Charades

Epilogue

     I sat on the glorious throne with my gold crown shimmering underneath the blinding lights of the ballroom. I was back in Narakha and my coronation had just ended. And now, the ballroom was full of music and princes and princesses who were either dancing or chatting amongst each other, their faces full of joy.

     My eyes wandered around the ballroom until they landed on Flynn who was stumbling around the ballroom with Helena in his arms. He was drunk. Even though he was king, he still was irresponsible and he was dragging Helena around the ballroom and she was glaring at him, and I smiled at the sight of the engagement ring she wore.

     My eyes then slid towards the long white tables where snacks and drinks were placed on for the guests. Indira stood behind the table and she was surrounded by men. Men of all colours and they were talking to her and laughing at what she said, and she was glowing. Her dark blue eyes were lively as she grinned at the men who stared at her as if they'd never seen someone so beautiful.

     Devan was close to Indira. He was leaning against a wall, his body still weak from the previous attack, but he was walking and practically healthy again. Marisa was with him and she was talking his ear off. She was waving her hands around, retelling a tale and Devan's eyes were anywhere, but on her, but he stayed. A smile tugged at my lips at the sight.

     I yanked my eyes away from him to see Diana and Alexander dancing. They were beneath the grand chandelier, hand in hand, as they twirled around the ballroom. Their eyes were locked on each other's and they couldn't look away. They were stunning and they were finally freely happy.

     "Amara."

     I looked towards Ronan who was smiling at me. He stood next to my throne and he was wearing a black suit, and he was smiling. His dark blue eyes were gentle, his eyes full of adoration.

     "Hi," I said. "Isn't this perfect. It feels like a fairytale."

     "But it is reality," Ronan said. He reached out and took my hand and kissed it. I shivered under the touch. Even though we'd been together for eight months now, I couldn't imagine ever getting used to how charming Ronan was. "Can we go off on our own? I want to be with my new Queen."

     I smiled brightly and nodded, and Ronan led me out of the ballroom. We strode down a hallway and turned into a room meant for guests. There was nothing but two couches there and a fireplace, and Ronan and I stood facing each other.

     "Are you upset about Indira being surrounded by men?" I asked. "You sister is gorgeous and I can't stop her charm."

     Ronan rolled his eyes and I grinned cheekily. His eyes narrowed and I laughed.

     "No, that's fine, but I must yell at them later because Indira is merely seventeen," Ronan said. "But, I just wanted to check up on you. You're queen now. How does it feel?"

     I was quiet for a moment as I took it all in. The coronation was a blur of events and before I knew it, I was wearing my father's crown. It was made of gold and it glistened even when there was no light.

     "It's an incredible feeling," I said. "But to be honest, it doesn't change anything. I have spent the last six months working on my town, ruling over my people. A title doesn't define who I am."

     Ronan's eyes softened. He reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear, his hands tender.

     "I like you like this," Ronan whispered. "Confident. Powerful. You are a rightful queen."

     I teared up. Because for so long I thought I was powerless - maybe even useless. I felt like a damsel in distress and that my life was out of my control, but it wasn't. My life was in my power and now as Queen, I had the power to make sure no one ever faced what I faced. For the rest of my life, I would do everything I could to help others in need.