149. Epilogue

YILEYNANine Months Later…Nine months had passed, and I lived for Theon’s letters. In his absence, I put my head down, focusing on the changes I wanted to see in the kingdom. I even found time to visit Deliana down in the sea. She had been happy; I often went for a swim in Siren form with her.

A lot had changed. Hunter and Charlene had a beautiful baby boy, who they named Nathanial Gray Carson, after Nathalia and Grayson. It was the perfect name for him. He was an adorable little boy with brown hair and big, soft green eyes. To my absolute delight, Charlene spent a few weeks here when he was a month old, and I loved their company, enjoying the chance to shower my nephew with lots and lots of love and gifts. I didn’t want to give him back, but I had to. Oh, he was adorable! I wrote to Charlene almost as often as Theon, although the messages were so much lighter than the longing and pain I tried to hide in the ones to my beloved.

Thea and Raiden were engaged, and they would wed in a year or so. I had a feeling they were waiting for Theon’s return. Everyone tried to make me feel better. Though I hid my emotions, they knew I missed him, and in turn, they tried not to talk about him, so as not to upset me.

As for Ryan, much to everyone’s surprise, he and Ariella were in a relationship. It wasn’t the standard type of relationship, but they were both happy. Although she no longer worked at the White Dove, she still had her harem in the sea. Ryan made it clear he should be the only man in her life, but he didn’t care for the fish in her life. It was an insult to mermen, but she had simply laughed and agreed. Lately, I saw her more and more on land, to the point that they even purchased a place together near the coast where she lived with him, with the water not so far from her. They were getting serious, and despite everyone being quite shocked, I was happy about their union. Unlike me, who was a tri-form shifter, she was a pure Siren, but they were perfect for one another despite being two entirely different species who were not mated. I just secretly prayed Ryan never made her angry with his unconventional remarks at times.

Everything with the kingdoms around Astalion was going well, and I had even received letters from beyond the neighbouring kingdoms, invitations to weddings, and gifts to congratulate me on my new position as queen.

The only thing missing was Theon, and although I visited the cabin often, keeping it clean, he was missed. The cabin on the left had been on sale, and I had purchased it for more land. I even had a wall built around the entire garden and began planting flowers in my free time. I had set up a little pond in the now much larger garden. I hoped one day we could make the cabin larger, where we could come and spend the weekends with our children someday.

I miss you, Theon. Come home soon…-----

It was just another day. I was currently in my office working; I had spent the morning in court handling affairs of the kingdom before I spent an hour signing documents and legislations for certain building projects that were to be started soon. Ah, I was tired!

I sat back in my chair, looking out at the leaves that were swirling around in the air. Summer had come and gone; autumn had arrived, yet there was still no sign of Theon’s return. Nine months had passed since he had left. His letters still came, accompanied by gifts. There was always something different from where he had visited, from jewellery to clothes, or an ornament, things I treasured and placed in our cabin, but I still wanted him there. That would be the greatest gift I could ever ask or hope for.

I left my office and returned to my quarters, smiling politely at those who greeted or bowed to me in the halls. I went to our bedroom and, sitting on my bed, I opened my bedside drawer. I took out the pile of letters and the last gift he had sent me; a pair of earrings from the village of Frindor. I smiled faintly as I looked at the beautiful silver earrings set with an array of jewels in aqua blues and greens with some purple. They were intricate and beyond beautiful.

I often heard of Theon’s endeavours from those who visited, or from other Alphas. True to his word, he helped in every village he went to, not only making sure things were in place, but physically helping around the town. He would usually send a request written personally with what he thought the village could use, alongside a private letter to me alone. I would then send my reply, the supplies, and anything he needed before he would have a final letter sent back to me, telling me where he was headed next.

Over the months, hearing him talk, I could feel it was helping him. The mentions of not deserving me, or how he must do more became lesser. I could tell his anticipation to return was growing and I, too, wished for him to be here.

I picked up his last letter, my heart clenching as I ran my hand down the paper. He had touched this…

"Dear Storm, I love you and I miss you. Days in Frindor went by well, and I’ve now moved on. To think, in nine months I have travelled the kingdom, is something that I'm proud of. At every stop, as always, people wished to know when I was to return to my queen, or when we would have heirs. It’s odd, and as much as I refused to accept the title of king, it’s all I'm called these days, unless I am extra firm that Alpha is fine. Being called king is a word that I only yearn to hear from your lips.I smiled. Of course, no matter what he thought, he was already king the day he led the army into Westerfell and to victory. I placed the letter against my lips, kissing it softly as I closed my eyes, inhaling it. I miss you, my love… Hunter is demanding a playmate for Nathanial, too, last I heard from him anyway. I met him, and he was cute, I will admit that, but as I said, I want some time for just you and me… Congratulations on the opening of your school for the kids in the orphanage in Westerfell. And as for your question regarding how many women tried to seduce me… not many, and I assure you none got within a foot of me. Rest assured, this man belongs to you and only you. I saw these earrings; they reminded me of you. I hope you like them; I don’t really have much taste in jewellery. I know you miss me, and I promise I will return soon, and when I do, I want to make you mine. I will marry you, little storm, I promise. Let’s have a small wedding, just us, family, and friends. Maybe by the sea so your Siren family can be there, too. Will you wear a white dress or something different? I think of you, like always, before I sleep. You fill my dreams and I often find myself imagining fucking you in every way possible. Soon. Love – Yours forever – Theon Alexander.I lay down slowly, clutching the letter to my chest.

I want that, I want to wear a dress you love, Theon. I want to marry you and promise myself to you forever…I had even purchased him a ring with a chain so he could wear it around his neck, so he wouldn’t lose it when he shifted. I just want you back…I don’t know when I fell asleep, the tears silently streaming down my cheeks. His letters brought happiness, yet with them came the wave of strong emptiness that he was not here with me…

-----

"Yileyna, hurry up!" Thea scolded as she finished playing with my hair.

I looked in the mirror. I still got dressed up; as queen, I had an image to keep, but really, I did not think it was necessary. She and Raiden had invited me to dinner at a special place, and so she wanted me to dress up just as she was. I was wearing a low-cut organza embroidered dress. The net was a violet colour with the underneath layer a pretty aqua blue, giving it a two-toned effect. There was a ribbon drawstring corset around the waist and the dress fell to my knees.

My hair was up in a low bun, with two braids down the side and a few strands of my hair framing my face. The only jewellery I wore were the beautiful earrings Theon had sent this time and the engagement ring. Oh, how I missed him.

"Okay, okay, I'm coming."

I stood up, slipping on my sandals and hurrying after her. Raiden was dressed smartly, too, and he was smiling when he saw the both of us, offering Thea a hand.

"So, it’s a little walk, but let’s get going," he said, kissing Thea softly.

"Where’s this picnic?" I asked, thinking neither was holding anything.

"The Omegas have set it up. It’s a beautiful spot that Theon discovered, actually, when he did a search of the city before the coronation and thought it would make a rather beautiful haven."

"He really didn’t leave even a stone unturned," I mused, looking up at the night sky as we walked through the streets of Westerfell.

"No, he didn’t. We all await the return of the king," Raiden said quietly.

I nodded and Thea sighed softly as we carried on walking. People stopped to greet us, complimenting Thea and me, asking how I was and, of course, about their king.

"When is King Theon returning, My Queen?" An elderly woman asked seriously.

"I am not sure yet. We can hope soon," I replied, smiling gracefully.

"Ah yes… we want our king back so the city is complete." I nodded and I gazed at the sky.

See, Theon? This city needs you home. They acknowledge you for the king you are, not for your past deeds that feel like years ago… Come home, my love.We kept walking, leaving the people behind.

"Those earrings are so pretty. Another gift from Theon?" Thea asked.

I nodded, feeling a bit guilty. He had sent Thea a few items alongside mine, but I felt bad that they were far less than the letters and gifts to me… he spoiled me.

"They are beautiful. Don’t worry, I don’t feel jealous. You are his queen, I'm just his sister who is now mated." Thea grinned as she kissed Raiden’s hand, which was intertwined with hers. "Raiden gives me plenty." They exchanged a moment, and I smiled, watching them. They were perfect for each other.

The ground became rockier as we continued on foot in silence. Raiden led the way, and soon we were stumbling along steep cliffs and then going down. This was away from the coast where Charlene and I used to play. Finally, we slowed down at the rocky arch that held a pair of doors, and I could see a wall surrounding this area. Many new places had been built around Westerfell; this one was not one I had paid attention to before. Well, it’s not like I come around this side often."What is this place?" I asked as Raiden pushed the doors open slowly. They creaked open to reveal the dim glow from ahead.

"Oh, it’s pretty! Let’s keep going. Is the picnic further ahead, baby?" Thea asked Raiden.

"Yeah, straight through," he murmured, pulling her close.