Epilogue
18 months later
*Calliope*
It is called the Victoria honor, each one cast from the bronze taken from a captured enemy’s armor.
Standing in the park with Zac’s family, I watch as Lycan Queen Victoria presents the symbol of valor to sixty-two soldiers, one of whom is my much-beloved husband.
I recognize some of the faces, the names of the others who are honored. I have no fears that today’s ceremony will bring forth the nightmares. I haven’t had one in more than a year. What an incredible year it has been.
Fancy is no longer a part of our lives, although I have heard through the Princess, who keeps up with such things, that the girl is now enjoying her fifth benefactor.
Because Roseglenn is not part of Draco’s entailment, Zac has purchased it from him. The sheep are gone. He is raising horses. Lynn often comes by to offer his advice. Some days their relationship is more strained than others. I am not surprised to discover he is Zac’s father. Zac is slowly reconciling his feelings about it.
And in a few more months, Zane will have a brother or a sister.
With the ceremony finished, I watch as my husband strides toward me in his scarlet uniform. He is as handsome now as he was the first time I ever laid eyes on him.
Releasing Zane’s hand, I laugh as he rushes headlong to his father. Zac scoops him up and holds him aloft, his laughter mingling with mine and Zane’s. I’ve never known such happiness.
Holding Zane tightly in one arm, Zac slips the other around me and kisses me soundly.
While his heroics have been many, it is his carrying wounded men from the field of battle while under heavy enemy fire that has earned him this particular recognition.
Leaning back, I finger the medal that is pinned to his jacket. “I’m so proud of you."
“I’m not certain I deserve it. I don’t remember,” he replies.
I touch my fingers to his lips. “It doesn’t matter. They remember," I say, indicating the other soldiers on the field.
He sets down Zane, unpins his medal from his jacket, and pins it to the bodice of my dress. “We’ll share it," he tells me, “because you’re the one who truly deserves it.”
Before I can protest, he takes me into his arms and kisses me deeply while the world looks on. With his reputation, no one even raises an eyebrow. But I know the kiss symbolizes much more. It is a celebration of our life, our love.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
