Orion and Ophelia clung tightly to their mother, their small fingers gripping her dress as though she might disappear again. They had missed her deeply—more than words, more than tears, more than any child their age could ever express. They pressed their cheeks to her sides, soaking in her warmth.
The entire kingdom of Zephyria — and every allied kingdom — gathered outside the palace. Thousands filled the courtyard, the towers, the balconies, the skies themselves buzzing with excitement.
Josephine descended the steps, holding Orion and Ophelia in each arm. Gasps, cheers, and cries filled the air.
"Waaawww!" Orion whispered, thumb in his mouth as he blinked at the massive crowd.
"Mama… so many people! Are we having a party?" Ophelia asked curiously.
Josephine nodded gently.
"But I didn't wear a pretty dress, Mama…" Ophelia pouted.
Josephine kissed her forehead.
Light rippled around her fingertips.
Suddenly, the twins were lifted gently by her power and placed onto her throne. Their eyes glowed a brilliant white. Adris' eyes began glowing too.
Xavi froze.
"…Adris too?" he whispered.
Adris walked forward slowly, guided by an unseen force. He climbed onto the throne beside his siblings, his eyes still glowing white.
Josephine stepped forward—
Black smoke curled up her arms like living shadows, swirling around her body. The crowd bowed instantly.
The smoke exploded in a soft burst of shimmering darkness, revealing her new form:
A majestic, divine gown.
The bodice was fitted gold, shaped like armor fused with starlight.
The skirt was voluminous and black, layered with cascading folds.
Gold filigree traced the edges like constellations.
A long sheer train floated behind her, glowing faintly.
A sun-shaped gold headpiece crowned her, radiant and regal.
She looked like a goddess descended from the heavens.
"Woah…" Zariah whispered, gripping Akira's arm. Akira held their five-year-old son, Kenji, who stared wide-eyed.
Xavi's heart thudded uncontrollably. His wife looked ethereal… untouchable… breathtaking.
Beline held little Aria while Kael stared unabashedly. Aria waved at him as Kael crouched and held out his arms. The three-year-old toddled over; he lifted her effortlessly, holding her as he too gazed at Queen Josephine.
All kingdoms welcomed her back. The cheering shook the ground.
THE BROKEN PRINCE
Queen Olydia approached Kael.
"Prince Kael… Princess Ava favors you. I am arranging a marriage proposal."
Kael's face darkened instantly.
"No."
His voice was sharp, pained.
"I don't want it."
He turned around and stormed away, slamming the door of his chambers behind him. He sat down heavily, grabbing a bottle and drinking with trembling hands.
Xavi considered going after him, but then paused when he saw someone else approaching the door.
Beline.
She hesitated before knocking gently.
"Prince Kael?" she whispered, holding a cleaning bucket.
"Hm?" he muttered, eyes red, still drinking.
"I… I can clean later if you want…"
Kael stared at her for a moment.
Then he said quietly, voice rough:
"Drop the bucket. Lock the door. And come here."
"Huh?" Beline blinked in shock.
"You heard me," Kael said, rubbing his hair in frustration.
Beline locked the door slowly. Her hands trembled as she set the bucket aside. She walked toward him carefully.
"Sit here."
He tapped his lap.
"P—pardon??" Beline stuttered.
Kael rolled his eyes, grabbed her gently but firmly, and pulled her onto his lap. His arms wrapped around her waist, his face buried near her neck as he inhaled softly.
"You smell… so good," he murmured.
Beline blushed hard.
Kael leaned back slightly. "Tell me something. If your mother forced you into a marriage proposal… what would you do?"
"…I'd tell her no," Beline said quietly. "And if she insisted… I'd run away."
Kael stroked her back gently.
"Were you forced into a relationship?" he asked softly.
Her eyes dropped.
"Yes," she whispered. "I thought he'd love me. I thought we'd have a family. But he turned out to be a demon… a cruel one. When I was pregnant with Aria, he forced himself on me. He beat me with a belt. He cheated… constantly. He did everything except love me."
She looked down.
"He's dead now. I finally have peace with Aria."
Kael's body stiffened with anger.
"He's dead," Kael said coldly. "Good. And you're mine now."
Her face turned scarlet. Kael lifted her chin gently.
"I'll wait for you," he whispered. "I'll help you heal — mentally, physically, all of it. And I'll fix your broken heart myself. Aria… she's my daughter now."
Beline blinked rapidly.
"But… your mother is already arranging a proposal. Why want a maid? And one who's already a mother?"
Kael smirked, brushing a tear from her cheek.
"My brother, Prince Xavi — Adris is not Josephine's real son. Yet she loves him like her own. She replaced his blood with hers. She chose him."
Kael pulled Beline closer.
"That's what I'll do for Aria. She will be mine — by choice. Just like Josephine chose Adris."
Beline gasped.
Kael leaned in slowly—
And kissed her.
She held him tightly as he deepened the kiss, finally allowing himself to breathe.
RETURN TO XAVI'S CASTLE
The next morning, everyone packed and prepared to return home. Xavi slept on Josephine's chest, arms wrapped around her protectively, while Adris, Orion, and Ophelia all slept on top of her like little kittens.
Josephine smiled, brushing their hair softly.
Two hours later, they arrived at Xavi's castle.
She woke each of them with gentle kisses.
Xavi held her hand as they stepped out.
"Welcome home, Queen Josephine," Caius said, bowing deeply.
Josephine smiled warmly.
Caius leaned in and whispered something into Xavi's ear. Xavi nodded calmly.
Suddenly—
"ORION! ORION!! ORION!!!" Ophelia screamed.
He stared at her, confused, hearing her from the right side instead of the left.
"Where is your hearing thingy!?" she shouted directly into his left ear.
"Why are you yelling, Lili?" Vexar asked.
"Here, love," Sienna said, appearing with a spare hearing aid.
Josephine inserted it gently.
Ophelia cupped his face and yelled:
"CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!?"
"Yes!" Orion shouted back.
Everyone burst into laughter.
Xavi held Josephine's hand as she took her seat on her secondary throne.
Caius raised his voice:
"ALL HAIL QUEEN JOSEPHINE XAVI ROMAN!"
"HAIL!" the people shouted.
Even Ardera sighed and bowed.
Xavi smiled at Josephine.
"Finally home," he whispered.