Page 27

Tally and Ember Holakas entered the world without much fuss and right on time. I healed quickly and adjusted to motherhood better than I thought I would. The sleepless nights were difficult, but luckily, as the Honeyblood queen, I had lots of help. Luken was always eager to be a father, and for three months, we took time off our royal duties, trusting Marissa to run the show.

Tonight, our three-month-old twins will have their official debut as our heirs. I carried little black-haired Tally, while Luken held our tow-headed Ember. Her coming out blonde was a surprise to all of us. Looking at Luken’s family history, though, we found she looked stunningly similar to his maternal grandmother.

“Announcing King Luken Holakas, Queen Elara Tideborne, and the princesses, Tally and Ember Holakas,” Marissa announced as we descended the stairs.

The ballroom had been strung with pastels in shades of blue, purple, and pink. It was so different from the normal jewel and sober tones I couldn’t help but giggle to myself. I smiled at our guests as they lined up to pay their respects to our girls.

“Congratulations, your… majesties?” Bain said, sounding a little uncertain when he reached us. The shifters still didn’t trust vampires, but Bain had volunteered to serve as an ambassador. It was quite the change for someone who lived in a tiny village, but he threw himself into the role with as much grace and dignity as anyone.

“Your majesties are right,” Luken murmured to him with a nod. “The princesses are ‘highness.’ How are your mother and sister?”

Bain beamed. “They’re doing well. My mother is dating someone new. We like him. My sister got accepted into university.”

“That’s excellent. Tell them congratulations from us,” I said.

He nodded and shuffled along as Marissa cleared her throat.

Behind him was Donelle. Her lips were pinched together, clearly not happy at being put in line behind a shifter. She forced a smile on her face as she nodded toward the two of us. I made myself smile as well. I still didn’t like her and didn’t trust her, but it would not be a good look for Taimarah if I was to bash her head in.

“Congratulations on your heirs,” Donelle said. She started to step away but stopped and gave Luken a once-over. His discomfort from her appraisal came through our bond. Hmm. If I handed Tally to Marissa, I might be able to get in a little bit of head-bashing before it became an incident. Donelle’s gaze snapped to me quickly. “I hope you appreciate what you have, Queen Elara.”

She moved on, and I moved a little closer to Luken. He was already brushing aside his discomfort to greet the next dignitary, an orc prince. I gazed at him in admiration, then did the same.

The line was long, but the babies stayed happy and content in our arms. Once the greetings were over, we handed the twins to Thessa and Darcie so we could open up the dancefloor with a waltz. As the music started to play, I gazed into Luken’s amber eyes, grateful and amazed we’d gotten here. Even with everyone in the room staring at us, I felt comfortable and at peace.

“The peace summit seems to be a success,” I murmured to him.

Luken nodded. “New trade routes are opening. More exchanges of information and ideas. It’s better than I planned.”

He twirled me and caught his arms around me so my back was against his chest. We swayed to the music as he kissed my neck. I cupped his cheek with one hand, letting my eyes drift shut. Yes. This was good. And I knew the future would only get brighter from here.

*****

THE END