“Don’t worry, Lea.” Kord shot her a look as he placed his hands over Tarik’s chest. “He’s too stubborn to die.”
His hands started to glow. White light pulsed around Tarik’s wound. Kord’s eyes closed as he worked over her husband.
Hensel and Serin came over. Serin touched Lea’s shoulder. “I’m sorry I failed you. I didn’t expect the King’s man would attack me. Mati’s been with the Sabarns…” He broke off the words and shook his head.
It was a lot to take in.
Kord leaned back on his haunches and opened his eyes. “He needs to be taken inside.”
Lea hesitated. “He’s fine?”
Kord smiled and caressed her hand. “He’ll be fine when he awakens. Be glad your King has two hearts because the one had already stopped.”
Lea swallowed thickly. They’d come too close to losing one another again.
Epilogue
“I don’t think you can hide it any longer, my heart. We should make the announcement at dinner.”
They were having an annual winter ball and ceremonial candle lighting as a tribute to the Goddess. Lea pursed her lips and rubbed a hand over her swollen middle. She was far into her pregnancy. Further than any of the others at five months. The medical healers assured all was well with the baby. Unfortunately with her memories, her feelings of worry and fear based on her previous pregnancies returned. Some nights she woke in a terror that it was a dream and she couldn’t possibly be this happy.
Tarik came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her growing middle. “What’s wrong? If you really don’t want to say anything tonight I’m willing to wait longer.”
He massaged a knot formed by an elbow or baby foot with unerring accuracy. Lea relaxed into his hold. “I don’t think either of us has to say anything. It’s pretty obvious although everyone’s been too polite to mention my weight gain.”
Tarik nuzzled her neck and placed a soft kiss on the sensitive skin. “I like your weight gain. I also like the reason for it.”
Lea laughed, tipping her head to the side to give him better access. He smiled against her neck then nipped. Lea jerked and his warm breath puffed along her shoulder as he chuckled and moved back.
“No one would dare say anything if you chose to keep this between us a little longer.”
Lea turned away from their reflection in the mirror. The rich black gown draped her burgeoning figure without a hint of the curves beneath. The one strap design held up by a twisted gold braid drew the eye to her bare shoulder and a mysterious hint at full cleavage.
Her lips twisted wryly. Her breasts had grown by leaps and bounds long before her stomach popped out.
“No. You’re right. I’m being paranoid.”
“For good reason.”
With their history, Mati’s machinations, and her return as the Desani Queen they’d both gone through a lot. The first few weeks after Mati’s death proved difficult for Tarik despite all the man had done. When he went too deep in his grief, Lea sought to lighten his burden and distract him by going riding together.
She loved taking Sorka out.
“No,” Lea adjusted the stand up collar of his all black formal jacket. “No more hiding. Besides, I’m tired of pretending.”
Lea believed her guards, who Tarik insisted she keep, already knew of the upcoming birth. Kord made no secret of his knowledge by glaring at anyone who came within two feet of her as if they posed a threat.
She patted Tarik’s chest and stepped back to admire the fine figure of her husband. Handsome as always.
Tarik kissed the top of her head, careful of the elaborate curls Chelle spent hours creating. Her hair now reached her shoulders and though he never mentioned it, Lea knew the length pleased Tarik.
“We’ll announce it at dinner and I’ll have Olan prepare an official statement release for all of Desani.”
“I think that’s an excellent idea.”
In a surprising gesture, Olan had come forward and expressed his interest in filling the role of personal advisor to Tarik. With his background and relationship with Tarik the move allowed for an easy transition. Not only did he handle everything Tarik gave him without flinching, Olan loved and respected Lea which made the decision easier for Tarik.
Gretel also returned to live at the castle to be close to her husband and Lea planned to ask the woman to be a caretaker after the baby’s birth. If she could handle raising Tarik she would be an asset in raising the next little prince or princess.
“Have I told you how much I love you, King of Desani?” Lea asked as he smoothed the simple gold crown on his head. Alain would have a fit when he realized Tarik ignored the heavy cape and decorative sword laid out for tonight.
“Not since you let me help you bathe.” Tarik smirked and curled his arms around her waist.
Lea leaned back secure in his hold. “Shame on me. I love you, Rik.”
Lavender pools darkened and the arms around her waist tightened as he lowered his head and growled, “You did that on purpose. You know we have to leave now to greet our guests.”
It was the first time she’d used the nickname since rediscovering her memories. “Hmmm.”
“I love you.” He kissed the tip of her nose before releasing her. “And you’ll pay tonight for teasing.”
Lea laughed and entwined her arm with his as they left their room to greet their guests.
A Few Words
I want to first thank all the readers who sent emails wanting more of the Warlord series. I read and respond to each one. Your questions and excitement about my books motivate me when I’m in my writing cave glaring at the walls. While Tarik is not exactly a Warlord I hope you fell in love with him as I did. My vision of the King of Desani was one thing and he turned into another but I don’t regret the final product. His love for his wife was beautiful and watching the two of them love again still makes me teary. Special thanks to Sally and Beth for keeping me on track with the world I’ve created. You ladies rock!!
I have so many stories to tell. My nano project really pulled at me. My goal will be to clean it up and have it ready for early 2015.
As always thanks for taking the journey with me and I’ll hopefully see you at the end of the next book.
Michelle
About the Author
Michelle Howard enjoys a crazy life that involves wild kids, a loud dog, and a husband who tolerates the madness. Like many authors, she’s dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago. She loves paranormal, sci-fi and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances, such as Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood.
I love to hear from fans so please reach out to me via email if you have questions. All reviews are greatly appreciated and help me know what you like and who you want to read about next.
To get the latest news, sneak peek at covers and early excerpts, sign up for my newsletter via my facebook page or blog
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @mhowardwrites
Website: www.michellehowardwrites.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellehowardwrites
Books by Michelle
* Honor Bound (Book 1 Warlord Series)
* The Overlord’s Heir (Book 1.5 Warlord Series)
* A King’s Revenge (Book 2 Warlord Series)
* Project Genesis (Alpha Squad)
* No Reason to Run (A Harmony Novel)
Coming Soon 2015
* Torkel’s Chosen
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A King's Revenge: Warlords Series Book 2 Page 16
