It's not quite that simple

"An heir? Well... we haven't had a lot of time to think about the future, with all that's been going on, but I can't think of anyone I'd rather start a family with. I'd always kind of hoped we'd survive to make that happen," The Outlander said.

Lana smiled and leaned her head against his armored chest. "I want that, too. But you're the ruler of an Empire, now. It's not that simple. I love you, and I'm yours. But I have no real power base, no additional resources, no advantages to bring to secure the throne. I'm not the wife you need."

"You're the one actually running the Alliance, between you and Theron. You understand the nuances and details that I don't. I trust you completely, and even when we disagree on what we should do or how to do it, you've always supported my decisions. Without you, there would be no Alliance, and I'd be Arcann's trophy in a vault somewhere. I can't think of a bigger advantage than that."

Lana looked up, her triangular face earnest. "That's not enough."

"It's all I need."

She pulled his head down and kissed him passionately. "I know. But it's not what the Alliance needs. You're making it harder to accept the harsh necessity that I'll have to share you."

"Share me?"

"Oh, love, you didn't think I meant to give you up entirely, did you?" Lana said, her golden eyes glowing warmly. "I may have to allow someone else to marry you and have your heirs, for the sake of politics. But you're still mine, and I will still have all that I can of you."

"Including children?"

"I had rather decided I wouldn't have any, until I met you. Once we defeated Vaylin, I stopped taking contraceptives. We can start a family whenever you want."