All The King's Men

All The King's Men-Epilogue

Her lungs were  burning as she ran up the hill. She could hear them behind her, giggling as they followed. She reached the top of the grassy hill. 

"You always win, Mama." Her five year old son, Samuel complained as he came to a stop beside her. 

Four year old Bethia reached the top next, followed by eleven year old James, and Sarah, who had just seen her eighteenth summer. Sarah cuddled baby Sophia in her arms, and smiled as she handed the infant to her mother. "Mama always wins, because mama wanted to win." 

Samuel pouted, and folded his arms in front of him. 

"Oh, come, Sam. Papa is coming home. Let us hurry." Amelia led the way down the other side of the hill. They made their way down to the ship docks where a small boat was bringing passengers from a larger ship farther out. "Look." She called, "There he is." 

She saw him climb out of the small boat, onto the dock. After six weeks away to do the King's bidding, he was finally home. She could not wait to feel his arms around her. After twelve years of marriage, he still had the power to make her burn inside for him. 

The children ran down the hill, and jumped into their fathers arms. Behind him, several small children climbed out of the boat, along with an elegantly dressed couple. The King and Queen had come to Chalone. 

After hours of entertaining the visitors, Amelia finally escaped to her chamber, with her infant daughter. She fed the babe, and laid her in her small crib near the fire. 

"Oh, I missed my favorite part of the day." Lucas laughed as he entered the chamber. He pulled his wife into his arms and pressed a kiss to her lips. "Did you miss me?" 

"You know I did." Amelia answered, she slid her arms around him. "Did you miss me?" 

His answer was to cup her bottom and press her against him. He grinned as she gasped. His body reacted to her presence. "I love you." He murmured against her lips. 

"I love you." She answered, and moaned when his hands slid inside the bodice of her gown. 

He laid her back on the bed, and began removing her clothes. 

"Mama, mama." Bethia ran into the room, and jumped onto the bed. 

Lucas quickly released his wife, and lifted his daughter from the bed. "Why are you not in bed, little one?" 

"I had a bad dream." the four year old answered, "I want to sleep with you." 

Amelia covered herself, and sat up, "Oh, my precious one." She pulled back the covers and Lucas laid the little girl down. 

"Papa." The door opened again, and Samuel ran inside. 

Lucas caught him up in his arms, "What is the matter, my son?" 

Samuel hid his face against his fathers chest. 

"Are you afraid?" 

The little boy shook his head. 

"Did you miss papa?" 

The little boy nodded. 

"Do you wish to sleep with mama, and papa tonight?" 

The little boy nodded. 

Lucas laid the boy down next to his sister. Across the room, Amelia had slipped behind a screen and changed into her night gown. She climbed not the bed next to the children. Lucas moved around to the other side, and took off his coat. He sat on the edge of the bed, and removed his boots, then climbed under the covers. 

The door opened again, and Sarah entered, followed by James. "See, I told you they would be here." 

James nodded, and looked sad. 

"Were you looking for your sister and brother?" Lucas asked. 

James nodded. "I did not know where they had gone." 

"Rest yourself, my son." Lucas smiled. He patted the bed next to him. "Come." 

James grinned, and shot across the room. As he settled in next to his father, Lucas sighed. His son took his role as his siblings protector very seriously. Thankfully he has his mothers talents with weapons. 

Sarah rounded the bed, and slipped in next to Amelia. The children were soon fast asleep. Amelia looked across the sea of sleeping heads, and grinned at her husband. "I love you." 

He returned her smile. "As I love you."