Spring in the hills.

In Part I, Prince Maximilian slays the cruel king and claims the throne. After Valleria admitted her feelings for him, he couldn't wait and took her to bed even before the marriage could take place. Now, after he finally made her his wife, Max decided it was time to secure his position on the throne. And what way could be more suitable, than an heir?

"Why are you up this late, love?" I raised my voice, when she entered the council hall, not caring about disturbing the noblemen who were just talking. Dressed in a gown suited more for a low noblewoman, rather than a queen, a trick she used for moving around more freely.

"You mean this early? I just woke up in an empty bed. You promised it won't happen again." she scolded me with a soft smile on her lips and leaned in to leave a kiss on my cheek "I have that hearing with Count's Dobresli wife today, will you come to join us for tea, after lunch? I miss you. You are working too often and way too long." 

"Sure. I need to take a nap and I'll join you soon after lunch." The weariness set heavy on me. It was true, I could hear the birds outside singing their joyful songs. 

"Get out, all of you." My order was quiet, but firm. They don't have to see me being vulnerable. I pulled her on my thighs and rested my head on her shoulder. Her gentle fingers ran through my hair and I let out a long sigh while snuggling closer to her. 

"I love you." She whispered while she covered my face with tiny kisses, resembling more a simple touch, instead of a kiss.

"Thank you for saving me. They kept talking and talking and talking." My arms wrapped tighter around her waist "I'm losing my patience. All they care about is their own profit." 

My thoughts slid to the idea I got a while ago. I could kill one or two of them and allow their sons to join the council instead. They will respect me better than those who were used to my father's rule. 

"All of them? I heard that Duke Rosecky is building a chapel with an orphanage on his lands. And Count - umm - Estet I think? Allowed his vassals to live and work in his manor last winter, when they ran out of wood and nearly froze in their houses. Not all of them are leeches." Her breath tickled me in my hair as she found another way to redirect my brutal plans.

"I need to reshuffle the seats in the council. Half of them are useless. The other half is angry and ready to argue over the tiniest shit." 

Valleria chuckled and forced me to close my eyes by planting another kiss on them.

"You need to rest. Come, I'll tuck you to bed, or you are not going to sleep at all."

"Let me just hold you for a bit longer. I missed you, too." I wheedled and hid my face in between her neck and shoulder.

There was nothing I loved more than her. My Valleria. My sweet wife, the only person truly standing by my side.

"Promise me you will try to sleep normally. This is not healthy, Max." her quiet mumble hit my ear as she stirred a bit in my arms. 

"You know I'd love to. It's been over two weeks since I managed to get to bed in a reasonable hour."

"I miss falling asleep by your side." She squeezed my thigh as she wriggled a bit to find a more comfortable position on my lap. 

'We never did it in this room.' I realized and my fatigue was suddenly gone.