Epilogue
One year later ... July, 1831.
Meav emerged from the bed, enveloped herself in the fine, silk robe, and went to the window. Affectionately she caressed her swollen belly as she looked out at a full moon exploding behind a thread of silvery gray clouds.
In only a month's time she would give birth to Rule's child. She could not believe how the time had sped by ... already she had lived on the island a year.
And so much had changed since those first days she found herself marooned on Keronia.
Ibrehem and Zailia lived in the mansion behind the castle and were expecting their first child any day now. Tobiah also lodged at the mansion. Rule had appointed the wise old warrior to a position teaching new recruits wanting to serve the crown. Tobiah took charge of their young minds, educating their reasoning abilities while Ibrehem coached their fighting skills.
Victor Olin and Grendel married six months ago, and were housed in the east wing of the castle. Grendel still served as Meav's seamstress and handmaiden, but also became a trusted friend and confidant.
Tomas Bulwark married Cook's daughter, Hannah. They lived in the west wing of the castle. Because Hannah was so good with children—helped her own mother wean three of her siblings—Rule appointed her royal nanny. Now, Hannah waited anxiously for the big day to arrive so she could begin her job.
Cook, ready soon to retire, had begun to train her second eldest daughter, Magdalena in the castle's food preparation. Magdalena had caught Phillip Ustin's eyes and now the two were betrothed. After their nuptials, they would share the west wing with Bulwark and Hannah.
Meav hoped she would regain her girlish figure by September, so she could attend the wedding garbed in a new gown that would do her husband proud.
Wysteria still maintained her tiny cottage, healing everyone on the island. But as of late she also resided at the castle ... staying close to Zailia and Meav until their babies were born.
Titiana and Gyla were royal informants. Because of their ability to fly all over the island, they were able to watch Keronia from an aerial view. They kept their ears and eyes open to what went on and about the island, reporting their findings once a week.
Loreli had become a dear friend. Meav taught the mermaid how to braid hair and sing Irish songs, all the while munching on the island's produce. Loreli never mentioned Lorna and Meav never asked.
Brian Wesley went back to his family in the mountain region and married his childhood sweetheart, Becka. A few months ago the two paid the castle a visit to announce they too were expecting a new addition to their family. Wesley taught the Humblers to be warriors, and the gentle giants stood guard at the Jabri Valley border ... ready to defend the crown.
Meav sighed, raising her hair off her shoulders and inhaling the floral scents carried upon the gentle breeze that now flowed through the window. Hearing her husband stir in bed, she adoringly glanced his way and smiled. How she loved him, her love growing with each passing day.
Rule frowned when he reached out for his wife and discovered her side of the bed empty. Concerned, he rose and lit a candle. Instantly the honey glow cast a romantic radiance to the room.
Rule lifted his gaze. ‘Twas by the window he spotted her; the moon's light silhouetting her form beneath the robe's whisper light material. Her body, in the full bloom of motherhood, caught his breath. Rule's heart leaped and filled with gratitude for this moment. Pride welled within, love overflowed. Never in his life had he been so happy or content.
"Sorry if I woke you,” she said, reaching to massage her spine. Slowly she kneaded the ache with gentle fingers.
He made his way to her and engulfed her in his arms. “Baby kicking again?"
"Aye, like a soldier on a march,” she said, snuggling into his embrace.
Rule chuckled lightly. “My son, the warrior hero."
She peered up at him. “Or mayhap a daughter."
He kissed the slope of her shoulder. “And if she is anything like her mother she will be a brave one."
Meav hid a yawn with the back of her hand. “I just wish it would happen soon."
Rule kissed the top of her head. “You poor lass, you are exhausted."
"And swollen, and clumsy, and..."
"...Beautiful,” he added.
Meav arched a brow. “If only that were true."
Rule smiled. “'Tis, my lady ... there is nothing more beautiful to a man than his wife carrying his babe beneath her heart.” His touch was light, tender, as he stroked her arm, and then snared her hand. “Come back to bed and I will give you a backrub."
Meav rolled her eyes heavenward. “Ah me, how can I resist such an offer?"
One last time she gazed out at the night ... the breeze gently stirred the palm trees; the moon a beacon in the dark sky.
And, in the distance, Loreli, the island's beautiful water lady, bathed herself in the lunar glow; on a rock by the river...
A river of orange.
Roberta C.M. DeCaprio has been writing for over twenty-five years, winning awards for her poetry. She is a member of The International Women's Writing Guild and Romance Writers of America, holding the position of Newsletter Editor of her local group from 2002 to 2004. Currently she is an Assistant Editor for Independence Today newspaper (a national publication dedicated to the needs and rights of the disabled). Having a walking impairment since birth, Roberta knows first hand the challenges of living with a disability. She has authored two books to date: Coma Coast, a paranormal romantic suspense, and the sequel The Vanity, a paranormal romantic thriller, both published by Wings Press. She is the creator of The Word Merchants Society, an online support site for writers.
To visit TWMS, log on to: www.timesunion.com/communities.thewordmerchantssociety and get plugged in to helpful writing tips. Roberta is a mother and grandmother of two who shares her upstate New York home with her artist husband and many beloved pets.
You can visit her site at www.robertadecaprio.com and her Blog at: www.tagworld.com/Roberta8150
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