Page 29 of Sunday's Child

“You’re herhusband!”

“I’m herwidower!”

They stared at each other, locked at an impasse until Castil blew out a resignedbreath.

“This isn’t just about Kareena, Sire,” she said in much gentler tones. “This is about you.” His eyebrows shot up. “You are a king, widowed yet still bound. To your country and your station. As I am to mine. You must marry again, a woman of high status. I can’t bear to see that. I refuseto.”

Doranis gaped at her, the relief surging through him so euphoric, it almost made his knees buckle. So that was it. Foolish, foolish woman; one he loved more than life itself. He grasped her shoulders, torn between the need to embrace her and the desire to shake her. He cupped her face instead, her cheeks warm under his cold hands, her expressionanguished.

“You’re partially right. I am bound to Helenrisia, but as king, I’ve fulfilled my duty to the line. I married for my country, gave it another heir. The woman I next take to wife will be of my choosing, and she’s an untrusting sort. Lovely but quick to judge and find me wanting.” He offered her a wry smile. “Still, I find myself loving her despite her doubts impugning mycharacter.”

The tears welling on her lower lids spilled over to drip down her cheeks. Doranis gathered her into his arms, and she sobbed. He stroked her back, talking to her while she sniffled into his shirt. “We’re going to freeze out here in no time. You’ll return home with me to the Maiden,” he said in his most imperioustones.

That did exactly what he hoped. The crying stopped and the tears dried. She stepped back, sniffled some more and raised her chin in a defiantgesture.

“Are you asking orcommanding?”

His lips twitched. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, the tip of her nose equally crimson. He had never known a more beautiful woman. “Which will most readily bring you home withme?”

This time it was she who drew him into a fierce embrace and pressed an equally fierce kiss to his mouth. “Either one,” she said when they came up for air. “Home is where youare.”

Epilogue

Castil could hardly containher excitement when theEstartasailed into the harbor, her hull sitting low in the water with the weight of her goods. From her vantage point on the pier, Castil spotted a figure standing on the deck, waving frantically. She waved back, laughing with joy as her father greeted her from his place at theship’s.

“He won’t approve of our currentarrangement.”

She glanced over her shoulder at Doranis who stood behind her, his features half hidden by the hood he wore. Despite the protective covering, he still squinted against the bright sun flashing off the surface of thewater.

“You are king,” she said. “What can hesay?”

He snorted. “And he is your father. Were I him, I’d insist that you be moved to another bedchamber entirely until we arewed.”

She laughed. “Well then, mayhap you will finally awaken inmybed foronce.”

His smile was mischievous, full of promise. “I am certain that can be arranged.” He rested his hand on her waist, pulling her back until she leaned against him, and they both watched as theEstartacut through the waves toward them. The sea air was cool, heavy with the scent of salt and fish. Doranis stiffened for a moment, surprised by the gentle breeze that seemed to swirl around them. He sniffed audibly. “Do you smell that? It’s familiar, though I know no such flower growshere.”

Melancholy danced with joy inside Castil. “It’s sea rose blossom,” she said. “Kareena’s favorite scent. A blessing and a farewell, I think.” She flared her nostrils to catch the fast fadingperfume.

“Fair journey, my beloved friend. And thankyou.”

~END~