“I know,” Athis interrupted. “You went to The Lifeless Isles and became a Dragorn. I’ve heard the story a thousand times from everyone.”
“You’re forgetting the part where fate reunited us,” Inara pointed out. “And, as the future king of Illian, you will surely have good reason to reach out to the queen of Erador. After all, there is so much good we can do for each other.”
Athis was shaking his head, too stubborn and upset to hear her words. “That’s years away! I don’t want her to leave now. Why can’t she stay with us? Illian is her home. Gwenyfer could do so much good here, where she is already loved by so many.”
Inara sympathised with her son and pulled him towards her to plant a kiss on his forehead. “I don’t want her to leave either,” she confessed. “I look on her like a daughter. But Gwenyfer is important. Erador is important. It’s a country as vast and populated as our own, and they are in need of Gwenyfer to take them into the future. One day, the people of Illian will look to you to do the same.”
Athis sighed, wiped his tears away, and slumped into his mother’s arms. “I will miss her so much.”
“As will we all,” Inara replied, her heart already beginning to suffer the strain of losing Gwenyfer. “But we don’t need to miss her today. Today the whole realm will celebrate her and say farewell, while we get to keep her to ourselves for a few more days. So let’s enjoy our time with her. Yes?”
Athis managed something of a smile and returned his mother’s kiss. When he was ready, the queen took him by the arm and made for the throne room. Along the way, they were reunited with Adilandra, who was skipping hand in hand with one of the servants. Inara took her from there and succeeded in meeting up with Vighon, Gideon, and Gwenyfer before they were announced to their guests.
The queen of Erador was a vision to behold, her copper ringlets immaculate and full of life, while her emerald eyes glistened in the light. Much in the same fashion as Inara, all of her clothes were somewhere between a warrior’s leathers and a queen’s formal dress. It was her smile, however, that enchanted all around her. Inara was pulled in by that beaming grin until they were embracing.
“You’re ready,” Inara said quietly to her.
“Thank you,” Gwenyfer replied.
While the young queen turned to greet Athis and Adilandra jumped into her father’s arms, Inara came face to face with Gideon Thorn. He had been a guest in The Dragon Keep for nearly two weeks and had used that time to reacquaint himself with Gwenyfer before they made their journey back to Erador together. Though Vighon and Inara had informed her many times of the manner in which she was brought into their lives, Gwenyfer had no memory of Gideon or Ilargo.
But now he was here again, after seventeen years, to take her away. Gideon had assured them that the war in Erador was over, and that every warlord and crooked guild had been disbanded, slain, or brought to justice in a makeshift court system he had overseen himself. Indeed, both Gideon and Ilargo had the look of war about them, each sporting new scars. And though the war looked to have added years on to her old mentor’s demeanour, he hadn’t aged a day by his appearance.
“It’s alright to hate me,” Gideon said to her.
“I don’t hate you, Gideon.” Inara glanced at Gwenyfer. “Well, perhaps I hate you a little bit. But as much as this is going to hurt, I could only ever thank you for bringing her into our lives.”
“This is to be the first stitch between your two kingdoms,” Gideon began. “By blood or by bond, Illian and Erador are family now. These are to be our first steps on the road to lasting peace.”
Inara put an affectionate hand against his chest. “I look forward to that future. Though, right now, it doesn’t even begin to take some of the sting out. I still hate you,” she added with great amusement.
Gideon laughed to himself and squeezed her with one arm. “We should probably go inside. From what I’ve heard, Doran has already eaten most of the boar.”
“It’s good to know some things never change,” Vighon remarked, putting Adilandra down. “Shall we?” The king hooked his arm and Inara slotted into place beside him. Behind them, Athis did the same with Gwenyfer while Gideon happily held Adilandra’s hand.
As the doors began to open, Isold announced their arrival from the other side. “Their Graces, King Vighon and Queen Inara of house Draqaro, the sword and shield of Illian, and protectors of the realm!” The master of servants waited until they were a few steps over the threshold before his next announcement. “Queen Gwenyfer of Valayan Blood, heir to the throne of Erador, and his Grace, Prince Athis of house Draqaro!”
Inara glanced over her shoulder to observe their entrance. Athis was three years younger than Gwenyfer yet he was already a full head taller.
“Master Gideon Thorn, Lord of Drakanan and Defender of Erador!” Isold continued. “And her Grace, Princess Adilandra of house Draqaro!”
Their welcome was one of great cheer that quickly continued into the party itself. Beside Vighon, Inara did the rounds first, greeting various lords, ladies, and governors who had made the long journey. In truth, the queen wanted to get that part over with so she could enjoy the company of her parents and old friends.
Indeed, she found the two together, easily located thanks to Doran’s hearty laughter. They told each other of their respective kingdoms between their reminiscing. They shared both the hardships and luxuries of wearing a crown, many of which Inara and Vighon could relate to. It wasn’t long before Galanör and Aenwyn, having fulfilled their ambassadorial duties, made their way over and took part in the merriment. Always on
