The Arrow of Midnight

Epilogue

"Should I put out more pillows?" Clara asked from where she was studying the picnic set up. A large blanket covered the lush green grass of the clearing, with multiple throw pillows scattered over it. A hand-woven basket, filled to the brim with pastries, pies, and a variety of snacks, sat on one edge. It's one of the few gifts I kept from my coronation all those years ago. The basket was woven by a lovely wood fae who lived on the far side of the walled city back home.

"I'm sure twenty pillows are enough, C," Matthew droned from where he lounged on the blanket, already enjoying the early summer sun. It's been almost 8 years since the war with the Sun Court, and most of my friends scattered to be with their loved ones, but we always gather in this clearing once summer rolls around for a full day of drinking and chatting. Tanner moved to Spring Court with Flora. According to his latest letter, he has been shadowing Lord Abebe to take over the court as the new lord alongside his mate. They have been married for almost seven years now but decided to hold off on having children until Lord Abebe stepped down, so the old male could have enough time to spend with his grandchildren. Lord Abebe has been quite busy with trade lately, ever since we opened our continental trade with them as agreed upon by our established alliance with the twins. Amy moved to the Sun Court and was given Duncan's position as a commander alongside Morrigan, they decided not to get married, purely to spite the court's counsil, who had faced numerous challenges since the twins assumed control. The counsil no longer has much of a say in court matters and simply advises the twins. They didn't dare fight the twins on that ruling, especially when Lucien showed up to the meeting in his serpent form. Matthew, Hunter, and Julian stayed with me at The Kingdom of Starlight to be my three most trusted commanders alongside Maddox, my husband and mate. Hunter and Bella got married two years ago after the war, while Matthew, Clara, and Julian made their relationship official. Sharing one of the largest castle rooms together.

A breeze caused the water in the lake to ripple, and a heavy arm draped across my shoulders. I immediately leaned into his warmth, savoring the moment of peace and quiet. His lips brushed my temple as his thoughts connected with mine.

Can I tell them? I've been itching to tell someone. I bit back a smile and reached up to lace my fingers with his.

Let's wait for everyone first. His grip on my hand tightened as a ripple appeared in my magic just beyond the clearing.

"They're here." I mused, and we all went to stand beside the picnic blanket when our friends entered the clearing. I've missed them. Jane wore a stunning red dress that brushed her ankles. Her golden brown hair was braided down to her lower back, with an elegant gold crown resting atop her head, much like my own. Where mine had three stars, hers had a sun, matching the one the twins wore. Of course, the twins wore matching grey suits, but while Lucien's was embroidered with green accents, Damian's matched the red of Jane's dress. Tanner and Flora wore matching green outfits, his pale skin slightly tanned from days in the sun. Morrigan and Amy wore their usual brown leathers. I wouldn't be surprised if they went to train this morning, but the ones who truly grabbed my attention were Dana and Leo, Jane's fraternal twins. They were six now and already outshone their parents with beautiful sun-kissed skin and matching dark brown hair. I'll give it to my sister; she can make absolutely stunning children.

"Auntie Athena!" Leo and Dana's voices echoed across the clearing, filling my heart with joy at their excitement.

"There's my little monsters!" I couldn't help the hitch in my voice as their hands slipped from their mother's, already running at me in a full sprint, but Maddox easily scooped them up before they could collide with me.

"Where's my hello, you little rascals!" He mused, lifting them into his arms, and my cheeks started to ache from the broad smile.

"Hello, Uncle Maddox!" They chimed. They were always loud children, but who wouldn't be when you were born into a time of peace with free rein of the palace. My gaze shifted to my sisters, and we didn't waste a second before embracing each other. The usual scents of vanilla, lavender, and peppermint collided as we pulled each other closer. Mor had gotten used to hugs over the years. Her usual icy exterior melted shortly after the war, and it still surprised me sometimes when she initiated the hugs. But I was glad for it.