Okay, so I thought I'd celebrate the last hour with an update, so you all have my daughter to thank. She just did "ittsy bittsy spider" all by herself. All I did was sing it for her, she did all the actions. I glowed with pride, even though no one else saw it. It is a small thing, yes, but at the same time, it is so very big.
As I said in the previous chapter, I will be posting the epilogue within a day or two, since this chapter is so short (but I think the content kind of makes up for that). After that, don't remove this story from your subscriptions list because, as the story itself will be over, there's no reason why I can't keep posting now and again. Mostly because there are a few scenes I really wanted in the story, but couldn't work in. So there will occasionally be bonus chapters. If you want to see something, let me know, I'll see what I can do.
With that said, all the usual thanks...
and to Bethany89: just got your message, decided to post rather then reply. I understand where you're coming from, and don't worry. Things will be better then you expect concerning her acceptance.
Karigan silently entered the king's study, the door held open by Fastion long enough for her to enter before he bowed to the king, and quietly closed the door once more.
Karigan stood, emotions warring within her. She still hadn't heard the council's decision as to their marriage. Actually, she hadn't heard anything. Even through the celebrations held in the common room the night before, she had heard no rumors. She finally feigned exhaustion, and sought her bed, sleeping restlessly until the Green Foot had awoken her at noon saying the king required her presence. Now she stood before him, surprised she wasn't shaking with nerves.
She finally spoke, her voice sharper then she intended. She only wished to mask the uncertainty. "You wished to see me, Sire?"
The king regarded her with an unusual intensity and nodded with a quick "I did."
He fluidly pushed back his chair and strode purposely toward her. Without another word, indeed without warning, Zachary cradled her head in his hands and kissed her, long, hot, and dripping with passion and desire. Karigan's eyes, at first wide with surprise, slowly closed, her hands automatically going around his neck and twining in his soft amber hair. Her lips parted at his urging and warm desire spread throughout her body as she felt his tongue explore the confines of her mouth. Zachary's hands moved to her waist and he pressed his body hard against hers. The sudden desire to remove clothing made Karigan's hands clutch at the king's shirt, wanting nothing more in that moment then to tear it off his body.
Zachary covered her hands with his and reluctantly broke away. Karigan staggered forward, not wanting the connection to end. Both were breathing heavily. He spoke breathlessly, "How does autumn sound, love?"
Karigan pulled away, confused. "What?" she squeaked out. "For what?"
Zachary smiled, kissing her again briefly. "For us. The council and Merchant's Guild approved. I was actually surprised. Most were very open to it. The others were outvoted. Will autumn suffice? I doubt a royal wedding could be arranged any sooner I'm afraid."
Karigan kissed him again before pulling him close into a joyful embrace. "Autumn will not come fast enough."
I ask you, when did I become such a sap? I used to laugh at this stuff!
Don't forget those wonderful reviews (We've almost got 100)!