The Veil of Darkness
Chapter 395: Epilogue: Return of the Crown Princess

Chapter 395: Epilogue: Return of the Crown Princess

Twenty-six years later ~

Seelie Realm

-

Annalise was strolling through the vast garden surrounding the Seelie Court when Damien found her. The moment her soul noticed his presence, she felt her entire being filling with warmth and love for him.

"You are here." She spoke while making her way toward him. He along with his brothers had been away for the past few days as they had matters to attend in the Mortal Realm.

"My Queen," Damien took hold of her hands and brought them to his lips to place soft kisses over the back of her fingers.

"I still prefer you calling me Princess.’ She told him as she stepped closer, removing all possible space between their bodies.

Damien immediately wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her body against his as he whispered - "But you are a queen now, wifey."

"Still, I can be your Princess... always."

The way she was looking at him almost melted Damien right on the spot. "Alright... my Princess." he sealed the endearment with a kiss that did reverse magic and melted Annalise into his arms.

The kiss was soft, sweet, and slow, but still filled with yearning and desire. The two of them continued to kiss as their tongues delved deeper into each other’s mouths. They only parted when both of them were nearly out of breath.

Annalise was breathing sharply and her swollen lips were slightly parted while scarlet tinted her cheeks, making her appear even more alluring in Damien’s eyes.

"By the way, how come you returned early and also without your brothers? I thought you all were coming back at the end of this week." Annalise voiced out the question as her eyes unconsciously scanned the area behind Damien as if looking for any hint of Valerius and Kenric’s arrival. Much to her dismay, the bond confirmed that the two of them were still in the Mortal Realm.

"Since the kids are returning at the end of this week, I decided to return now so that I can help you with the preparations for their return," Damien answered, happiness and excitement to once again see their kids after months of separation were clearly visible in his eyes.

"Good. Since Elaine is going to be back after completing her graduation from the Midnight Elemental Academy, we need to prepare her bed-chamber and study as well as make arrangements for her future. Have you talked to Esmeray yet?" Annalise could not help but worry about all the work she needed to finish before her eldest child’s return who would be arriving two days before the twins. She was actually grateful to Damien for his early return as she definitely needed help to make sure that everything would be perfect.

"Not yet. No matter what, I’m still not too happy with that man." Damien didn’t even try to hide that he was still not on friendly terms with Esmeray on a private basis even though their professional relationship was one to be envious of.

"It’s no longer about him. You are kind of hostile toward him not because he has any sort of setback but because he’s our little girl’s soulmate and you can’t digest that. Can’t you see how well-behaved and caring he has been toward Elaine for the past twenty-five years? And you are still trying to find fault in him." Annalise was quick to defend her friend.

"Don’t tell me that you are completely happy about him being our child’s mate." Damien gave her a suspicion-filled gaze that made it clear he was totally expecting her to finally reveal her insecurity toward Esmeray.

Annalise let out a small sigh as she shook her head before answering - "Sorry to let you down but I’m really happy to have Esmeray as Elaine’s soulmate, not only because he’s the best man out there for my girl but because I know just how much Elaine loves him. If he’s my child’s happiness, then it’s my happiness as well."

Damien looked at her as if he was ready to argue further but one glare from Annalise and he immediately dropped the topic. "Alright, let’s drop this topic for now. We have other matters to handle."

"Sure."

The two of them headed inside as it was almost the timing for morning assembly of the Seelie Court.

Since the world had become peaceful after the war twenty-six years ago, there were only usual issues of infrastructure, guard duties, magical warding, daily council meetings, and the royal duties of the Seelie Court who had to work alongside the rest of the courts/palaces of other Realms and Kingdoms to keep the peace and prosperity of the world.

Therefore, the morning assembly was concluded within an hour or so and after that, Annalise and Damien were free to spend their time together while they supervised the ongoing preparations for the arrival of the Princess and the Princes of the Seelie Realm.

Since it was the early days of the Spring season, the usually beautiful and mesmerizing view of the Seelie Realm had turned even more ethereal and breath-taking as the nature was in its full bloom.

In no time, the last day of the current week arrived and it was finally the day of the arrival of Princess Elaine. A grand banquet took p;lace that evening as the bearer of the true light returned to her home and was reunited with her parents.

Valerius and Kenric had alro returned to the Seelie Realm right before the arrival of their beloved daughter, but they weren’t the only ones as Leela, Ezra, Marley along with his family, Crown Prince Elijah with his wife and kids had also arrived along with the Midnight Princes to join the welcome banquet of Princess Elaine.

Everyone seemed happy and there were smiles on every single person’s face. However, as Annalise looked at her daughter, she noticed that her little girl seemed really distractd while her eyes constantly searched for someone.

"If you are looking for him, then this is the wrong place. You will find him in the North Tower." Annalise whispered low enough for only her daughter to hear.