Seek (Book 2 of the Hide and Seek Duet - Completed)

12. Epilogue 1

It was over, I watched as first the consorts and then Councillor Underhill were taken away by their respective authorities, then the others involved in the conspiracy taken away to serve their sentences.

"Octavia, can we talk to you?" I turned to find Strohm and Aeson watching me and nodded as I felt Blaze and River move close behind me. I could see Jonik and Thallon watching nervously from across the room and wondered why.

"We are sorry for everything that has happened, what our fathers did to your family was... just we are sorry and if you can forgive us we would like to get to know you better" Aeson said and Strohm nodded, glancing over my shoulder and adding "And of course your harem"

I searched their faces and recognised both the truth of their words and the fear and betrayal they felt in their fathers, the fear that I would reject them because of it. "it would be good to get to know you better" I agreed and stepped forward to hug each of them, shocking them into immobility until they relaxed and hugged me back. "And tell Jonik and Thallon that goes for them too"
They step back and bow their heads to me before rejoining the other two and I watch them go with a lighter heart, after everything that happened I had a growing family.

"Tavi, you okay?" Stone asked joining us and I smiled at him, reaching out my hand for his, feeling the rush of love from all my boys.
"How soon can we get away and relax, I just want to spend time with you all" I tell him biting my bottom lip and allowing my block to drop, showing him exactly what I need and he grins at me.

"Your wish is our command" he waves a hand at Chase who nods, moving to the Queens side to whisper to them, their eyes swinging to me and they nod, lifting a hand to wave back. Stone quickly guiding us from the court and into an empty side room

"Call a portal baby" Talon instructs moving up to take my other hand and I shiver at the tone, my core warming at the dark promise in his voice.

As the portal closes behind us, they are on me, "Are you ready baby" Stone growls at me and I giggle, Flashing them another image and making them all growl as I turn and race from the room, up the stairs towards the bedroom. I was half way up when Talon caught me and took me up in his arms, carrying me the rest of the way.

We spent the next week at home, just exploring and strengthening our bonds with each other, our days filled with love and laughter and our nights with passion and heat, my body waking aching and marked but wanting more and more.

Chase rejoined us at the end of that week and we returned to reality, his list of jobs for us to do seemingly endless as both worlds worked to improve communication and balance. LuPa was another regular visitor, in between acting as head of the council

And now that we were three months on from the trial and things were evening out, the Grandma's wanted to present me to the Fey realm as their Princess. I was nervous but the boys had made me realise. I was already loved and if I didn't want to do it I didn't have too, and that took the pressure away and I agreed, and the date was set.

"Vivi, are you ready?"
I look in the mirror at my Grandma Fran and smile, pushing down on the nerves "Yes" I reply turning to face her, pushing the elaborate gown around me.

She smiles and steps forward lifting her hand to show me the delicate circlet she held. "This is for you, its time your people welcomed you home and acknowledged your place" she placed the circlet on my head and brushed away a tear. "I wish your family was here to see this, they would be so proud of you"
I pulled her into my arms and hugged her tight "Thank you Grandma"

Knock Knock
"Your majesty its time" came the call from the door and we broke apart, each laughing as we wiped the tears away, before opening the door to the gathered family.

LuPa and Grandma Ana watched as the boys rushed forward to me, taking turns to kiss and hug me. Each taking a moment to place a hand on my stomach, their excitement visible only to me of the news we had yet to share with the rest of the family, I looked to the side and could see Jonik, Thallon, Strohm and Aeson, stood with Chase, all wearing court clothes in bright jewel colours.

Grandma Fran clapped her hands and looked around, "Right, lets get this done, then we can relax and celebrate" she called and I watched as everyone seemed to know which door to aim for, aides opening each of the three sets up.

The Queens stepped forward together through the central door, the cheers of the Fey ringing out at the sight of them, then LuPa stepped through the door on the left, coming to stand next to Grandma Fran, Jonik and Thallon joining them from the left. Strohm and Aeson stepping through on the right to Grandma Ana's side. The crowds cheering for all of them.

Chase moved over to us, smiling "You ready?" he asked and I looked at the doors worriedly.
"I think so" I mutter as Grandma Ana raises her hand and silence falls.

"Our people have faced many trials over the years and have overcome many a foe, but recently, as you are now aware, the foe has been hidden within our own ranks. With those seeking to harm our balance with the human world now dealt with, we can once again look forward to the future, to celebrate, life, love and family and Queen Francesca and I are pleased to present our grand-daughter, a true princess of both houses perfectly balanced with human. Princess Octavia and her consorts"

As the cheer rose outside, I stepped out of the middle door and stood between my grandmothers, the boys stood behind us silently observing, Chase at our backs. I looked out over the sea of smiling faces and finally felt at peace.