Epilogue
Nadia and Gregor stood behind Prince Stefan facing Diomere’s royal family and Arriana on the pier. Dieuroi Mavros had woken with another of his headaches, and sent his son to see the visiting monarchs off. The Siren, Diomere’s royal vessel, finished its final preparations for departure after having spent a fortnight in port.
King Delmar, Queen Lareina, and Princess Madelena had arrived two days after Pell’s arrest. The reunion between parents and son had been tearful and happy. Prince Stefan and Princess Madelena delayed their official betrothal ceremony now that Prince Areisteo was found, and his close tie to Stefan solidified a friendship between the two countries. The princess would spend the next three months in Thuno getting to know Stefan with the option to return to Diomere if they both agreed they did not wish to make their betrothal official. Neither wished to marry someone they didn’t know if it wasn’t necessary.
Stefan turned to Reis and held out his hand. Reis grabbed it, and Stefan pulled him in for a hug. “You’ll always be family and have a place here. Stay wary for those who would plot to end you before you can become king. May the gods keep you.”
Reis squeezed him and stepped back. “You once told me that family is more than blood.” He placed his hand over his heart. “I’ll still consider you my brother even if you and Madelena don’t decide to marry.
Stefan placed his hand over his heart and nodded. Prince Reis stepped back, and Stefan turned his head to a sad-faced Princess Madalena who was hugging her mother and father.
Stefan waited for her to reluctantly return to his side then nodded at the pale faced King Delmar, one king to another. “Though I am sorry for the circumstances around Reis’ arrival in Thuno, I do not regret the years in which I called him brother. He is someone you can be proud to call son.”
King Delmar returned the gesture of respect. “Thank you for taking such good care of him. Thuno will have Diomere’s gratitude as long as I am king.”
Stefan nodded and stepped back. “Godspeed to you all.” With that Thuno’s future king and his betrothed turned, and made their way back up the pier, the royal retinue swallowing them.
Nadia turned back to her family. King Delmar coughed into his handkerchief, then nodded to her. “Thank you for working so tirelessly to find my son. Know that you are welcome back to Diomere whenever you wish to return.”
Queen Lareina, after giving her husband a worried glance, stepped forward and hugged her sister. “Yes, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” She stepped back, and handed Nadia a sheaf of papers. “The information you requested as well as some I thought you might find useful, though I wish you were coming home.”
Nadia met Gregor’s loving gaze. “My home is with my heartbonded, sister.”
“And there’s your bond to the gate.” Her queen sister stared sightlessly above their heads. “The time for the worlds to once again be open to each other is at hand. The gates call to their keepers.”
Nadia met Arri’s troubled gaze. If the Arenatou scroll Gregor had translated was correct, then the five sisters belonged to the gates and Arri, as the strongest of the five sisters in the Air element, would eventually end up in the desert country with her own heartbonded. Nadia nodded, answering her sister’s silent question. They’d chosen to keep this particular information between the two of them for now.
Nadia met the King’s tired gaze. “There are those who would see the crown passed to a different branch of the royal family. Pell’s family was promised a title.” She looked at Reis. “Be wary. Your life isn’t safe simply because you’re finally going home.”
Reis swallowed. “I’ll not let my guard down.”
“Such is the life of those in power.” The king sighed. “I’ll begin a quiet search for those who are plotting against my family.”
Nadia nodded as the royal couple slowly ascended the plank to the ship, the king seeming to lean on the queen. Nadia and Gregor exchanged a glance, but remained silent.
Reis stepped forward and threw his arms around her. “Thank you, Tia Nadia. I’ll miss you.”
Nadia hugged him back, reminded of how young he was. “And I you. Remember what you learned while under Stefan’s tutelage. Stay humble, yet strong.” She met his dual, sapphire and emerald, gaze. “You’ll be the strongest king Diomere has seen in an age. With that strength comes responsibility. Take care of our people.”
The boy nodded and turned to Gregor. “Gods keep you, Gregor. Thank you for saving my life even when I made it difficult. If either of you ever need anything, I will do everything I can to help.”
Gregor smiled. “Spoken like a true royal heir. Gods keep you, my prince.”
Reis nodded and made his way up onto the ship leaving Arriana standing before them, her big green eyes welling with tears.
She threw her arms around both Nadia and Gregor, her head barely reaching their shoulders. “I’m so happy you found each other. I only wish you weren’t so far away from Diomere.”
Nadia squeezed her back. “Are you sure you can’t stay a little while?”
Arri’s smile slipped and she glanced back at the ship. “King Delmar has been sick lately. Lareina only told me when I returned this last time. I’ve been unable to figure out what is causing it thus far. I have to go back.”
Nadia gave her another squeeze. “Check for poison.”
Arri nodded. “If it’s poison then it’s one I haven’t seen before. I may have to return to the desert healers, and see if they can help. Gods willing I can figure it out before it’s too late.” She noticed their concerned gazes and shook her head. “But don’t worry about that. I’m sure it’s just some new illness I simply haven’t had experience with before. Come, give me another hug. I hate saying goodbye.”
“This isn’t goodbye, sprite, but simply, see you later.” Attempting to lighten the mood, she lightly pinched her sister’s cheek. “When you return to the desert healers, be sure to stand on your toe tips as much as possible so they’ll be more inclined to take you seriously. Being so cute must have its disadvantages with that stiff lot.”
Her sister stepped back and slapped her arm. “Cheeky heifer.”
Gregor laughed. “Gods be with you, Arri. I’ll miss your refreshing frankness. Come visit us from time to time after you’ve taken care of your king. You’ll always have a room in our home.”
“Thank you,” she said before turning and flitting up the gangplank.
Nadia clutched her fists, refusing to let the tears burning her eyes fall as the gangplank was hauled up and the ship sailed away from the pier.
Gregor wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “We’ll see them again. I have a feeling the gods aren’t done with us yet.”