Crowned Compass ✓

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 52

Adonis, Lionis, and I looked at my home castle.

I was so frozen.

"What do I say?" I whispered.

'Maybe don't say anything. Just act on what you feel,' Adonis signed.

I smiled at his response.

Of course. Words weren't always the answer to everything.

We all walked down the path, only to see my father was waiting at the steps alone.

What was he waiting for?

Or maybe it wasn't a what, but a who.

Was he always waiting for me?

He frowned when he didn't hear anything, and turned to go back inside the castle.

One of the guards bowed, "One day, your majesty."

He nodded at them sadly.

"Father!" I screamed and pulled the hood of my cloak off my head, running as fast as I could to meet him.

He immediately dropped his cane, turning his back to face me, feeling around the air desperately.

I tripped up the steps before jumping to hug him around his neck.

I felt his arms clench around my back, "Butterfly..."

"I'm here," I whispered hoarsely.

He wept and sank to his knees with me, "You returned."

I pulled away from him slowly, holding his face, "I won, just like you said father. It's over now."

His beard had grown fuller, and he seemed so fragile. He missed me more than I could have ever known, but he had faith that I'd come back to him.

"I'm so proud of you."

I smiled and took the blindfold off his eyes. He blinked slowly and his eyes widened at the sight of me.

He could finally see.

"You look so much like your mother now," he laughed through his tears.

I pulled him into a hug again. Adonis and Lionis stood by and watched silently in enjoyment.

"Well don't be a stranger," my father said to them as he embraced me, "Join us."

Adonis blinked and Lionis wasted no time hopping in.

My father grabbed Adonis's arm and pulled him down with us all.

I giggled and Adonis was blushing deeply.

"Welcome home son," my father whispered.

Adonis bowed his head, beginning to cry.

"Princess!"

I rose my head and pulled away from the cuddle pile, "G-Gloria."

She had a baby in her arms.

Had she moved on already?

I walked over to her and she hugged me tightly.

I saddened, "Gloria, um...Vinny..."

She backed away suddenly, shaking her head, "No...not him."

I lowered my eyes.

Her lips quivered, "Oridan?"

"He's de-"

"This is interesting. I thought I'd beat you all here."

Gloria and I froze.

I looked back to see my uncle walking up to the mini gathering, leaning on a crutch. He immediately dropped it when he saw Gloria.