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Gareth shot Percy a quizzical look.  Who s Prunella? he asked carefully.
 Catherine s sister, Percy replied dryly.  A witch to match your mother, the
queen.
 Ah. That bad, huh? That would explain Catherine s excitement. He scratched his
chin and turned to Dagnar.  Do you suppose we can find a place to sit down? Frankly, I
am tired. Percy is tired. And Ginnie and Chrys are past tired, heading for exhaustion.
Dagnar nodded at once.  Come to our home. I m sure Percival s parents will be
there shortly with some clothing for him. And once things quiet down, the women will
plot a wonderful revenge for Prunella, no doubt.
 No doubt. I have found the female of the species, whether mine or yours, to be
most unforgiving and deadly once roused.
Dagnar reflected on that for a moment before adding with a distinct twinkle in his
eyes,  Aye. That s why it s best to keep them busy making babes.  Tis a terrible
responsibility, but a man does what he must to keep his female out of trouble.
 Of course, Gareth agreed gravely with a matching twinkle in his eyes.  Duty
comes first. And if one can give her a little pleasure whilst performing, then so much
the better.
100
Chrysanthemum
Epilogue
In which Chrysanthemum finally pleases the King
All over Came-a-lot Castle, windows were flung open allowing light and fresh air
to sweep away the last of the influence of Vivian. Once the rebellion was squashed,
Arthur had packed her up along with her new lover Brutus and sent them off to a tiny
cottage in the Dread Forest.
The thin wail of a newborn s cry echoed down the brightly lit hallways at Came-a-
lot. King Arthur, Undain and several of the knights, playing pool in the great hall,
halted their games, raised their glasses and cheered. Soon someone would bring word
of whether they welcomed a new grandson or granddaughter for the king.
Upstairs in their private suite, Gareth cuddled his exhausted, irritated wife against
his chest and kissed her forehead.  I love you, he murmured.  Thank you for my son.
Julietta, the healer massaging her tight belly and waiting patiently for her body to
expel the placenta, frowned. Chrysanthemum jackknifed away from Gareth s arms and
shrieked. Julietta nodded as though confirming some private theory.
While Chrys pushed, and cursed Gareth, and pushed, Julietta guided the new little
prince s baby sister into the world. There was another wavering squall when she firmly
smacked the little princess on her tiny behind.
Chrys collapsed back into Gary s arms. He kissed her on the mouth with excited
enthusiasm and muttered,  Thank you, thank you. A boy and a girl! Chrys, you re
wonderful! You re the delight of my heart!
 Yeah, yeah. Just let me breathe, here, will you? she panted impatiently.
Julietta calmly took care of Chrys while the baby nurses bathed and dressed the
newest little royals in soft tiny gowns. When Chrys was cleaned up and dressed in a
101
Anny Cook
fresh nightie, Gareth lifted her in his arms and carried her to a low lounge on the cool
balcony where she could hear the cheering of the castle staff.
A loud, excited male voice shouted down the stairwell to the billiards room,
 Twins! The Prince Gareth had twins! A prince and a princess!
Chrysanthemum struggled out of Gareth s clutching arms and snorted in tired
disgust.  The Prince Gareth did not have twins! Get it right! The name is
Chrysanthemum. Do you hear me? she bellowed in annoyance.  Chrysanthemum!
102
About the Author
Anny Cook learned to read at five years old. Learning to write was a natural
extension. Through her adult years while a wife, mother, grandmother, fast food cook,
warehouse book packer, Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader, perpetual college student,
executive secretary, and adult education teacher, writing served as the anchor that kept
her sane.
Well, maybe not exactly sane, but close to it. Today, after thirty-five years with kids,
cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and hamsters, she and her husband are empty nesters. Sigh.
Finally, there's time and quiet to write in peace.
Anny welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email
address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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