Chapter 9
nine
. . .
Once the rest of the company had recovered enough to travel, we embarked on the long trek back to the capital. It took twice as long as the trip here had, but we refused to push the warriors any harder than we already had.
The Altean Council was overjoyed to see us, and the two Altean Queens even made a royal appearance to welcome us home as heroes.
The monarchy was more symbolic than actual royalty, but they were well-loved and respected by the Republic.
When the original Queen took a wife, who was then crowned Queen and appointed a leader on the Council, nearly the entire realm had turned out to celebrate.
The Queens, despite their titles, held no more sway over the realm than any of the leaders on the Council, though.
The Queens didn't make public appearances often in the barrier times. It was rare for the entire Council to be assembled, so I was sure the gesture was noticed and appreciated by my warriors.
For my service to the realm, I received a boon and asked for the one thing I knew I couldn't live without—Astra to be relieved from service if she so chose. I could've asked for just about anything, but her early retirement was the only thing I knew would make me happy.
“Easily done,” one of the Queens spoke up.
“With our eternal gratitude to you both for your service,” the other Queen said.
We both bowed low before Astra turned to me and whispered, “Just like that?”
I grinned. “I'm quite persuasive.”
That night, the warriors threw us a goodbye party, during which we had to explain no fewer than fifty times how exactly we ended up being a couple. Astra had a lot of fun with that, but I was exhausted. As much as I loved the other warriors like they were family, I couldn't wait to be on my way.
True retirement would have to wait, of course, since Inez and Sherbrooke still needed me, but I was happy to be my own person again. I no longer had to listen to the Council. For the first time in longer than I could remember, I was free to do whatever I wanted.
When Astra and I set off for my home the next day hand in hand, I knew that whatever was coming, I could face it with her by my side.