The Heir Read Online Free Page A

congratulations.
    “Thank you, Father.” The Prince felt pride
at being able to relay the news to his father and friend. All the
other bed wives were heavy with child, and the lack of his own heir
on the way had caused him some pain.
    Looking at the smile on King Ashmur’s face,
Baylin saw the King as his father, not of his father as the King.
He was certain the arrival of this child would bring them all
closer. Perhaps the coming of a grandchild could persuade Father
to renounce the bed wife law. Perhaps I can convince him to allow
me to take Luana as my Queen. The thought gave him hope.
    The King looked tired. “Baylin, Ferric, you
must excuse me. I do think it is time I retire. The Queen will
certainly be waiting.” Both Prince Baylin and Ferric bowed
respectfully as the King turned down a side hall toward his
chambers.
    Ferric lingered a bit longer. He wore a
smile across his face. “So you are to be a father, truly? How does
it feel?”
    Baylin thought about the question for a
moment as he and Ferric walked down the long hall. The torches that
lined it flickered, fighting to stay alive in the wee hours of the
morning. The Prince strained his eyes, squinting to see through the
dim light. “I’m not sure. I’ve hardly had time to think about it. I
found out before being called to council.”
    “You mean you came to council instead of…
um… celebrating… with Luana tonight?” Ferric’s laugh echoed off the
empty hall walls. “You need to get your priorities in order.”
    Baylin laughed and shoved at Ferric. “There
is plenty of time for that. Plus, you know even I must obey the
King.”
    The two friends spoke and joked as they made
their way through the halls. Ferric always put Baylin’s mind at
ease. Their friendship was only second to that of Baylin’s love for
Luana. As they neared a split in the hall, Baylin took his leave
and headed back to his chamber.
    When he arrived, he found Luana asleep on
the bed, covered in warm furs. He walked over to the hearth and
threw another log on the fire, stirring the hot embers back to
life. He crossed the room to the bed, removed his clothes and slid
into bed. Luana gently stirred as the Prince pulled her into his
arms.
    Baylin leaned in and kissed her eagerly as
he held her in his arms. He ran a hand down the soft curve of her
hip, allowing his fingers to trail between her thighs. His touch
caused Luana to moan softly, arousing him. Baylin pulled her closer
so that she could feel the stimulating effect she had on him.
    He deepened his kiss as he rolled, placing
her under him. Luana spread her legs while her fingertips dug into
the flesh of his hips, encouraging his desire for her. He pressed
his hard member into her with one smooth thrust, catching her moan
of pleasure with his mouth as it escaped her lips.
    Baylin held on to Luana’s waist as he moved
within her. She raised her hips, allowing him to deepen his thrust.
The sensation was so great, he could hardly contain himself.
    He broke their embrace long enough to
whisper “I love you” into her ear. Luana moaned as his pace
quickened and she succumbed to the pleasure. The sound of Luana’s
desire aroused Baylin further, and he too let out a deep-throated
groan as ecstasy flowed over him.
    The couple lay panting in each other’s arms
in the dimly lit room.
    Luana looked up at Baylin, brushing her
fingertips over his well-trimmed beard. “I love you, Baylin.”
    “And I love you.” Baylin kissed Luana
tenderly. You are my life.

Chapter Three

    Luana woke when the sun’s sleepy rays peeked
in through the nearby window. The winter had been hard. The sun had
not shown its warmth in several weeks. As she lay there with her
eyes closed, she felt Baylin stir and place his warm hand on her
soft, slender stomach. Her heart swelled at the thought of the
little life that would soon cause her belly to swell as her child
grew inside her. He will be a father soon. Please, you must be a
son.
    She turned, moving in