He stared down at her in wonder and then answered her question with a kiss.
Epilogue
With a kingdom-wide holiday already planned and the relevant international representatives present, Ava thought it made perfect sense to turn one royal celebration into two. The fact that she was finished waiting for her happiness had nothing whatsoever to do with it.
Hans made no objection to such a rushed wedding, in fact he brushed aside any suggestion that he wasn’t well enough for the ceremony with scorn. Aldric had to make him promise to rest until the last possible moment and only seemed satisfied after Hans laughingly asked him to stand beside him at the wedding.
“I’m honoured, of course,” said Aldric, “and accept gladly. But don’t think that means I’ll be forgetting my role as your doctor. You’ll rest until then if I have to hold you down myself!”
Hans agreed with all due solemnity and Aldric was satisfied.
Sarah, on the other hand, was horrified.
“The day after tomorrow! That’s not enough time to get a wedding dress ready! Let alone dresses for your attendants.”
“Uh huh!” said Evelyn. “Now we get to the heart of it. And I suppose you’re expecting to be an attendant?”
“Of course,” said Sarah. “And I’m sure you and Mathilde will be as well. We did help win the Trials, didn’t we?”
“Funny,” said Evelyn, a little caustically, “I don’t remember you competing in any of the trials.”
“I was essential support personnel,” said Sarah in mock outrage, “I even refrained from vomiting at all the blood.”
Evelyn opened her mouth to reply but Ava laughingly intervened.
“I will, of course, be having all three of you as attendants. Along with several other well connected noble girls of the court. And Princess Clarisse.”
Evelyn shot her a questioning look.
Ava shrugged. “I’m hoping it will put all the murmuring to rest. Show the people that I trust Clarisse and that she had nothing to do with my brother’s treachery. I gave her the choice of remaining or returning to Lanover and she’s chosen to stay in Rangmeros to support me.”
“That’s good of her,” said Sarah. “But it doesn’t address the more important matter: our gowns!”
Evelyn rolled her eyes and Ava laughed again.
“Since the entire city seems to have thrown themselves into the planning with great delight, I now have a veritable army of seamstresses at my command. They may have to stay up all night to achieve it but, one way or another, you will all have dresses.”
Sarah jumped in delight and immediately besieged Ava with questions about the colour, cut and material. Her disappointment on learning that Ava had handed the whole project over to the royal seamstress was obvious. After a moment’s thought, she declared her intention to go find the woman.
“Like the poor lady doesn’t have enough to do,” said Evelyn after Sarah had left. “For all Sarah’s talk, she’ll probably be quite helpful though. She’s very good at this sort of thing.”
“If I’d thought of it earlier I would have made her my official wedding planner,” said Ava.
“She would have loved that.” Evelyn smiled. “But she’ll enjoy being an attendant just as much. She’s ridiculous sometimes but she has a good heart. I know we bicker a lot but it’s all in good fun, really. Being raised in the caravan together we’re really more like sisters than cousins and everyone knows that even the best of sisters drives you crazy at times.”
“I’ve never known what that’s like,” said Ava. “But, since you brought up the caravan, I’ve been wondering. How much do you like life on the road? Do you think you would ever consider settling down?”
“I’ve never really thought about it,” said Evelyn. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, my personal guard is about to become my husband.” Ava grinned at the thought. “Which means the position is open. And I can only think of one other guard I would trust in the role.”
“Your personal guard?”
Ava was encouraged to see that she looked flattered.
“That’s a significant promotion from caravan guard. Are you sure? I don’t have any experience at court.”
“I couldn’t be more sure,” Ava said.
“In that case, I’d be honoured.”
“Honoured?” asked Sarah, popping back into the room unexpectedly. “Whatever for?”
“Ava has just asked me to be her personal guard. So I’m going to stay in Rangmeros.”
“Excellent,” said Sarah a little absently.
Ava was rather surprised that the other girl wasn’t at least a little disappointed to hear that her pseudo-sister wasn’t returning to the caravan.
“Thanks for the congratulations,” said Evelyn dryly. “Let me guess, you’re in the middle of hatching some scheme or other?”
“What, me? Scheme?” Sarah laughed. “Of course not! But in all seriousness, that’s great Eve, it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person. Plus, it works out quite well since I’ve decided to stick around, too.” She beamed at them both while Evelyn narrowed her eyes suspiciously and Ava just blinked.
“I didn’t like to mention it while we were all fighting for our lives and all that,” she continued, “but you’ve been seriously holding out on me, Ava!”
“What do you mean?”
“They might not quite measure up to your Hans,” said Sarah, her eyes laughing in Ava’s direction, “but your court is full of an uncommonly large number of handsome young men. There are a couple in particular that I have my eye on. I think one of them will do very nicely.”
“Do for what?” asked Evelyn in a resigned voice.
“Didn’t I tell you I always knew I was destined for better things?” asked Sarah reproachfully.
Ava and Evelyn stared at her and then both girls burst into uncontrollable laughter. Evelyn actually had to sit down she was laughing so hard.
“What?” asked Sarah. She watched them suspiciously for a minute and then her own lips twitched. A few seconds later, she joined them.
As her laughter slowly subsided, Ava felt a glow of satisfaction. Her life couldn’t have been more different than it had been three months ago. And now these new friends were going to stay and continue to fill her life with laughter. It was a warming thought.
And who knows, she thought with amusement, knowing Sarah, she’ll probably convince some unsuspecting young nobleman to fall in love with her, after all. There was no doubt the court would be a more cheerful, amusing place with her around. And a little light-hearted cheer was something the Rangmeran court sorely needed.
The changes in her life seemed even more stark two days later when she stood before the gathered court, and as many of the commoners as could fit into the great hall, and gave the solemn oaths of a Rangmeran monarch. When the crown was placed on her head there was a great cheer and she felt the weight of it settle, not only on her head but down into her soul. This was her kingdom and her people and she would do everything in her power to protect and guide them.
Looking across at her new husband, she smiled to see the same determination on his face.
“A crown suits you,” she whispered to him.
“I don’t care about the crown,” he whispered back. “I’m just glad that now, and for the rest of our lives, nothing can stop me from protecting you. So watch out, Ava. While you’re busy looking after the kingdom, I’ll be here looking after you.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Ava and the crowd cheered again to see the newlyweds smile at each other with so much love.
The post-coronation celebration had been quickly adapted into a wedding reception and the party flowed out into the streets of the city and lasted well into the night. There was much jubilation and even talk of recalling relatives who had moved out of Rangmere.
“Just wait and see,” predicted the older citizens. “Rangmere will prosper now that we’re ruled by true love again. Just you wait and see.�
�
The younger generations were perfectly happy to agree with their elders when it gave them an excuse to celebrate into the small hours of the morning. Impromptu bonfires and dances sprang up in squares all across the city.
In the castle, Ava and Hans were busy greeting their many guests. There were a couple of surprises amongst them too.
The best one was Hans’ parents.
Not having time to send for his family had been his only hesitation when Ava had suggested combining the wedding with the coronation so he was overjoyed to see them rushing forward through the crowd as soon as the official portions of the day were over.
Apparently they had only arrived in the city that morning although they had set out from Northhelm after they heard of Hans’ disappearance.
“It took a while for the news to reach us and a bit longer to get everything ready for the trip,” his father said. “We weren’t sure what we’d find here so we made Hanna stay behind.”
“She’ll be sorry she missed the wedding,” his mother said, “but she can’t really be spared from the royal kitchens, anyway. You wouldn’t believe the way she’s rising through the ranks!” Her eyes glowed with pride.
“Of course I’d believe it,” said Hans. “Although given the state of things at the time, you two shouldn’t have come either. Who knows what Konrad would have done to you, if you’d arrived here earlier.”
“We weren’t just planning to rush in and announce ourselves.” Hans’ father shook his head. “Where do you think you got your smarts from, hey?”
“But we couldn’t sit in Northhelm, knowing you were in trouble and too far away to help.” His mother directed an affectionate smile towards her husband.
“Well, I’m just glad you were both here,” said Hans.
“So are we, son, so are we.” His father clapped him on the back. “Although I think we’re both still in shock. Here we were, rushing over to try to get you out of trouble and we find you’re a king! It’s all a bit sudden.”
“We had to take our time on the road because we weren’t travelling alone,” said his mother. “So I’m doubly glad we made it in time. I imagine with all of this rushing around, you haven’t had the chance to find a proper bride gift, either.”
Hans shook his head and looked a little embarrassed.
Ava felt a sharp pang. She had been hoping that Hans had forgotten about the tradition that required a groom to present his bride with a gift on the morning of their wedding. The inequality of what they each brought to the marriage was already so stark, she didn’t want it further emphasised.
“Well, we brought one for you, just like you instructed.” His mother was smiling so broadly it looked as if her face might split.
“I asked you to bring a bride gift?” Hans looked as confused as Ava felt.
“You didn’t know it would be a bride gift when you asked, of course. Just that it was something Princess Ava sorely needed.”
“You brought her?” Hans’ eyes lit up.
“Brought who?” Ava looked between Hans and his parents.
Hans’ mother nodded at him and he turned to Ava and took her hand.
“I’m sorry, my bride, that your present is a little late. I would have preferred to have it delivered to your room this morning, as tradition dictates. However, better late than never.” His face broke into a grin almost as wide as his mother’s. “You already have far more things than I could ever give you. And so, instead, I’m giving you something you’ve been without for far too long: the love and support of family.”
Ava stared at him, her brow wrinkled, and then glanced at his parents, wondering if he meant her new parents-in-law.
And then she saw that there was someone standing behind them. The third person had been obscured by the crowd but now stepped forward.
Ava stared in shock until the tears filled her eyes and she could no longer see. As the first drop fell, familiar arms wrapped around her and a familiar scent enveloped her. She and Hans had thought they had been married alone, without the support of family. But they had been wrong. They had both had family present that day.
When the tears and the hugs and the exclamations were finally finished, Hans explained just how he had managed to bring Ava the best bride gift she could have imagined.
“My parents wrote to me months ago to tell me they had met your grandmother in Northgate.”
Ava stared at her grandmother.
“All those years I imagined you hiding in the Arcadian forest but you were actually in the Northhelmian capital!”
“It was well known how much I loved the forest.” Her grandmother shook her head. “My one goal was to make sure none of you ever found me.
“Your brother was far too much like my late husband.” She shivered. “There was never anything I could do for him. And then you made it clear there was nothing I could do for you either. You had made your choice and, once your mother was gone, I wanted nothing more than to forget.”
“I was afraid that Father had killed you.” It was the first time Ava had ever spoken her fear out loud.
“I’m so sorry, chicky.” Her grandmother patted her on the cheek. “I can see now that I was blinded by my grief. I never should have abandoned you.”
“No, no.” Ava shook her head vehemently. “It’s not your fault. None of it was your fault. I’m just glad to have you back.”
“Well, your young man here…” She broke off to lean in and whisper in Ava’s ear. “He’s rather a fine specimen. Well done, my dear!”
Ava blushed and laughed.
Hans regarded them both with a raised eyebrow.
Her grandmother continued, entirely unfazed. “Your young man wrote me a very persuasive letter. It made me realise that I was being selfish hiding away in Northhelm. No matter how much I told myself I was free, your father was still the one in control. How was it freedom if I couldn’t spend my remaining years in my own kingdom with my own granddaughter?”
“You never said a word!” Ava poked Hans in the chest.
“I didn’t want to get your hopes up in case she refused to come.”
“When the news came that you and your father were dead, I was afraid I was too late,” said her grandmother. “But then these fine people persuaded me to hope.” She gestured towards Hans’ parents. “They wanted me to wait behind in Northgate while they came here, looking for information. But I was done with waiting.”
“We knew that Hans would never have shirked his duty,” said his father. “When his friends reported to us that he was missing, we guessed that you must be with him, Your Majesty. We couldn’t dissuade your grandmother from accompanying us so we all set out for Rangmeros to see if we could find your trail.”
Ava shook her head. It was all a little too wonderful to believe. She gripped Hans’ sleeve in one hand and held tightly to her grandmother’s hand with the other. They were solid and real beneath her fingers.
Perhaps she could believe it after all. Her face broke into a smile.
The second surprise didn’t appear until Ava finally had the chance to sit down with a delicious looking slice of cake.
“Ooh, that looks good,” said a vaguely familiar voice and then an arm snaked out and whisked the plate out of her hand.
Ava turned around and the protest died on her lips. The being who sat down next to her had steely grey hair and wings and the last time she had seen her they had been deep in a forest.
“Well,” said the godmother after taking a couple of bites and smacking her lips appreciatively, “you’ve surprised me. And not many people end up doing that.”
“Thanks...I think,” said Ava.
“Oh, it’s definitely a compliment. You’ve turned yourself around and no mistake.”
“Well your High King had something to do with that.”
“He usually does,” said the godmother with a chuckle. “Which is why I’m here, of course. I’m the official bearer of his congratulations. On the wedding and the coronation. We’re all r
ight pleased with how things turned out, in fact.”
“I haven’t forgotten that I owe him my allegiance,” said Ava. “I’m already doing my best to learn about true love.”
“I’m sure you are, my dear,” said the godmother, although she looked a little distracted by the final few bites of her cake. When she’d finished she set the fork down and pinned Ava with a piercing stare.
“He might be calling on you, you know,” she said. “He told you that there’s a darkness brewing in Northhelm. They’ll need all the friends they can get when the time comes.”
“Of course,” said Ava eagerly. “Northhelm have given me their full support and I’d do no less for them. Or for the High King, of course.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” The godmother got back to her feet. “And I never thought I’d say it, but I look forward to seeing you again. And gracing the Christenings of all your children, of course.” She winked at the startled Ava and then was gone.
“Well, that was unexpected,” said a familiar voice behind her and she welcomed the arms that slipped around her shoulders.
Leaning her head back against Hans’ chest, she sighed. “It’s been a long week but I guess we’ve done things right.”
He pulled her to her feet and spun her around, keeping her inside his arms and smiling down at her.
“Just you wait, my dearest wife.” His voice lingered proudly on the word. “We’re just getting started.”
Note from the author
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The Princess Fugitive: A Reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood (The Four Kingdoms Book 2) Page 29
