A concession, but hardly a compromise. “It would be my pleasure. Jordan says we must stay here until we’re sure Kazan is safe from Napoleon, and I’ll go mad without work to do. Perhaps later you will come to Cambaron and see the work I did there. Jordan says my dome is very impressive. You might see something that would please you.”

“Cambaron?” Ana’s eyes widened in horror. “I will never return to that place. It is-” She stopped as her gaze encountered Gregor’s. “It is a possibility.” She turned to Jordan and lifted her chin. “But you must not expect me too soon. I am a busy woman, and I cannot constantly be at your beck and call-and it could be I have other plans for my life. Perhaps when your first child is born, I will come.” She glanced challengingly at Gregor. “Well? Is it enough?”

He shook his head. “I want deeds, not words.”

She drew an exasperated breath as she gestured impatiently at Marianna. “Well, what are you waiting for? It is rude to keep the priest waiting.”

Marianna smiled, then turned to Jordan and held out her hand. “Your mother is right. We must not keep the priest waiting.”

He led her to the altar. “I’m happy you finally decided to get around to me,” he murmured. “For a moment I wasn’t sure if you weren’t wedding the ravin.”

“I am,” she whispered, trying to make him understand. It was not going to be an easy task to make a man as possessive as Jordan let others within the circle. “Just as you’re wedding Alex. We are not alone in this, but that is a good thing. We’ve both been too much alone. Now, I wish us to be joined in all ways.”

“It sounds very crowded. I hope we don’t have to invite both of them into our marital bed?”

“Jordan, I mean-” She stopped as she saw the smile that lit his face.

“But in other circumstances it seems a good plan.” He knelt on the cushions at the foot of the altar. “My dear love, I appreciate the gentle way in which you’re trying to tell me I must share you, but it really isn’t necessary. I’m sure that will be a constant battle between us, but not where Alex is concerned. I accept that he’s part of you.” His brows lifted. “Now, may we proceed with the wedding?”

Yes, there would always be battles and challenges in the life before them. They would both be changing and working, and because of their natures, they were bound to be constantly in conflict.

But there would also be love and loyalty and building together. They would leave their mark on life as she had left her mark on Cambaron.

She could hardly wait for it all to begin.

She smiled eagerly as she reached out and took his hands in her own. “Yes, I’m ready now.”

EPILOGUE

September 15, 1812

Moscow, Russia

After a horrendous trek through Russia and battle losses mounting to the thousands, Napoleon reached the gates of Moscow. General Miloradovich, head of the Moscow garrison, asked for a cease-fire while he led his men out of the city. His request was granted. Napoleon moved into a city that appeared almost completely deserted, fully expecting Czar Alexander to sue for peace.

Later that evening Moscow was set ablaze.

Napoleon arrested four hundred incendiaries who declared they had set the fires on the orders of the director of police. Before the fires were put out, over two thirds of the city and most of the essential supplies stored there had been destroyed.

In the Kremlin Napoleon waited in vain for over a month; Czar Alexander did not sue for peace. The emperor finally departed Moscow to search out provisions at Kaluga, ninety miles to the north. That march started a nightmare retreat through a barren, frozen land.

It was the beginning of the end for Napoleon Bonaparte.

December 30, 1812

Rengar, Kazan

He’s back in Paris!” The ravin strode into Jordan’s study and waved in Jordan’s face the letter she had just received. “But it is not the Paris he left. Napoleon’s empire is crumbling, the French have lost faith in their great hero.”

“It is about time,” Gregor murmured.

Jordan scanned the letter, and a smile lit his face. “That means the allies will be gathering for the kill.” He rose to his feet and moved toward the door. “Gregor, send a message to have them ready the Seastorm. I’ll go to Marianna’s workroom and tell her the good news.” He grimaced. “And try to tear her away from that chapel window she’s creating for Ana. I doubt if she’ll regard journeying to help defeat the emperor of more importance.”

“Notre Dame is in Paris,” Gregor murmured.

Jordan understood at once. He threw back his head and laughed. “Excellent. Marianna would lead a charge against Napoleon herself, if it meant she would be permitted to see the Rose Window at Notre Dame.”

“You are really leaving?” the ravin asked, startled.

“Of course.” He glanced back over his shoulder. “And so should you, if you wish to protect Kazan. Once Napoleon surrenders, every country in Europe will be scrambling to grab territory for itself.”

“No one will be permitted to snatch Kazan,” she said fiercely.

“Then you’d better be there to prevent it, Mother,” he said as he left the study.

He had spoken abstractedly, his thoughts on the coming victory. He did not even realize what he had called her.

“Mother,” she whispered.

“You have made great strides during these last months,” Gregor said behind her. “It was bound to bear fruit. Go with him now, and the final bonding will occur. Stay and it may take much longer.”