is the library? Are you still on schedule for the ceremony?”
“Yes. It’s all but finished,” Arvel confirmed. “Wizard Edvin is retrieving some materials the other wizards left behind, but all the new magical safeguards are in place. The library staff have ordered replacements for the books that were lost. Thankfully Jubilee had copies of most of the elven tomes we had, and they’re almost finished crafting new copies for us. There will be more space than was previously left on the shelves, but the library staff have assured me they will delight in filling it.”
Myth leaned into Arvel and tucked her hand into his. “I’m glad.”
“Me too,” Arvel said. “If it wasn’t for this library, I don’t know that we would have met.”
“It is a special building,” Myth agreed.
“Yes, I wouldn’t have otherwise had the chance to spy on the beautiful apprentice translator.” Arvel grinned when Myth playfully pushed him.
“You couldn’t have possibly loved me then,” Myth scoffed.
“I was fairly certain I loved your mind—anyone who spends that much time in a library can’t be a bad sort of person. But it wasn’t until I worked with you that I fell in love with you.”
“And then fired me,” Myth grumbled.
“You’re still not going to let that go?”
“You ruined my perfect record!”
“Myth.”
“Hmm?” Myth rested her cheek against Arvel’s shoulder and looked out at all the new desks and chairs the library had ordered to fill the study space.
“Myth.”
“What?” Myth pulled back so she could peer up at Arvel.
His eyes had lowered to half-mast, and his smile was smaller, but invitingly lopsided.
“Oh no you don’t,” she hissed. “Don’t you dare become the Prince of Seduction here!”
Arvel moved in so his breath tickled her neck. “Why not here?”
“Because, because—we’re surrounded by guards!”
Arvel slid his hands up her arms. “Not quite. Have a look.”
Myth peered around the area, her blush burning brighter when she realized the Honor Guards had discreetly retreated behind the bookshelves, leaving her and Arvel guarded, but alone. “But, but,” she stammered.
He chuckled and kissed the corner of her lips. “Despite all your protests I know you love this.”
I do.
Myth slapped her hands to her cheeks as if she could forcibly contain her blush. “Love is a strong word.”
Arvel laughed in the span of one breath and kissed her in the next, his arms winding around her.
Myth melted into his embrace and returned the kiss.
When they finally parted, she hid her face in the hollow of his neck. “You’re a terrible influence.”
“That’s why I have you, Crown Princess.” He curled an arm around her waist, and when she suspiciously peered up at him, his smile had dimmed to something soft and warm.
She made a face at him, then confessed. “I love you, Arvel—all of you.”
Arvel rested his forehead against hers. “And I love you, Myth; my translator, my beloved, my everything.”
It is a known fact that the reign of King Arvel and his Queen Mythlan was a great time of prosperity for Calnor and Lessa. Some believe it was due to the combined intellect of the two rulers, who greatly expanded the economies of both countries. Others credit it to having an elf queen on the Calnorian throne—particularly an elf queen who was capable of deciphering High Elf runes. But any true historian would tell you it was entirely due to the love shared between the king and queen. They worked together, united in everything they did, and were famous for loving each other more and more with every passing day.
Truly, we have not since seen a reign such as theirs in all the years that have passed. Nor will we ever again, I think.
Calnorian historian and scholar Quinaby Demult on the subject of King Arvel and Queen Mythlan of Calnor.
The End
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Afterword
Thank you for reading The Prince’s Bargain, I hope you enjoyed Myth’s story! If you want to read more of my work, sign up for my newsletter to receive my free K. M. Shea Starter Pack ebook.
It contains:
A King Arthur and Her Knights prequel short story
A Red Rope of Fate prequel short story
An original fairy tale, Princess Snow and Queen Ruby
A fairy tale retelling, The Princess Who Chased Sheep
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Thank you for your support and encouragement. I am proud to say I have the best readers. Therefore, it is my dearest wish that Myth and her friends made you laugh and warmed your heart. Thank you.
Other books by K. M. Shea
The Snow Queen Series:
A completed Epic Fantasy series of two books and an anthology of short stories
Timeless Fairy Tales:
Beauty and the Beast
The Wild Swans
Cinderella and the Colonel
Rumpelstiltskin
The Little Selkie
Puss in Boots
Swan Lake
Sleeping Beauty
Frog Prince
12 Dancing Princesses
Snow White
Three pack (Beauty and the Beast, The Wild Swans, Cinderella and the Colonel)
The Fairy Tale Enchantress:
Apprentice of Magic
Curse of Magic
Reign of Magic
Trial of Magic- Coming in 2021
The Elves of Lessa:
Red Rope of Fate
Royal Magic
The Prince’s Bargain
Hall of Blood and Mercy:
A complete urban fantasy series of 3 books
King Arthur and Her Knights:
A complete historical fantasy series of seven books
Robyn Hood:
A compete historical fiction series of two novellas
The Magical Beings’ Rehabilitation Center:
A complete urban fantasy series of two books and an anthology of short stories
Other Novels
Life Reader
Princess Ahira
A Goose Girl
Second Age of Retha: Written under pen name A. M. Sohma
The Luckless
The Desperate Quest
The Revived
About the Author
K. M. Shea is a fantasy-romance author who never quite grew out of adventure books or fairy tales, and still searches closets in hopes of stumbling into Narnia. She is addicted to sweet romances, witty characters, and happy endings. She also writes LitRPG and GameLit under the pen name, A. M. Sohma.
Hang out with the K. M. Shea Community at…
kmshea.com