Returning to Monara

Celine saw the smile that rarely made its way onto Caylus's face and could help but smile. She wanted to question its reason for being there but she'd rather not ruin the mood. A few seconds later it finally came to her the reason he was happy.

'Of course he's happy, he just found out his childhood friend is alive. Who wouldn't be happy?' she thought with a smile. Seeing her husband smile like this was rare and she wanted to treasure the moment.

"Why are you so happy my Queen?" asked Caylus unknowing about the smile on his face. "Seeing you happy makes me smile." she said getting up from the throne. She made her way over to him grabbing glasses of wine that were on a table she passed.

"Here, to celebrate the return of your friend." she smiled, handing him a glass. He smiled even brighter before accepting toast. "To Diana's return." Caylus drank the wine in one gulp before looking around the room.

"Where did Camron and Alice go?" he inquired about his children's whereabouts once he noticed they were the only ones remaining in the room. "Alice retired to bed and Camron went to escort Octavia home. Though he should've already returned. He might be spending the night."

"Octavia? The Baron's daughter? Now why would he do that?" the King asked a bit confused, he wasn't confused because the prince was hanging out with the daughter of a mere Baron. He was confused that Camron of all people was hanging out with a Baron's daughter. As Camron found it unnecessary to hang out with people too far below his class.

"I know what you're thinking, and I think that Camron is finally growing up."

"I see." the King didn't dwell on the matter too long as it wasn't too important. "Let's retire, I will be spending tonight with you." smiled the King as he lifted his Queen princess style towards their bed chambers.

…

Diana stared down at the city lights of Casyon from Drakkon's back as the wind flew through her hair. The scene was simply beautiful. "Beautiful isn't it?" she asked with a sad smile. "It is, but Monara is much more beautiful. Do you know why?" he asked as he stared at the city he flew above.

"Because of its location?"

"No, because it was a city that you built."

Upon hearing these words Diana couldn't help but smile a genuine smile of happiness. "Where did you learn to be such a sweet talker?" she teased eyes shining with mischief. "I- may have read a book or two or twenty." coughed Drakkon mumbling the last part. Luckily for him, he was in his dragon form and on the darker side.

"Mmmm."

Just like that the two continued their journey to Monara conversing and joking along the way.

…

Once they arrived at the palace in the Capital city of Sunar, guards and servants were outside looking slightly panicked. Drakkon landed on an area that was built especially for his landing. After he landed, he made sure Diana unmounted safely before transforming and inquired on what the issue was. "Sir we were just worried about the Empress since it is currently daybreak and she hadn't returned."

"I have taken care of you, for years but she's the only one you're worried about? Wow, the disrespect." joked Drakkon. Moments like this when you'd find Drakkon joking were rare and always treasured.

"Sir it's not that, the Empress had only awoken a few days ago, I'm worried a-" the maid was cut off by Diana. "There is no need to worry." She smiled as her hand glowed green, showing that she could utilize her magic.

This caused the servants to calm down as they got in order to do their duties properly.

"Welcome home Empress Diana and Sir Drakkon. Please allow us to escort you up." they said in unison causing Diana to chuckle. "I already told you guys, all of this is unnecessary."

"Nonsense your highness. Now follow me, we have already prepared a bath for you." replied the head maid Maria with a smile.

Diana could only sigh before she followed Maria into the castle where Drakon waved her bye.

"Come on Maria, you don't need to do this. I'm perfectly fine and can take care of myself." Diana complained. She preferred to take care of herself or to be the one taking care of others. She hated feeling like a burden.

Maria shot the Empress a sharp look which caused her to pout and continue to follow the woman silently. Once they arrived in the room Maria allowed the Empress to wash herself, as she had promised to let her do so yesterday, while she looked for a night gown for the Empress to wear.

A few minutes had passed when Maria realized she was no longer hearing sounds from the bathroom. In a panic, she rushed over to see the Empress laying in the bath leaning on one hand. Maria smiled in relief before she went to wake the Empress.

"Your Highness, I know you're tired, but you can't sleep in the bathtub. You'll catch a cold." she said, shaking her gently. A few more shakes later and the Empress was now awake.

"Huh, Maria? Did I fall asleep?" she queried, yawning. The maid nodded before Diana motioned her to leave. "Let me finish up, he-re." she yawned once more. Maria nodded leaving the clothes on the counter as she remained close to the door.

When Diana emerged from the bathroom, she was wearing the clothes Maria had left for her and had tied her hair in a messy bun. Maria then escorted the tired Empress to her bed and helped her lay down. Once she was finished she bowed before leaving, greeting her Empress goodnight

. "Goodnight, Your Highness."

"Goodnight Maria." mumbled Diana in response as she dozed off.

…

So many days had passed without a word from Diana, that Caylus had started wondering if she had really appeared or if it was just his imagination. That was until he had received a message from a carrier pigeon.

|I'll be there by noon ;)|

The smile that had graced Caylus' face a few nights ago had returned as he began preparing for Diana's visit.