Summary: Kent can't seem to focus on his letters of correspondence.
A/N: Apologies in advance for this extremely short drabble, but the romantic schoolgirl in me wanted the tiniest bit of extra fluff between Kent and Corie. There is not enough love for this Ship! This scene is an add-on and comes immediately after the ending.
Disclaimer: All rights belong to Sharon Shinn for this intricately thoughtful and amazing book.
"Oh, this can wait," Kent exclaimed and pushed his letters aside. "Come here."
I shrieked in surprise as he scooped me into his lap with his arms. He laughed and kissed me until I became breathless.
"What was on your mind when you came in?" Kent asked at last.
I proceeded cautiously, "There was an unsigned gift from Alora."
Kent frowned. "What was it?" I felt his arms tightening around me.
"Nothing much, really. Some perfumes and scents from the woods of Alora." But, the hint of residual enchantment in my voice betrayed me.
He stayed silent for a moment. Then, he said, "Corie, before I headed to Cotteswold to find you, I made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to make this a place of happiness for you should you accept my proposal. A place you can have both worlds of all I can offer you as king and where you can practice your herbal lore as healer. The lure of Alora is another matter entirely and it is something I'm afraid I cannot contend with."
I quickly smoothed away the wrinkles on his forehead with my thumb and offered a small smile. "I did not mean to worry you by coming here. I only needed to see you," I said softly. "Alora is a mythical place, but here with you is my home." I leaned in and kissed him again and again. I was exactly where I belonged.