The Rivalry

The Rivalry: Epilogue

"Nonsense," I said as I blushed. "You flatter me so."

"It can't be helped. You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever and will ever meet, and you are mine. Do you know what it feels like to wake up every day and know that you, this angelic creature that sleeps with me every night belongs to me? I could not ask for more," I heard him whisper as he skimmed his fingers along my sides, sending shivers up my spine.

"I thank you," I said as I could feel my cheeks heating up even more.

"You still blush for me," he chuckled as he ran a thumb over my cheek.

I smiled as I heard a knock on the door.

"Yes?" I asked.

"It's Vivian. Your son has awoken," she said through the door.

"We will be in the nursery soon! Thank you!" I smiled as I kissed Grant one last time before getting up for the day.

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I smiled and sighed as I took a deep breath of fresh air once I stepped into the courtyard. I hooked the little basket I was carrying in the crook of my arm as I started my short walk to the stables to tack up Arcadia for my ride to the lake, knowing I would find who I was looking for there.

It only took me minutes before I heard his loud whinny and I was met happily by the large stallion.

"Are you ready for a ride down to the lake?" I smiled as I slipped him a treat as Lance saddled him up for me. I stroked his face as I waited for the stable hand to finish.

"Thank you Lance, I will see you among my return," I said as I kicked Cade's sides and we were off at a smooth gallop, the basket sitting in front of me.

The ride was lovely. It was a warm day but there was a cool, crisp breeze that felt very refreshing. I rode towards Othello, who was grazing in the meadow near the lake. I smiled as I saw the two figures I was looking for when I scanned the lake area.

I slowly slid off Cade and let him join Othello to graze as I grabbed the basket and slowly walked towards the boys.

I didn't say anything as I watched my five year old son clumsily swing a small wooden sword around. I couldn't help but smile at the little one. He was so eager and so much like his father. He had a fiery attitude and looked so much like Grant it was unbelievable.

And then there was my husband. He had a wooden sword of his own, but it was at least three times the length of the small boy's. His face was lit with joy as he watched Landon wave the sword through the air and he laughed as our son tripped once and dropped his sword. I covered my mouth with my hand as I giggled.

"Are you boys hungry? I brought you some treats!" I said as I waved, getting their attention.

"Mama!" I heard that familiar high pitched voice squeal as his tiny little frame came running over to me. I set the basket down and scooped up the small, dark haired boy in my arms, giving him a hug. I situated him on my hip and smiled when I saw Grant come jogging up to us from their spot under the shade tree.

"Mama! Papa is training me!" He said as he kissed my cheek.

"Is that a fact?" I said as I ran my hand through his thick, dark hair. His green eyes were lit up with excitement.

"Yup! I'm gonna be just like Papa, big and strong!" He said as he pointed to Grant, who had reached us now.

"Hello, love," he whispered as he wound an arm around my side.

"Hello Grant," I purred quietly. He smiled at me and planted a soft kiss on my cheek, my jaw, and then my collarbone. I shivered before I playfully pushed him away, his face held mock pain.

"Now, now. I brought you boys some treats. I figured you must be hungry by now, you've been gone for quite some time!" I said as I opened the basket, pulling out a few biscuits, cheese, and apples.

"Thank you, Mama!" The boy said as he grabbed his lunch.

"You're welcome Landon," I smiled.

"Mama, Papa, can I go skip rocks on the lake?" He asked as his cheek was stuffed full of biscuit. I laughed and nodded, and Grant said "Alright son, show us what you've got."

I smiled as Grant's arms wound around me as we watched the small boy run to the lake and pick up a rock, heaving it across the water. I laughed as it just arched high in the air and fell in, without skipping once. I knew his strong determination and stubbornness would kick in and he would not stop until he had accomplished his goal.

"My mother was right. He is a very fast learner, even for his young age," Grant said as he watched the boy.

We had recently just returned from a visit to Crestwick and the palace there. In the future we hoped to possibly make a central palace between the two kingdoms where we would reside. As for now, we were happy with the situation, we didn't mind the travels back and forth.

I grinned as Grant wound both of his arms around me, facing me now, before he kissed me. I wrapped my arms around his strong back and clung tightly to him, my chest swelling. It had been nearly 7 years since I had first met this man that was my husband and he still had a spell over me. I still shivered when he looked at me and I still melted when he touched me.

"How did you manage to escape?" He said as he lightly massaged my back with his hands.

"Aleigha is asleep for her nap," I said as I smiled at the thought of our eight month old daughter. I had never thought I would be able to have one child and I had been blessed with two beautiful children.

I sighed and rest my head upon his shoulder.

"What is it, love?" he asked quietly.

"It is nothing," I said back quietly.

"There must be something," he cooed.

"Really, there isn't. It was a sigh of content. A sigh of bliss. I am so extremely happy, Grant. I cannot believe we have gotten this far. I remember when you first proposed this arrangement to me! I had thought it preposterous! And now here we are...with two children and ever in love," I said as I kissed his smooth lips.

"Yes, I remember the time well. I had never imagined I would love you so. I was a fool at twenty four years old, to have thought I could escape your spell. You have no idea just how powerful your beauty is, I didn't stand a chance," he said as he tucked a stray hair behind me ear.

"I love you, Lynnae, my little firebrand."

"I love you as well, Grant," I said as we both turned and watched the sun blaze over the lake, causing the lake to shimmer. We watched as the birds chirped and flew between the trees, causing some of the leaves to slowly fall to the ground. We watched Landon heave rocks across the glass water. We watched the future we never thought we would have.