Fate II

CCXXXVII

With a quick snap of his fingers, the property grounds were revitalized. A barrier was set up around the property alongside large-scale illusion magic to conceal the place from human eyes. Maris enjoyed the open grounds and sky, munching on the fine hay while Masrur guided Lucy and Masud around their new home — the home that he had built up from the ground over the last several years in anticipation of her arrival.

The rukh fluttered in abundance in the air and a soft smile perched itself upon her lips.

"It's a lovely place," she said, breathing in the fresh, crisp air void of human contact. "I'm sure the sceneries and views are just as breathtaking."

"I'm glad you like it," Masrur softened his eyes in affection, holding her hand with the other placed at her waist.

Breathing in the smell of lilies, Lucy's expression softened and for the first time in a while, they saw a genuine face of happiness and exhilaration. Masrur and Masud widened their eyes in surprise, their lips trembling and eyes watering. How long had it been since they last saw her smile so brightly and freely? They made the right decision. It was the right decision to bring her out of the Palace, far away from the place which only brought her despair.

"Mother," Masud tugged on her dress.

"Hm?" Lucy bent down and smiled. "What is it, Masud?"

"Here," he handed her a bouquet of lilies that he had plucked whilst they were walking through the garden. "Mother's favorite flowers are lilies, right?"

Lucy felt for it and placing her hands over his, she softened her eyes. "Yes," she answered. "They are."

Masud's eyes shone, admiring and awing at her beauty. She had always been beautiful but she was even more beautiful when she smiled happily. He had always envied Sikandar for having Lucy as a mother but now, he had no reason to envy him, for she was his mother as well. Not only that, he was just as loved as any of her other children. Masud smiled happily and with the three laughing together, they looked every bit like the family they were.

A small but endearing smile settled upon Masrur's lips, his eyes soft and tearful with affection. If it means you can smile happily like this every day, he held her hand, placing her small and delicate hand in his large, firm one, I'm willing to give anything.

The rukh fluttered by, witnessing this beautiful yet fragile moment.

How nice would it be if this moment could last forever?

She held the lilies close to her chest, her hand holding his as the two quietly followed Masud, a sorrowful smile upon their lips. It was a thought that had always plagued their minds and a wish that would never be granted. Which was why every moment with each other was one that they treasured.

"Shall we go?" he turned to her.

Her eyes shone and she nodded her head. "Yes!"

He grinned and picked her up in his arms, the two laughing happily with Masud following excitedly after them into their home.

A month later~

Quickly growing accustomed to their new life, the three went about their day as they usually did. Masrur and Masud woke up early in the morning to train while Lucy tended to the garden, preparing the meals with a little help from the rukh. The pantry was stocked full of supplies and ingredients were kept fresh as a result of the time magic placed around it. If there was anything they needed, Masrur would leave to retrieve it. But more often than not, they would go as a family, their disguises perfected with illusion magic.