Charmed

Epilogue

"Delia, be careful!" I called as Cordelia swung from a branch on the large oak tree in the castle gardens.

"I am, Mama!" she shouted back. Her light blue dress blew in the wind, her blonde curls falling in ringlets down her back. Like her father, she had sparkling emerald eyes that shone brightly, matching her happiness. "Look at me, Papa! Look at what I can do!"

"That's my big girl," Darius said, catching her easily when she let go of the branch to fall into his arms. They laughed together, swinging around as they walked back over to the blanket that was holding me and our three other children.

Cordelia, our eldest, had turned eight not so long ago. She was the apple of Darius' eye, and could get almost anything she wanted. She had a strong connection with Dany, who was nearing the end of her years, as well as our two younger dogs that were always barrelling around the castle.

Two years after Cordelia had been born, the twins, Robb and Ned, were welcomed into the world. Their hair was a sandy-blonde, a perfect mixture of me and Darius. Their eyes were brown, like mine. Cordelia was the only one of our four children to inherit her father's green eyes. Sat in my lap was our newest addition, one year old Arya. She had my dark brown hair and my eyes. I knew she would be the only one of our four children to look the most like me.

As soon as we discovered that I was pregnant with the boys, Darius and I decided to move the royal tower to the old tower, rebuilding it with our magic and bringing in decorators to make the rooms have an old but new feel. Cordelia had her own room while the boys shared, determined to stay together. Arya was still sleeping in her cot in mine and Darius' chambers, although that would have to stop soon.

Claude still lived in her chambers in the castle, and Heather had taken over mine and Darius' old chambers. Once we had moved towers, Cordelia's bedroom became Darius' office once more. All four of the children were able to see Heather, who adored being an aunt almost as much as Claude.

"Come here, boys," Darius said as he got closer. Cordelia ran up to me, looping her arms around my shoulders as Robb and Ned ran towards their father. Darius caught them easily, scooping them both up in his muscular arms. Their laughter echoed around the gardens.

"Mama, can I take Robb and Ned to the stream please?" Delia asked politely. "I promise we'll only paddle our feet."

I smiled. "Of course, darling. Don't let them go too deep."

She grinned and took off running, jumping on Darius and tackling him to the ground. He laughed as our three eldest pinned him down, their childish giggles filling me with pure joy. I chuckled at the sight of them, my hair blowing lightly in the summer breeze.

"Come on, boys, let's go paddle," Cordelia said, taking one of their hands in hers and leading them beneath the willow tree.

Darius collapsed next to me, spreading himself out and making faces at Arya, making her giggle. "I swear those kids are going to be the death of me."

I laughed. "I wouldn't be surprised. You let them walk all over you."

He fake gasped. "I do not!"

"Darius Vervain, you are such a pushover," I teased.

He lifted Arya from my arms, placing her in her basket before he pinned me to the ground with his body, attacking my visible skin with kisses. My eyes drifted shut and I moaned, desire heating my blood. He smirked against my jaw as he heard my pleasure.

"Dar, we're in the gardens," I reminded him.

"I know," he said huskily.

My stomach clenched wonderfully. "Our children are just over there."