Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) (33 page)

"Sons, Ruyen. I want many sons."

"Do you want nothing for yourself?"

When she did not reply—the first time he had ever known her to be at a loss for words—he drew her into his arms.

"Sweet, sweet Jilliana, I love you as no man has ever loved a woman. You restored my trust and gave me back my faith." His eyes darkened and he pressed his cheek to hers. "I will do as you ask, but I will expect something from you as well."

She was crying and kissing his rough cheek. "Anything, Ruyen, anything."

"We will never again be parted. When I am in Falcon Bruine, you will be beside me. When you are in Talshamar, I will be at your side." His eyes softened. "As for you becoming subservient, I would have you stay the way you are." He laughed, feeling lighthearted. "I cannot imagine a time when you would not state your mind. It is what I love about you most."

"Oh, Ruyen, I never thought you would love me."

He kissed her lips and then gathered her even closer. "I never thought I would not."

Epilogue

1189

It was early spring, and a warm sun had melted the last of the snow and ice, thus swelling the rivers and streams of Falcon Bruine where Jilliana and Ruyen spent half the year, dividing their time between the two countries.

The previous year, at Yuletide, Talshamar and Falcon Bruine had united into one country, much to the delight of their subjects, for each benefited by the union. Already mapmakers had marked the change, and new banners waved proudly over both lands: the symbol of a golden falcon clasping the Talshamarian scepter in its talons.

Eleanor, Queen Mother of England, watched Jilliana's two sons playing in the sunny garden, while their older sister, Princess Phelisiana, kept a watchful eye on them.

"Tis a lovely place to raise my godchildren, Jilliana. If I had it to do over again, I would have taught my offspring to love and respect each other as you have obviously done." Eleanor then smiled. "No, most probably I would have made the same mistakes."

Jilliana clasped her benefactress's hand. "I am happy for you, Eleanor. Richard is king and you are free of your prison. I always prayed for this day."

"I had only to outlive Henry." Eleanor dismissed the subject with a shrug. "You look happy."

"My family is happy, therefore so am I. You did hear that Cassandra and Lord Markem married and are expecting their first child, did you not?"

"Of course. But we were speaking of you, my dear."

Jilliana's face took on a glow. "Ruyen is what every woman wishes for in a husband."

Eleanor looked satisfied. "I chose well for you, did I not?"

Jilliana smiled. "Indeed you did."

"What are you two gossiping about?" Ruyen asked, coming up behind them. "Can a man join this little domestic scene?"

Eleanor brightened as she always did when there was a handsome man about. "Richard has told me that Talshamar and Falcon Bruine both flourish under your rule."

Ruyen pulled Jilliana close to him. "I have help."

Eleanor laughed. "I taught her well, did I not?"

"You did that, Eleanor." His eyes dropped lovingly to Jilliana. "Sometimes too well."

"I see I am not needed here," Eleanor said, rising slowly from the bench. "I'm off to England. Richard has need of me there." She brushed a kiss on Jilliana's cheek. "I wish you happiness always."

"God go with you, my dearest Eleanor."

"And you, child."

Jilliana and Ruyen watched Eleanor move toward her horse with a spring in her step. Several attendants scurried about to see to her comfort, and she took their devotion as her God-given right.

"I would not have enjoyed my happiness nearly so much if Eleanor had not been freed from her prison," Jilliana said contentedly.

Ruyen touched his lips to hers, while their daughter grabbed onto her father's leg. He picked up the little princess, who lay her head against his shoulder.

"The women in my family have me just where they want me."

Jilliana laughed. "So we do."

Humphrey and Lord Markem stood at the edge of the garden, observing the happy scene.

"Talshamarians will speak of Queen Jilliana long after we are all dead," Lord Markem observed. "They will write songs and recite poems about her greatness and bravery."

"Aye, that they will," Humphrey agreed. "But this is today, and we are blessed to be numbered among those who bask in her glory."