“I am. It’s to raise funds for the construction of more health clinics.”
I smiled and kissed her again. “If you need any help with planning, let me know. I can get you in contact with some very reliable contractors.”
“Thanks, baby. I appreciate that.” Alison tossed the towel over her shoulder. “Is Adam in bed?”
I nodded. “He is. Started snoring the second his head hit the pillow.”
“That’s good. Did you remember to leave his nightlight on?”
“Don’t you think he’s getting a little old for nightlights?”
Alison shrugged a shoulder. “I mean, can you blame him? Sometimes I think this place is haunted.”
“Don’t let him catch you saying that. He’ll never sleep again.”
“If he needs a light to feel secure, let him keep the light.”
I smiled down at my wife as she spoke. Her voice was always a source of calm for me, a constant in my life I sometimes couldn’t believe I almost didn’t have. I sometimes wondered what life would have been like with her, if I hadn’t unraveled Clavets’ plot and stopped her plane in time. I definitely would have been a lot more bitter. Maybe in another universe, a different me failed to realize how important she was. Maybe in another timeline, we hadn’t met at all. Those scenarios had a tendency to run through my head, and I was so glad I lived in the reality where everything worked out between us. My world would have been so much darker and lonelier without her.
Alison tilted her head and smirked at me. “What? Is there something on my face?”
“Hm?”
“You’ve been staring at me for like, five minutes.”
I shook my head. “You’re my nightlight.”
“What?” She giggled. “Sometimes you make no sense.”
I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her slow, teasing her lips open with the tip of my tongue. She responded positively, throwing her arms around my neck to press our bodies together. It was easy to untie the front of her robe and pull it off of her. I allowed the fabric to fall from my fingers and pile on the floor as I ran my hands down her naked back and grabbed greedily at her ass. Even after having Adam, Alison still looked as stunning as the day I first had her. It wasn’t that her body hadn’t changed, because it definitely had. There were faint stretchmarks on her stomach, and her ass and thighs were a bit rounder. But I loved those fine details. It turned me on to know I was the only one who knew of the minute, private little secrets. There was so much more to learn about Ali, more to love. I lifted her up quickly, causing her to gasp.
“Someone’s awfully energetic tonight,” she teased.
“Only for you.”
I placed Ali down on the edge of the bed and pressed lightly on her shoulders to encourage her to lie down. I planted a trail of kisses down her neck, her chest, teased at her nipples with my tongue, before finally working my way between her legs. She smelled like expensive shampoos and soaps, fresh from the shower. I licked my lips as I admired her wet little pussy. I pushed her knees apart and relished the way Alison tossed her head back and moaned. The sound went straight through me and wound up in my cock, the front of my pants becoming increasingly uncomfortable as I hardened.
I moved to take my blazer and shirt off, but Alison placed her hand on my head to stop me.
“Leave your clothes on,” she gasped.
“Really?”
“I think your uniform’s sexy.”
I smiled and pressed forward, teasing her swollen clit with the tip of my tongue. I drew lazy little circles as I admired her taste. Every time with Alison felt like the first time, exhilarating and passionate. All it took was a few licks and she was already squirming beneath me. I inserted a finger, then two, her warm walls tightening around my digits as I curled them, stimulating her in just the right place to have her mumbling profanities. Her moans were a source of encouragement for me as I continued to tease her. My hard cock was starting to grow painful from the lack of attention, so I eventually stood and undid the front of my pants in a hurry, pulling them down along with my boxers.
I was about to go grab a condom from the nightstand’s drawer, but Alison rolled onto her side and grinned at me.
“So, I was thinking,” she mumbled. “How do you feel about trying again?”
“Trying what?”
“Having another kid. I bet Adam would love to have a little brother or sister.”
I smiled wide as I shut the drawer closed and returned to her, wrapping her up in my arms on the bed. “Are you sure?”
Alison nodded. “Positive.”
I bit my lip and practically growled, “Roll over. I’m going to get you pregnant.”
She got onto her knees, balancing on her elbows and forearms. I hissed through my teeth as I stroked my throbbing cock, drinking in the sight of her ass up in the air. It was almost painful not to take her then and there. Feeling the heat rise to my head, I took off my blazer and tossed it to the end of the bed, but nothing more. If the love of my life wanted me to stay in uniform, I’d do exactly as she asked. I grabbed her by the hips and pressed into her, shivering at how wonderful she felt around me.
Alison groaned, “God, you’re so big.”
“I never tire of compliments.”
“Sebastian, please fuck me,” she whined, wiggling her ass to tempt me further. “Fuck me hard.”
I thrust into her, picking a slow enough pace to work her up, but not fast enough to bring a premature finale. It was sometimes difficult to describe just how wonderful Ali was. She moved with me, pressed against me for more friction, knew exactly what I wanted. She knew me better than anyone, knew what I needed and how to make things happen. I could read her just as easily. When Alison clutched at the sheets beneath her, I knew to speed up and put more force into my movements. When her moaning grew light and quiet, I knew that she was drawing close.
I placed a hand between her shoulder blades and pressed gently. Alison responded by lowering herself completely onto the mattress. I leaned forward and lay flat against her, continuing to snap my hips against her as I sucked hard at her neck. I reached for her hand and laced my fingers with hers, squeezing as a heated coil deep inside my gut grew in intensity. At this rate, I wasn’t going to last, and no amount of control was going to keep away the inevitable.
“Sebastian,” she whined. “Harder. Please, harder. I’m so close, baby. Fuck.”
I moaned in her ear, partially relieved that I didn’t have to focus on holding out. I gave her exactly what she wanted, fucking her little pussy without remorse. Alison groaned loudly as she came, her wet walls tightening and pulsing around my cock. It felt so fucking good that I came in an instant, whitewashing over my vision as I spilled into her. She gasped my name over and over again before stilling, breathing hard beneath me. I pulled out slowly and lay back down, tilting her chin up and to the side with my hand to kiss her on the mouth.
“I love you,” I whispered.
Alison closed her eyes and hummed, “I love you too.”
35
Alison
“Mom, would you please stop fussing?” Adam asked, voice cracking a bit in his exasperation.
I ignored my son and continued to straighten out his uniform, brushing non-existent specs of dust off his broad shoulders. Even though he was just a few months shy of sixteen, Adam was now officially taller than me by an inch. At this rate, I was certain he was going to be taller than Sebastian within the year.
“You need to look perfect,” I said, brushing a few strands of his hair out of his face, only to have them fall back to the exact same position. “The photographer’s going to be here any second to take the portraits.”
“I think this is as good as it’s going to get, Mom.”
“I know,” I sighed. “Image is everything, honey. Don’t forget that when you’re King one day, okay? You always have to put your best foot forward.”
“Mom, it’s just Christmas photos.”
“Yes, but they’re Christmas photos that
we’ll be sending to all of our family and friends. It’s also going to be put up on the official website for the public to see.”
Behind us, the twins were preoccupied with a game of tag. The matching dress and little suit I had made for them were already starting to wrinkle because of their fooling around. They both took after me, what with their dark hair and big eyes. Ava was a quiet girl, while Alistair did nothing but talk on his sister’s behalf. I was sometimes worried Ava wouldn’t grow out of her shell, but only time would tell if she’d become a charismatic Princess like I’d hoped. And if not, that was fine too. I was fairly certain Prince Alistair would look out for his sister no matter what. Even though he was only nine, he had all of Sebastian’s confidence.
They nearly crashed into Klaus and Patrick as they entered the room.
“Ava, Alistair,” I said, using my motherly warning tone. “No running inside. You’ll get all sweaty before the photo.”
“Sorry, Momma,” the twins said in unison. It was sometimes a little creepy how in-sync they were.
“Say hello to your uncles, please.”
Ava and Alistair beamed at Klaus and Patrick, the latter of whom was carrying their newly adopted daughter, Emersyn. She was fast asleep in Patrick’s arms, snoring softly and drooling a bit out of the corner of her mouth. They’d dressed her in an adorable black and white dress and placed a bright red bow in her hair. The child had a button nose, and though I knew it was impossible, I definitely believed she looked like Klaus. I walked over and kissed my old friends on the cheeks, smiling down at little Emersyn.
“She’s getting so big,” I giggled. “Enjoy it while it lasts. Before you know it, she’ll be breaking all her suitors’ hearts.”
“Oh, I know she will,” hummed Patrick.
Klaus chuckled. “Where’s His Majesty? Running late?”
I nodded and sighed. “He called to say there were last-minute troubles at the conference.”
“Troubles?” echoed Patrick. He’d retired from his position as advisor almost a year ago after deciding he wanted to dedicate all of his time raising his daughter, but it was still in his nature to worry about Sebastian.
“It’s nothing serious. Paperwork and such.”
“Ah, I see. I definitely don’t miss that part of the job.”
We were all set up in one of the north wing’s tearooms. This room in particular was chosen because the view out of the windows offered a wonderful backdrop of snow-covered mountains. The room was decorated with all manner of festive streamers, poinsettias, and ornaments. We even had holiday music playing over the room’s speaker system to add to the lively atmosphere. Everything smelled like candy canes and cinnamon and gingerbread cookies. Over the mantelpiece, holiday cards from loved ones were lined up for display. The one on the very end, covered in glitter, was from Kamrin. She’d been invited to join us for the picture, but ever since she’d obtained her medical license, she was steadfast in spending her holiday providing medical care in developing countries. I promised her that we’d have her card showing in the picture so she’d know we were thinking of her.
King Sebastian suddenly burst through the doors with a large red sack slung over his shoulder. “Ho, ho, ho!” he chortled loudly, voice booming off of the walls. “Merry Christmas!”
I smiled as my husband walked into the room. He always had a way of brightening the space he occupied. The hair at his temples was starting to gray a bit, but time had been really good to him. He now sported a full, thick beard that gave him a look of authority and power. I liked the way it tickled me when we kissed. The corners of his eyes were starting to wrinkle, as was his forehead from all the frowning and thinking he had to do now that he was the ruler of Wyvernbank. For the most part, though, he hadn’t changed much. Save for the increase in responsibilities he now had, he was still my Sebastian in every sense of the word.
Patrick sighed, holding a hand over Emersyn’s little ears. “We just got her to go to sleep,” he grumbled.
Sebastian grimaced. “Oops, sorry.” He clapped Klaus on the shoulder. “You guys look exhausted.”
“She has trouble sleeping,” admitted Klaus. “But we’re getting the hang of it.”
“If you need me to send you a nanny, don’t hesitate to ask. I know several qualified individuals if it gets to be too much. New parents need as much sleep as possible.”
“That’s very kind of you, thank you.”
“Of course. Anything for an old friend.”
“Papa!” the twins exclaimed, skipping over. “What’s in the bag?” they asked together.
“Santa came early,” he laughed.
“Are there any presents for us?” asked Adam.
“There are. But we’ll open them after the photographer’s done, okay? Now, go take a seat by the fireplace and be good. We just need to sit through a few pictures, and we can start opening gifts.” The children did exactly that, providing Sebastian ample time to sneak over to my side and kiss me in greeting. “I am exhausted,” he whispered in my ear.
“Tough day?”
“You have no idea. But it’s better now that I’m with you.”
I giggled. “You’re such a sap.”
“I’m just being honest.” Sebastian turned to a nearby house attendant. “Tell the photographer we’re ready. Any longer and the kids might get antsy.”
The attendant bowed his head. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll send him in right away.”
Within a matter of seconds, a tall man entered with a tripod and an incredibly expensive-looking camera. He had a sort of plain face, and patches of his skin were a little dry. He bowed his head upon seeing Sebastian, shoulders tense. People tended to be a little nervous around the King, so it wasn’t like the photographer was acting particularly strange. “Thank you so much for the opportunity, Your Majesty,” he said. “If you’d all like to take a seat, we’ll get started.”
There were four seats set up next to the fireplace. Flickering flames reached and weaved as the logs beneath crackled from the heat. Patrick and Klaus sat next to one another on the right, while Sebastian and I sat on the left. Adam sat on the floor in front of us, sandwiched by either twin. I smoothed the fabric of my dress on my lap and looked about the space, smiling fondly down at my children as they whispered jokes to one another. I then looked at Patrick and Klaus and felt genuine joy to see them so happy together, starting a little family of their own.
Sebastian patted the back of my hand and leaned over, whispering in my ear, “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I sighed contently. “I’m more than okay. I’m happy.”
The photographer cleared his throat. “Queen Alison, if you would kindly look this way. Thank you. Now, everybody, say ‘cheese.’”
Epilogue
Sebastian
I raised my champagne flute and clinked the rim with Alison’s glass. “Cheers,” I said. “Happy fortieth anniversary.”
Alison smiled. “Happy fortieth. Here’s to forty more.”
We both took a sip of our drinks. The champagne coated my tongue, little bubbles fizzing all the way down my throat. I’d ordered dinner out in the courtyard of my summer villa beneath the light of the stars and the illuminated torches of the gardens beside us. It had been literal years since we’d used this property, preferring to spend more time along the coast than in the mountains in our later years. I thought the scenery would be a nice change, however. The royal doctors we’d hired made special note that Alison needed more fresh air, due to the asthma she’d developed in recent years, which certainly affected my decision as to where we were going to stay this summer.
Alison had aged beautifully. Her long dark locks had since turned an elegant silver, giving her a wise and matronly appearance. Her lips were a little thinner and the corner of her eyes were wrinkled, but she still wore a brilliant smile like the day I’d first met her. The people of Wyvernbank adored her. Some even called her a saint. She’d spent the better part of her time leading charity initiatives to help
the poor, creating a great number of soup kitchens in needy areas, funding educational programs for those looking to improve themselves, and organizing massive clothing drives to clothe the less fortunate. She wasn’t just the mother of my children, but a mother to all of Wyvernbank.
I reached across the table and took her hand, chuckling quietly to myself.
“What is it, dear?” she asked, voice just above a whisper. We were too busy listening to the crickets singing their lovely little songs off in the distance.
“Nothing, honey. I was just thinking about how lovely you look tonight.”
Alison giggled. “Forty years and you’re still such a charmer.”
“I do my very best.”
“Do you think Adam’s doing alright? I worry about him all the time.”
I waved a dismissive hand. “Our boy will be fine. You raised him right.”
“We raised him right. But still, your abdication was a shock to everyone. Even me. I just hope he’s handling everything okay.”
I shrugged. The muscles in my neck were a little sore, but I powered through. Now that I was getting older, my joints and muscles always seemed to be in pain. “I wanted to spend more time with you,” I admitted. “Besides, I think I’ve done my time as King. Wyvernbank needs spirited and young minds to keep it progressing. I’m old news now.”
“You left Wyvernbank better than when you ascended to the throne. That’s what’s important.”
“Thank you, dear.”
“I guess he does have Emersyn as his advisor to keep him in line.”
“When do you think he’ll finally pop the question?”
Alison shrugged. “When he’s ready. Kids these days don’t get married as young as they used to.”
I laughed. “Did you just say, ‘kids these days?’”
Alison chuckled. “My God, I’ve gotten old.”
“Age is just a number, dear.”
I finished off my dinner and wiped my mouth on the corner of the red napkin that was lying on my lap. When I noticed Alison was finished too, I stood from my seat slowly. My hip popped as I did, but that wasn’t a surprise. My weary bones were a source of constant discomfort.
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