Chapter 16
Three Weeks Later
The beach was covered in flower petals. Truly, an entrance fit for a king. Santiago and the captain of the guardsmen, followed by his men, jumped from the boat to the sound of cheering welcome.
It is good to be home.
Katarine ran across the beach and threw herself into his arms.
It is even better to be king.
“My Queen.”
She kissed him, in front of God and all her people, and they cheered even louder because of it.
“All is well?” she asked after she pulled back.
“We came to an understanding that will never be forgotten.”
She scanned him for injuries. “And you are well?”
“Perfectly.”
“Excellent, because I have news for you.”
He kissed her again. “And what is the news?”
“You are going to be a father. I am with child.”
“Already?”
“Aren’t you glad we didn’t wait?”
He picked up his beautiful wife and spun her in the air.
The people showered them with flower petals, and Santiago felt an intense rush of joy.
“To the queen and Kataria! May this great land endure forever under God’s mercy and grace!” he said loudly for all to hear.
The cheers of her people were deafening, and Santiago thanked the Lord for all that was good and all that had led him to this moment.
The contest for his queen was well and truly over, and now it was time for them to begin their happily ever after.
THE END