Bound by a Blade (PauPat)

Epilogue

 "So lay down your head

 There is nothing here to dread

 And if  I leave before you wake

 Then 'goodnight, love,' is the last thing I said."

 Pat placed a kiss on the baby's pale forehead, holding him a bit closer to his chest before setting him down in the crib. "Sleep well, Thorfrid," he whispered. After spending a few minutes admiring the sleeping infant, he quietly left the room, stretching his arms behind his back.

 Pat was surprised when he returned to his extravagant bedroom, only to find that his husband wasn't there. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked around one more time. He saw the king's golden headband sitting on the dark oak bedside table, causing him to sigh and smile slightly. He went over to the table and picked up the humble crown, knowing immediately where to check for his husband first.

 Ever since they began living in the castle, Pau spent a lot of time in the royal gardens. He adored the beautiful flowers and often went there when he needed a break from working. Sometimes Pat would even find him sleeping on one of the white wooden benches around the fountain, which he found absolutely adorable. Since it was so late at night, the fountain was the first spot he checked. However, when he arrived, there was no sign of the king.

 Next, he decided to look around their baby's favorite section of the garden: the section that held the holly bushes. Tord could be quite the fussy child sometimes, and although he aspired to be the perfect father, Pau knew next to nothing about caring for a baby. One day, when he was alone with Tord, the baby started crying. Pau tried everything to make him quiet down, but he was left unable to figure out why the boy was so upset. Eventually, he decided to take Tord to the gardens, since that was what he always did to calm himself down. According to him, as soon as Tord laid eyes on the holly bushes, he settled down and began to laugh. 

 But alas, when Pat searched for the king among the holly bushes, he was nowhere to be found. 

 Just as he was about to give up hope, he faintly heard a voice. He looked around, trying to find its source, but after a few moments of listening, he knew exactly where it came from.

 Commander Jaeger's grave.

 Pat's heart grew heavy with sadness as he slowly went over to the clearing in the garden where the large headstone stood. Sure enough, Pau was sitting cross-legged in front of the grave, speaking to his late leader.

 "I hope you and Revna are doing well. Wherever you are, I'm sure you're happy now that you're together." He paused and wiped his eyes. "Your baby is doing really well. We decided to name him Thorfrid, after Revna's nephew. I hope you don't mind that we're raising him as our own after she passed away." He sighed heavily, his voice shaking. "Tyra's doing well too. She and Eriko are our royal retainers, and they're our most trusted advisors. Not only that, but they're gonna be married within the month! Isn't that crazy?"

 Pat slowly approached his husband and set his hand on his shoulder. "It's getting late, my love," he soothed as he gently placed the crown on Pau's head. "And you must be freezing. Come inside and tell me about your day."

 Pau was still and silent for a short while before a small laugh escaped his lips. "Pat," he rasped. "Do you remember when I said I wanted a simple life with you? That I wanted to travel the kingdom with you and teach children swordsmanship?"

 "I do, dear."

 "We should establish an academy," he breathed. "A royal academy where kids from all over the kingdom, from any background, can attend and learn how to fight."

 Pat's eyes widened. "That... that's a big goal, Pau," he stammered. "How would we do it?"

 "We're the kings of Dalywen, Pat. I'm sure we could find a way."

 Pat snickered as his husband stood up and turned to face him. "Well, I think that sounds like a wonderful idea," he chirped. "I have always wanted to be a teacher. But for now, its time to come back inside and go to bed. If I let you stay out here for any longer, you won't come back in until the sun comes up."

 Pau playfully rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright." He gave Pat a quick kiss on the cheek, causing the other to blush and giggle.

 The two intertwined their hands as they walked side-by-side back to the castle they called home.

----------------

 "Are you sure you want to do this?"

 "I am."

 "You do not know what might happen. You could get hurt, or even killed."

 "It would be worth it."

 "... Are you taking the sword?"

 "I can't just leave it behind. It's all I have left of him."

 "And the ring, too?"

 "How else would I wield it?"

 "Of course. I understand. Gather your friends, and by the time you come back, my power will be ready."

 "Thank you... Grandmother."

The end