Thief of Twilight

Epilogue

"I'm glad that you are feeling better. I apologize if the wine was too strong for you. I will make sure not to order it in the future."

"There is nothing for you to apologize for. You didn't do anything wrong." I placed my cup of tea on the table.

Great Emperor Kang Chunwoo smiled to himself. His amethyst eyes gave a slight shimmer. "How is Yohan? I see he has had his hands full for quite some time now."

"He is alright. He spends most of his free time with our children."

"Ah, I see. How old are they now?"

"Iris is seven. Ashe is thirteen and Bistre is fourteen."

"Ah, I see. I will have to take them hunting the next time you visit the capital." Great Emperor Kang Chunwoo gave a light chuckle.

"I think Bistre would enjoy that very much. I am sure Ashe would enjoy reading a book while Iris would prefer to watch the flowers grow."

"Is that so? It might be too early to tell but do you think Ashe will become a future captain?"

I smiled softly. "I can see Ashe becoming a very good captain for the Sincheon military. He has always been very strategic. Even Tekhelet spoke up about it. I believe Bistre will take the throne when it is time."

"And what of Iris? What does she want? I know she is young and I am aware that the two of you don't have any future prospects for her. But would you feel comfortable with her marrying into another powerful family?"

I hesitated for a moment.

"I do not know the specifics of moon children. But Yohan has told me enough for me to get the idea."

"I think the world will see her as a member of the royal family. Their hair does not glow in the moonlight like mine does. At least...when it is not a full moon. They should be okay."

The Great Emperor smiled softly. "I understand."
he took a moment as if to collect his thoughts. "Did it hurt?"

I hesitated before answering his question.

"When he marked you....did it hurt?"

I slowly rubbed the back of my neck before smiling at the thought. "No...it did not."

The Great Emperor Kang Chunwoo nodded his head. "Good. I am glad." as he spoke, Iris walked up the stone path carrying a handful of blue flowers.

Her large round-almond-shaped eyes were a soft powdery purple to match her thick waves.

"Ah! My granddaughter!" he extended out his hands. "How are you, my precious little princess!"

Iris smiled happily before bowing her head. "Hello, grandfather."

"She is so cute! She looks just like you!" he looked up at me.

"Iris!"

The three of us looked up to see Bistre and Ashe walking after her.

"Sorry mother, we tried to keep her in the greenhouse but she wanted to see you." Ashe sighed. His silvery loose waves were held up in a bun on top of his head with a few strands framing his face.

"She wanted to give you those flowers." Bistre sighed.

"It's alright." I held out my hand as Iris turned to me.

"They bloomed last night. Beom and Min-ji helped me pick them." Iris placed the flowers in my hand.

"I see. They are very pretty. Did you plant these yourself?"

"Yes. Tekhelet, Vista, and Zaffre helped me."

"When are the twins coming back?" Bistre asked. "I want to fight them again."

"Why? You're just going to lose again." Ashe said.

"No, I won't! I almost beat Vista last time!"

"You are too eager to finish the fight. You have to wait until you see an opening and then attack." Ashe sighed. "Mother, can I go to the city with Min-ji? I want to find buy another map of Jurza and a book about its history."

"Yes, if Min-ji allows it. And what is this sudden fascination with Jurza?"

"I want to reclaim it."

"Oh, what big dreams!" Great Emperor Kang Chunwoo said. "If you wish to do that, I will happily lend you my men for support."

Ashe turned to his grandfather. "I would appreciate that."

Every day I am amazed at how beautiful my children are. With my children sharing a warm olive complexion, there are slight differences that surprise me every time I see them. Bistre is almost an identical copy of Yohan, with deep endless black eyes and silky hair. He even has the same dimples when he smiles. Ashe, I would say, shares both of our features but has freckles around his nose. His eyes are as deep as the sea and resemble stormy rain clouds. Iris, according to everyone at the palace, looks more like me but with powdery purple hair and eyes.

As Ashe and his grandfather happily spoke of battle, I caught sight of Yohan walking along the stone path toward us. I rose from my seat and approached him.

He extended a hand, taking me by my waist and pulling me to his chest.

"I hope my father isn't boring you."

"No, he is keeping me company while you are busy working." I smiled.

"I will be finished soon, please be patient." he kissed my cheek.

"Yohan!"

The two of us turned to see Great Emperor Kang Chunwoo holding Iris in his arms. "I'm going to take my grandchildren for a walk around the palace. We may go to the city and get some sweet snacks at the teahouse. I will have them back before dinner."

"Please do not buy them snacks. It will ruin their appetite." Yohan sighed.

"You cannot tell me what to do." he walked past us. "I am their grandfather and it is my job to spoil them."

Our children waved as they passed us following their grandfather down the stone path.

"That old man..." Yohan growled. "How dare he spoil my daughter more than me."

"You have sons too." I laughed.

"Yes but..."

I laughed again before taking his face in my hands. "Yohan."

He looked deep into my eyes.

"I love you."

Yohan smiled softly before gently kissing my lips. "I love you too, Empress of Jincheon."

___

Thanks for reading!