“What?” I whispered, somewhat mesmerized by his expression.

“We will have children,” he said quietly.

A shiver drifted over my skin.

“Yes,” I whispered.

“I look forward to that day. I look forward to watching my proud, fierce wife be a proud, fierce mother.”

I actually trembled at that.

“Darling.”

Aramus dipped closer. “We must keep safe for that to happen, my Ha-Lah.”

Yes.

My husband was too clever by half.

“I will keep safe, if you promise the same,” I said.

“I will keep safe, my queen,” he vowed.

I smiled at him, pushing aside thoughts of what he would think of having a child, a future king of Mar-el, be half-mer.

My king dipped even further and kissed the smile off my lips.

Apparently, we were not done with this day for we were not done making love.

But it was Aramus who left the bed to get a cloth to clean up after we were through.

I was half asleep by the time he returned after that deed was accomplished and pulled me into his strong arms.

Then I was fully asleep.

And finally, the day was done.

89

The News

Queen Silence

Bark Parlor, Formal Receiving Rooms, Birchlire Castle, Notting Thicket

WODELL

It was early.

True, and Farah, along with my husband, Cassius, Aramus, Frey Drakkar and Apollo Ulfr— who, in order to act as witnesses, had all been at the event that I hoped had just happened in the king’s formal study—entered the room.

Each wore a severe face.

I did not think this boded well.

I took a moment to modulate my voice so I spoke (somewhat) calmly, instead of doing what I instinctively wanted to do, cry out.

“Did he change his mind?”

“He did not,” Cassius answered, making his way toward Elena. “True is king.”

The air in the room, which up until then included Ha-Lah, Elena, Serena, Elpis, Finnie, Maddie and me sitting in tense silence, drinking tea (though, Serena and Ha-Lah drank coffee), fell flat.

And then it rose up, almost as if there had been some drug infused with it, much like the smoke I enjoyed so much.

Thus, I came up from my seat on the sofa, my eyes fixed on my cousin, who did not look the slightest pleased with this turn of events.

As I made my movements, his gaze cut to me.

“Long live King True,” I said loudly, and clearly, lifting my skirts at the sides, and falling into a low curtsy.

“You do not bow to another king,” Mars said tightly, having made it to my side. “Indeed, you do not bow to anyone, even your own king.”

I tipped my head back to look to my husband. “This one I do.”

His mouth was as tight as his words.

True’s voice sounded. “You do not bow to me, Silence.”

I looked to him and said softly, “Yes, True, I do.”

His jaw ticked as his eyes changed the most extraordinary green.