EPILOGUE #2
As the spectacle finishes, Aemon’s parents are the first to arrive in front of us, their faces lighting up with how proud they are.
Amethyst clings to her mate, looking years younger than the female I remember first meeting in Vathia.
“Your Majesty,” she smiles, dipping into a curtsy.
“This is such a beautiful ball, and we are honoured to attend.”
I wave her off. “Amethyst, you don’t have to be formal with us. You’re my mother by mating. How are you doing? How are things in Vathia?”
She smiles up to Lord Zorn—the only Lord of the pre-war times who still holds the title. “We are doing well. It’s been a work in progress cleaning up the front lines and moving fae back into their homes, but everyone is happy.”
A soft smile crosses my face. “Any problems with fae upholding the new laws?”
“A couple, but don’t worry. They are being handled swiftly,” Lord Zorn says. “Your parents would be so proud of you.”
We talk for a bit longer, and they take their leave to go enjoy the ball. My mates and I talk with many others, and I feel my energy starting to wane. I’m just glad I don’t have to dance, otherwise I would definitely be dead on my feet.
Cynder, the Safir Raiders and Lennox—who slipped away to find her after we entered the ballroom—come up next. I stand and pull my sister into a hug, but when I pull back I see her face and I have a feeling I know what’s about to happen. “Is everything okay?” I ask, eyeing the males with her.
Jesper greets Evander and it brings a smile to my face to see them not at each other’s throats any longer.
She brushes a curled lock of hair behind her ear. “Ah, yes, actually. I wanted to speak with you, and I know this isn’t the appropriate time, but…”
I tilt my head and smirk. “But you would like to leave?”
She nods with so much excitement that it has my grin growing. “Yes. They have been away from their ship long enough, and I want to go with them. I want to see the realm and the oceans. I’ve been locked away one way or another for as long as I remember, and I just want to be free.”
I rub my wrist where my scars used to be. “I would understand more than anyone. And only on one condition: you keep in contact. Send a pixie once in a while. I would love to hear about your travels, and it might help keep Talyn sane.”
Talyn grumbles. “Those males better treat you well.” He gets up and pulls her into a hug.
“You may not be my blood sister, and only my sister by mating, but you have always been my family. I watched you grow up, and those instincts don’t just go away.
If you need anything, we will be there for you, no questions asked. ”
Pride for how Talyn is handling this blooms in my chest. He will definitely be rewarded for that later.
Jesper grabs Evander’s shoulder. “You will keep my mate’s sister safe.”
“On my life,” Evander vows.
I clasp my hands together, getting all their attention and taking a seat again. “Well now that’s settled. When do you leave?”
Her smile turns sheepish. “Tonight? I’ve loved staying here, and I know this is where I would have grown up, but it’s not home.” Her gaze darts to the males beside her and a blush stains her cheeks. “I think this would be the start of finding where ‘home’ would be.”
“You will always be welcome here if you ever tire of travel, but it is getting late, and if you plan on leaving, now would be the best time—while everyone is into the mead and ale,” I laugh. “I’m assuming you’ll be going with them?” I ask Lennox.
He dips his head. “I need to find myself again. Being without my twin…” He takes a breath. “I need to do this.”
I stand again and pull my friend into a hug. “I hope you find the peace that you are looking for. Remember Mel’s message,” I whisper softly before continuing. “We will miss you. Have you said goodbye to Ember and Roz yet?”
“I’m going to find them after this; and thank you, Rav.
You are a great friend, and will make a good Queen.
” He steps back and joins the others, but I don’t miss the glance he gives my sister, and I hope that traveling together will help them figure out what’s going on between them all.
We’ve all noticed how Lennox and the Safir Raiders gravitate around her.
We say our goodbyes, and my mates give a few more threats before they are convinced the Safir Raiders will protect Cynder.
Aemon leans over towards me. “What do you say about leaving early? I think Ember, Roz and the staff can handle any stragglers."
I take his hand in mine. “I think that sounds like an amazing idea.”
Just before Aemon pulls my mates and I into the shadows, I catch a glimpse of green and white hair, nearly translucent, trailing behind Lennox, connected to him with a silver cord and from Lennox to Cynder I see a faint golden thread, not completed yet but almost as a sign of what’s to come.
Mel turns and winks before vanishing, and I know in my soul that Lennox will be okay. The Fates will make sure of it.
We vanish from the throne room and into our own personal quarters. I’m instantly surrounded by my mates, their gazes full of love and admiration.
Our story may have started out in turmoil, and many things have changed for us in the couple years we have found each other again, but my life has never been so full.
I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives having new and much safer adventures, together, until we are nothing but dust in the stars.
The End