Epilogue
Malakai
Three months later
At breakfast, Julian brings a report from the royal physician. Against my wishes, Lili kept him on, saying it wouldn’t be right to fire the man who made our whirlwind wedding such a success—at least, until the rebel attack.
“But he’s a man,” I protested. “I don’t want him near you all the time.”
She gave me a look, one that fell somewhere between tenderness and irritation, and said, “Malakai. I am going to have to work alongside men, just as you work alongside women. Your secretary is female, is she not?”
Grouchily, I nodded. She patted the back of my hand and said, “Do I act jealous of her?”
“No.”
“Would you fire her if I asked you to in a fit of envy?”
“Obviously not, she is very good at her job.” I pulled her into my lap and tried to convince her with a kiss.
And that was the end of our sole moment of discord.
Julian has since become a staple in our lives.
I can accept that Lili had a life before me.
Almost. I’m still a jealous motherfucker when it comes to my queen.
“Majesty, a letter from the royal physician. He says it’s sensitive information.” Julian places the report on the table and scurries away. Lili reaches for the envelope marked PRIVATE in red ink, but I’m faster.
“That is my report,” she says indignantly. Pink stains her cheeks.
I ignore her and scan the results. I look at her. She smiles. Across the table, Kenton, who joined us for breakfast, frowns.
“Dad. What is it?”
“Nothing.”
“What?” he persists.
“It’s personal. Doesn’t involve you.”
“Dad.”
“Don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to.” I take Lili’s delicate hand and rise from the table. “My wife and I are going back to bed now.”
“It’s barely eleven,” he says in confusion.
“Perfect time for a nap,” I respond cheerfully.
“You don’t nap. Ever.”
“I do now.” One thing that’s certain—Lili and I won’t be sleeping.
“What was in the report?” Kenton demands. Can’t he fucking guess by now? But no, twenty-two years old and he still thinks I’m leaving him out of an important military development when that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Son, I said it’s personal.” God, take a hint.
Lili turns bright-red. My grin widens. She knows what’s in that report.
“I’ll see you in about nine months,” I toss over my shoulder. Kenton groans loudly.
“She’s pregnant?! Daaad...I really did NOT want to know that!”
Lili giggles and calls out, “You’re the one who asked!”
I slip my arm around her waist and guide her to the door as quickly as I can without accidentally tripping my pregnant wife.