Page 131 of A Thieving Curse

“Do…you have rings?”

Alex’s lips parted. “I…did not think of that.”

Jasper gave an unconvincing sigh as his eyes danced. “Very well. Before these witnesses, I declare you husband and wife. You may kiss—”

Alex dropped her hands, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her. She closed her eyes and wove her fingers into his hair as she kissed him back. She heard applause and laughter, but she was too enraptured with her husband to care.My husband.He pulled away too soon, and her eyes fluttered open to his beautiful green and amber eyes.

“…the bride,” Jasper said flatly. “It is my honor to present Crown Prince Alexander”—Jasper’s voice cracked, and he had to clear his throat before continuing—“and Princess Raelyn Tallon of Rethalyon.”

As they turned away from Jasper, a pang of loss accompanied her joy.Raelyn of Rethalyon.Meredith and Peter leapt to their feet and applauded, exuberant despite their tears and sniffling. Father and Mother applauded more reservedly. Gareth stood, clapping enthusiastically, but she saw his throat bob as he blinked. Alexander started to lead her toward the double doors, but she stopped him.

“Just a moment, my love.” Raelyn slipped her hand from his and went to her brother.

Gareth grabbed her and pulled her into an embrace before she could say anything. His fists pressed against her back. She tightened her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder.

“I’m…” Gareth paused, as if struggling to speak. “I’m happy for you, Rae,” he whispered. “But if he’s ever not good to you, you write to me. I’ll be here.”

She lifted her face from his shoulders, smiling through tears. “Noted.”

“Write to me anyway?” he asked as they separated.

“Only if you write back and tell me how you’re terrorizing Nathaniel.”

Gareth grinned and dried his eyes. “Deal.”

She squeezed his arm and returned to Alex’s side, and they exited the great hall. As the doors closed behind them, Alex studied her, clearly troubled.

“You’ll miss him.”

“Yes.” She caressed his cheek. “But I choose you, Alexander.”

He took her hand and kissed her palm. “And I choose you, Raelyn.” He looked around. “Please tell me you have a room, and you know how to find it. I’m going to need to be carried if I don’t get off my feet soon.”

Raelyn laughed. “I think I can find the way.” They started down a hall but were interrupted by a servant.

“Pardon me, Your Excellency.” The servant bowed. “We’ve been waiting for you. A suite has been prepared for you and a bath drawn. I will show you to your rooms and find someone to escort Her Grace to her—”

“Oh, no,” Alex said. “Her Majesty will share my suite.”

The servant took a step back, his face pale. “B-but, um, Your Excellency—”

“Don’t worry.” Alex chuckled. “We’ve just taken our vows in front of more than enough witnesses.” He swept his hand forward. “Please show me and my wife to our rooms.”

My wife.It took all Raelyn’s willpower not to pull Alex into another passionate kiss right there in the hall.

“Yes… Yes!” The servant bowed, some of the color returning to his cheeks. “This way, Your Excellency.”

Epilogue

Six years later

RAELYN DUCKED BEHIND a tapestry and pulled her four-year-old son in after her. He tripped a little, trying to steady himself on his stubby legs, and his dark curls fell into his face. He giggled, his small fingers wriggling in her grip.

“Shhh!” She smiled and tried to suppress her own laughter. He just giggled more. “They’re going to hear you,” she whispered.

Footsteps muffled by carpet moved toward them. “Hmmm.” Alex’s voice was close. “So many good hiding places. Where could your mother and brother have gone?”

“I like hiding more than seeking,” their younger twin son complained.

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