Previous to Ever After

Sixteen (Epilogue) Three Months Later

I wish I could tell you that we all lived happily ever after, but I can't. Because ever after hasn't happened yet.

"So," William said holding my hands as he stood in the doorway of my castle. "I'll see you later tonight? At your father's ball?"

It took a while for father to regain all of his strength from his illness, especially since we didn't use the potion to help with his healing. True loves kiss can only do so much, you know. Anyways, mother and I were throwing a grand ball for him tonight, inviting all of the nobility and the commoners, so that all of our people were able to see their king healthy again.

"Of course," I replied smiling up at him. "And remember, you don't need to dress that nice. It's just a ball, sweetheart."

"Well, you're going to wear a pretty dress," He started as he leaned in and pecked my lips. "I might as well try to look good next to you."

"Alright," I said, giving in. "See you tonight."

"Tonight," he agreed as he walked off down the castle steps and towards his manor.

My mother and father had paid off Mrs. Porter's debt happily, and offered her, William, and Max to live in one of the manors next to the castle. She accepted, but kept her shop in the village, closer to business. William now lived next door to us and I couldn't be gladder. Sometimes, when he's in his yard playing with Max, I could see him from my bedroom window. I couldn't help but smile every time he laughed. He had such a wonderful laugh. 

And now, as I watched him walk down Castle Hill, an empty picnic basket swinging in his hand, I felt that same smile spread across my face.

"That boy is in love with you, you know," my father said coming up next to me. He was dressed in his royal robes, carrying his crown in the nook of his arm.

"You think?" I asked closing the grand front door.

My father smiled down at me and put his hand on my shoulder. "Genevieve, listen. I don't know much about love, just that it saved my life once when everyone already thought I was too far gone for saving. I see how you look at him. You have never looked at any boy like that ever before."

I looked up at him, wondering why he was bringing all this up now. "So?" I asked.

"So, I want you to know that I think you should marry him."

I was taken back by the sudden turn in conversation. Marry him? William and I have never talked about marriage. Sure, we've said I love you about a million times to one another. But never talked about actually marrying. I think it's because we both knew of the one thing that would have stopped that kind of relationship.

"But," I started. "What about the law? A princess can't marry a commoner–"

"That law," my father started. "Is just as it sounds. A law. I think you know firsthand that love can overpower anything. Even something as silly as a law."

He turned and started to walk away, leaving me standing by the door, thinking about his words. Then he turned around and smiled down at me.

"A law is just words on a piece of paper, Genevieve. That's all it is. And that's all it will ever be. But that boy," he said pointing to the window and at William disappearing at the bottom of the hill. "He's your true love, and don't you dare try and deny it."

"How do you know that?" I asked smiling up at him, crossing my arms, even though I already knew his answer.

"I'm your father," He replied, turning around. "I know everything."