Destined Hope

Chapter Thirty Eight

One month later...

"Hurry up sweet pea. We are going to miss our ride home." Says Bartley to his daugher.

"Yeah pa, hold yah horses." Says Elsa, how she has grown into a fine young lady. He looks at her and brushes away the thought of having suitors coming for her.

They enter the king's carriage and ride patiently and quietly. Both of them still never understood why they received favour from the king. Nevertheless, they were grateful.

All of them arrive with escort from the king and his men. He then bids them farewell and rides back to his own kingdom taking back the half of his soldiers that he had lent Olivia.

Indeed, it was refreshing to return to familiar grounds. Starting over would be hard but not impossible. Olivia walks through the castle's portrait room and inspects the new portraits. She did not care for any other portrait but her father's.

To her, he was the bravest, strongest, most handsome and most loving man in her life. She was grateful that he loved her and taught her all he did.

"It is time. I shall make the announcement." Says Gerald to Olivia.

Everything had returned to the way it was. Hayley threw a fit and protested over the queen's detainment but she later came to understand why it was so.

Everyone from all over the country gathered in the royal courts as they awaited the announcement to be made. "With everyone's arrival, I shall begin the announcement. First, our kingdom of Ireland has been able to acquire land as well as other resources in trade from other kingdoms due to good relations. Second, I shall now present to you the person who liberated you from the suffering oppresion of the queen. Olivia, if you may." Says Gerald as he steps back.

Everyone gasps and starts murmuring in astonishment. The very Olivia whose death had shocked many and brought sorrow to many is alive? How is that possible? As they ponder the announcement, Olivia walks out into their view, making them even more shocked. A ghost? Is she angry from the world of the dead? They continue to ask themselves.

Olivia chuckles lightly then clears her throat and says, "First, I am very much alive. I was never dead to begin with, but I am here to say welcome home and I apologise for my sudden disappearance."

She watches as expressions change and how the people receive the story as she gives it. Ofcourse, among the people is her loves. The man she loves and their daughter.

After finishing the story, she rushes down to meet them both and throws herself into Bartley's arms. Elsa who is momentarily shocked looks on silently.

She invites them to the castle and offers them tea. "My, my, Elsa you have grown." Says Olivia. "Do you have my journal?" She asks.

Elsa subconciously reaches into her bag and pulls out the journal. She then hands it to Olivia, who happily takes it and tears it apart. "We wont be needing this anymore. We will write a new one." Says Olivia as she watches Elsa's face brighten up.

"Feel free to ride my horse anytime yah feel like lass." Says Olivia winking at her. Elsa then claps her hands happily and goes out to play with diablo.

Being the only two in the room, they stand up in unison and rush into each others arms, greeting each other with a passionate kiss. "Oh how I have longed for you." Says Olivia.

Bartley then embraces her tightly as he breaks into tears. The tears he coukd not cry out for so long, loneliness, anger, sorrow, anxiety, longing and joy. He poured them all out.

Sure, it would take some time before the people accepted Bartley as their new king but the queen's trial and execution were definite. History would be re-written in the right way and the kingdom's children would learn the right things. Indeed for Olivia, it was certainly a time to be alive.

Gerald silently looks on as he feels happy for Olivia. All the time he bad spent giving refuge to his dear cousin and friend, he could feel her suffering. Now that happiness had been returned to her, he could rest assured and be at ease as he returned to his daily routines and life.

- The End-

Hope you enjoyed the story!