EPILOGUE
EPILOGUE
“What does my queen yearn for if her mind is so far away from me?”
Jasiri’s arms closed around her, bringing a smile to her face as she leaned back, resting her head against his chest. They stood in the palace gardens at their favorite column that hid them from the rest of the world.
“I was just thinking that when we met again, I was going through the worst pain of my life. Ace was gone, and then I found out he’d given away the one thing he’d promised me.”
He didn’t speak. Jasiri knew her well enough that he understood she didn’t need to be rescued, just heard and considered. Of all the things she loved about her husband, it was that he’d taken the time to learn who she was now.
“Ace’s house.”
He hugged her to him, and again she let his strength seep into her.
“It was never about the house. It was about holding on to the only person who’d loved and protected me the way I’d needed. I was so damn angry with that old man for doing me dirty and giving you half that house. I realize now, he’d known exactly what he was doing. He knew I would fight like hell to get what I thought was mine.”
Jasiri chuckled. “Ace was always ten steps ahead of all of us. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he planned our reconciliation down to the royal wedding.”
“Knowing my great-uncle, I wouldn’t put it past him.”
She turned in his arms, placing a gentle peck on his lips. “Because of Ace’s meddling, the worst pain in my life turned into my greatest joy, Jasiri.”
She was so grateful to Ace for all his wisdom, grateful for all she’d gained because of it, but most of all, she was grateful for the love she shared with Jasiri.
The celebration in the palace blared, drawing their attention. She hooked a thumb over her shoulder toward the palace. “We should probably get back to the party before they send the King’s Guard looking for us.”
“It’s the second reception today.” Jasiri tightened his arms around her. “They can do without us for a little while.”
“True, but this reception is the private one for our family and friends. I actually want to attend this one.”
He stepped away from her, bowing dramatically. “Whatever my queen wants, I shall provide.”
He gave her his elbow, and they walked until they were positioned in front of the doors to the grand hall.
The doors opened, and music surrounded them as they danced their way to the center of the floor to the sensual tune of Gyptian’s “Hold Yuh.”
She’d spent all day following the proper protocols for the royal wedding, immediately followed by the coronation, and then the reception for all the heads of state. But this one, this was what she and her fellow Brooklynites would call a full-on bashment party.
Yeah, it was on the bougie side because it was being held in a palace. The important things like a fire DJ and all their family surrounding them, cheering for them as they lost themselves in the rhythm and lyrics were still present, though.
This moment was the real start of their lives together. The one she would remember every moment of her life. And when the song blended into another, and her husband smiled down at her, she knew this was the perfect time to give him his wedding gift.
His hand was lovingly resting low on her waist. She threaded her fingers through his and slid his hand forward, flattening his protectively over the bottom of her stomach.
Jasiri caught the motion immediately, his gaze locking with hers as his eyes asked the silent question.
A smile and a tiny nod was all it took before he grabbed her up in his arms and swung her around.
She placed her mouth near his ear so he could hear her over the music. “Put me down, you maniac, before my morning sickness starts again. Your heir doesn’t like sudden motions.”
He placed her gently on her feet before pulling her to him and kissing her breathless right there on the dance floor. The music was blasting, and the lights were flashing, but the only thing Reigna could see was the man she loved so overwhelmed with joy at the news of her pregnancy that her heart was fit to burst.
“I love you, Jasiri.”
A happy tear slid down his face as he placed a finger under her chin and lifted.
“And I love you more, My Queen. Just as it should always be.”
* * * * *