Lincoln and I share a smile. We thought Hildy’s recovery was a long shot, but just in case it happened, we had a plan. My heart kicks harder in my chest.
This is going to be gooooooooood.
Hildy lies back in bed and laces her fingers behind her head. She’s looking better by the second. “So, what’s my raise?”
Lincoln bows. “As the King of Antrum, I hereby declare you Princess of Rixa, with all the falderal, money, and properties that entails.”
Hildy’s eyes almost bug out of her head. “Did you say Princess?”
“I know you’re not into titles.” I wink. “Just focus on the money.”
Maxon bobs up and down on my hip. “Yay yay yay!”
“There should be some sucking up to look forward to as well,” adds Lincoln. “You’re now in line for the throne, the whole deal.”
Hildy’s voice comes out low. “Me?”
Lincoln nods. “You were already acting like part of the family, now it’s official. You’re a member of the House of Rixa. Under thrax law, you and Maxon are now cousins.”
“I’ve never had a family.”
“We know that, too,” I say gently. “Now, you do.”
“One of my scribes will explain what it all means,” continues Lincoln. “When you’re ready, of course. Oh, and I’m afraid Octavia will have lots of opinions on your life now.”
“I don’t mind.”
Maxon winds his hand through my hair and pulls. “Mommy?”
“Yes, baby?”
“I want to nap now.”
Hildy yawns. “That makes two of us.”
Lincoln and I step out the infirmary door and walk down the gilded hallway. We’re in no particular rush to reach our chambers. Maxon curls into my shoulder; Lincoln slides his arm around my waist.
“Guess someone was tired,” he says.
Looking down, I see Maxon’s fast asleep, his tail still linked with mine. I gently kiss the top of his head. “He’s been exhausted for weeks. Nothing but sheer determination has kept him up.”
“Wonder where that comes from?” asks Lincoln.
I chuckle. “No idea.”
“Well, now Hildy’s a royal and Maxon’s asleep.” Lincoln gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “One of our best days of work on record, I’d say.”
“You know, it’s funny. Armageddon was out to destroy our family, but he ended up making it bigger, instead.”
“Quite the fitting legacy for the old bastard, actually.”
As we step along, I press more closely onto Lincoln’s side, loving the feel of his firm body against mine. “You’re onto something there with the legacy idea. As a matter of fact, I think it’s perfect.”