Prince. (Xingqiu x Chongyun)

Epilogue

Hu Tao drags me up from my bed, literally, she drags me up and I stumble to my feet out of my sleep. She spins around, she's already dressed.

"Come on! The Lantern Rite is tonight!" She runs to my closet to get my clothes.

I rub my eyes and sit on the edge of my bed, "It's still the morning..."

She turns to me and pouts, putting her hands on her hips, "So?"

"We don't need to get ready so early." I yawn.

"We do! Everybody's looking forward to the Lantern Rite since the one last year ended badly! I'm sure people will start celebrations early." She turns back to my closet and throws clothes on my bed next to me.

Right, a lot has happened in a year. Chongyun and I have been together for almost a year now, and I've loved every moment of it. I'm so glad he's able to move properly now, we've been taking advantage of that and walking around Liyue Harbor at least three times a week. We don't need to hide our relationship anymore since I'm not going to be king and Yanfei talked about banning hate speech against LGBTQIA+ people. Everyone's been surprisingly supportive, I've seen more open people out on the streets and it makes me so happy to see that they can express themselves.

Figuring out the royalty status took a few months, and eventually, it was decided I wouldn't be king. It was a really stressful few months, I'm just happy it's over. We're still living in the castle for now, the cabin we stayed in last year during the Lantern Rite is being turned into a home. A lot of the workers have moved out of the castle, Chongyun moved out so he's closer to his aunt, Shenhe, so his place is like a second home to me. Noelle is staying in the castle to help out until the house is done being built after she moves to Mondstadt to work with the Knights of Favonious, she's excited, and I'm happy for her.

Lumine and Aether went to Inazuma, I hope they come back for this Lantern Rite. I didn't talk to them much before the incident last year but we talked a lot more for the month leading up to their departure. I wasn't as close with them as they were with other people, everywhere they go they seem to fix problems and make people happier. 

Hu Tao waves her hand in front of my face, "Xingqiu?" 

I jump, "What?"

She shakes her head and sighs, "You zoned out for a second there."

"Oh, sorry." I apologize, "What were you saying?"

She grabs my hand and drags me to my feet, "Don't apologize! Let's just get ready, I'm excited!" She spins around again and skips out the door.

I smile and roll my eyes, I should get ready.

I come down half an hour later, completely dressed with my hair done. I walk into the kitchen, and Noelle smiles at me. 

"Hi, Xingqiu! I made food for breakfast and lunch since I need to get ready." She picks up an empty plate and gives it to me.

I look at the food on the counter and sigh, "Noelle, you don't need to do all this."

She shakes her head, "I don't mind! I love being able to help out, and I'll be leaving soon so I want to enjoy every moment!"

I side-hug her, "You'll come back and visit, right?"

"Of course, I will! Maybe I'll bring friends from Mondstadt to the next Lantern Rite." She steps out of my arms and towards the door.

"I'd love to meet them," I smile. I'll miss her.

She nods, "I should go start getting ready, and enjoy the food!" She steps out of the room.

"Thank you!" I turn a fill a plate with food.