Epilogue: Fairy Tale

The man who met the little girl in the grand staircase of the royal palace led the latter into the hidden hallway. He explained that he will be filling in for the tutor and gave the little princess a history lesson.

The substitute tutor then wraps up the lesson and when he faces the pupil, he turns out to be Zyric. The student happens to be their firstborn, the heir apparent.

"What happens to Queen Elzilaura after she marries her prince?" The little girl's eyes glisten and her smile widens.

Zyric knew the little girl was being playful. "Well, she becomes mother to a daughter named Corsolydra who was born under the light of the Corsolydros or Craiine." He taps her chin.

Corsolydros, an ancient name of Craiine, sometimes turns blue green over the night sky with borealis lights as part of the planet's atmospheric phenomenon. The ancients believed that when a child is born during this phenomenon, the Corsolydran moon, the child becomes well gifted. True enough, she turned out to be brilliant and wise beyond her years. Zyric holds the shoulder of his daughter stressing his appreciation for her.

Suddenly, the doors open which leaves the tutor and the pupil surprised. Zyric turns as the little twins, a boy and a girl, rush towards him screaming in excitement. The prince continues narrating.

"Aside from the daughter, the Queen and her prince had twins named Thavaron and Zaeralina." The twins crowded over him and their eldest sister. The children momentarily played until Corsolydra looks up to her father and tutor. "And they all lived happily ever after?"

Zyric stares at his daughter. "I think you're reading too much fairy tales from planet earth."

"Well, don't they?" Corsolydra asks.

"Of course." He had no choice but to agree to his little girl. He touches her face once again in appreciation.

"Alright, you all better get going." He motions to the royal nannies that were nearby. They take the royal children to start preparing.

Zyric then heads to his chambers to get ready as well. Along the way, he sees his nephew shooting arrows in the gardens through the large windows. He then diverts to the glass doors and walks past the topiary. He stands behind the lad.

"Not bad." Zyric claps.

Scydian was surprised to see his uncle.

"You know you shouldn't overdo the pullback and aim well." Zyric demonstrates then gives his nephew some tips. He guides the boy execute until he shoots better.

"Wow! Thank you, Uncle Zee." The boy was grateful as he saw his own improvements. "Auntie Zora says you were good but I haven't seen you yet in actual demonstration."

"Well, I never miss an aim." Zyric brags.

Scydian was supposed to comment but then bows. Zyric looks on and sees the Queen nearby.The prince consort kneels in reverence. Just as he rose, the Queen speaks.

"You should start preparing Scydian. The shooting lesson can be continued tomorrow."

"Yes, your majesty." The boy bows and the royal servants who were watching approached Scydian. Before he could go to them, Elzilaura clears her throat. "Aren't you forgetting something?" She gestures to the side of her head.

Scydian smiles and runs joyful towards her. He gives his Auntie a kiss before she joins the servants who escort him back to the palace.

Zyric stands there looking at his wife whose arms were crossed. There was a bit of awkward silence between them. They recently got into a fight like married couples do.

"Are you still angry with me?" Zyric asks.

She shook her head but looks at him as if she were about to strangle him. Not for long, her mood changes.

"I'm sorry." She brings down her arms as she sighs.

Zyric draws nearer. "No, I am sorry for being brash. I should have been more considerate. You have too much stress. I shouldn't be adding to them."

Elzilaura descends down the steps and approaches her husband. "I am sorry too for always being irritable. I am using my job to rationalize unpleasant behavior. It is me who should apologize to you."

Zyric clutches his wife's hands and brings it close to him. They stare into each other's eyes for a moment.

"You know you shouldn't be lying to your nephew." The Queen looks smug.

"What are you talking about?" Zyric was clueless.

"Well, you told Scydian you never miss a target but in truth you did. Once long ago, you aimed to kiss a girl but ended up brushing her cheeks."

Both of them recall one of Zyric's confessions in the past. During their temple sneak out, Zyric wanted to kiss her lips and take his chances but in his nervousness, he ended up planting a kiss on her cheeks. This memory is special for both of them. It was when they both started to develop feelings for each other.

Zyric grins and rationalizes saying that was a minor mistake as Elzilaura laughs.

He surprisingly grabs her and holds her against him. He takes possession of her mouth giving her a long searing kiss.

"As I've said, I never miss my aim." He points out as he releases her and catches his breath. Elzilaura agrees. "Yes, perfect shot."

As they begin to walk back into the hallways, Elzilaura asks Zyric. "There are some issues that I want to know your stand on."

"Issues?" He wondered.

"Yes, I heard rumors at court regarding you being mocked by the nobles as subservient husband. I want to know if you're emasculated. Many prince consorts in the past refused to address the issue and the wives seemed not to care but I do. In truth, I am worried."

"Oh, they must have gotten the wrong information. They mistook me for someone else." He jests while Elzilaura halts, looks at him and crosses her arms with one finger tapping. Her face had a scowl hinting and pressing on the question. "I'm serious. Do you feel emasculated?"

Zyric quits laughing and faces her. "No, I don't because I know this role comes with its disadvantages such as these rumors so I don't let it get to me. They're somewhat ridiculous. Don't you remember last month's brunch?"

On certain instances, Zedon invites his siblings for a calm weekend in his summer residence in Craiine. Zyric brought her along as part of the family. While they were in the middle of the meal, a loyal family friend who served as their informant shared with them the latest gossip. It was about Soradina being accused of having an affair with one of Zedon's newly sworn vassals. It was senseless as the Duchess of Craiine has never met the alleged lover.

Soradina and Zora started cackling. Zedon was more annoyed with their reaction than the false narrative itself. They couldn't have a quiet family time because the girls kept laughing. In a way, she admired how the siblings never let any hearsay bring them down. She then recalls the gossip columns and tabloids on Planet Earth and it's no different here in Fliska.

"Oh, I see." Elzilaura says as the reverie ends. "Yet I wonder if it had an effect on the children. They weren't with us then but I'm sure they heard of it too. How did they take it?"

"The children are too young to understand except for Scydian. He is a smart kid. He knows his parents are loyal to each other. Even though they argue at times, it is not enough to tear them apart."

"Brilliant kid." Elzilaura says

"Too smart sometimes." Zyric answers. "He says that when his parents reconcile after a fight, he has a new baby brother or sister eventually."

Elzilaura laughs audibly. Suddenly, a group of courtiers as well as palace staff who happen to pass by stared at her. Then, they bow before them as they walk on. Zyric continues to converse.

"Anyway, don't mind the gossipers but I appreciate that you care about my thoughts about this. Thank you."

Before they could continue, they hear someone clearing her throat. The couple sees Nuviette, the queen's young handmaiden.

"'Pardon me your majesties, the guests are arriving. We all finished preparing and getting dressed. Princess Kanunia sent me to remind." She emphasizes by spreading her skirt.

"I'll be seeing you later then." Zyric says before departing.

"Later?" Elzilaura makes faces like a baby.

Zyric grins again. "Alright, I'll see you soon." He kisses her forehead and takes leave while Nuviette hurriedly guides Elzilaura up the staircases with the other servants following closely behind. Nuviette mentions Veela and Arlia are waiting to help her dress up.

Not for long, the Queen was ready and the prince consort meets her at the edge of the staircase. He recalls the many times she saw her descend down the staircase while he was at the bottom waiting. Each time she walked down, she grew more beautiful. Then he comes back into the present when she stops right in front of him.

She is more radiant now that she was great queen and mother. Just like always, he steps forward and assists her. He then notices the silver pin he gave her once.

The Queen explains that her diligent handmaiden found it somewhere. Nuviette was just behind the Queen and she smiles after hearing her majesty's praise. Zyric thanks Nuviette for retrieving the pin. The handmaiden bows to accept the prince consort's gratitude. Zyric then leads her into the hallway where Kanunia meets them.

She informs the couple that the children are ready. She signals to the nursemaids to bring the children forward. They curtsy before their mother. After the formal greeting, she then holds her eldest daughter and walks through the halls. Zyric followed behind with the twins. Next in line was Kanunia and the rest of the royal family follows the queen's sister. Nuviette and the other attendants remained in the hallway.

Soon the balcony doors open and the crowd cheers upon seeing the queen and the rest of the royal family. She parts from her loved ones and stays on the pulpit to deliver her speech which receives a wondrous applause. It was the anniversary of her ascension to the throne.

Years ago, she saved Fliska and the rest of the universe with the help of Galaxis. The former pilots of the Elitea were present as part of their guests while the current pilots fly overhead in an aerial exhibition. They soon landed and joined the people. Zora was one of the pilots. The noblewoman from Craiine was honored as well for her services to Elitea.

After sundown, the guests were invited to a dinner party. When everyone else had gone to the rest, the royal couple visits the royal nursery. They check on the children and see that the twins had dozed off. Zyric touched his son's arm and cheeks while Elzilaura planted a soft kiss on her daughter's forehead. They found Corsolydra still awake reading with a pile of books beside her.

"What are you reading, love?" Elzilaura sits by her daughter's side embracing the little girl while looking at the pages of the books. "I think this is a fairy tale from Desdan."

"I told you. Earlier this morning I said you are reading too many fairy tales especially the ones from earth."

"I like'm especially the earth tales. They make me happy. Unlike my other textbooks."

"But your school books are necessary, my love." Elzilaura explains. "Especially the ones your tutors give you."

"Yes of course, but I like my fairy books. I read them for fun." The child shakes and goofs off playfully.

"I see but it's getting late. It's time for bed." The prince pulls her daughter and brings her down to the other side of the bed and tucks her behind the covers.

"Good night, my Lianka." Elzilaura moves towards her daughter across the bed to plant a kiss.

"Sleep tight, little princess." Zyric kisses her forehead as well. He then extends out his hand to Elzilaura and they leave the bedroom together.

As they were going back to their chambers, Elzilaura asks. "I miss being a child and all those fairy stories. What was your favorite fairy tale?"

"I don't know. I'm not a fan of fairy tales. They're not my thing and I can't teach them to my students in the military academy." Zyric shrugs his shoulder. "But when it comes to stories, there is one that will always be my favorite."

He grabs her hands and arms tracing the glimmering tattoo markings. "It's the story of a princess and her friends journeying across the universe to save her people and they found love in the end. As she once told him, their love changed the universe forever."

"Indeed". The Queen affirms.

"How?" The consort asks.

"Well, their marriage was special. It is very different from other alliances. Besides, they have smart children that are destined for greatest. It's really a good story. Well maybe you should share it with your students." Elzilaura suggests.

"Maybe some of it." Zyric says. "If I go back as a permanent teacher."

A soldier then rushes to them. "Your majesties, Marshal Harrion is requesting for you. He is in your office." The couple hurriedly sought him.

"The riots caused by anti-monarchists have been suppressed. However, many have been displaced. The regions of Senseva and Kaile were devastated. Their citizens sought refuge in Vanaris. Relief operations have started and Alednos has arrived just in time while Sabaria is bringing in aide from Invoris. With your permission, may I join them as well to provide help?

"Permission granted." Elzilaura says. "Travel swift and safe, Lord Marshal."

Harrion salutes and takes leave.

"Well, my love, I am sorry but I will have to work tonight. So have a good night's rest." Elzilaura explains. "Whilst I will monitor the situation."

"I'll stay up with you. Alednos and your other advisers are not here. As a prince-consort, it is my responsibility to help you."

"Point taken." Elzilaura sighs. "Oh well, if you're joining me, we better get going."

As they were walking, he tries to cheer her up. "Maybe we could take a vacation after this. Just the two of us like a second honeymoon. We can even have a getaway vacation. Let's go somewhere far like planet earth."

"Really tempting" Elzilaura smirks. "I'll think about it.

They passed by the palace balconies and noticed the fighter planes taking off into a starry night. Elzilaura pauses for a moment and goes out to the balcony while Zyric follows. They watch as the planes flying past the control towers heading towards the south. Not for long, they vanish from sight and she says a prayer in her heart to keep them safe from all harm.

She then scans the view of the capital's night scene grasping Zyric's hand thinking that their fairy tale is not perfect but it's just fine as everything else will be."

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