Finally Home

As Agatha slowly flew towards Liam, she noticed the gift he had given her just last week.

They had been on their rounds that day, inspecting the town's ongoing improvements. Buildings were being rebuilt and freshly painted, while citizens returned to their homes, offering cautious greetings as they passed by.

Liam held her hand as they walked. Agatha felt uneasy about their public display of affection, but instead of pulling away, she took a deep breath to calm herself. To distract from the watchful eyes around them, she tried to strike up a conversation.

"So, where is that place you grew up with Rayvals?"

"Rivalz," Liam corrected gently, scanning their surroundings. "It was destroyed four months ago. That's where he…"

Agatha closed her lips, realizing she shouldn't have asked. She should have chosen a lighter topic.

"I wonder how you manage to control two elements…"

Liam smiled at her. "My mother was a Water Fae, and my father was Fire. I hope I inherited both their abilities."

"Really?" Agatha said. "Is flashing and flying part of being a Fae?"

Agatha had been practicing flying but hadn't yet tried flashing. Perhaps she'd learn after the wedding.

"Every Fae can flash, but there are limits. We can't flash past magical barriers or to other dimensions. As for flying, only Wind Fae can naturally fly, but there are exceptions, like us, the Blue Bloods."

After Liam's explanation, they walked in silence. Agatha couldn't think of anything else to ask, so she decided to share stories instead. She knew Liam was curious about how she had managed to defeat Eva, even with her dark sorcery. He hadn't asked, waiting for her to tell him in her own time, and today she would.

"I'm half-Nymph, by the way. I'm sure you already knew, since you searched for me with the Werebeasts."

Liam glanced at her, his eyes attentive.

"I didn't grow up among Nymphs; only my Auntie Isa was one. My mother was a Sith. Do you know about Banshees?"

Liam nodded. "They're similar to us but different. Banshees are Siths punished for wrongdoing. Siths are Nymphs of sound; our screams can harm and, if done right, even kill."

"So, that scream we heard in the cave…"

Agatha nodded, afraid Liam might change his opinion of her. She looked away.

"Thank you for telling me," Liam said softly, smiling at her.

Agatha was surprised by his response. He smiled and guided her onward. They reached the town's center, where the largest tree cast a cooling shadow over the park. This was where the wedding would take place, surrounded by playing children.

"Come here…"

Liam led her towards a newly erected building. It wasn't as big as the others but not too small either. Opening the door, they entered.

Inside, it was bare, with boxes still unopened.

"Whose place is this?" Agatha asked, looking around. "Why are we here?"

Liam knelt near a blanket on the floor and lifted it, revealing a large wooden structure beneath.

Agatha joined him, examining it closely. The wood looked sturdy, finely crafted, with a name carved into it.

"Agatha's Herbs and Meds."

She couldn't believe it, staring at Liam in astonishment.

He grinned. "You mentioned wanting a pharmacy, so…"

Agatha glanced around, her mind racing to comprehend it all.

"It's not finished yet; only half the herbs are here. But I wanted to show you so you could decide on the furniture, paint, and design."

Agatha hugged Liam tightly, catching him off guard.

"Thank you," she whispered, pressing her face against his chest to hide her tears. "Thank you, Liam. I'm so happy because of this."

Liam hugged her back, kissing the tip of her nose. "You're always welcome, Aggie. And I'm happy when you're happy."

As they returned to the town center after visiting the pharmacy, Agatha noticed a noticeable change. Though it was still bustling with festivities, flowers now adorned every corner of the park.

Flowers adorned every corner of the town, and blue fabric draped the streets, billowing gently in the breeze. The scene looked enchanting with the fluttering cloth and swirling petals from various flowers.

At the end of their path stood the towering tree, surrounded by Ministers and the three Kings and Queens: King Ludwig of the Fire Kingdom, Queen Agatha, King Daemond of the Land, and King Killion of the Wind Fae.

Agatha was surprised to see King Killion, barely fifteen and not yet wearing his crown, thrust into kingship after his brother King Zachariel's death in battle. He had no choice, as there were no other Wind Fae of Blue Blood left to possess their Ones. However, half of Zachariel's Ones remained missing, leaving Etherealis in peril.

As Agatha approached, she saw Liam on the opposite side. It was tradition for the future Queen to parade from the East and the King from the West, meeting at the town's heart where the magnificent tree stood.

This tradition symbolized the Queen bringing light to the kingdom from the East, where the sun rises, while the King concluded the day with the final law from the West, where the sun sets. Together, they met at the center, symbolizing their duty to serve the citizens and work together to meet expectations.

Though Liam had already been crowned, they repeated the ritual for their wedding. As they finally met, Liam took her hand, and together they faced the Ministers. The background instruments played, but Agatha was too focused on Liam to hear the melody.

Throughout the ceremony, she couldn't stop staring at him, still in disbelief that they were here. Liam offered a reassuring smile, and she nodded back, afraid she might tear up if she smiled too broadly. Liam was everything she never knew she needed or wanted.

He gave her hope, taught her to trust again, and showed her that life could still be beautiful despite their hardships. He made her feel loved and understood, sensitive to her feelings and always ensuring her and Aiden's safety. He made her feel what it was like to have a family; he was her home, and she loved him more with each passing day they spent together.

The wedding proceeded smoothly and simply, following the vows inscribed in the Justice Book. After the vows, the citizens of the Water Kingdom helped create a crop circle made of water, symbolizing infinity and their marriage in a ritual gesture.

Water was used for Louise's wedding, fire for Agatha's, vines for Land, and wind for the Wind Fae, which intrigued Agatha as to how they managed to shape an infinity sign with wind.

Following the wedding and coronation, a reception was held in the town, with everyone invited to a grand feast. The festivities began at noon and lasted until late into the night, nearly midnight when they finally returned to the palace.

Agatha tucked Aiden into bed and kissed him good night. He had spent the wedding day with Hiyasmin, and she felt a pang of guilt for not giving him more attention amidst the day's events.

They mingled with Kings, Ministers, Aristocrats, and townsfolk, but Agatha was relieved that Aiden had matured beyond his years and understood their responsibilities.

Lost in thought by the window, admiring the bright moon, Agatha felt arms wrap around her from behind, lips brushing her shoulder.

"Let's rest. I know you're tired."

When Agatha didn't move, Liam approached her. They stood in silence for a couple of minutes, gazing at the moon.

"I...," Liam began hesitantly, his voice uncertain. "I know it's not my place, but I thought it might help."

She turned to face him. "What do you mean?"

It took him a moment before he continued. "I've been looking into schools for Aiden, both here and in Primotheus Capital."

Seeing her reaction, he quickly explained, "He's not enrolled yet, I've just been exploring options. I had his curriculum designed to be hybrid, so he can attend different schools. I thought, maybe half a year in Primotheus could let him meet other ranger children, but I don't want him to feel like we're sending him away. So, the other half he'd spend here, adjusting to life surrounded by faes."

Agatha remained silent, and Liam's expression turned concerned. "Nothing's set in stone, Aggie. We'll let Aiden decide. If he doesn't want to go to Primotheus, we won't force him. He can stay with us as long as he wants."

Tears welled in Agatha's eyes as she hugged Liam. He stiffened at first, then embraced her back, warmth flooding between them.

"Thank you," Agatha whispered, and Liam's hug tightened.

"You're always welcome, my Queen."

They held each other until she gently pulled away.

"Can we do this?" Agatha whispered, her voice tinged with doubt and fear.

"What do you mean?"

Liam hugged her again, dispelling the chill. "Can we lead the entire Water Fae Kingdom? I'm just a healer, Liam. I never knew I was a princess until recently. What if I'm not what they need? What if I fail?" She voiced the worries that had plagued her in recent weeks.

Liam held her tightly. "We're both figuring this out as we go, Aggie. I never imagined I'd be a king either. But we're here now, and we have to face it together. I won't promise it'll be easy, because honestly, it won't. But I promise I won't leave you. I'll be there with you every step of the way, always."

Agatha looked up at Liam and hugged him tightly.

"I know it's hard for you to trust, and you're worried about Aiden. I know you're not comfortable here in Etherealis, and I'm not sure how to help you adjust. All I can give you is time, Aggie. More than that, I can wait. I'll wait until you're ready to be Queen. I'll always wait until you're comfortable being my wife. Just please, don't leave me. That's all I ask."

Agatha buried her face in his chest. "I'm sorry if I'm hard to understand. It's not that I don't trust you, because I know I can. All my life, I've been used to taking care of myself, even those around me. As a child, I had to be strong. I've always had to look out for myself and others. But you've shown me what it feels like to be cared for. You make me feel safe and loved."

Agatha took a deep breath, tears streaming down her face. Her feelings for Liam overwhelmed her, and she felt like crying.

"And for that, thank you. I trust you, Liam. You've made me trust you."

Liam kissed her forehead tenderly. His heartbeat echoed through his chest, and he felt it all.

"Then let me help you, Aggie. I'll take care of you and Aiden. You don't have to worry. I'll take care of you both."

"That's the problem, Liam. I'm not used to asking for help. It's not that I don't need it or want your help. I'm just so used to figuring things out on my own. Self-reliance is all I've ever known."

"I understand," Liam murmured softly. "So I won't rush you. I know it's hard for you, but it doesn't have to be that way. You can count on me too. We're a team now, Aggie. You, me, and Aiden."

"That's all I need, Liam. That's all I've ever wanted."

Liam leaned in slowly, and she met him halfway. When their lips brushed, she shivered with anticipation.

"This is home," she thought. "I'm finally home."