by Aya Ling
* * *
“Congratulations, Your Highness.”
I sit on bed, while Mabel and Amelie hover in the doorway. Bertram’s in the sitting room; due to propriety, he can enter Edward’s bedroom but not mine. Dr. Jensen holds my hand in both of his and smiles. “You are about to become a mother.”
“The princess is with child!” Mabel shrieks, throwing her arms around Amelie.
Happiness, mingled with relief, floods through me. Edward and I have started sleeping together, but nothing has happened. I was beginning to worry if I can never beget children—not that I’m afraid of public opinion or family pressure, but this reassures me I’m normal. Even with the fairies’ magic, you can never be too certain what might happen in the future.
Footsteps pound outside, and Edward rushes in, anxiety written on his face.
“I heard you were violently sick in the gardens. What…”
Dr. Jensen rises. “There’s no need to be alarmed, Your Highness. Princess Katherine is pregnant.”
Edward looks like he is going to explode with joy. “She…she is going to have my child?”
“Our child,” I say, but the nausea starts again and I retch into a bucket that Mabel brought. Edward looks frantic, while the doctor assures him that my sickness is perfectly normal. Bertram leaves to inform the king and queen the good news. I’m picturing the headlines already: Princess Katherine Is Expecting.
Later that night, Edward and I snuggle in bed together, poring over a book of baby names.
“How about Charles, if it’s a boy? We can name him after my great-grandfather.”
“No way. That’ll make him sound like Charlie, and I’ll be reminded of Charlie Quinn.” I grimace. I can never think of Quinn without resentment; ironically, Edward doesn’t bear a grudge towards the man responsible for injuring him. “How about Raymond, after my adopted grandfather?”
Edward considers a moment. “That might do. As long as it’s not Liam.”
“And if it’s a girl?”
“Anything but Bianca.”
I laugh. “Sounds like we’ve made a lot of enemies.”
“You can name our daughter after your mother or sister. Or even both, if there are two girls.”
That makes me look up. “Even if their names aren’t common in Athelia?”
“It will remind the public the extraordinary character of their mother.” Edward draws his arm around my shoulders and drops a kiss on my hair. “Do not hesitate if you require anything, love. Any request you make will be fulfilled.”
“You’ll spoil me.”
“You deserve it.”
I laugh and nestle my head into his shoulder, blissfully content. After everything I’ve been through, from waking up in the body of Katriona, to marrying Edward as my own self, Katherine Wilson, I am finally where I want to be. Married to a man who is fairytale perfect, belonging to a tight-knit circle of wonderful friends, and undertaking a position that allows me do good work.
Now this is what I call happily ever after.
THE END
Afterword
Dear readers,
Finally…after two years, we’ve reached the conclusion to Kat & Edward’s story *sobs* It has been a rewarding experience writing the series; sometimes it’s as exhilarating as taking a rollercoaster, but there are also many times that I’m banging my head on the desk. Thanks for journeying with me to the end. I’d appreciate it if you leave a review of this story and help other readers enjoy it too.
Kat & Edward are finally together, but I might write a short story or novella, as there are a few more things I’d like to wrap up, such as their kids and the first election, but I doubt it’ll be a full-length novel, and it won’t be my next project. After being immersed in the world of Athelia for two years, I’d like to refresh my mind and write something new. The next book is going to be another fairy-tale retelling with a twist. To learn when it’ll be released, sign up here: http://www.ayaling.com/newsletter.html
What you’ll get for joining the club:
1. Receive an exclusive short story told from Edward’s point of view, plus extra/deleted scenes. I may add new material from time to time once I get the ideas.
2. Be the first to know when I have a new release.
3. Be the first to know when I give away free stuff, run a poll, or other fun activities.
See you next book!
~Aya~
Books by Aya
UNFINISHED FAIRY TALES
The Ugly Stepsister (Book 1)
Princess of Athelia (Book 1.5)
Twice Upon a Time (Book 2)
Ever After (Book 3)
THE PRINCESS SERIES
Princesses Don’t Get Fat
Princesses Don’t Fight in Skirts
Princesses Don’t Become Engineers
GIRL WITH FLYING WEAPONS
Girl with Flying Weapons
About the Author
Aya is from Taiwan, where she struggles daily to contain her obsession with mouthwatering and unhealthy foods. Often she will devour a good book instead. Her favourite books include martial arts romances, fairy tale retellings, high fantasy, cozy mysteries, and manga.
www.ayaling.com
