would you like to hold your son, madam?”
Anna looked at Kahn. “Perhaps his father should have that honor.”
Kahn was startled -- moved to tears. One escaped before he could stop it as he looked at the sleeping boy who was now his son. Taking Alex in his arms, Kahn just stared at the perfect little human. “He’s so beautiful.” He looked at Anna. “Thank you for allowing me this. For trusting me.”
“I love you, Kahn. Thank you for saving my son.”
“Thank you for giving me a son to love, for giving Gothe’mar a future to look forward to. And thank you for loving me. I love you, too.” He watched as Anna brushed a tear from her own cheek.
“Let’s go introduce Alex to his people,” Kahn said as he put an arm around his beloved mate.
“With pleasure.”