Page 57 of Prince Cheating Charming

I feel a big, possessive hand around my waist, and my husband pulls me gently into his arms.

“You did an amazing job,” he says, his mouth on my throat.

“It’s pretty gruesome,” I laugh.

“It’s amazing,” Alexander insists. “You know I would never lie to you.”

His hands tighten on me, and I know he’s remembering what happened. That month changed him. Although he’s gained back the weight he lost, his big grin is as wide as ever, his laugh as loud and magnetic as ever, I know when he remembers how he almost lost me the King is sick with guilt. But Alexander still helps out in the kitchens once a week, and he has made good on his promise that I always come at least once before he does.

I meant it when I said a fresh start, so I don’t bring what happened up and I don’t tease him, as much as I want to when I see Matron Bushwick out at the visitor center getting in the news because she’s implemented some new strict environmentally friendly regulations, and the news report shows a deeply unhappy Julia and Jewel in the background, picking up dog shit tourists have left on the visitor center grounds.

“I know you wouldn’t,” I say, and I hear Alexander’s happy hum, the way his chest and throat rumble with satisfaction that he’s kissing me, that I’m in his arms.

“Let’s go put Peregrine down for a nap,” he says, and we collect our baby and head back to the palace.

My heart is so full as we walk back across the lawns, Peregrine’s soft blonde curls tickling my cheek, as I rub my chin gently on the sweet milky scent of his head. He’s already half-asleep.

My husband’s strong arm is around my waist.

“I love you, my Queen,” he says.

Alexander loves me fiercely, wildly, devotedly. I’ve never once regretted giving him that second chance.

As for me, it’s always been him.

I got my fairytale ending.

“I love you, too,” I sigh with contentment, and we walk back to our home with our beautiful baby.