Or perhaps the few days Max had been stranded in the wilderness during the storm had put Max’s situation into perspective for his father. Whatever the case, Max had felt a shift in attitude from his father since then. Perhaps almost losing a son made other issues appear more trivial in comparison.
Emberly was watching his face. “I think I’ve surprised my husband so much that I’ve made him speechless.”
His father offered him another congenial smile. “That is truly a feat, for I rarely see Maximillian speechless.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to be the one to do all the speaking at our meeting.”
“Perhaps so.”
Emberly squeezed Father’s arm, then released him and began to cross to Max. “I believe Max will make an excellent king. He’s strong, decisive, and determined.” Something sharp in her eyes told him she knew about his plan to abdicate and that was why she had come—to stop him.
Max had instructed her family not to say anything to her about his intention until after the deed was done and he came back to tell her in person. Perhaps they had informed her regardless of his wishes. Or perhaps she had discovered his plans for herself.
Whatever the case, he could not let her interfere. “Father, what Emberly means to say is that I would have made an excellent king—”
“Will.” Emberly spoke emphatically. “Youwillmake an excellent king, and I’ll be right there by your side helping you, encouraging you, and doing my part every step of the way.”
What was she saying? Did she believe him that his motivation for marrying her was sincere? That he had not done so to gain the throne?
She nodded, as though sensing his question. “Not only are you strong, decisive, and determined, but you are also humble, sacrificial, and noble. Those qualities are important not only in a king but in a husband. And I know you will make an excellent husband too.”
Before he could find his voice to respond, she reached him, stopped, and lifted onto her toes to press a kiss to his cheek. His senses were overwhelmed by her warmth, her softness, and her sunshine-citrus scent. He wanted to pull her into an embrace, lower his lips to hers, and taste her.
But she broke away and positioned herself at his side, as though that was where she intended to stay and she would not let anyone dissuade her. “Your Majesty,” she said in a clear voice that rang with confidence. “I fell in love with Max deeply and passionately. Yes, my love may have happened fast and furious, but it is forever. I will never leave him, not now and not ever.”
Max trembled inside. What was she saying? That she’d experienced the McQuaid legacy of love with him? She hadn’t thought she’d inherited the legacy because she was a woman. But one way or another, she had taken ownership of it just as he had.
Father opened his mouth to speak but then closed it. Had Emberly rendered him speechless as well?
Emberly’s smile widened as if she knew she had lassoed them both and was now in complete control of the situation. “I might not know much about royalty and being a queen, but I will make it my life’s mission to know everything about Max and to love him to the best of my ability.”
Father’s eyes welled with emotion. He cleared his throat, then met Max’s gaze. “I can do nothing less than wish you and your wife a lifetime of happiness.”
No doubt his father had gotten reports from both Braun and Winzig, who had informed him of the joy Max had found withEmberly. Or perhaps Father was just relieved Max had gotten married and had decided not to be so particular. Regardless, Father had given his blessing, and Max could not ask for more.
Well, he could ask for one more small request. “Father, might I have a moment alone with my wife?”
“Of course.” His father tried to remain somber, but his lips twitched with a grin. “I do think you will need more than a moment, however.”
This time Max couldn’t hold back a grin of his own. “You know me too well.”
“That I do.” His father’s eyes remained warm. “I think you will need at least a month. Or perhaps two months for a honeymoon. Will that suffice?”
“I am not sure,” Max teased.
Emberly released a soft laugh. “I won’t complain.”
“Good.” His father laughed in return. “You both will spend the day here with us, meet with the queen and the other princes, then you will be off on your honeymoon wherever you wish.”
Max gave his father a slight bow, hoping it conveyed his gratitude. As soon as his father left the room, Max turned to Emberly. He could not keep from gathering her in his arms at the same time that she launched herself against him.
Her lips found his eagerly and decisively, as if she were once again laying claim to him. He delved into the kiss with abandon, letting her wrap him up and tie him tight. Because the truth was, he had already been hers and would be forever.
25
Emberly’s stomach pitched back and forth as if she were on a sailboat during a sea storm. As she lay in the enormous canopy bed, she tried to ignore the growing nausea, but it was getting harder with each passing moment.
Max had already left their bed some time ago. She couldn’t really say when because she’d been so tired that she hadn’t heard him leave. She had a vague recollection of his kissing her tenderly before going to his first day in training with his father to take over the duties of ruling the country so that his father could retire.
