Epilogue

Castle Horstberg was found in near perfect condition with few signs of the ordeal remaining. The surprise came when Captain Dukerk reported that Nikolaus Koenig was not dead. His encounter with the spiked pit had left him paralyzed from the waist down. But much to Nik’s dismay, the doctor claimed he was likely to live for years, though he would have to face a trial for his treasonous actions and the outcome remained to be seen.

In the meantime, the du Woernigs were his only remaining relatives. After much thought and talking it over with his family, Cameron gave Nik exactly what he’d wanted all along—his father’s room. With a strict nurse, a homely maid, and a stack of good books, the duke told him to mind his manners or he’d have watered-down soup for the rest of his life—though the duke believed he would likely be executed for treason, and they would all be out of their misery.

Soon after the family’s return, Theodor brought Karl to the castle, and they presented Prince Stefan with two puppies from the same litter that Lucky had come from. Stefan immediately loved them, and with his grandfather’s permission, he named them Duke and Duchess.

The Day of Horst celebration of 1849 was said to be the best anyone living had ever seen. The royal family was there in full, and a date was announced for Prince Erich to be married the following week. On that day, the duke did have a speech prepared, and in it he proclaimed that after seeing the peace and prosperity of his country, and the love and happiness evident in his own family, he knew that Horstberg had surely fulfilled its greatest quest.

We hope you have enjoyed The Tainted Crown by Elizabeth D. Michaels. Please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and is much appreciated. We’re happy to announce that Volume Five Through Castle Windows is available for purchase! For your enjoyment, we have included starting in the next page a preview of Tell Me No Lies, a contemporary romance novel by Rachel Branton that we think you will also enjoy. You can learn more about Elizabeth D. Michaels and her books on the About the Author page.

THE END