Chapter 12: Ending (For now)

Kaico gasped and bowed low to try to cover this action. When she looked up the Queen had an amused grin on her face. "We don't get many visitors. What brings you here to the End," she asked.

"Oh," Kaico said and quickly laid out what had happened ending the story with, "you can help Enderly right."

The Ender Queen had a perplexed look, "you saved an Ender? What is your name?"

"I did," Kaico said plainly. Then added, "Kaico, your majesty."

"Evelyn is fine," she said gently, "EvelynEnder." She extended a hand. Kaico took it and shook it once before letting go. Evelyn turned around and started to walk away, "come with me."

Kaico followed her somewhat uncertainly. She could not help but feel nervous.

When they reached the castle another person was waiting.

"This is Hera, my wife," Evelyn said. She looped an arm around her. "Hera, this girl brought home one of our Ender's it was injured trying to save her."

Hera raised her eyebrows and didn't say anything. Evelyn nudged her quite obviously.

"The same Ender came here recently, clearly quite distressed, I ended up giving them a healing potion, I suppose that was for you?"

"Yes, I had an accident with a creeper." Kaico blushed slightly, "Enderly saved me."

"Enderly?"

"That's the name I gave them," Kaico said quietly, feeling sort of embarrassed.

Evelyn sensed this and softened, "I think it's a pretty name."

Kaico smiled slightly.

"Thank you for saving Enderly," Evelyn said, her eyes were stormier, "many of my people have perished in the overworld, I hardly let them travel now."

Hera had a dark look on her face as well.

"You're welcome," Kaico said. Then something occurred to her, "will you let Enderly go back, because I will have to return, I just brought them here to be healed."

Finally Hera spoke, her voice sharp, "I need to talk to you Evelyn."

Evelyn gave Kaico an apologetic look and was lead off.

When Kaico knew they were gone she lowered her voice, "is she usually that glum?"

But Enderly seemed too happy to be home.

Kaico settled herself in and waited, eventually, Evelyn and Hera came back, their faces didn't betray anything.

"Kaico," Hera addressed her curtly, "Evelyn and I wish to extend an invitation to you."

Kaico gasped just slightly and then covered her mouth, she squeaked, "yes?"

"We would love to have you stay with us for a time," Evelyn amended, sounding much more friendly than Hera had.

Kaico felt a rush of emotions, if she stayed then her brother wouldn't find her, and she would be free. However, she wouldn't get to be the builder she had wanted to be. She wasn't sure what to say.

Enderly chirped at Evelyn, and she smiled slightly.

"You know, this place could use some updated decor, what do you say Kaico?"

Kaico broke out into a smile.

"Of course," then she blushed, "Queen Evelyn." She bowed to her, hoping she didn't look too awkward.

Then she pulled out her book.

"I'll send a couple of my enders to give you a tour," Evelyn told her lightly, "and your ender will need to rest for a while."

Kaico nodded, she'd miss Enderly, but she was filled with the potential of this new life.

When the two enders had guided her away, Hera leant toward Evelyn and muttered quietly, "how long do you think she can stay here?"

Evelyn gave her a strained smile, "as long as we can."