Chapter Thirty One - Everything will be fine, right?

After a few moments, the emperor stood up and dusted off his pants as if nothing had happened. His face was expressionless, as if he had not just met his long-dead sister. Well, I guess that's a politician for you.

He walked up to my father and extended his hand to him.

„Thank you for sending me a letter. It means a lot that you took this risk for my sake." My father accepted his hand a shook it.

„I knew how much you thought about her and how sorry you were for what happened, so I just wanted to give you one more chance. I hope your burdens have become a little lighter."

More words were exchanged, but I couldn't concentrate on them because my father stood on his own two feet. Without help. My mother probably unconsciously let him go when the emperor held out his hand. At first, I felt incredibly surprised, then an undescribable joy spread through my body. Thank God. Or whatever that presides over this world.

Ealie disappeared and went back to her new family so... I didn't know how, I didn't know why, what the conditions were, and I didn't really care anyway. The main point is that it must mean that the curse placed on my father must have been lifted.

"Father!" I couldn't contain myself, I ran up to him and threw myself at him like an excited little girl. He caught me in his arms and I hugged him as tightly as possible.

I've been afraid to touch him since I got home for fear of causing pain, so it felt like forever.

„Damren!" My mother probably came to the same conclusion as me because she hugged the two of us together. I heard a soft laughter and I knew it was the Emperor.

„I'm glad you're better." His words were sincere, but a little sad. Understandably so. „Get some more rest and then come back to work. I need you in the parliament." I heard his retreating steps, but I didn't really care.

Part of me wanted to glare at him for wanting to put my dad to work right away instead of giving him the long vacation he deserved, but the other half of me was too happy to deal with that right now. Rather, I wrapped my arms more tightly around my parents. This moment is the most important right now, I will deal with tomorrow when tomorrow comes.

It took us a little while to settle down after that. My mother didn't want to let my father go and she needed some convincing. Luckily, Father managed to coax her with the idea of a celebration.That was the moment I realized Eiran and Rihian most likely had no idea what had happened. So I recommended my parents to prepare a little party in the garden and I went to the training grounds where the boys were hard at work.

The sound of metal meeting could be heard from further away, as well as joyful laughter and here and there slurred words from a conversation. Despite Rihian's initial suspicion and discomfort, they now got along well. Fortunately, their shared passion brought them together. I was happy, but they won't get away with the scolding they will get for using non-practice swords again.

„Rihian! Eiran!" I shouted when I could see them. They glanced at me but didn't stop sparring.It seemed that my brother was on the offensive while Eiran was defending himself without using his aura. His stance and movements were perfect, without any useless motion. I felt my blood start to boil. Now that I feel better, I want to go up against him too. I knew I had no chance of winning, but still, I wanted to try and learn more from him.

I guess he didn't want to keep me waiting because the moment I reached the edge of the field, he knocked the sword out of Rihian's hand. I couldn't help but smile.

„I've never lost so fast before." My little brother complained, but in a jovial mood.

„It's not good to keep a lady waiting." He just shrugged and then turned his full attention to me. „Did something happen?"

„It's madness and I will explain what exactly happened but..." I threw myself at him and squeezed him tightly. „Father is better! He is safe now." I whispered in his ear. I couldn't see his face, but I was sure he was smiling as he hugged me back.

„What?" Rihian yelled in surprise. „Is Father alright?" He just picked up his sword but he discarded it again so he could start running towards the house. I looked at his retreating back with a forgiving smile on my face.

"You should treat your sword with more respect, young man." I said without any hard feelings, although I was aware that he couldn't even hear me because of the distance.

„Is it over now?" He asked as he wrapped his arm around my waist. I buried my face deep into his shoulder and breathed in his scent. It was comforting. But maybe not the scent itself, but his mere presence. He is here with me. He is my rock.

Due to my heightened emotional state, I didn't want others to see me, so I didn't move, just took a few deep breaths.

He rubbed my back soothingly as I slowly let go of the tension, fear and trials of the past weeks. Everything is fine, now we can continue our usual, everyday life. And my days will only be happier because he is here with me.

When I felt ready, I raised my head, pulled back a little and looked deep into his eyes.

„Yes, our hardships are over, only happiness awaits for us." At least, I hope so.