lva had grown terribly bored as the days passed during their journey ho. Most of her ti was spent on the deck, playing with Ash or chatting with Trudis, Ben, and Rudy.
“I bet we’ll have a little prince and princess soon if this keeps up for a few more days,” Rudy scoffed, casting a pointed glance toward the king’s cabin.
Ben chuckled, clearly amused. “That would be wonderful news.”
lva smiled quietly, listening as the three of them continued their banter while she gently petted Ash in her arms. It was true. The lovebirds had not stepped out of their cabin for days.
The king had taken it upon himself to personally attend to Althea, leaving lva’s assistance unnecessary. At this point, it truly felt as though they were on a honeymoon rather than a journey back ho.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if His Majesty chose this route just for the privacy,” she muttered with a soft scoff.
“That’s true, but I’m honestly amazed at how calm His Majesty has remained after everything that happened,” Trudis said thoughtfully. “We lost our wolves. He lost his lycan. We’re practically human now... ordinary humans. It’s a good thing we were trained from a young age to fight one-on-one and handle all kinds of weapons.”
Ben nodded, though his expression remained firm. “But we’re not powerless. As Elior said, we’re protected. We just need to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in the one true God. Look at how we defeated the sirens so easily.”
Rudy crossed his arms and exhaled. “I just hope the rest of this journey goes smoothly. No more attacks.”
A brief silence settled over them, the sound of waves filling the space between their unspoken worries.
“Ah, I can’t wait to finally get ho and be with our families and loved ones again,” Trudis said, breaking the silence. “Without the mindlink, everything feels so much harder, especially communication. I’m sure they’re worried sick about us. I just hope the good news reaches them soon—that we’re on our way back and that everyone is safe.”
“I’m sure they’ve heard by now,” Ben said with a bright grin, his eyes sparkling with excitent. “They’re probably already preparing a grand welco for our king and queen... and for us too, of course.”
lva’s lips curved into a soft smile as she lifted her gaze toward the setting sun, its golden light stretching across the horizon.
The sky was painted in shades of gold and amber, the calm sea reflecting the fading light.
Behind them, laughter continued, but lva could only shake her head, amused by how obvious the king’s devotion had beco.
At the sa ti, her stomach fluttered, excitent quietly building in her chest. The thought of finally seeing Simon again was almost overwhelming. She let out a soft sigh. ‘I wonder if he’d be willing to marry too,’ she thought.
Before, once they were marked, it was already considered official. They were husband and wife in every way that mattered. But now that they were ordinary humans, she couldn’t help but wonder if things would change. Would they now follow human customs? Would there be formal ceremonies, vows spoken before witnesses?
So much felt uncertain.
She gently brushed Ash’s fur and murmured softly, “I’d like to marry Simon too.”
The words felt shy but hopeful, carried away by the evening breeze as the sun dipped lower into the horizon.
*******
At the Kingdom of Lunaris
Preparations for the hocoming of the king and the future queen were nearly complete. The palace bustled with activity, everyone busy ensuring that everything would proceed smoothly and flawlessly.
Queen Mother Wilma personally oversaw the arrangents, with Riela and Beatrice assisting her. She wanted nothing less than a grand celebration for Althea’s formal coronation. It was the least she could do.
Her gaze softened as it drifted toward her beloved daughter. Riela stood a short distance away, deep in conversation with Beatrice, her laughter light and carefree. It was like a soothing lody to her ears.
Wilma drew in a slow breath, her chest tightening as emotion welled up inside her. Before she could wipe the tears forming in her eyes, a hand appeared in front of her, offering a handkerchief.
“Here, use this.”
Recognizing Marius’s voice, she accepted it without hesitation and gently dabbed her eyes.
“I can’t help it,” she murmured softly. “Everything feels like a dream... but seeing Riela, my only daughter, living her life like this again... it’s more than I could have ever hoped for.”
Althea had done everything to save Riela. Despite the coldness and suspicion Wilma had once shown her, believing she carried Cain’s blood, Althea had returned nothing but understanding and kindness.
A quiet weight settled in Wilma’s chest at the thought.
She felt Marius’s arm wrap around her shoulders, pulling her gently closer. This closeness was no longer a secret to anyone. He had never left her side, and she had long known how deeply he cared for her.
“Things have finally settled, Wilma,” Marius said softly. “I think it’s ti you allow yourself to rest... and start living for yourself again.”
Wilma let out a soft chuckle.
“It’s been a long ti since I’ve heard you laugh like that,” Marius comnted, clearly unbothered by the curious glances around them. It was, after all, the first ti he had shown
such open affection toward the Queen Mother in public.
“That’s true,” Wilma admitted, her voice gentler now. “It’s just... I can’t quite imagine settling down before my Riela does. I an...” She hesitated, then smiled faintly. “Perhaps we can wait until she’s settled, like Gavriel, with a family of her own. Then maybe I can finally live the life I want.”
“It’s all right, Wilma,” Marius murmured softly near her ear. “I’ve already waited this long. I can wait a little longer.”
Wilma shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes as she humd lightly. “Well, if you’re in such a hurry, you can always help find a good match for my Riela instead.”
“Consider it done, Your Grace,” Marius declared with a bright, eager grin. “I’ll make sure to find the best match for our dear Riela—soone truly worthy of our princess.”
Wilma chuckled softly, her laughter warr this ti, lingering in the air.
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