An Oath Of The Kings (Book 4) (29 page)

“I do believe you.” His brown eyes sought to capture hers. “If you’ve forgiven me, does that mean we still have a chance to be together?”

She gently wriggled out of his embrace and placed a hand on his cheek. “I’m sorry, Cael, truly I am, but my memory has returned.”

His face fell, but then brightened just as quickly. “Hey, how many men can say they’ve enjoyed the affections of a Princess for a time?”

A sudden deep voice cut through their intimate moment. “Actually, she is not your Princess, she is your Queen.”

A shadow loomed over Cael and he spun around. A gigantic man with short, dark hair sat atop an equally enormous horse, leaning forward with his arm resting casually against the horn of his saddle. He wore simple clothing and a black cloak, but anyone caught up in that piercing gaze would know that this man was far from simple.

****

Beck stuck his hand out toward Cael. “Beck Atlan.”

Cael took the hand hesitantly. “Cael Trathen, Your Grace. I’ll be honest, I’m not too familiar with royal protocol. Should I kneel?”

Beck smiled. “No.”

Kiernan could not take her eyes off Beck. He didn’t seem real. She struggled to swallow past the stinging burn in her throat so she could say something to him—anything—to prevent him from disappearing from her life again.

After shaking Cael’s hand, Beck turned to her and his stare held the weight of a thousand words. “Come here.”

She wasn’t sure if she could get there, but somehow she managed. He reached down and touched the bruises on her cheek, now fading thanks to Regus. “Is the man that put these here still alive?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Lucky for him.”

His hand moved lovingly across her face to tuck her short hair behind one ear. “You cut it.”

“Yes.”

“I like it.”

He started to remove his hand and she grasped it and pressed it to her cheek. “Beck, please…my memories…I’m just not sure of anything anymore. Tell me I’m not mistaken. Tell me we are man and wife. Dear Highworld, tell me you love me.”

A small smile curved his lips. “I wake up every morning loving you.”

For long moments, she couldn’t speak and simply let his words drift over her, filling her, making her strong. She hadn’t realized how much she had grown to depend on his quiet strength and unfailing loyalty over the years. Yet, here he was, lifting her up when she needed him most. Two souls connected as one. They had created something beautiful and rare together and she vowed never to take it for granted. “I thought so.”

He dismounted and dropped down next to her.

“How did you find me?” she asked.

“Rogan. As he was preparing to leave Nysa, he remembered seeing a woman with green eyes like yours. He thought it remarkable at the time, so I thought I better check it out. Do you want to tell me how you came to be here?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Fair enough.”

“You called me Queen. Is this accession war over? Does House Everard reign?”

“That is an even longer story.”

“Fair enough.”

He looked around. “Are you finished with your adventure? Are you ready to go home?”

“Yes, I’m ready.” She placed a hand on her belly. “We both are.”

“Both?”

“Well, in another seven months or so.”

“Seven…? Wait…are you…? Does that mean…?”

“I think it means we’ve made another Earthshine child, my love. Another daughter, perhaps?”

Her beloved wizard let out a booming laugh and dragged her face to his. He kissed her and she lost herself to lips as drugging as poppyvine. To muscular arms that enveloped her like the warmest blanket on the coldest of nights. How could she have ever forgotten this man? How could she have not remembered what it felt like to be loved by him?

Never again. Highworld willing, never again.

The End

Valerie Zambito lives in New York with her family. A great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of her epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October, 2011. The first book in her paranormal fantasy series, ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS, followed the following year in 2012. Visit
www.valeriezambito.com
for the latest information.

Books Published by Valerie Zambito
:

Island Shifters - An Oath of the Blood (Book 1)

Island Shifters - An Oath of the Mage (Book 2)

Island Shifters - An Oath of the Children (Book 3)

Island Shifters - An Oath of the Kings (Book 4)

Angels of the Knights - Fallon

Angels of the Knights - Blane

Angels of the Knights - Nikki