The Shavers

Chapter 20 : Family

Esme

A month later

Ryia was crowned as queen shortly after Sence's death she appointed as a protecter of Rottingdean as her first duty as the new queen.

My mind thought of my mother, father, Agnes, Merton and my one and only true love Oswin looking up above and knowing how proud of me all of them would be.

Going from a poor farm girl from Crowhurst to a protecter of Rottingdean now living a cozy and comfort cottage with my new companions.

Dominic and Arianna.

Although Arianna and I didn't get along at first over our relationship healed and we became like the best of friends.

Literally.

Almost.

Like.

Sisters.

While Dominic and I had a close friendship since the first we meet.

"What ho!" Arianna greeted me elastically, bouncing into my bedroom. I glanced at you adjusting my suit of armour across my chest. "How are you feeling, Esme?" I took a deep exhale staring into the mirror stood before me.

"If I could drive into the river" I beamed as Arianna stood me, worryingly. "I don't know Ari not really, I'm actually just a little nervous that's all" I confessed feeling my heart do a sudden stutter as goosebumps rosed through my body.

"Well that is to be expected and all. As it's your first day of training as a protecter" Arianna chuckled gently resting her hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry that I called you a witch and murder" she apologised sighing a heavy sigh. "It's ok Arianna, I understood why you did"

Arianna looked up at puzzled. "You do?" I wholeheartedly, nodded. "Yes I do. I was a stranger to you and you were cautious of me being in your home"

"So your first reaction to me was completely natural, I would of acted the same way you did as you, if it were the other way around" Arianna smiled as I bearded my hands on both of her shoulders.

The sun shinned upon my green emerald stone necklace dangling around my neck. As I was about to exit my bedroom when Arianna ran into arms lingering me into a warm embrace. "Good luck, Esme" she chirped pulling away, swallowing audibly.

"Thank you, Arianna" I held her into an embrace again as a tear rolled below my cheek.

Strolling my way out of the cottage, Edith, Tillot, Maud, Miriam and Reiss stood outside patiently waiting for me in the glorious bright sunshine.

Dominic yelled, lightly grabbing my arm. "Wait! You can't left without this" he exclaimed carrying something underneath a large ragged old cloth. Arianna stepped out beside him to remove the cloth off the item to reveal not only just a sword.

But the sword that belonged to Felix.

Before.

He.

Died.

I reminded speechless and in awe looking upon it. "It's yours now Esme" Dominic beamed handing over the sword to me. "Father would want you to have it for good luck when fighting in battle"

Arianna and my follow protecters simply nodded.

Warm tears steamed down my cheeks as I was overwhelmed and surprised. But I was feeling hopefully. "I don't know what to say Dominic" I  threw my arms around him, sobbing. "Thank you!"

"I promise I won't let Felix down or the kingdom of Rottingdean" I declared breaking my embrace with Dominic to proudly lift my sword into the air. Maud, Edith, Miriam, Tillot and Reiss put their swords up, overjoyed.

"To Esme Rolfe, our new protecter and loyal ally to every grace our kingdom" the group chorused, cheering. While Ariana and Dominic clapped, wolf whispering.

This was a new start for me and for the people of Rottingdean.

The shavers were gone and were never to return.

When door closes, another door opens.

And this wasn't the end for Rottingdean or the kingdom.

The end.