Thea Harrison: Storm's Heart

Afterward they held the coronation feast, and she danced first with Aubrey, next with Kellen, third with Fafnir, and down through the list of preapproved safe partners. She danced last with the one she loved the most. After the feast, they carried a mound of blankets out to her private garden and made love under a brilliant spray of stars, and it was good. It was very good.

Aubrey said from behind her, “Good morning, your majesty. Thank you for inviting me to breakfast.”

She turned to give him a bright smile. “Good morning, Aubrey. I hope you don’t mind a working breakfast.”

“Not at all,” he told her. “I enjoy an early start to my day, and we have a lot to accomplish.”

The Chancellor joined her at the table. She poured him a cup of coffee. They looked at the man together as he worked his powerful body through a complex martial arts routine that stretched and toned muscles recently healed from serious injury.

“He will always be at war here,” said Aubrey, his brow creased in concern.

In the midst of his work, the man glanced at her. He was aware of what had been said. He was aware of everything that happened around her. His Power mantled over her in a warm, invisible caress.

The Dark Fae Queen replied, “That makes him happy.”