Free The Queen of All Magick: Elizabeth by Kathi S. Barton

I’m so happy to hear that he has not quit his job. I’ve a great need to see him as well. Did you know that some of the things that I’ve been working on were a good deal easier because of that scamp? Oh my, I would so love to see him again, and the other children. And I am to understand that congratulations are in order…a new baby to hold. How wonderful for us all.” Logan nodded and turned to Rythen.
    “You are only welcome here because I have stood up for you. Fuck this up and I’ll make sure that you are in a world of hurt. There will be no more talk of this ending shit either. You have a question, a statement concerning it, you come to me. Understand?” Logan looked like a man who was thrice his size. Magic, as powerful magic as he held, would do that. Rythen wanted to be impressed, but he was more angry than anything.
    “You should have more respect for me.” Logan snorted at Rythen. “I’m a good deal older than you and a tad more on the strong side. I could end your very existence with a snap of my finger.”
    “First of all, respect is earned , and you, sir, have not earned a thing from me. Secondly, if you really thought you could end me, as you put it, I do believe you would have by now. We both know that you cannot.” Logan put his hands on his hips as he continued. “I’ve read the entire contract. You should know that I am well aware of things now. And the few loopholes that you put in for yourself will benefit me when I need them. You, sir, are royally fucked.”
    Rythen looked at her before looking back at Logan. There was something there. Something both of them knew but were not sharing. But before she could ask or even look, the room was suddenly filled with people. Colin picked her up in a large hug and kissed her soundly on the cheek. Elizabeth squealed with delight. She so loved the big man.
    “My lady. I’d heard that ye’d been harmed. And then when I felt your request for help, I knew that there were lies abounding.” He looked over at Rythen, who stood up. “Ye’d be better off standing down. I’ve no use for a mon such as you. To think I thought you a good person.”
    “It’s not right that I’m being judged for something that was created long ago. This contract is something that we both agreed upon.” Rythen turned to her. “I will not be the subject of all this. You and I know that this will end for you. I’m not the only one at fault. You signed the contract as well.”
    “I did. When there was no family for me. No mate to love, children to hold onto. And you said that I would rule for a time and when that time was up, I’d be able to live out my days in a ring with the faeries to watch over me. You never once said a thing about having children. You lied to me.”
    Her temper was getting up , and several of the people in the room took a step back. It wasn’t until Lizzy stood in front of her that she started to calm. There was something so serene about her that….
    “You’re with child.” Lizzy nodded and smiled. “Oh my child, you’ve made me so happy. Does your father know?”
    “No. Would you like to tell him? Logan is afraid of him. You know, daddy seems to think we’re not having sex.” Elizabeth hugged her granddaughter to her and told her she’d be thrilled to tell the old poo. “Just wait until the moment is right, okay?”
    “You mean when Logan is nowhere near him?” Lizzy laughed and told her yes. “I will enjoy this. More than you can imagine.”
    As soon as Aaron sat down with his friends and family around him , she knew this was it. At some point Rythen had left, and she was glad. News like this was for family, and he most certainly wasn’t.
    “I’d like to make an announcement.” She looked at Aaron. “You’re so going to love me for this. Lizzy is going to make you a grandda again.”
    The look on his face was something she would remember for the rest of her life. He looked thrilled beyond words for about ten seconds. Then his