At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series

Ten years later.

I rub my temple as I exit the parliamentary chambers at Court. It’s been ten years now and an incredible amount has happened since the conclusion of the events which became known as the “Reclamation War”.

I watched as my mother wed my father and even had a son, Cassian whom gives our parents trouble. He’s been a match in mischief for a kitsune or a certain automata who decided to upgrade her form into an adult state.

There were other significant events that transpired, such as the redemption of both Drakthul and Laevatain. I can still recall their grand procession into the city, standing proud alongside their newly established packs. I remember smiling as I welcomed them back, performing a special ceremony dating back over a thousand years ago.

Marron and Piotr married a year and half after the war, and have two children, a boy and girl. Oh how I adore my little niece and nephew. Piotr recently told me his son wants to become a knight like his father, having seen how amazing his is. Their daughter wants to be more like her mother, always in the clothing studio. They both moved to Dewloura, which was something I didn’t suggest at all.

Silvi and Tanith both started a family with their children wreaking havoc on the Estate. I should really be grateful to Athena and the pack for keeping the little broodlings in check while their parents are away.

My knights resumed their lives as my protectors while also starting families of their own. Kayle decided to live at the Estate with me while Norick resumed his post as a military instructor when the Lord Ashlan restarted the Acadenora. Orga and Kateryna had several children, two boys and girl. The trio are adored by Micha and Luna, whom have taken a similar role of being the elder siblings.

I, of course, am now a full-grown adult, having assumed the throne of Dewloura only a couple years ago. We reestablished the sovereignty of the ancient kingdom and now stand once more as monumental power in the world. That took a great deal of effort on the parts of the colonies and the Court along with several other nations pledging support and recognition.

However these are tales that will require a bit more time to tell on their own.

My ears are a flutter with the jittering of goblins, deciding to further squabble over inane business deals ranging from the colonies all the way to my nation. While I have great respect for their representative’s brother in Dewloura, here…he’s a complete, greedy bastard.

I sigh softly as my headache continues to mount. I shake it off, as more and more members exit the chamber. I feel a hand resting on my shoulder, peering up to see Alizia and Lana smiling to me. I nod to my friends, giving each other nods with only Mistral missing from our number. They gently take the papers I’m holding, ones I that will be requiring more of my attention at some point.

“You should rest, My Lady,” says Alizia.

“Go home, you silly fox girl,” adds Lana. “We will handle these.”

I smirk, “I intend to, and thank you both.”

They smile and nod their heads to me before moving on down the corridor. I smile, watching as Barres, Lana’s wolf, bows his head to me. I dip mine in return as he joins his bonded.

I roll my neck, feeling it pop. I sigh, feeling the wonderful relief of it.

A cold nose then rubs under my palm followed by soft, black fur. I peer over to see Fenris smiling to me. I smile, reaching over and stroking my wolf father. Fenris groans softly at my touch. Always at my side, no matter what.

I then feel someone tugging on my tails.

“Oka-tan.”

I peer down to see a young kitsune girl staring up at me. Beside her stands a young silver, two-tailed wolf. His tails wag softly as he stands next to his girl. I smile, picking her up and holding her close to me.

“You were such a good girl for Mommy, Aishia-chan,” I tell her.

She giggles, wagging her short pink tail. Aishia is my second child, with her older brother Rowan still in Dewloura with his father. I intend for them both to meet me soon, seeing how I need a vacation given this last round of sessions. I have no idea how my parents put up with this at times.

“Aria,” I hear someone calling out to me.

I turn, still holding my daughter to see Kerrigan strolling over to us. She smiles to me, still as beautiful as ever.

“Hello Kerrigan,” I greet her. “I should thank you for coming to help with this last session.”

She smiles, shaking her head. “I should be the one commending you, my beloved. You handled yourself wonderfully in there.”

I smile to her, knowing she’s been amazing to me and my family this past decade. Always close by and ever present for me and my husband.

She smiles softly, and then looks down at little Aishia. She grins, gently tickling her nose, causing my daughter to giggle.

“That session took longer than it should have,” she continues. “Even my parents were getting rather annoyed.”

I nod in agreement. “The goblins wouldn’t cease their droning on trade deals. The dwarves and elves already offered irresistible deals, which they greedily desire more.”

She grins, “You sound more like your mother.”

I smirk, “I am her daughter after all.”

She nods. “So about last night.”

I roll my eyes feeling my cheeks burn softly, “Please not in front of my daughter.”

She grins, “You had fun and you know it.”

I sigh, nodding. Aishia looks to me confused. I only smile to her, rocking her a little.

Kerrigan smiles, then peers down. “I think congratulations are in order, with another on the way.”

I smirk, nodding as I glimpse my stomach. “Kenji doesn’t know quite yet.” It’s still early, but I know I am expecting.

She smirks, looking to me. “How is your family? Are they doing well?”

I smile, nodding. “Mother and Father are at home with Cassian, whom I am fairly sure tried to burn a part of Velhemina’s greenhouse down again. Silvi and Tanith are flying to Dewloura to spend time there so Lord Ashlan can enjoy his grandchildren. And lastly, Marron and Piotr should be at home with the pack.”

“In fact,” I continue, “once Aishia and I change, we’re returning home to the Estate to see my parents.”

She nods, but then looks querily to me. “I am quite surprised you assumed their seats in the Court.”

I smile, swishing a tail behind me. “I had to. Mother and Father were ill and so I came. While also representing Dewloura as a request.”

She smiles, giving me a protracted bow. “We are grateful for your presence, Your Majesty.”

I groan, sighing. “Please don’t call me that.”

She chuckles, “Oh but why not? It’s who you are, isn’t it?”

I sigh again, nodding. While true, I hate being referred to it by my loved ones, even in an official setting. I look over as I see Kayle and Norick smiling to me as they keep watch.

Behind them is a grown-up Bianca, looking incredibly beautiful as an adult with her long hair and still soft, blue eyes. While still a glacie, she looks a bit more like her adopted mother Abigale in a way.

Kerrigan then leans in and kisses my forehead, “You should head home then, beloved. I know your husband and son should also be waiting for you. I may come soon, perhaps.”

I smile, “We’ll be happy as always to have you.”

She smiles then tickles my daughter. “Now, you be a good girl for your mommy or Auntie Kerrigan will gobble you up.”

Aishia giggles, wagging her tail.

Kerrigan smiles to us and then leaves, offering a nod to my knights and maid as she passes them.

I sigh softly and turn, setting Aishia onto the floor and taking her hand into mine. I smile, wrapping her tail with one of mine as we then head down the hallway, with Fenris walking next to me with the young wolf bouncing happily around us.