Epilogue
Two Years Later
“Daughter!” Gwiven bellowed. “Is this what you call a breakfast?”
Rillie laughed and bent at the waist to kiss her father’s cheek. It wasn’t easy work – her pregnant belly stuck far out and she grunted slightly.
“I jest,” Gwiven said kindly.
Rillie nodded. “You know we are having a large meal soon,” she said, wrinkling her nose at the scent of sausages. Ever since she had born her first child, almost a year and a half ago, she hadn’t been able to stomach the smell. “With the High Commander and the queen, isn’t that nice?”
Gwiven laughed. “Dear, I have been here for some time now,” he said. “And if you’re seeking to impress me with your airs, it will not work.”
Rillie flushed. “Aye,” she said, dipping her head slightly. “Father, please watch over Flint while I dress.”
“He’ll be spoiled by the time you get back,” Gwiven said proudly. He reached down and took the small child onto his lap. Flint gurgled and laughed, and Rillie stood for a moment as tears of happiness formed in her eyes.
“Not too spoiled, I hope,” Rillie muttered under her breath. She walked into her bedchamber and shut the door behind her. Baelan lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
“My love, what is it?” Rillie asked. She sat gingerly on the edge of the soft mattress. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“Not at all,” Baelan replied. “It seems that my mother has finally come around – she will be joining us for dinner tonight.”
“Oh,” Rillie replied. She forced a smile. The thought wasn’t a pleasant one. Arsinoe hadn’t been present at their wedding, nor at the birth of Flint. And Rillie wasn’t expecting her at the birth of their second child, either, although privately that was a relief. Giving birth in a room full of royal cousins had been arduous enough, she wasn’t sure she wanted another member of the family added to the audience.
“I thought you would be pleased.” Baelan sat up and took Rillie in his arms, kissing her. “And you are as beautiful as ever!”
“I am as big as ever,” Rillie said sarcastically, looking down at her swollen stomach. “I don’t think this little one will stay much longer.”
“Aine will attend to you after the meal,” Baelan said. He kissed her cheek. “And you are always beautiful to me.”
Flushing hotly, Rillie got to her feet and began unlacing the bodice of her gown. Baelan got up and took Rillie’s silk gown from the press before lowering it over her head.
“It isn’t right, you helping me dress,” Rillie said, although secretly the gesture thrilled her. Baelan had been the most loving, supportive husband she could have ever imagined – not to mention, a wonderful father. At one time, the idea of having children had terrified Rillie. What if they grew up living in poverty, dealing with the curse of having a talent like hers? But Flint showed no sign of Rillie’s magical voice, and Rillie was grateful. Although Queen Angelica was very fond of her, Rillie wasn’t about to upset the royal balance once again.
When her silk gown was laced and the slippers were on her feet, Rillie allowed Baelan to lead her out of their apartment and into the great hall where a table had been set. Huen and Aine were already there. They smiled at the sight of Rillie, and Aine got to her feet and eased Rillie down into a comfortable seat.
“You are bigger by the day!” Aine remarked. “It won’t be long now.”
“Thank the gods,” Rillie said. “I do not think I can wait much longer!”
Aine laughed. “The last moon is always the worst.” She put her hand on Rillie’s belly. “And the baby! How she kicks!”
Rillie blinked in surprise. “You think it is a girl?”
Aine nodded confidently.
“Trust her about these things,” Huen said, leaning over the table and smirking. “She is never wrong – and I lost quite a bit of coin once, betting that she was.”
Rillie flushed. Baelan sat beside her and put an arm around her, bringing her close. Rillie was just about to take a sip of mead when she heard her name. She stood up and turned around to see Arsinoe.
Arsinoe looked at Rillie with a mixture of shame and pleasure.
“Rillie, my dear,” she said softly.
Rillie bit her lip.
“Please,” Arsinoe said. She held out her hand. After a moment, Rillie took it. Arsinoe led her away from the table and up close, Rillie saw that her eyes were filled with tears.
“Aye?” Rillie asked. It was difficult to keep a neutral expression in the face of tears.
“I am so sorry,” Arsinoe said. She sighed heavily. “I…I see how happy you have made my son, and I know that no other woman – no matter her origin – would have been able to do likewise.”
Rillie flushed.
“And I hope this is a new beginning between us,” Arsinoe continued. She squeezed Rillie’s hand. “Please.”
Rillie took a deep breath. “Yes,” she said. “I hope so, as well.”
Arsinoe gave her a small smile. “Take your place at the table, dear, they are waiting for you.” She released Rillie’s hand. “Thank you, again.”
Rillie nodded. She walked back to the table on unsteady legs. As she took her place by Baelan, she looked around at the faces of Huen, Aine, Selene, and Phaelenx. My life is wonderful, Rillie thought. I am surrounded by so much love, love that I would never have been able to comprehend before.
Out of the corner of her eye, Rillie saw Gwiven walking slowly into the room, holding little Flint by the hand. Rillie broke into a wide grin.
“I am so happy,” Rillie said to Baelan. “I never thought it would happen.”
And as Baelan leaned over to kiss her cheek, Rillie knew that her happiness would last for the rest of her life.