The Taste and Price of Victory

Epilogue

~18 Years Later~

Amira looked up from her book, smiling softly as she looked through the open door of her home, seeing Kengi with their son, teaching him to use his magic. She set her book to the side, standing up and moving to go outside. She leaned against the doorframe, smiling when Kengi ended up with a face full of sand.

Tristian laughed, eyes full of happiness, "I got you, Dad!"

Kengi's eyes lit up with happiness as he wiped the sweat from his face, "Indeed you did, Tristian." He smiled, flinging sand at Tristian from behind, laughing as his son sputtered and wiped sand off him.

Amira let out a bark of laughter, causing both pairs of eyes to fly to her as she spoke, "You two are something else, that's for sure." She stepped down from the porch, her feet sinking into the sand as she walked to them.

Kengi met her halfway, pulling her into a hug, murmuring, "I love you so much, Amira." He kissed her softly, murmuring, "My love. My soul. My life."

Tristian flung sand at them, "Hello! I'm right here."

Amira laughed, pulling back from Kengi,"I didn't forget about you, don't worry." She moved over to him, hugging him, "How are your powers going?"

He smiled down at her, "They're going fine, Mom, thanks. Dad's a really good teacher."

Kengi snorted, "Not near as good as your mother was when she trained her troops."

Amira rolled her eyes, stepping away from Tristian and raising a brow at Kengi, "You only say that because I'm your wife."

Kengi smiled softly at her, "Actually, I don't have to do anything of the sort. Besides, you always inspired your troops. They loved you. I'd imagine if you went back today they would take you with open arms."

Amira opened her mouth to argue, stopping when she saw a group of horses approaching them with the kingdom's seal. She didn't take her eyes off them, murmuring, "Tristian, go inside. Now."

Kengi turned to see what she was looking at, freezing, "Listen to your mother. Go."

Tristian nodded, not saying anything and going inside.

Amira whispered, "They haven't bothered us in so long. What could've changed?"

Kengi stood slightly in front of her, blocking her, "I don't know, but I'll protect you. Always."

They didn't say anything as the group of soldiers stopped in front of them. The one at the tip of the arrow they formed dismounted.

He approached them, removing his helmet, revealing a young man. He inclined his head, "General, I am Captain Perret. By order of the new King, His Majesty, King Damien, you are to return to the palace to resume your position as the Senior General."

Kengi hissed, "Get off of our land and leave."

Captain Perret sighed, mounting his horse, "I would advise you come within the month. His Majesty won't want to wait to meet you." He turned, kicking his horse into a trot and leaving.

Amira trembled slightly, relaxing in Kengi's arms when they wrapped around her, "They'll never leave us alone in peace. I have to go back."

Kengi murmured, "You can stay here, or we can all go. Family sticks together, love, and I will stay beside you forever."

Amira rested her head on his shoulder, not saying anything as she fell into peace. 

Regardless of what the new king wanted, she would stay on the beach with her family. She had already learned a lesson she had no desire to repeat. She had learned The Taste and Price of Victory.

Word Count: 572 words

Guys, we finally reached the end! This is insane to me! 

This book was started on September 27th, 2023 and finished today, April 14th, 2024. 

Thank you so much for reading. I love each and every one of you. Do you think there will be a book two? 

Thank you all for reading! I'll see each of you in my next book!

Also, coming out soon....