She summoned Kerolena and sent her for a medikit. Kerolena offered to tend his wounds, but Ashlynne insisted on doing it herself, even though it made her stomach queasy. There were tears in her eyes when she finished.
With a sigh, Falkon gathered her into his arms and held her close. "There's no need to cry, sweetheart. It's all over."
She snuggled against him, her hands restless as they moved over his back and shoulders. She was free and he was here, and nothing else mattered.
"Falkon…"
He knew what she wanted, as he had always known. The towel he'd wrapped around her fell away, baring her to his gaze, to his touch, as he lowered her to the bed, then stretched out beside her.
It had all been worth it, he mused, every humiliation, every hour spent in the mine, every stroke of the lash. And when he felt her arms around him, felt her breath against his cheek as she covered his face with kisses, he knew he would willingly endure it all again.
He smiled down at her, feeling the sting of tears in his eyes. "I love you, princess."
"We'll never be parted again," she whispered, and cupping his face in her hands, she kissed him with her whole heart and soul. And then she looked at him, her eyes twinkling merrily. "And I love you, my prince."
Epilogue
Ashlynne gazed down at her sleeping son, surely the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. His hair was midnight-black, his eyes were blue, though Chaney had told her they would probably change color later. Her son. What a miracle he was, and how she loved him! It was hard to believe he was already a year old.
She looked up at Falkon, who was standing on the other side of the baby's bed, her heart quickening when his gaze met hers. The last year and a half had been the happiest of her life. She had sent the servants away, and so far she hadn't hired any to take their place. It was her house now, and she wanted to be the one to take care of it. Though it was shamefully extravagant, they had bought new furniture, rugs and drapes, so that the house reflected their taste instead of Niklaus's. The house, which had once seemed so cold, was home now.
Falkon had suggested sending for Darf and Chaney's daughter, but the couple hadn't wanted to wait, and they had left for Trellis the day after they were freed from the mine. They had located their daughter and at Falkon's urging, Darf and Chaney had moved to Tierde. Chaney had been with Ashlynne when her son was born.
Falkon had taken over the running of the mine. He refused to use slaves; instead, he had hired a dozen men, torn down the huts, and built housing for the workers and their families.
Best of all, she'd had the old-fashioned wedding she had always dreamed of. Drade had been there, and Darf and Chaney.
There was peace in the galaxy at last. The Romarians had been defeated and a new Confederation of planets had been established.
Life, she thought, had never been better.
"Happy, princess?"
"You know I am." She frowned at him. "Are you ever going to stop calling me that?"
Falkon came around the bed to stand beside her. He grinned as he put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to his side. "No. It suits you." He kissed her cheek. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"
"Not since this morning."
"I love you." He drew her into his embrace and kissed her again.
"And I love you," she replied. "You've given me everything I've ever wanted."
"Have I?"
"Well, almost everything."
"Tell me what you want, sweetheart, and it's yours."
"A daughter. I want a daughter."
"It may take a little time, but I'll do my best."
Ashlynne smiled up at him as she took him by the hand and led him into their bedroom.
And nine months later, she had everything she had ever wanted.
Ever After
I have no words
that will cover you
as they should
my eyes
have
what you need to see
if my lips move
to tell you of my love
they will only kiss
press
to feel you
if I whisper with this taste
will you know…
my hands have
what you need… to trace
my love
touching you with fingers
of slight movement
easy… slide
if I press them to your lips
stopping the words
my love… will flow
for words
will not cover you
as they should
you own my soul
it folds inside your arms
resting on moist lips of
a morning kiss
will the sound of my heated blood
coursing through veins of
desire
drown the silence
that surrounds when you are
gone from my side…
be gentle with this one
of no words… to cover
for he loves thee
beyond
reality
Dear Reader,
Well, I hope you enjoyed your visit into my slightly off-kilter imagination. I started this book several years ago, got lost between worlds, and put it aside. I started a sequel to Shades of Gray, which refused to "jell," so I went back to Falkon's story.
I didn't write this book alone. I had a lot of online support. Flo and Rick and Mitch all listened to me whine and complain as my deadline loomed. They all deserve medals!
Special thanks to Mitch for letting me use his poetry. I love his stuff and love sharing it with my readers.
Hope all your best wishes and dreams come true.
Madeline/Amanda
http://www.angelfire.com/ga/apachefire/index.html
Amanda Ashley, The Captive
(Series: # )
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