In Love's Eyes A Queen - Epilogue

Blood flowed from Tur'geis' wounds as he stood there cradling the body of the only woman he loved. Her blood covered them both, so much that Tur'geis couldn't tell whose blood covered him anymore. The male warrior was mad from the pain, both physical and emotional. He had failed her, and their entire line. Tur'geis shook with sadness and rage as he gasped for air. He couldn't breathe...

Tur'geis bolted up, screaming madly as he frenziedly grasped for his sword. He'd die avenging his fallen mate! Suddenly he felt strong hands grasp his wrists. He snarled and twisted his arms away, seeking to throw his opponent off of him. “No!” he cried as he quickly tried to go for his sword under the pillow.

“Tur'geis! Calm down...it's just a nightmare!” Die'tra's face and sharp green eyes came into clear focus, lined with worry.

The familiar sound of the voice jolted Tur'geis back to reality, and he sank back down to the bedroll, his massive chest heaving deeply as he lay there in shock. Dropping his head in his mighty hands, he groaned aloud. Looking for escape, he grasped for a wine skin. Quickly he rose and quaffed deeply from the skin.

Die'tra got up to console her mate, her features softening as she brushed the hair out of his damp face. “It's all a dream, come back to sleep...”

Tur'geis rested his hand on hers, grasping it tightly. This too, was real and vibrant – not the dreams of some idiot god. He took a quick look at the closed opening of their yurt. It was still night outside. Tur'geis turned back to Die'tra, bringing his hands up to her face to cradle them.

“I had a nightmare, that's all. Saw you bleeding and dead, along with our unborn child. I couldn't help you...I felt helpless and useless. I hate it...” Tur'geis pressed his forehead against Die'tra's, kissing her on the lips. He figured she'd be as disturbed by the tale as he was.

“Oh...so you want a baby?” chuckled Die'tra as she hugged Tur'geis, trying to cheer him up by inserting a light hearted moment. Die'tra had wanted children, but she secretly feared Tur'geis would be loath to stay by her side while she was pregnant. After all, the desire for adventure burned deeply in his soul, would it be fair to deny him that?

Tur'geis was momentarily gobsmacked, a quick change from the grave concern he'd shown before. “Of course I do! I wouldn't have taken you as mate if I hadn't at least considered it,” he said, a weary smile spreading across his face.

Die'tra beamed before placing her arms around Tur'geis' neck and leaping upon him to smother him in another deep kiss. She leaned against his chest, feeling pensive for a moment. “But that means I can't fight when I'm with child, or when the child is small. We can't go on adventures together.”

Tur'geis placed his arms around Die'tra's waist, gently rocking her. “I'll do what I can to support you, and I'll always return to your side at the end of the day. I can't let our children go without their father, can I?”

The female Highland Raider punched Tur'geis' arm. “How can I be sure you'll return alive and in one piece without me there to protect you?”

“Easy. Where else can I find you at the end of the day? Don't worry. You know Highland Raiders stick together. Even when I don't have you I'll do just fine if I know you and our kids are back at home.”

Die'tra smiled barely as she hugged Tur'geis closer, kissing at his neck. “You better come back and not leave me alone...”

“You know me better than that, Die'tra...” muttered Tur'geis, kissing his mate once more. The terror of the past moments faded away as they held each other close in their arms. As long as they had each other, they feared nothing.