Elizabeth turned towards the entryway as everyone followed her line of sight. Alayna’s gaze collided with Ryle’s and she gasped, her other hand flying to cover her mouth. Everyone began gasping and whispering. Ryle stepped into the room, his strong frame much thinner than his old self, but his face still as handsome as before. His face split into a wide smile as his father rushed towards him and enveloped him in a tight hug, murmurs of “My boy, my boy, my boy,” fumbling from the king’s mouth as he reached for Clifton to step forward as well. The three men embraced for a long moment, everyone else watching. Alayna looked at Elizabeth, her eyes glassy as Elizabeth smiled. “We found him.” She whispered.
“I-I can’t believe it.” Alayna’s words were muffled against Elizabeth’s shoulder as she hugged her sister. “Thank you, Lizzy.”
“Now go.” Elizabeth released her and nudged her towards Ryle. When Ryle spotted Alayna walking towards him, he eased out of his father’s embrace and accepted the pat on the back from Clifton as encouragement.
Alayna studied him a moment, soaking in his appearance. His hair was longer, she realized. The once shaggy mass of black hair graced just above his shoulders, and his new emerald tunic moved with more room than in the past, but it was Ryle, and that thought made her want to burst into tears.
“Alayna.”
Her name on his lips sent her flying towards him and jumping into his arms. He accepted the hug and swung her around as she brushed back his hair and roamed her hands over his face in disbelief. “I can’t believe it.” Tears poured down her cheeks as he held her close.
“It is me.” Ryle pulled her towards him again in a firm embrace. He felt her sobs of joy against his chest as he hugged her, and he looked up to see the smiling faces of his family before him. Joy filled his heart. Grateful, he nodded his thanks towards Edward, Lancer, and Elizabeth before swooping his head down to capture Alayna’s lips in his.
Cheers erupted in the dining hall as everyone celebrated Ryle’s return. A flurry of movement darted passed Elizabeth as she watched her son hurry towards Ryle and Alayna. He fell to his bottom right before reaching them and whined up at her sister. Ryle pulled his lips away from Alayna’s and looked down. The happy toddler smiling up at him. Ryle chuckled as he knelt down and swooped the happy child into his arms. “I do not even have to ask who you belong to, dear one.” He buried his face in the child’s neck and accepted the happy slaps to his face as Graham enjoyed being held and snuggled. Ryle slipped his hand around Alayna’s waist and slid Graham to his other arm as he walked further into the room. Seeing Lancer seated at the dinner table, it surprised him yet again that he was so readily accepted. Elizabeth moved to a seat across the table. “Please, sit here.” She pointed to her vacated seat next to Alayna and Ryle nodded his thanks. Alayna sat in her chair, a blissful smile upon her face as the food began being served.
“You will have to fill us in on the last year.” King Eamon stated with a joyous smile at seeing his son.
“I will, Father.” Ryle replied, turning towards the rest of the table. “It appears I have missed much as well.” He looked towards Lancer, who was not paying attention, and Isaac slapped the king on the back in a friendly gesture, the king fumbling his goblet as he turned.
“Yes, your uncle is quite a different man.” Eamon continued. “We are all different now that the boundary line is gone.”
“And it seems my old position has been filled.” He smiled at Edward, the Northern Prince sitting proudly with his family.
Elizabeth squeezed her brother’s hand. “I am sure we can think of another position for you, Prince Ryle.” She winked at him and tilted her head towards her sister.
Laughing, Ryle took the hint and nodded. “Maybe so. That is, if Alayna would have me?”
Alayna’s head popped up from her plate. “What?”
Ryle reached for her hand. “If you will have me,” he repeated. “Spending the last year and more not having you in my life has shown me you are the one thing I wish to have. Always. In whatever capacity that you will have me, I am yours.” He kissed the top of her hand and Alayna blushed from the attention of the table and Ryle’s confession.
“Well?” Isaac asked, waving his hand. “I swear, you people take forever when coming to decisions.”
“You do not have to answer right now, Alayna.” Ryle squeezed her hand. “But I would like you to think—”
“Yes.” Alayna stated quickly. “Yes, I wish to marry you.”
Ryle’s face split into a handsome smile as he leaned forward and kissed her.
Clapping his hands, King Eamon stood. “A new Realm, indeed. A king and queen will now grace the thrones of the Realm, and I know Granton would be so happy. May you prosper. To our new king and queen.” He raised his glass as everyone followed suit and toasted to the new beginnings that promised love and hope.
My Dearest Alayna,
If you are reading this, then Prince Clifton must have found this letter upon my death and given it to you. I am glad he did. I know you are probably still wondering why I chose the boundary line as my deathbed, but I had to see Edward. I needed your brother to know I loved him. I know you and Elizabeth are saddened by my passing, but please do not dwell upon things lost. But look to things that are to come. Your sister’s marriage to Prince Clifton will be a joyous occasion and she will need you to calm her nerves. Elizabeth may seem strong, but beneath her bravado is the tender heart of your younger sister. She will need you, Alayna. Not as queen, but as a sister.
I feel most confident in our merger with the East. I also feel confident in the change in guard. Prince Ryle will serve the Realm well, and he will guard you with his life. Together, I know you two will discover a path to defeat the Unfading Lands and Lancer. Utilize your friends of the East and West. Do not underestimate Prince Samuel of the South and his contribution either. Be open to change and suggestions. Most importantly, always choose the path your heart feels is right. Sometimes the hardest course is the one that must be taken. Know your enemy. The true enemy. Lancer, though potentially evil, is not the enemy. The darkness that consumes him is the enemy. Remember that, my dear. Should there be a way to spare his life, I beg of you to consider it. Even the most lost of people can potentially be saved. Think like a Queen in regards to the protection of your people, but think with your heart through the process.
The Realm is in good hands with you, Alayna. You will be a wonderful queen. My hope for you is to one day find a love like your sister and share the burden of leadership. For it is a blessing, but sometimes a burden. It helps to have a confidant and supporter by your side. I cherish the times I had with your mother, and I wish for you to have the same. Keep your chin up, my dear. Keep your eyes on the boundary and the enemy. But keep your heart focused on hope and the goodness of our people. I love you dearly.
Your father
All Titles in The Lighthearted Collection
Chicago’s Best
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Montgomery House
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073T1SVCN
Beautiful Fury
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B527N57
Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook
All Titles in The Sibling O’Rifcan Series
Claron
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYR44KX
Riley
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2RBD8D
Layla
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HJRL67M
Chloe
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KB3HG6B
Murphy
Coming April 2019
All titles by Katharine E. Hamilton
Available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle
Adult Fiction:
The Unfading Lands Series
The Unfading Lands, Part One
Darkness Divided, Part Two
Redemption Rising, Part Three
The Lighthearted Collection
Chicago’s Best
Mon
tgomery House
Beautiful Fury
The Siblings O’Rifcan Series:
Claron
Riley
Layla
Chloe
Murphy
Children’s Literature:
The Adventurous Life of Laura Bell
Susie At Your Service
Sissy and Kat
Short Stories:
If the Shoe Fits
Find out more about Katharine and her works at:
www.katharinehamilton.com
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Contact Katharine: [email protected]
THANK YOU
If you’ve made it this far, you are a rockstar. No, really. I can’t thank you enough for reading my book.
The Unfading Lands Series holds a special place in my heart. Not only was it my first novel and adult fiction series to publish, but it also opened doors that allowed me to write full time. My dream. I obviously could not have reached this goal without the help of amazing readers like yourself.
If you enjoyed this series, I would love it if you left a review on Amazon. Reviews are my bread and butter.
Thank you, again, for your support and readership. I hope you will check out my other titles as well.
Katharine
The Unfading Lands The Complete Set Page 77
