Epilogue
Reyes sat on the edge of the bed, watching as his wife slowly disrobed.
A month had passed since Montiori’s death.
For a time, he had regretted the fact that Melena had killed Montiori, thereby robbing Reyes of his chance to avenge his father’s death.
Later, he realized the witch had done him a favor he could never repay.
Though he knew Shanara would have forgiven him had he killed her father, he was grateful that her father’s blood was not on his hands, that Montiori’s death did not stand between them.
Much had happened since then. Montiori’s eldest son had assumed leadership of the Montiori clan and there was now peace between their people.
Melena had foretold that Shanara would bear Reyes twin sons within the year. To that end, the witch had moved into Black Dragon Keep to be near the infants and to care for Shanara after the birth.
Reyes felt his breath catch in his throat as Shanara removed the last of her undergarments to stand gloriously naked before him. How beautiful she was, with her hair falling over her shoulders and the lamplight bathing her face with a soft golden glow.
Murmuring her name, he drew her into his lap. “Are you happy here, with me, my beloved?”
She kissed the tip of his nose. “Need you ask, my lord?”
“Indeed, I must. I dare not take a chance on angering Melena. Who knows what evil might befall me should she find you looking displeased.”
Shanara smiled at him, her eyes twinkling.
“Then perhaps we should do this.” Her hand caressed his chest. “Or this.” She kissed the corners of his mouth.
“Or this…” Her hand slid down his naked belly, eliciting a low groan of pleasure from his lips.
“Perhaps, my husband, you should ravish me until the sun chases the moon from the sky.”
“I am yours to command, my lady wife,” he said. And capturing her lips with his, he drew her down on the bed and did his best to make his wife happy that night, and every night for as long as they lived.
~ The End ~