Princess Thief [✔]

Epilogue

FIVE YEARS LATER

The brittle sands had already cooled down beneath my bare feet. The soft sound of waves was lullabies in my ears while the sun took its time to settle on the horizon.

The whiff of the sea had become my new relaxing scent over the years. The day was clear. Bright and calm as I was used to these following years. This was the only thing I had wanted. A life of tranquility.

I glanced at the parchment in my hand and read it once again. It was from the Kingdom of Helia.

I read Lian's letter which was full of joy. She had married well and found a family after marrying a Marquis. She expressed her concern as well, especially for Erodessa. 

Our sister had never been the same after Prince Asher died. Gone with the immature version of her that threw a fit every single time. It was not that she was ripened with age. Only an insensitive person could not see that Prince Asher's death greatly affected her. As for our eldest brother he had shared the same fate as Erodessa.

"Why are you reading while walking? Is that from the academy? You shouldn't overwork. The academy had already flourished and there are more tutors to help you. And why did you leave your shoes again?"

I may have lost the power to identify voices but this was someone who had constantly been with me after that night at Mt. Ymore. A frown matched his nagging tone. He stooped down and put the shoes on my feet.

The corners of my lips lifted as I answered, "It's fine. I enjoyed teaching the kids. Besides, reading is not overworking and furthermore, this is a letter from Lian."

"Point taken. Anyhow, let's go inside, Carline."

"But I want to see the sunset today, Freed," I declined willfully.

Freed and Carline. Our very own names. There was no Reichen anymore. No Ace nor Verdari for there was no need for a second name in this era.

"We have a visitor," he muttered after a sigh.

"Who?"

"A rival who can't understand we're married."

***

We arrived at the manor. I initially wanted a simple cottage but I was persuaded to get a large estate in the end that even the beach behind us as part of our territory.

I caught a glimpse of a royal carriage that had the symbol of Deliora.

"Your majesty, from what do I have the honor for your visit?" I greeted as I saw the person waiting for us in the drawing-room.

"Please stop it, Princess," Xenon chagrined.

"You won't cease calling 'princess' so I won't either. Five years had already passed and you are higher than me now, your majesty. Have a seat."

Those were also the exact years after everything that happened. The Amicas had slowly adjusted becoming regular people. It was not as easy, specifically for those who had been one for a long time. However, most came to a realization that before they became an Amica, most of them were just regular mortals themselves.

Many things had happened in the past few years but all became better when no one was deemed special who deviated from the norm.

"So what are you doing here?" Freed asked bluntly without even pleasantries.

Seriously. He was still discourteous as ever. It even became worse after he abdicated his throne.

I clearly remembered the old king collapsing from shock when the son he nurtured became a prodigal. Worse, even the title of the duke would have been thrown away if my father-in-law did not threaten Freed with his health.