Hi everyone, it's been a long time, too long. Here's the last chapter of this story. I'll be updating my other stories later this week.
Santiago holds his three day old son in arms. He's so happy that he signed a peace treaty with Berryland for the next three years. So long as the Berry princess doesn't insult his Queen everything will be fine. He mostly decided to end the war so he could spend time with his family since they now have a newborn son.
"Daddy, I hold him?" Santi asks pulling on his leg.
"You have to sit down on the bed." Santiago tells his young son.
Santi easily jumps onto the bed and sits waiting. He's so excited to have a little brother. When his dad gently puts his little brother in his arms, he just stares at him.
"He's so small." Santi quietly says.
"He sure is." Santiago says sitting next to his sons. "You were this small when you were a newborn."
"No I wasn't," Santi argues.
"Yes you were." Santiago says chuckling.
"Where's mommy?" Santi asks looking around.
Santiago chuckles at his eldest son. He takes the newborn from his son knowing he wants to move and will drop the newborn. The little boy can't sit still for more than fifteen minutes just like him.
"Go play with Mike and Quinn." Santiago says ruffling his hair.
"But mommy?" Santi pouts standing in front of his dad.
"She's out with your sister." Santiago tells his son. "And you're going to leave them alone."
Santi stomps away mad at his dad. Santiago just shakes his head. It's the type of reaction he has when he can't be near his wife. His wife is the best person on the planet. End of discussion.
"Hold up Santi," Santiago says changing his mind. "Let's go find your mom."
"YEAH!" Santi shouts hugging his dad's leg.
Meanwhile out in the garden Brittany is helping Ava garden. Even though it's only been three days since she gave birth she needed to get up and out and knowing that Ava would be jealous of the new baby; spending some alone time with her seems like a good idea. Gardening is something that Ava has been curious about lately.
"Like this mommy?" Ava asks digging a hole.
"Yes good job honey." Brittany says also digging a small hole to plant a bulb. "How do you like your new little brother?" she asks wanting to know what her daughter is thinking.
"Okay, cries too much." Ava says not looking up.
"Yes he does," Brittany agrees hoping that she doesn't get too jealous.
"Daddy," Ava says pointing behind her.
Brittany just assumes that she wants her daddy here and ignores her. But when two strong arms wrap around her waist she gasps.
"It's me babe." Santiago whispers in her ear.
"You scared me." Brittany says holding her hand over her heart.
"Sorry honey, we wanted to come find you." Santiago says kissing her cheek.
"You haven't declared war on someone else have you?" Brittany asks narrowing her eyes at him.
He knew she wanted some alone time with their daughter so him coming over with their sons would usually mean he did something bad and wanted to soften the blow. Though not this time.
"Babe I promise unless someone attacks that I wouldn't declare war on anyone for a year." Santiago tells her placing their newborn son in her arms.
"Okay," Brittany says not believing him completely.
"Britt, I promise we just wanted to see you." he says kneeling and taking her free hand in his, kissing it.
She nods, leaning back into his strong body. Her husband is amazing and it still shocks her to this day that he chose her out of all the women he could have chosen. To this day she can't believe all that he did to insure that they could get married.
Flashback
A teenage Santiago stands in front of his father, the king, defiant.
"I will not allow this!" the king booms. "YOU WILL MARRY WHO I TELL YOU TO!"
"I will not!" Santiago shouts.
"You will not marry that girl! I forbid it!" the king shouts standing up to make his point.
"I love her and I will marry her!" Santiago shouts before storming out.
At eighteen he's expected to marry some princess, but he's in love with a village girl. Her dad is a baker and her mom works in the palace. She's a few years younger than him and pretest girl in the world. He vowed years ago that he would marry her and he damn will make that happen.
"Your father is beyond pissed right now." the queen says walking over to her son who is on the palace steps.
"I'm going to marry her no matter what." Santiago sternly says.
"You should bring her for supper." the queen suggests knowing how stubborn her son is.
She has no doubt that her son will marry this girl no matter what. That he'll throw away his future as king to marry this village girl.
"Really?" Santiago asks looking at his mom in disbelief.
"I'd like to meet the young lady who has stolen your heart." the queen says.
"Thanks mom," Santiago says hugging her before running down the steps through the gates.
He runs all the way to Brittany's parent's house, stopping on the front door step, taking a deep breath before knocking.
"San," Brittany gasps when she opens the door and proceeds to throw herself into the prince's arms.
"Britt Britt," Santiago says lifting her off the ground.
"I thought you said that you wouldn't be able to come by for a while since your dad is so upset about us spending so much time together." Brittany says ushering him into the small house.
The first thing he does is pull her into his solid body before replying.
"My mom wants to meet you." Santiago says. "And I need to talk to your dad." he adds.
Brittany just melts into the prince's body. Over the last three years the prince has spent a lot of time with her making his intentions clear that he wants to marry her. She's hopeful that this will happen even though she's not a noble or royal and the king strongly doesn't like her.
"Is your dad out back?" Santiago asks not letting go of her.
"Yes," Brittany says pouting when he pulls away.
"I'll be back love." Santiago softly says leaning down and giving her peck on the cheek.
He heads out back to ask her dad if he can marry her. While he does that Brittany goes into the kitchen to find her mom with a sly smile on her face.
"Who has you all smiley honey?" Mrs. Pierce asks her daughter already knowing the answer.
"Prince Santiago stopped by." Brittany says the smile growing.
"Oh is that all?" Mrs. Pierce says giving her a knowing smile.
"I can't believe that he likes me." Brittany gushes.
"That boy has been sweet on you for years." Mrs. Pierce says thinking that soon her daughter is going to be leaving with Santiago and become queen of their little country.
"His parents don't like me." Brittany pouts the thought just pooping in her head. "Even though I haven't met them."
"Once they get to know you, they'll love you." Mrs. Pierce reassures her daughter.
A few minutes later Santiago comes in with a smile on his face.
"Britt Britt, you want to go on a walk?" Santiago asks.
"Yes," Brittany says rushing over and snuggling into his body.
He nods over at Brittany's mom before leading Brittany out of the house. They head out of town towards a quiet meadow that they've spent a lot of time at. Brittany holds onto Santiago's arm tightly as they pass by a large group of guys. The guys whistle, looking at Brittany.
"Back off," Santiago growls pulling Brittany behind him.
"What are you going to do about it?" one of the guys asks looking cockily over at his friends.
Santiago doesn't hesitate to pull out his sword. Like hell is he going to let anyone disrespect him or more importantly make Brittany feel scared. It's his job as the man to protect her. Thankfully it scares them away and they continue their walk in peace.
"San," Brittany whispers.
"Yes love," Santiago says without thinking.
"Love?" Brittany says stopping them.
"Britt Britt, I love you with all my heart." Santiago says taking her small hands in his. "I asked your dad if I could do this and he was fine with it." he continues as Brittany looks at him questioningly. "I don't want to spend another day without you." he rambles.
"San, what is it?" Brittany asks.
"Will you marry me?"
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Three hours later Brittany is with Santiago walking through the palace going to dinner. She's beyond nervous to meet the king and queen for the first time. While she may not be the brightest person or know a lot about royals, she does know that the prince isn't supposed to marry her.
"San want if they say no." Brittany whispers looking up at him.
"Britt Britt, no matter what I'm going to marry you." Santiago promises pulling her tighter into his frame.
"I don't want you to lose everything just so you can be with me." Brittany softly says.
"You are the world to me love. I would give up anything to be with you." Santiago tells her.
As soon as they walk into the throne room she sees the king and queen sitting on their thrones, so intimidating already.
"Who is this son?" the king thunders.
"Dad," Santiago gulps beyond nervous. "This is Brittany, my future wife."
"I thought I told you no!" the king shouts jumping to his feet.
Brittany whimpers and snuggles more into Santiago's protective embrace.
"Don't scare her." Santiago growls.
"I'll do what I damn well please. I'm the king!" the king shouts. "And you will not marry this common girl." he growls looking at Brittany with distain.
"Don't you dare insult her." Santiago growls balling his hands into fists, ready to fight.
Santiago moves Brittany behind him, ready to take on his father if he needs to. No one is allowed to insult his future wife without punishment.
"You will not marry this whore who only wants our money." the king growls.
The queen sees a look in her son's eye that she's never seen before. Something in her gut says that this isn't going to end well.
"Honey maybe you-"
"Shut up woman." the king interrupts his wife. "Get that whore out of here-"
Before the king can say anything else Santiago tackles him to the ground. They roll around on the ground fighting. When the king manages to draw his knife Brittany gasps.
"San watch out!" Brittany shouts causing the queen to gasp as she notices the knife.
Somehow Santiago manages to pull his own knife. When the king tries to stab his son, Santiago blocks it with his forearm, stabbing his father.
"San," Brittany gasps running over to help him up.
End Flashback
She still can't believe that he killed his father for her.
"What you thinking about my queen?" Santiago asks, cupping her face.
"Just how much you love me." Brittany whispers looking at the now sleeping baby in her arms. "And our family."
"I do love you all so much." Santiago says smiling.
"Daddy help," Ava whines trying to pull some weeds.
Santiago smiles at his daughter, getting up to go help her.
"Mommy, daddy no leave." Santi says sitting right in front of her to stare at his baby brother.
"Your daddy is staying with us for a long time." Brittany tells her oldest son.
"Good, baby brother needs daddy." Santi says.
0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Santiago and Brittany sit on their thrones listening to the complaints, questions and requests from nobles down to the common people. This is the first time in months that they are both here for this.
"Mike?" Santiago says when his best friend is the next one in line.
"Your majesties," Mike says bowing.
"What is it that you need Mike?" Brittany asks.
"I wish to buy a home away from the palace on the outskirts of the town for Quinn as she is pregnant." Mike says wringing his hand together, he's nervous that they won't be happy.
Brittany squeals and does a dance in her seat. She loves that her best friend is going to have a baby and wonders why she didn't inform her herself. Not only that, but she will be getting her own home which is something Quinn has wanted since marrying Mike. Since they both work at the palace they hadn't. Santiago wanted to pretend to think about and not make it look like he's caving easy, but the look of pure joy on his wife's face makes up his mind.
"You have my blessing." Santiago says.
"Thank you, your majesty." Mike says bowing and before walking away.
"Next," Santiago says waving as his best leaves.
It takes all his strength to keep a neutral face. As king he can't show how happy he is without it appearing that he favors them even though he does.
"San," Brittany whispers leaning over.
"Britt Britt we'll celebrate with them later. I have to remain in king mode." Santiago reminds her.
She nods understanding completely, yet she has a really hard time doing so herself. Things bore her easy. After listening and pretending to care for another hour she can't wait anymore. When she stands up, everyone gets down on their knees.
"The littlest prince needs me." Brittany says before leaving.
"My wife loves to take care of our kids." Santiago says watching his wife leave wishing he could go with her.
"Your majesty," one of the guards says coming in panting.
"Speak," Santiago says.
"A rider just approached the gate saying that your mother is coming." the guard says bowing to his king.
"Shit," Santiago whispers. "We're done for the day. The guards will take your names and you'll be first tomorrow." he announces before leaving.
His mother remarried a noble lord a year after he and Brittany married since then he hardly sees her. She wasn't fond of the marriage and even less fond of the fact that he killed his father protecting Brittany's honor. For her to come, something must be up.
"Britt," Santiago says entering their rooms. "You in here?"
"We're taking a bath!" Brittany shouts.
Santiago's eyes go wide and he runs to see what man dare bathe with his wife. Of course it only turns out to be his son and daughter.
"Who's got Charles?" Santiago asks lifting Santi out of the tub.
"Quinn," Brittany says watching as her husband helps their son get dressed before lifting their daughter out and helping her. "What's going on San?" she asks.
"Go harass Quinn." Santiago tells the kids. He waits until they're gone before answering her question. "My mom is on her way." is all he says.
"Shit," Brittany says getting out and starting to get dressed. "Do you know why she is coming? She hasn't been here since Santi was born."
"No idea," Santiago says staring at his wife's perfect body, you'd hardly know she just had a baby.
"Is this dress good?" Brittany asks holding up a golden dress that is fit for royal formal events.
"Perfect babe," Santiago says still staring at her.
"What?" Brittany asks as he continues to stare at her.
"I just love you so much and I don't want my mom to scare you away." Santiago whispers.
Every time his mom has shown up he gets like this.
"San she hasn't yet and never will." Brittany tells him. "You're everything to me."
"I'm just so nervous as to why she's coming." Santiago admits. "I'm the king and shouldn't ever be nervous."
"Out there you're the king, but in here with me you are just my San." Brittany tells him.
"How do you always know how to calm me down?" Santiago says leaning in and kissing her.
"We need to go and get in our thrones before your mother gets here. She'll blame me if we aren't." Brittany says readjusting his crown.
"Don't worry honey-"
"San we both know your mother hates me for being the cause of your fight with your dad that ended his life." Brittany says cutting him off.
"I wasn't about to let him disrespect you or hurt you." Santiago tells her.
"I know San, you've always protected my honor." Brittany says knowing how lucky she is to have such a loving husband. "Can you have Mike take Quinn and the kids on a picnic or something away from the palace?" she asks.
"My mom won't hurt the kids." Santiago says.
"Please," Brittany begs giving him a pleading look.
"Okay,"
An hour later they are both seated on their thrones waiting for Santiago's mom to arrive. She just entered the city and will be here any minute.
"Here we go," Santiago whispers reaching over and squeezing his wife's hand when the door opens.
"You don't have enough guards." the former queen says walking in.
"Nice to see you too mom." Santiago says standing up to hug her.
"I hear you gave my son another son, where is the baby?" she asks turning to Brittany ignoring her son.
"The guards took the kids to play." Brittany says.
"You never-"
"Mom," Santiago says not wanting his mom to piss off his wife.
"What? Your wife should be with your newborn son still." Maria his mother says.
"And she is when we're not taking official visits." Santiago points out. "Britt why don't you go play with the kids while I finish up with my mom."
"Okay," Brittany says kissing his cheek before heading out.
Santiago waits until she's gone before continuing with his mother.
"So what do you want?" he asks.
"Well as you know my husband trades with the Hudsons from Hoodsport." Maria starts.
"I know all this mom." Santiago says. "And I don't need a lecture about how you hate my wife and I should have married a princess."
He doesn't want his mom bad mouthing his wife. No one is allowed to even his mom.
"That's not what I'm here for." Maria says taking his hand. "I came to tell you something that he overheard."
"Why didn't he come?" Santiago asks.
"He is outside the door." Maria admits. "I know you don't like him much."
"You're my mom; I just want you to be safe and happy. If you give Brittany a chance, I'll give him a chance." Santiago says surprising even himself.
Normally he is a hot head and only does something like this when his wife tells him to.
"Go get him," Santiago says nodding to the doors.
Maria smiles at her son, rushing out to get her husband.
"That was really sweet." Brittany says coming back in.
"How long have you been there?" Santiago asks.
"Long enough," Brittany says ushering their kids in and handing Santiago their baby boy Charles. "Your mom seems different." she says before the woman in question comes back.
"They're so big." Maria gushes rushing to the throne.
After several minutes of Maria dotting on her grandkids the attention is turned back to what the Lord heard.
"So Lord Graves, my mother says you heard something said by the Hudsons. What is it?" Santiago asks noticing that Mike has slipped in with Quinn.
He wonders if maybe Mike knows what it is.
"Your majesty," Lord Graves says bowing. "I heard the Hudson princeling Finn talking about how easy your wife Queen Brittany would be to take to bed when he kills you."
"That fucking bastard!" Santiago shouts jumping up.
He looks over at Brittany who just nods. She knows her husband and that it would kill him not to defend her.
"Go," she says giving him a soft smile. "Defend my honor."
"Mike ready the troops, we leave in an hour!" Santiago thunders, leaning down and giving his wife a kiss. "Lord Graves ride home and ready your troops. Send the women and children here, it will be safer."
With the Santiago leaves to get his armor on.
"Maria you can come with me and Quinn. Playing with the kids always keeps my mind off of the danger he's going to be in." Brittany offers deciding to be the bigger person whatever it means.
"Thank you," Maria says realizing for the first time how good this woman is for her son.
An hour later they are gathered at the city gate to see the troops off.
"Come back to me." Brittany whispers.
"I always do."
