The finale, end, something along those lines. I have more ideas for this story hence the short stories and 2 other books in the setting I have planned. But for now this is it.

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Chapter 17

“Any pain?” The elderly woman I had spent the past hour with asked. Her greying hair curled and fell framing her face. She prodded around the back of my head pain shooting through my skull.

“Yes, please stop,” I practically begged my vision going fuzzy.

 Over the last hour she had been checking everything under the queens’ orders. Multiple vials of my blood sat neatly on her desk next to papers with all my information. She was nothing but meticulous in everything she checked. Even going so far as to draw more blood when the first tests came back inconclusive.

My head was pounding, and exhaustion had started to overtake me. No one else was allowed in the room. So, I was forced to answer all her questions myself. Yes, my head hurt, and my bones ached. Of course, I was tired and hungry my eyes could barely stay open as she spoke.  

So, when she finally let up and went back to her desk to re-test my blood, I got up redressing myself. She had me strip for a full body examination and the queens had sent me some spare clothes. They hung loosely from my body, and I had to tuck the dress shirt in, so it didn’t hang to my knees. The trousers fit better and with the help of a belt were almost perfect.

Glancing up at me from her seat the elderly medic waved me on finally setting me free. I smiled happily running out the door before she could decide she needed more tests. Realising there was no one else around I decided to wander the palace not sure where I was.

The many twists and turns in the halls led me back to the garden where I had ended up last time. I sighed in partial relief from the familiarity heading over to the tree and sitting at its roots. Fresh air filled my lungs, and I took deep breaths the cool breeze filling me.

My eyes drooped as I took in the peaceful scenery around me pulling my knees to my chest. I laid back against the tree and finally closed them.

###

When I eventually awoke, I was cuddling a thin blue blanket. Warm light flooded the area casting an orange glow over the ground. A group of birds had gathered nearby pecking at seeds left on the ground.

There wasn’t seeds there when I got here. Was there? I looked around frantically for anyone. A young woman in a well-fitting blue uniform stood near the entrance a hand over her mouth. Shoulders bouncing from her barely suppressed laugh.

Blanket in hand I made my way over to her catching her laughter and joining in. Apparently in my sleep I had made a mess of myself because this stranger quickly got to work straightening out my clothes. She tucked the shirt back in and pulled a comb out of nowhere to fix my hair.

In the middle of combing my hair she froze and looked at me fearful, “I’m so sorry I was supposed to ask.”

I quickly shook my head and laughed finishing fixing my hair. Running my fingers through it I realised how much longer it had gotten in the past few weeks. My overgrown mop now reaching down to my eyes and hanging over my ears.

The doctor had allowed me to bathe so my hair was fluffy all the blood and dirt washed away. Hopefully Alexis was afforded the same treatment. She is a princess after all.

Straightening up the lady asked me to follow her. Wandering through endless corridors we eventually ended up somewhere I recognised. The intricately carved office door where I had originally met them. I took a long deep breath as she knocked on the door my hands clenched by my side.

We were told to enter immediately by the soft voice of Queen Arabelle. Warmth enveloped me when I entered the room the door closing quickly behind me. The queens sat with the doctor and Lauren on one sofa. On the opposite side Alexis sat alone a guard stood behind her.

I was waved to join Alexis on the sofa where I sank into the plush cushions. The blue blanket was still clenched in my hand, and no one made a motion to be rid of it. Quickly the lady who had accompanied me bowed to the queens before leaving with the guard.

As soon as they were gone Alexis grabbed my free hand tight enough to hurt, but I didn’t complain. Her shoulders slumped and she lent back on the sofa her head resting on me.

Lauren was the first to speak looking directly at me with barely hidden amusement, “I’ve been informed you were expressly forbidden from joining in the search.”

The doctor sat by her side looking over some papers but looked up occasionally to see how everything was going.

Queen Celestia was the next to speak, “Not only did you ignore direct orders from myself, but you also broke the Marshall law enforced over the capital.”

I nodded silently Alexis still relaxed at my side helping calm me, “I couldn’t just sit around please understand.”

My pleading seemed to fall on deaf ears though as the queen shook her head, “Do you really believe that you can stand by my daughter while pulling stunts like that?”

I shook my head looking down, shadows moved below me, and Lauren was quickly in front of my wiping my eyes. Remaining silent she handed me a tissue and sat back down.

“While I don’t appreciate the way you did it, we’ll forever be grateful to you for finding our daughter.” Queen Arabelle sighed her voice soft. Both her and her wife wore combat gear however neither carried a weapon, “As such if you both want a relationship we would not stand in your way.”

Alexis tensed at my side holding onto me tighter before pushing herself up. My heart hammered in my chest and my face burnt in embarrassment, “What happens when Ripley begins travelling again?”

The question was directed at all the adults and even the doctor looked up at Alexis when she asked, “You could make long distance work until she comes of age. The caravan has messenger birds.” Lauren said with a smile.

“Or if their guardians permit, we will put them through school in the capital.” Queen Celestia added.

I shook my head quick, and all eyes were suddenly on me, “I’m sorry but even if they allowed it, I couldn’t leave my family for that long.” My apology was aimed at Alexis who just calmly smiled at me wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

“I can do letters.” Alexis whispered to me when the adults were distracted, “Just come visit when you can.”

###

After that we were sent off to do our own thing. Alexis guided me to a small corridor with more guard that I had seen anywhere else. She pulled me into a room quickly flicking the lights on when we entered. Moonlight streamed in through the open window my arms covered in goosebumps as I was hit with the cool air.

A massive bed stood in the centre of the large room a desk pushed into the corner covered with books. Plants sat sporadically around the room in various colours their pots clearly taken care of.

My back hit the bed and I bounced for a moment before Alexis sat down next to me. She looked down at me with a smile giggling when I buried my face into the bed. I considered taking up the offer of education if it meant I could sleep on what I could only describe as a cloud.

Family however was more important, and I enjoyed my time travelling. Maybe one day I would settle down but at least for a while I wanted adventure. So, when I’m old and grey I can tell stories of my childhood.

Hands softly touched my cheeks warming them gently as I was pulled into a sitting position. Alexis held me for a moment with a smile before leaning in and kissing my cheek. Red covered her face, and I was sure I matched as heat spread through my face and neck. We both looked away Alexis mumbling a quiet apology.

She was apologising. My heart drummed in my ears as I turned her to look at me, “May I kiss you?” I asked hands shaking.

Once I had her consent, I leaned in gently pressing a kiss to her lips. When I tried to pull away, I felt her hand in my hair. She didn’t touch my injured scalp holding me in place as she reciprocated my advance.

Sweetness filled my mouth the taste of cherries on her lips pulling me in. Closing my eyes, I tried to calm my breathing leaning more into her touch. Her cheek was warm under my hand.

Eventually we both pulled away slightly out of breath. Alexis flopped onto her back on the bed, and I laid beside her, “I’ve wanted to do that for so long.” She said breathlessly smiling up at the ceiling.

“Did it live up to your expectations?” I asked with a laugh resting my head on her stomach.

“Even better,” She replied yawning loudly, “Thank you.”

End