Romantic Tales of My Lords and Ladies

Epilogue

Christmas 1820

'...and then the princess drew out her huge, glinting sword and whirled around to face the ugly, fire-breathing dragon.'

Mathilda slid closer, her eyes sparkling with interest​. The new Duchess of Kent watched her husband gather the child close and place a kiss on those tumbling golden curls. He was wonderful with children, she thought quietly.

The newly weds were attending another Christmas Ball thrown by the Earl of Brampton. However, instead of the crowded ballroom, they were currently ensconced in the nursery, visiting 'Princess Mathilda', the godchild of the duke. The darling child had managed to wrap them around her little finger within a short period of time. So when she begged for a story before bedtime, they had not been able to refuse. Thomas was, at present, in the middle of a hair-raising adventure involving a Princess Henrietta (Henry in short) and a dragon.

'What happened next?' the child whispered eagerly.

Thomas caught his wife's eyes and winked. 'She gave a thunderous roar and with a mighty stroke, she slew the dragon thus.' He made a slashing movement with his hand.

Mathilda gasped.

'Then?'

'Then?' Tom began to fumble, struggling to come up with the rest of the story. At length, he turned to his wife with pleading eyes. 'Darling, can you help me out, please?'

Georgiana giggled and sat down beside the two. With a mischievous grin, she began.

'Then the beautiful princess shook off her tangled locks and dusted down her tunic. She had a prince to meet.'

The child's eyes began to gleam in anticipation.

'She climbed the twisting stairs that led to the tallest tower in the castle, where the prince was held captive.'

'Then?'

Tom was grinning now. 'Yes, what happened then, Duchess?'

'Well...then she found her prince, sleeping. Waiting for his true love's kiss...'

'Oh good, good!' chirped Mathilda, clapping her hands. 'I do hope she kissed him. Otherwise it would all be in vain!'

Georgiana laughed at that quip. 'Of course she did,' she said. 'She gave the prince his first kiss.'

Mathilda sighed in utter contentment. The elders thought she was satisfied with this happy ending and would consent to go to bed now. But that thought was short-lived.

'What happened then?'

'Well,' Tom took over from his wife. 'The prince woke up and upon seeing how the princess had killed the dragon-'

'But how could he have seen it if he was asleep?'

Georgiana's tinkling laughter echoed across the nursery. 'Good point, my lady. You see, she still held the sword with which she had slain the dragon. The prince saw it and was impressed.'

'Yes, yes. Of course,' agreed Tom, before continuing with the story. 'The prince was amazed and impressed and fell in love with his knight in shining armour, who happened to be a beautiful princess, like you. They were married and lived happily ever after. The end,' he said with a finality that broached no argument.

Mathilda gave another blissful sigh and slid of his lap. 'I love Princess Henry and her adventures. I want to be like her when I grow up.' She gave them both a hug and yawned.

'Of course you will be,' Georgiana smiled down at the child and began leading her to her bed. It was late and Mathilda ought to be asleep.

She tucked the child in, kissed her goodnight and notified the nanny. Tom was waiting by the door when she came back.

'So,' he said, pulling her closer and giving her a quick peck on the lips. 'Duchess, what say we abandon the ball and simply return to our home and our bed?'

Georgiana gave him a playful shove as they stepped out. 'Hush, you knave. This is a nursery! And besides, Martha would be upset if we don't make an appearance at all. Don't you know, we are to be the crown jewels at her ball?'

'Are we?' Tom arched a brow.

Georgiana nodded.

'Apparently we are the most sought after couple in society at present. The ton is still reeling under the fact that the Duke of Kent was grabbed even before he was officially available in the Marriage Mart. I am definitely going to hell for this.' She rolled her eyes and snorted.

'Well, you might be saved from that for doing one good deed!'

'And what would that be, Your Grace?'

Thomas began to grin, 'Rescuing me from the clutches of those Mama Dragons!'

Georgiana chuckled, as they made their way towards the ballroom. 'I did, didn't I?'

'Yes, my Lady knight,' her husband kissed her hand lovingly, his eyes full of admiration and respect. 'You absolutely did.'

The End

Greetings, my lords and ladies!

If you are reading this, you are at the end of To Slay a Dragon. I hope you have enjoyed it. And don't despair. I will be back with another brand new, fun-filled and adventurous romance very soon. So stay tuned.

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Yours with aching fingers (typing does tire one out)

Lady Edith.