by Donna Hatch
“This medal has been awarded only once before in the history of Arden. My great-great-great-grandfather awarded this medal to a young soldier in his army who, very much like you, found himself in difficult circumstances and who also rose above them to protect the royal family from certain death.
“In gratitude for your bravery and heroism far above your sworn duty, I now bestow this upon you.”
Jeniah leaned forward, and Kai bowed his head so she could place the medallion around his neck. Her nearness sent his senses spiraling.
“When this medal was awarded by the king, he also offered to the young man—who was a commoner without any royal blood, and not even a knight—the hand of his one and only child, his daughter, in marriage. They did marry, and upon the death of the old king, he and the princess ruled Arden as king and queen. That commoner-turned-king was my great-great grandfather.”
Kai held his breath as he filled in the blanks.
“Therefore, in keeping with the tradition attached to the awarding of this medal, I offer to you the same—” she paused dramatically, her face shining “—my own hand in marriage, to rule by my side as king of Arden.”
Kai’s pounding heart nearly leaped from his chest. Could this be true? Cheering filled the room to an almost deafening roar. Jeniah’s smile widened. For a moment, Kai was so overwhelmed that he could only stand mutely staring. Finally, trying to think of an appropriate response, he dropped to one knee. Then he stood. Tossing aside all rules of decorum, he swept Jeniah into his arms as the cheering increased tenfold.
“Does this mean you accept?” she asked breathlessly between kisses.
“How long do I have to think about it?”
“I think you’d better decide before you assault the queen again, if you want to keep your head on your shoulders.”
“In that case, I guess my answer had better be yes.”
Kai sealed their agreement with another kiss.
Epilogue
N ever before in the history of Arden had a more widely anticipated wedding taken place. The love story of Kai and Jeniah was told repeatedly in homes and taverns across the country. Minstrels sang of it in every hall. Women dabbed their eyes at each retelling, and every young girl dreamed that a handsome man would save her life and give her his heart.
Extensive preparations commenced and every tradition was honored. The new queen would have the very best, whether or not she cared, which, for the most part, she didn’t. She and Kai would be together. That was all that mattered to her.
Queen Jeniah’s only request was that all the necessary supplies and food needed for the wedding, banquet, and ball be purchased from her own people. Much of the royal treasury had dwindled in the construction efforts to rebuild after the war and consequent siege, and what was left was used to buy from local farmers and merchants who in turn, used the money to purchase provisions from neighboring countries in the open-trade agreements that Queen Jeniah established.
At last, the day of the wedding arrived. Every king, queen, prince, and princess in all the kingdoms attended. They brought enough food to feed the country for a year and such priceless gifts as Jeniah had never imagined. The wedding was an even grander affair than the coronation. Jeniah was fussed over by a dozen ladies-in-waiting until, at last, every hair lay in its place and every fold in her gown was carefully arranged. With more splendor than the castle had seen in generations, the royal wedding finally took place.
Jeniah felt as though her heart would stop when her hand was placed in Kai’s. As they gazed at each other, she drank deeply of his beautiful blue eyes, knowing that at long last, she would be his. She remembered little of what was said or even who was there. They were finally declared husband and wife, and Kai was crowned king of Arden. The room filled with cheers and all the bells in the city rang in celebration.
The banquet was artfully laid out with exquisite dishes of food on tables that groaned with the weight of the bountiful feast. After everyone dined, the dancing began, the new couple leading the first dance. When the first dance ended, Kai led Jeniah from the dance floor. Other couples filled the floor as the next set began.
Garhren Ravenwing clapped Kai on the shoulder. “I’m not sure how I feel about having a king for a best friend. I suppose you will have to be perfectly respectable from now on. I guess that will be easier without me around all the time.” He frowned a bit ruefully and Kai gave him a good-natured punch. Then, with more feeling, Garhren added, “I’m happy for you.” He turned to Jeniah and drew her attention when he took her hand. “You are getting the finest man I’ve ever known. Take good care of him.”
Jeniah kissed Garhren’s cheek. “I’m grateful to you, Garhren. You are always welcome here.” Wickedly she added, “But only if you leave your Darborian morality behind.”
Garhren looked crestfallen. “Then I fear I will not visit frequently, or for long.”
King Farai approached them, bowed, and then heartily clapped Kai on the shoulder. “Congratulations!” He winked at Jeniah.
“Well done, Your Majesty. Kai, I feel I should warn you about the dangers of feisty women. Especially one who can find a perfectly acceptable way to marry the man she wants in spite of everything stacked against them.”
“I look forward to all the danger she can bring,” Kai replied, pressing his lips to Jeniah’s hand. Then he took her hand and led her to an older couple, whom he proudly introduced as his mother and stepfather. His mother had a pretty, heart-shaped face and the same blue eyes as Kai. His stepfather, clearly uncomfortable in his formal attire, bowed low. They both warmly congratulated the couple and wished them joy.
Kai’s mother hugged Jeniah and kissed both cheeks. “Welcome to the family. Thank you for making my son whole again.”
Jeniah’s eyes stung with tears and she returned the hug. “Thank you for raising a wonderful son.”
Then Kai’s mother turned to him and embraced him. “I’m so proud of you, son.”
As he held his mother tight, Jeniah was moved at how much his mother’s approval clearly mattered to him. Then he shook hands with his stepfather.
“I know your father would be pleased. Not just at your choice in brides, but at the man you are,” Kai’s stepfather declared solemnly.
Kai eyed him steadily. “Thank you.”
Then King Aragaëth of Hanore found his way to them and bowed low. “Congratulations, Your Majesties.” His smile was genuine. “Jeniah, you look even more beautiful than ever.” He turned to Kai. Their eyes locked, and Jeniah felt the tension between them.
“I think you already know how much I envy you,” Aragaëth said to Kai. Before Kai could respond, Aragaëth added, “Be happy. Be well.”
Kai nodded. “Of that you may be sure.” He glanced quickly at Jeniah. “Thank you for your aid. And your friendship, King Aragaëth. We are in your debt.”
Aragaëth held out a hand, which Kai clasped tightly in the warrior’s grip. “Remember, Hanore is your ally. I will always be here if you need me.” He bowed respectfully and made a graceful retreat.
There was more dancing, more eating, and several toasts. Then, at dawn and with much ceremony, the bride and groom were escorted to the bridal chamber. As soon as the new couple went inside and the doors closed, the revelers returned to the main hall and the celebration continued.
All alone with Kai, Jeniah felt suddenly shy and nervous.
“You look beautiful, my queen,” murmured Kai, taking her hand in his and smiling at her. “I don’t think I told you today how much I love you.”
She laughed anxiously. “I don’t believe love is actually part of the wedding ceremony with all these arranged marriages.”
He cupped his hands around her face while undisguised affection shone in his blue eyes.
“Jeniah, queen of Arden, I love you more than any man could possibly have ever loved any woman. I’ve waited my whole life for this moment.”
As he kissed her with infinite tenderness, her apprehension melted and she n
estled into his strong arms, feeling a surge of longing rise up within her. As his kiss grew stronger and he drank her deeply, passionately, all their inhibitions dissolved and they discovered exquisite joy that exceeded all of Jeniah’s expectations. Kai had banished the shields that stood between them for far too long and willingly gave her his heart. She kept it safe all her life.
Donna Hatch has had a passion for writing since the age of eight when she wrote her first short story. In between caring for six children (seven counting her husband), she manages to carve out time to indulge in her writing obsession, with varying degrees of success, although she writes most often late at night instead of sleeping.
A native of the Southwest desert, Donna writes Regency romance and fantasy, and she thrives on a happy ending. All of her heroes are patterned after her husband of over twenty-two years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.
