Page 133 of A Thieving Curse
“Queen-napping.” He kissed her cheek and carried her down the hall.
“I see.” She kissed his neck repeatedly. He made that low humming noise.
It wasn’t the same as the purr he’d made while cursed. There were many sounds his fully human vocal cords couldn’t make, although that didn’t stop him from the occasional snarl or growl. Jasper, Meredith, Peter, and Raelyn were doing their best to help Alex break the habit, but he didn’t usually realize he was doing it. On one occasion, Alex had roared at the Court of Lords. More of a low, guttural scream, really. That was an awkward meeting. Not least because he had roared to silence debate about whether Raelyn would be part of the Court of Lords gatherings. The king wanted his queen in the Court, and he got his queen in the Court.
“You know,” Alex said, shifting her in his arms, “the last thing I need is the princes telling a noble I purr. Or worse, a servant. The whole kingdom will know.” He frowned, but his tone was teasing.
She rested her head on his shoulder. Her sleeve had slid down her forearm, revealing the faint pinkish line on her wrist. A permanent scar from her time as Tristan’s prisoner. At least her scars had mostly disappeared. The raised white lines on Alex’s back would never fade. To say nothing of the scar on his heart from losing Lucas. Forgiving Tristan had proved difficult, but he’d kept his word and supported Alex. Tristan finding a wife in another kingdom had helped.
“Purring. Really.” Alex shook his head.
“I honestly had no idea they were listening, dear,” Raelyn said. She kissed his jaw. “And it’s not like it’s untrue…”
Alex huffed. “Raelyn Tallon, I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“Really?” she asked teasingly. “Then where exactly are we going?”
He purred again. “Have I told you I love you?”
“I think it’s come up.” She worked her fingers into his soft, dark hair. “I love you, too.” She sighed contentedly. “I choose you. Every day for the rest of my life.”
And she did.
The End
