13 years ago today a little book entered the world. It was Annabeth’s War, and to celebrate, here is a peek of where Annabeth and Ransom are 13 years later.

“Well, my lord,” said Annabeth, leaning against the doorframe. “Are you happy?”

Ransom’s mouth turned up in a smile. “I said I would be happy as long as and wherever you are happy. So, if my lady Annabeth is happy, then I am content.”

“All these years later, and you are still too good to me, Ransom.”

His eyes met hers, holding her gaze with all the promises he had ever made to her, that he would always keep.

Her eyes whispered I love you, as a blush crept up her cheek.

“It was the practical thing to do. Amilia needs a physician’s attention, and the royal physicians can provide her with much more care. They have been so kind to send one so often, but this doesn’t feel so much like imposing if we can now afford to employ one.”

“Alfred and Christina have been begging us since they were crowned to be a part of their court, and now at last, we give in. This is really a generous gift.”

Annabeth giggled. “Will they never be king and queen to you?”

Ransom smiled roguishly, slipping his arm around his wife, “I have but one queen in my heart…”

She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek and whispered, “I love you.”

“I love and adore you.”

She rested her head on his chest and took in a deep breath.

“What are we going to do with a castle?” asked Ransom.

“I have no idea, the cottage you built us has been so cozy, even with five children bursting from it.”

Ransom chuckled. “It has been rather snug.”

“I think, I know what you are going to do with a castle.”

“What, my lady?”

“You’re going to enjoy saying that, aren’t you?”

“It will never grow old—my lady.”

“Even as I get old?”

“But you never age, my dear.”

Annabeth only shook her head; she was not going to make any progress. “My lord,” she said playfully, “My Sun,” she added softly. “Shall fortify his new castle to the teeth with swords and secret passages.”

“Oh, now there is an idea. My lady knows me all too well. Me and my Falway ways. A castle where my family is protected, my wife able to tend to our daughter without worrying so much about the home.”

“Ransom and Bartholomew shall finally have enough places to run.”

“Anna won’t be too far behind them. Lucy shall always be in the kitchen, and Amilia shall flourish.”

Annabeth took a long, shuddering breath.

“I shall write Elliot—come spring. The physician did say that mountain air would be good for her lungs. I am thinking a trip to the mountains would be helpful to get her out of the low country for the summer.”

Annabeth smiled. “Finally going to go see Eliot and his crown, are we?”

“I have no idea how he, of all people, managed to snag one, but I think it is time I see King Eliot in all of his splendor, his lovely wife, and…children. I have a hard time keeping track of them.”

“Seven children, and three of them born all at once. I can’t imagine carrying that many children at once.”

Ransom waved his free arm as if it were nothing. “Well, Elliot does nothing by halves, a set of triplets I am sure is nothing in his book.”

Annabeth giggled softly and shook her head. “I am just hopeful that things will change in the right direction.”

“As long as I continue to have you by my side, things will go well,” whispered Ransom.

“Forever, and always my Sun,” answered Annabeth.

Fin