Knightqueen - Page 96

Carys smiled. She was surrounded by friends and family. And peace. Peace on her planet, in the quadrant, among their allies.

There were still skirmishes at the borders, but at least the surviving Gek’Dragar remained on their homeworld. They were rebuilding their leadership, and had vowed to be different.

“Callia’s like Sten,” Carys said. “Watchful and stubborn.”

“I don’t know,” Eve said. “I hear the knightqueen of the Oronis can be stubborn when she wants to be.”

Carys laughed and slapped Eve’s arm.

“Mally!” Callia called out, rushing across the grass.

A tall boy with deep-red skin and long black hair had entered the garden. Malthor was taller than Carys now, and had turned into part boy, part man. He was staying with them while he studied engineering in the city before he returned to Ti-Lore.

Azulon, Nythoria, and the others were working hard to rebuild their world. They’d made strong partnerships with not only the Oronis, but other worlds as well.

They were forming an alliance with worlds close to Gek’Dragar space. A coalition that would ensure they had the strength to stand against any enemy.

Malthor lifted Callia up and propped her on his hip. Then he turned to speak with Sten. No doubt to schedule more training. Sten was teaching the young man to use a sword.

Yes, Carys was happy.

Truly happy.

The only people missing were Nea and Kaden. The couple were currently off on an exploration mission to the Darmiss quadrant. They both loved nothing more than being off on a new adventure.

“While Kane is busy kicking that ball, I’m going to sneak into the garden with my man for a minute alone.” Eve winked, and then headed toward her mate.

When Carys looked up, Sten was walking toward her.

He had more gray in his hair now, and his face was more rugged. She loved it.

He wrapped his arms around her, one large hand resting on her belly.

“How can I love you more each day, my knightking?” she asked.

“Because I’m yours.” He dropped a kiss to her lips. “Always yours. Anything you command, I’ll do for you.”

“That might be it,” she murmured.

“How is our son this morning?”

“Busy as always.”

“You should rest when Callia has her nap.”

Carys nuzzled his chest. “Only if you join me.”

“I’m scheduled to do some training with the new knightguards.” He still spent time training and working with the knights.

She arched a brow.

“But I can postpone that,” he said.

“Good.”

He cupped the side of her face, thumb rubbing her skin. “I am Knightking Thorsten. It is my duty to protect my queen. I am her sword, her shield, and her devoted king and husband. And I will love you as long as I have breath in my body.”

Her heart melted at the familiar words he told her often. “Sten.”

He lifted a hand and waved at their nanny, who stood at the edge of the garden. “See that Callia goes down for her nap. I’m escorting the knightqueen to her quarters. She needs her rest.”

The nanny nodded and smiled, her gaze returning to their little girl.

Then Sten scooped Carys into his arms. She slid her hand across his broad shoulders as he carried her inside the castle.

She nibbled at his ear. “Are we really going to rest?”

“Yes. After I ensure that you’re too tired to do anything else. It’s my duty, after all.”

Stars, she loved him. Her delighted laughter echoed in the hall as they headed for their quarters.