Epilogue
Gwenllian opened her eyes and stared at the necklace nestled in her hand. It was stunning, a cascade of gems as bright as the joy lighting her heart, as red as the blood racing in her veins.
“Rubies?”
Alexander had told her that morning that he had a present for her, but she had not imagined she would be given something anywhere near as precious when he had asked her to close her eyes.
“I commissioned the necklace the day we agreed to get married, thinking I would be able to give it to you for the wedding. Alas, the goldsmith proved to be as unreliable as he is talented, and it was one delay after another. But finally, it is ready.” He gave a slow, wicked smile.
“I’ve wanted to give you rubies from the moment I met you, you know.
I thought it would be the gems that suited you the most.”
“Did you? People have always told me emeralds would be best for me.”
He made a dismissive gesture. “People have so little imagination. They likely say emeralds because your eyes are green. But your inner fire is what counts, as well as the flush of your skin when pleasure overcomes you.”
Of course, he would know all about that. She kissed him with all the inner fire he had just mentioned. How wonderful to be married to someone who knew her so well and wanted to please her.
“I love it, thank you. And I, too, have a gift for you, as it happens.”
“Oh? Do I have to close my eyes?” Alexander asked, arching a brow.
“Yes, that is a good idea. I will put it in your hand, like you did with me.”
With those words, Gwenllian took his right hand and placed it on her stomach, where she was now certain a new life was growing.
She had been told that the baby would be born less than seven months after their wedding, which was why she thought it had been conceived the day in the rose garden, when they had told one another that they were in love and agreed to get married.
When she had ridden him so scandalously and welcomed his seed for the first time. It seemed very fitting.
“What are you—” Alexander’s eyes snapped open. “Wait. Are you?”
“I am.”
Gwenllian had no time to say more. Her husband swept her into his arms and lifted her so that her face was level with his.
“Sorry,” she whispered, not feeling sorry at all. “You gave me rubies, and I can only give you the first of the little bones I will spend the rest of my life being surrounded by. Rathbones.”
“Jesus, you did tell me the woman was always right, but this is unbelievable… I’ll have to meet your Myfanwy someday.” He made a face as a thought seemed to strike him. “Wait. Don’t tell me you only chose me because of my name? Because it was either me or a lonely life in your childhood castle?”
“No. I chose you because you gave me the adventure I had hoped for, and more.”
He kissed her with so much passion that he left her breathless, then deposited her back on the floor. “My love, worry not, I will give you all the little Rathbones you want.”
She certainly hoped so.
“Now, will you put the necklace on me?”
“Of course. And you might as well know that I have plans for this necklace. I want to see you wear it in bed.”
“In bed?” Gwenllian let out a pearly laugh. “Wouldn’t that be a waste?”
He drew her to him and growled in her ear. “Anything but a waste. I haven’t told you the best part yet. I want to see you wearing it in bed…and nothing else.”
“This is shocking!”
His laugh was deliciously wicked. “More shocking than what we did last night, at your request, my wild Welsh hellion?”
Her breath caught in her throat. No. Maybe not. “I cannot think of anything more shocking than that.”
“Is that a challenge, wife?”
“Maybe. What will you do?”
“Rise to it. Always.”