Epic: Alternative Ending

Chapter 12: Planning a Wedding

"Thank you all for coming. I will make this brief." MK looked around at her Council and how loyal they'd been her first several months as the Queen of the Forest.

"Speak freely Highness." Count Foyre encouraged MK to continue on.

"I have decided to marry Nod the Leafman. No one can convince me otherwise. Thus, either you agree, or you are hereby removed from the Council." MK looked directly at Countess Rocha, whose pupils were rather dilated.

"Your Majesty, permission to speak freely?" Countess Rocha stood as MK nodded, taking a seat.

"We, the Council have long been in discussion in regards to the current events taking place in the Dead Wood and effecting the Forest overall. Ronin, Count Foyre, Nim Galuu, and I all agree that Nod has proved himself worthy of the crown. We'd all be honored to call Nod the future King of the Forest. Prince Aragorn would have been ideal, true, but Nod's bravery and dedication to rescuing our Queen has shown his ability to not only make future decisions, but to also know what it is to devote himself to the kingdom fully. Though Nod still has a lot to learn, he is teachable." Countess Rocha finished and looked over at Nod, winking in approval. MK was shocked, speechless for a moment, but she wound up smiling.

"Thank you." Was all MK could say.

"When's the wedding?" Count Foyre asked.

"The first or second week of June." Nod answered.

"My, that's just around the corner. You'd better start planning." Countess Rocha teased.

"Indeed." Count Foyre smiled from ear-to-ear.

"Ahh, young love." Nim Galuu sat back in his chair.

"Well, that concludes the meeting." MK clapped her hands, the Council members congratulated her and Nod. Nod and MK made their way out to their secret garden as they began celebrating. The two shared several kisses, eventually deciding to go inside and begin planning. MK called on all her handmaidens, all but Rose arrived eager to help. They felt several hours planning, MK eventually grew sleepy.

"Rose will be alright MK." Lily patted MK on her back.

"Really?" MK felt somewhat guilty.

"Yes, she knows Nod's happiness is what's important." Lily prepared MK's bath.

"And what about you and Ronin?" MK teased as Lily blushed.

"That's just unrequited love. I can learn to live with it." Lily smiled bitterly as MK sighed.

"I just wish I could do something." MK undressed and got into the hot bath.

"Well, enjoy your bath." Lily nodded her head and walked out, her head slightly tilted down. When Lily was in the hall, she stood proudly and walked outside to walk around. She needed fresh air. Lily managed to get far away enough from the palace and the town when she began to weep. Her heart broke as she cupped her face in in her hands, and tried to remain as silent as possible in order not to be heard. After a few minutes, Lily found a small stream, knelt down and splashed her face in hopes of freshening up. She then turned to walk back to the castle. She was rather hungry, walking towards the kitchen in hopes of finding something refreshing to eat. Lily was rather surprised to see Ronin eating a slice of cake inside the kitchen.

"Evening Lily. I hope I didn't surprise you, I needed a little something sweet before bed." Ronin smiled up at Lily, who did her best not to blush.

"Oh, sounds rational. I just wanted to have some dinner." Lily closed her eyes and smiled, she managed to find herself some ingredients for a salad. The two ate in silence when Ronin cleared his throat.