Their Crown, Their Choice

A few months had gone by since the war with King Darren ended. Ashton was now a year old and was a spitting image of his father more than ever. Levianna was just as beautiful, and she proudly showed off her scar. We were in the throne room when my father walked in.

Me: Father, where have you been?! I haven’t seen thee since Levi took the throne.

Father: I chose not to live in the palace. I preferred my small home.

I pout.

Me: That does not explain why thou hast barely visited.

My father looks at me for a moment before sighing.

Father: Truthfully, I did not know where I belonged anymore.

I stare at him.

Father: This was once thy home, and I was the man who ruled it. Then thou became queen, and Levi became king.

He looks around the throne room.

Father: I did not wish to intrude upon the life the two of thee had built together.

Father: And after everything thou hadst endured, I thought perhaps thou needed the palace to be thy own.

My expression softens.

Me: Father.

Father: I should have come.

His voice becomes quieter.

Father: I missed seeing thee. I missed watching thee become the woman thou art now.

He looks toward Levianna.

Father: I do miss my granddaughter dearly, and it appears I have a... grandson as well.

I look at Ashton.

Me: Yes. This is Prince Ashton. Thy grandson.

I smile.

Me: Children, go say hello to thy papa.

Levianna rushes down to hug him. My father’s arms immediately wrap around her. He closes his eyes for a moment, holding her tightly.

Father: My sweet girl.

When he pulls away, his eyes linger on her face. His smile fades slightly when he notices her scar.

Father: What happened to thee?

Levianna: My mark of bravery.

My father gently touches the scar with his fingertips. His eyes grow glossy.

Father: Brave indeed.

He pulls her into another embrace. Then his gaze moves toward Ashton. He stands completely still.

Father: And this is my grandson?

Me: Aye.

I carefully bring Ashton closer. My father reaches out hesitantly, almost afraid to hold him. I place Ashton in his arms. The moment he feels his grandson against his chest, his expression breaks. He looks down at Ashton for several long seconds. Ashton reaches up and wraps his tiny fingers around my father’s finger. My father’s eyes fill with tears.

Father: I have missed so much...

His voice cracks. I step closer.

Me: Thou art here now, Father.

He looks at me.

Father: I should have come sooner.

Me: Thou art here now.

He looks back down at Ashton and smiles through his tears.

Father: He is beautiful.

Ashton babbles softly. My father lets out a quiet laugh.

Father: And stubborn, I suspect.

I laugh.

Me: Very much so.

He looks between both children.

Father: My granddaughter grew up while I was away.

His eyes return to Ashton.

Father: And now I have a grandson I barely know.

He swallows hard.

Father: I will not miss any more.

I smile and place my hand on his shoulder. For a moment, we simply stand together. After everything we had endured, seeing my father holding his grandchildren feels like something I had almost forgotten I wanted. Levi watches us with a small smile.

Levi: How is thy shop doing?

Father: With the help since thou freed the slaves, I may have to pay for their labor, but the help is extremely welcomed. The young lad is strong and obedient.

My father smiles down at Ashton.

Father: Though I believe I shall have to make more time for my grandchildren.

I smile. For the first time in a long while, the throne room feels less like a place of war and more like home. Levianna turns toward me.

Levianna: Can we go with Papa to his shop?

I look toward my father. He smiles. I look back at Levi, and he nods.

Me: Very well. But thou must listen to thy papa, understand?

Levianna: Yes, Mother!

She takes my father’s hand. He looks down at her with a smile.

Father: Shall we, little ones?

Levianna nods excitedly. Ashton reaches toward his grandfather. My father chuckles and adjusts him in his arms. I smile as I watch them. After so much time apart, it warms my heart to see my father finally spending time with his grandchildren. My father, Levianna, and Ashton leave the palace. When I turn around, I scream. Levi is only inches from my face.

Me: Thou scared me, my love.

Levi: Did I now?

A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips.

Me: Aye. Thou knowest exactly what thou art doing.

Levi: Perhaps I do.

He leans a little closer, his smile growing.

Me: Thou art impossible.

Levi: And yet, thou still lovest me.

I roll my eyes, though I cannot stop myself from smiling.

Me: Unfortunately.

Levi lets out a quiet laugh.

Levi: I shall take that as a yes.

He scoops me up into his arms and carries me toward our room.

Me: Levi!

He laughs as he carries me inside and gently tosses me onto the bed. I laugh as I look up at him.

Levi: Finally. We have the palace to ourselves.

Me: We do?

He smiles and leans closer.

Levi: No children. No interruptions. Just my wife and me.

I laugh.

Me: And what dost thou plan to do with me?

Levi’s smile widens.

Levi: I think I shall enjoy having my wife all to myself.

I shake my head, still laughing.

Me: Thou art impossible.

Levi: Yet thou lovest me.

Me: Unfortunately.

He chuckles and pulls me closer. He kisses me. I look up at him.

Me: Do you ever miss our life before everything happened.

Levi: Living in a little cottage in the middle of nowhere? Sometimes.

Me: Would you ever want to go back?

Levi: I would not care but the children may.

I think about and do miss our simple yet quiet life. He rips my dress off.

Me: Keep this up and I'll have nothing to wear.

Levi: I'd be fine with that.

He bites down on my neck, and I let out a moan as he pushes in.

Levi: I always love to hear that sound.

He continues to at the same pace. Treating me as if I was something fragile. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer.

Me: I love you.

Levi: I love you too.

We did not leave the room at all. Our love making was enough to suffice our hunger and our thirst.