Page 49 of Exiled Prince

She smells different, my blood-scenting magic picking up on something. I don’t know if I should bring it up with her now or wait to tell her.

She’s pregnant.

I can scent the baby, a mixture of our bloodlines, combining to create our legacy.

And I couldn’t be happier.

I hope she is, too, because we never actually spoke about it. I didn’t take the herbs, but I had no idea if she was or not.

Going by this, it’s clear that she wasn’t.

Fuck. Yes.

A little baby with her eyes and smile has made me feel happier than I can ever remember. Saylor and my child will want for nothing and be so loved.

“Good,” she replies, her brow furrowing. “What happened to me? I remember getting hit in the chest.”

“Someone shot you with an arrow. Astrid healed you. I was so scared…” I trail off, clearing my throat. “We don’t know who it was, but we will find them.”

“An arrow? Of all the ways I could go out, I never pictured it being that one.”

“And it won’t bethat one,” I growl, my brow furrowing. “You are going to live forever.”

“Bane—”

“I love you,” I whisper, choked with emotion. “You aren’t ever going to leave me.”

Smiling, she snuggles into me, and my arms come around her. “You were singing to me.”

I press a kiss to the top of her head, smiling. “I was. You seemed to like it.”

“You have a beautiful voice,” she says, yawning as her eyes close. “What happens now?”

“Hmm…” I murmur, playing with her long strands of hair. “Now we run a kingdom.”

“Is that all?” she replies, sounding amused. “King Bane has a certain ring to it.”

Yes, I guess it does.

***

“I’m not going to force anyone to stay here. If you want to leave, you are free to do so,” I announce, sitting on my new throne and looking over my people. My father’s gold crown sits atop my head. “No one will be harmed for whatever decision you make. But please know, whoever harmed my mate, your newqueen, will be dealt with. And anyone who protects them will be punished as well.”

Thunder booms in warning.

The throne next to me is empty, my queen still resting with Astrid watching over her.

“Hope you don’t expect me to bow.” Axe smirks, once everyone starts to clear out, scanning my throne room. “Not too shabby at all, brother.”

“What brings you to The Circle,” I tease, standing up and stepping down the stairs to greet him. “Does Zython know what’s happened?”

“Yes, and he’s thrilled for you. More connections for Chaos.” He grins, making me laugh. “We’ll be taking over the whole realm soon.”

“What do you need from us?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Just some guards until I know who I can trust or not,” I admit, glancing toward the Demon Army standing at the door. “I don’t know who is still loyal to Xan.”

“Done,” he replies, slapping me on my shoulder. “You never told me there were so many sexy demon females. Maybe I’ll find my mate here.”