“You have been gone from me for two weeks now, husband,” Alisande said.
Mama turned to stare at her, then said to Matt, “You have a very understanding wife.” To Alisande, she said, “You should scold him at least a little, my dear.”
Alisande gave her a smile, brightening, then turned to Matt, hands on her hips, and said, “How dare you be so long gone from me, Matthew!”
“Sorry, dear,” Matt said contritely. “Couldn’t be helped.”
“He had told me he needed to go to bring you to us,” Alisande explained.
“Our house!” Mama spun to the men, then reached out for Papa’s hand. “Our furniture, the neighbors, the closing!”
“We were going to walk away from it all anyway, my love,” Papa said gently. He turned to Matt. “We can send the lawyer a power of attorney, can’t we?”
“And some good-bye letters to the neighbors.” Matt nodded. “I set up a system yesterday.”
“We should do that right away,” Mama said.
“No rush.” Matt smiled. “A week here is an hour there.”
Mama looked startled, then relaxed and turned back to Alisande with a smile. “Well, we will find a place to stay, but it is early. We can talk for at least a few minutes.”
“You will stay with us,” Alisande said firmly. “I have already ordered a suite to be prepared for you.”
“We could not impose,” Papa began.
“Indeed you could not,” Alisande agreed, “even if you stayed here for the rest of your lives, as I hope you will. You are my parents too, now, and it will be my privilege to guest you.”
Mama stared. “Do you own this castle, dear?”
“In some measure,” Alisande allowed. “I have the use of it for my lifetime, at least.”
Matt was glad she didn’t mention the other half-dozen royal castles around the land.
A thin sound of crying came through the open door, growing louder.
Mama and Papa stared at Matt.
Chapter Eight
Matt tried to look shamefaced, but only managed to look sickeningly proud.
A plump rosy-cheeked matron in a long dress and white cap came to the door, holding a blanket-wrapped, squalling bundle. “Majesty, do you wish… “
“Yes, I have leisure.” Alisande smiled and crossed to the door, taking the baby from her arms. “Attend us, nurse.”
The nurse stepped into the room and stood by the door, hands folded. Alisande turned back toward the window, smiling down at the little puckered face in the crook of her arm.
“A child!” Mama lit up with delight.
“You have been a naughty boy,” Papa said.
“Oh, he has been a very good boy indeed,” Alisande contradicted, giving Matt a wicked glance. “If I do half as well raising my son as you have with yours, I will be proud.”
Papa looked up with surprise, then smiled with a little bow. “I thank you.”
“You flatter me.” Mama reached for the baby. “I know he’s hungry… but may I?”
“Indeed.” Alisande handed the baby to her, then stepped to a chair by the window, hidden from outside by a curtain, and began to loosen the laces of her bodice.
Papa crowded in next to Mama, beaming down at the child. “A real grandson! How blessed I am!”
“Oh, what a handsome little boy!” Mama exclaimed. “And how strong already!”
“At least in his lungs.” Papa slipped an arm around her shoulders, and she nestled against him for a moment.
Matt smiled down into the little, bawling face. The feeling of the miraculous had worn off in the last three months, but the look in his parents’ eyes brought it back.
“Come, Ramon, he is hungry!” Mama said, and took the baby over to Alisande. Matt allowed himself one long look at his wife nursing, smiling tenderly down at the little face. Desire stirred, so he turned away to Papa, leaving the mothers to discuss such burning topics as diapers, colic, and feeding schedules.
Papa clapped his son on the shoulder and smiled. “And to think that only last June, you thought you would be a failure!”
Matt stared, surprised, then grinned sheepishly. “Marrying a wife with a castle doesn’t make me a success, Papa.” After all, his father didn’t know he’d helped Alisande get back that castle when it had been stolen from her… and the whole kingdom with it.
But Papa was shaking his head. “A wedding is only the first step, Mateo. Building a good marriage is a life’s work. From the way she looks at you, you’re succeeding so far… and a baby is a big step in the right direction.”
Papa’s view was old-fashioned, of course, but the problem was that Matt shared it. Maybe they did belong in the Middle Ages.
“How about getting rich, Papa? How about power?”
Papa sighed, shaking his head. “Power and wealth don’t make a man happy, son. Love does… and doing a job you enjoy.”
“Well, I do enjoy this one.”
“Yes, that’s why she looks happy… but this time, I wasn’t speaking about marriage. You have to support them, after all. I meant this government job of yours.”
“Oh, I do enjoy it, Papa, yes. It’s fascinating, and very fulfilling.”
“Then you are a success,” Papa said, beaming proudly. “Remember, though, that success is like salvation… “
“I must win it all over again every day.” Matt smiled. “Don’t worry, Papa, I remember what you taught me.”
Alisande handed Mama the baby and laced up her gown… just in time, for the sentry at the door announced, “Your Majesty, a herald has come with urgent news.”
Alisande frowned and straightened as the invisible mantle of authority, put aside for a brief rest, now settled its weight on her shoulders again. “Bid him enter.”
“Your Majesty!” Papa and Mama said together, staring.
“Uh, yeah, I didn’t finish the introductions,” Matt said, shifting uncomfortably. “Mama, Papa, may I introduce you to Her Majesty Alisande, Queen of Merovence… and of my heart.” He caught Alisande’s hand. She forgot about being royal long enough to give him a dazzling smile.
Matt’s parents stared. Then, together, they dropped to their knees, heads bowed. “Your Majesty!”
“Oh, none of that, none of that!” Alisande raised them up hastily and embraced them each in turn. “I am your daughter, and not your sovereign unless you choose it! Even if you do, you must never bow to me unless it is an occasion of state! What, do you think I make your son bow every time he would speak to me?”
Papa grinned as he rose. “I should hope not.”
“Do you not think my marriage matters as much to me as my kingdom?” Alisande challenged. “Indeed, it is part and parcel of my reign, though your son must explain that. It somewhat passes my understanding, for I am a monarch and not a wizard. You will be my family, I hope, for you are grandparents to my son… and family do not bow to one another!”
“But must always speak to one another with respect,” Mama qualified.
Papa nodded, smile glowing. “You are wise, my daughter.”
Alisande stared at him for a moment, then threw herself into his arms, holding tight. Papa wrapped his arms about her, feeling her tremble. He looked up over her shoulder at Matt, amazed.
Matt held up a hand, palm out, and nodded reassurance, watching his wife with sympathy.
Alisande pushed herself away from Papa, head bowed. “Nay, I forget myself. Forgive me.”
“No, I thank you,” Papa said softly. “Such an embrace is a treasure, and makes me rejoice that my son chose so well.”
Alisande looked up at him in surprise, then blushed and looked away. She raised her eyes to Matt. “I see where you learned your gallantry, sir.”