Page 56 of Crowned In Sin

We don’t fall asleep right away. Although the need for sleep weighs on me. The wedding festivities have gone on so long that we are starving for each other. Near the end, when Cora is sodden with us, we manage to both take her cunt at the same time, and that is finally enough to wear her out, at least for the night.

I’m the last one awake. These hours give me peace and quiet, which is not often found in a castle buzzing with people. It is certainly not found in a castle that has turned itself out for a royal wedding with all the love and support we could have hoped for. No doubt some people at court were unsure about our unconventional wedding, but none of them made trouble for us.

There is finally peace.

But there is no peace like watching Cora sleep in the bed next to my brother, both of them safe under our own roof. Our kingdoms are as good as one now, but what matters to me most is that both of them are here, and I will do everything I can to keep this peace and the happiness that has come along with it.

It’s a new feeling, to be so happy and so at peace at the same time. Before long, I am tired with it, and when I can no longer keep my eyes open, I lie down on the other side of our wife and sleep, knowing that more happiness waits for me in the morning.

May our love last forever for I never wish to have anything other than this.

How about an alternative ending?

We hope you enjoyed this dirty royalty romance BUT we have a little something extra for you!

To enjoy an alternative ending, rewind to chapter 16 and then enjoy this treat.

Chapter 25

Cora

Prince Jasper waits for me in the garden, just as the page said. Isabel takes me to the garden entrance, then kisses my cheek once I assure her that I am well, and leaves me to the conversation. Another squire steps into sight farther down the path, though he is not close enough to overhear us, and he is not one I recognize.

Not that it matters. He will not hear us. He’s only here to bear witness that nothing untoward occurs when I haven’t even a good guess how many members of my own castle believe I’ve sullied myself enough to request a tincture.

I approach him with fast steps, my heart seeming to beat in my throat. It is a lovely, sunny morning, with the heat of the day not yet upon us, though I feel I am burning from the inside out with fear and confusion and other emotions I cannot name.

Prince Jasper bows to me politely although the light in his eyes is dim. “Princess Cora.”

I curtsy to him, though the courtesy seems false after all that has happened between us. “Prince Jasper,” I return the pleasantries if for no other reason than to appease our chaperone.

“Will you sit with me?” He gestures to a wide stone bench nearby. I would rather stay standing, but if I am to receive more shocking news, then I do not want to risk tumbling down in a faint.

“Yes,” I agree, and take my seat on one side of the bench. I’m used to the warmth of the sun comforting me, but there is no comfort here. Not when I have such confessions to make.

Prince Jasper sits across from me, leaving space between us, but he angles his body toward mine.

For a minute, we simply watch each other. Birds sing, hidden in nearby fruit trees, and insects hum in the flower beds. I can hear the fountain farther off. The breeze tousles Prince Jasper’s hair, and for a few moments he looks young and unsure of himself.

Then he sits up straighter.

“You look ill, Princess,” he says softly.

“Why have you called me here?” I question back, just as softly.

“To confess,” he murmurs, his gaze falling to the cobblestone.

I blink at him. “You wish to confess?”

“Yes. I wish to be truthful with you, as you have been truthful with me.”

A pang of guilt moves through me. I have not been entirely truthful, though now I wonder if his brother has told him of what happened between us. I wonder if he knew, and if he did…

“I will listen,” I promise. “I will hear what you have to say.” My voice cracks at the severity of meeting. It’s as if everything is falling apart.

“Here is my first confession,” he says, looking down at his hands, seeming to steady himself. Then he looks back into my eyes. “I am not able to conceive children.”

I’m stunned. Truly. It’s not at all what I expected of him.