Epilogue
THREE YEARS LATER…
“Finally.”
I had found my way to him.
Wil gaped at me in surprise, eyes wide. “Why are you here?”
“Did you forget who I am?” I shot back. “I have many friends who helped me find you.”
“Right. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“Domestic affairs have finally stabilized,” I told him.
“So I’ve heard. Your reputation precedes you, even this far away from the capital.”
“Hopefully for the right reasons.”
He laughed at that.
“I refuse to give up anything more,” I said, reaching for him. “And I will not let go of you.”
“That’s nice, but—”
“Don’t say you can’t because you were the heir to House Radford. I’ve made sure your accomplishments are well known. You’re the queen’s savior, the one who prevented her assassination at the hand of Lord Radford.”
“You flatter me.”
“And you don’t value yourself enough,” I chided him. “By the way, you seem to have been quite busy around here.”
Wil had moved to a fairly run-down countryside village far away from the capital. Ever since his arrival, it flourished to the point of becoming unrecognizable. His guidance led to the construction of roads and enhanced public safety. He was able to transform this town from a sleepy hamlet into an important regional trading hub. He even spent time ensuring operations would remain stable without his presence. The more the town prospered, the more renowned his name became.
“Perhaps it would be best if you stayed here, but I refuse to give up. With you by my side, I’d be able to try harder than ever before.” Even as I said this, he didn’t take my hand. I was wholly confident I could convince him at first, but now the anxiety started to creep in.
Had he found a new love since we last met? Our marriage was political, so perhaps he realized he felt nothing for me during our time apart. The longer I held out my hand, the more nervous I became.
“I love you. And I want to know more about you,” I said. “So please, let us walk together in life.”
What would I do if he rejected me now? After everything I just said, if he admitted to not loving me, I would have to give up.
“Luxeria…” He said my name with a stern look on his face. I braced myself for the worst possible answer.
Instead, he gently grasped my hand.