Epilogue
HARVEN - FIFTEEN YEARS LATER
My son is the perfect blend of Eve and me.
His golden hair floats around his shoulders, while his pale blue tentacles flicker with disinterest. The silver circlet on his brow sparkles in the algae lights. He wears a light blue tunic that matches mine and his mother’s dress.
The smaller clam shell throne mirrors the one Eve and I share.
At fifteen, he’s more mature than other males. However, even the most mature teenager would rather be with his friends than listening to court politics.
“Patience, my darling,” Eve says, reaching from her spot on my lap to ruffle his hair. “The council meeting is almost done.”
His pursed lips say he doesn’t believe her. I stifle my chuckle.
“Your mother is right, Cove. We are almost done. Then you can go back to sneaking off with Lord Bane’s daughter.”
Dark blue splashes the tops of his cheeks as he sinks lower on his seat.
Eve swats at my chest.
“You are awful,” she whispers, trying in vain to hide her grin.
She looks lovely in her blue gown. The skirt falls to her delicate ankles. The sleeves are translucent over her lithe arms. The fabric complements the blue glimmer of her tan skin.
Once Cove was born, her transformation continued. Neither human nor seafolk, as the witch had said. Eve was uniquely herself.
Her skin glows faintly. Light blue scales cover her calves and forearms. Her blue eyes rival a sapphire for brilliance.
Though she had no gills or fins, she could swim in the open water without needing a bubble for protection. It made traveling to the city much easier.
She is more beautiful with every passing day.
Her round stomach makes her look every bit the goddess I claim she is. After Cove was born and confirmed to be a full-blooded kraken, I hadn’t minded waiting for a second one.
Eve and I both wanted time to adjust to being parents. I wanted to raise my son to be a good king. One who, if he had a brother, wouldn’t slaughter him over the throne.
Luckily, that wasn’t a concern just yet.
With the curse broken, Eve and I hoped this child would be female.
The healers confirmed it a few weeks ago, much to our relief. Eve is beyond excited for our daughter, lamenting that she's been surrounded by males for too long.
As the councilman gives the final report, my hand strays to her stomach.
Our child rolls beneath my palm. She’s as active as her brother was.
It seems impossible to love her more than I did in those initial months—than at the birth of Cove.
As I look into her sparkling eyes, I feel overwhelmed by the sheer affection I have for her.
We could spend a thousand years together, and it still wouldn’t be enough time. Each day the bond between us grows deeper. We are rarely apart.
The broken halves of our hearts are only calm when the other is close. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Once the meeting is adjourned, Cove rises from his throne.
He bestows a kiss on Eve’s cheek and tangles his tentacles with mine in farewell. I watch him glide toward Lord Bane’s lovely siren daughter, Tula.
Her white curls and teal scales offset her simple green gown.
The sight warms my heart. I want him to be inspired by his parents’ love and seek out his own. Having a mate is the greatest gift in the world.
Princess Hyra approaches with a low bow.
“You are looking lovely, Eve.”
My mate chuckles.
“Thank you. This little female is luckily smaller than her brother and not making my ankles swell just yet.”
“How are things with you, niece?” I ask.
Hyra left court a decade ago to rule over a small settlement in the east. The lifestyle suits her far better as she recounts her tenants' happy state.
“Come to dinner before you depart, Hyra,” Eve offers. “It’s been too long.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
As we wave our goodbyes, a yawn sneaks up on my mate.
She gives me a sleepy smile as shame creeps into her tired eyes. At this stage in her previous pregnancy, she could hardly stay awake for more than a few hours.
I lift her into my arms, and she burrows into my chest as I take her from the throne room.
“This is just like old times,” she hums.
“I never pass up an opportunity to have you in my arms.”
As we journey back to our chambers, the change in the room is staggering.
Everything bears Eve’s touch for artistic surplus. Her gowns litter the room. Large chests of jewels that I’ve given her throughout the years rest against the wall.
Books pilfered from the surface line the table next to countless tins of half-used paints. Her easel nestles against the window. Drying canvases rest below it.
Her artwork covers the walls. From detailed portraits of us and Cove to sprawling seascapes, I’m in awe of her talent.
I set her gently on the bed and cup her small foot. Digging my fingers into the soles, Eve lets out a keening moan.
The sound stirs my cock. My scarred tentacle wraps loosely around her ankle.
I rub her other foot as her eyes roll back.
“You are the best mate ever.”
“What about husband?” I ask.
“That too.”
“And king?”
She smiles wryly.
“Seeking compliments again? How unbecoming.”
Setting her feet down, I brace my hands on either side of her head.
“I’ll show you unbecoming.”
My lips come down on hers. Eve sighs as I slip my tongue into her mouth. I kiss her lazily, tasting her sweetness from the source. Her arms wrap around my neck and pull me down. I brace my weight so I don't crush her.
With my tentacles, I flip up her silky dress.
Her pink pussy is dripping and begging for my attention. I glide one appendage through her slick folds. She gasps into my mouth, already shaking with need.
“Harven,” she breathes. “I’m so sensitive. That feels a—amazing.”
My belt hits the floor with a thud. Parting my tentacles, Eve groans at the sight of my cock. A pearl of seed beads at the tip. She licks her lips. Color dusts her cheeks and chest.
“Let me tend to my queen’s needs.”
Eve’s lips twist to the side.
“I feel like I should misbehave, earn a spanking,” she confesses. “But I need you to fuck me too bad.”
Baring her breasts, I cup one of the fleshy mounds. They’re much larger when she’s pregnant. I worry her nipple in the way that drives her wild.
Crawling up behind her, my tentacle lifts her leg, and I slide my cock into her perfect tightness. This angle on our sides makes her especially tight. Her pussy squeezes me like a fist. I don’t stop until I’m fully inside. Her head falls back against me with a shuddering moan.
Her rich scent of citrus and sunshine deepens as she nears her peak.
“Once my daughter is here, I’ll take you roughly again. I promise.”
“Good.”
No more talking is necessary.
Not as I fuck her with measured strokes. My hand toys with her nipples while my tentacle suctions to her clit. Eve is very responsive when pregnant. She’s already clenching down on me.
I pinch her nipple, and she comes with a low moan. I push deep and spend inside her trembling body. Lifting the hair from her damp neck, I place kisses along her shoulders.
Twisting her into my chest, I hold her close, careful to avoid the sharp tips of her tiara.
Letting out a contented sigh, Eve trails her fingers over my stomach. Biting her lip, she gives me a soft smile that makes my heart race. The bond between us glows happily.
“Our lives are going to change again,” she warns.
I kiss her forehead, her racing heart twinning with mine.
“I welcome all the changes. You have brought nothing but joy and happiness into my life, Eve. I’ll never stop being grateful for you. For our family.”
I had been born into a brutal world. A brutal family. I clawed my way out in order to claim a better future. To be the male worthy of a mate.
I had killed thousands for her. I kidnapped her, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Everything was worth it to have Eve in my arms just like this.
I kiss her again, needing another taste. Eve breaks it to yawn, then cuts me a stern look.
“Don’t let me sleep too long, Harven. I’ll need my king’s cock again.”
Snuggling her under my chin, I rest a hand on her stomach. My daughter presses against me in greeting, then settles down enough to let her mother rest.
“If my queen demands it, it shall be hers.”
Our bond pulses between us. Eternal threads bind us together.
“You really are the best mate ever.”
“That goes without saying, my love.”