The port was bustling as usual with people and ships. Shops kept running busily, with traders trying to make the best of their deals and bargains. Stands and vendors were open, selling food to the number of people coming in from the sea. Ships, too, were unloading their cargo, their work slow yet profitable. The weather was also fare too; the sky was clear, the clouds were not gathering in billows as they had in a storm last week. The sea was calm and the afternoon was beautiful.

Amidst all of this, the Queen of the Castle, Jenna Heap, sat casually outside eating lunch with her daughter, Mattie, and husband, Septimus Heap. Both Jenna and Septimus were eating their fish and chips they had bought 5 minutes ago. Mattie, on the other hand, was playing with her steamed beans.

"Eat your food, Mattie." Jenna said.

"But I don't like it," Mattie pouted in response.

Septimus however would have none of that. "Listen to your mother, Mattie."

Mattie pouted and reluctantly ate her beans. Later, Septimus carried Mattie and held Jenna's hand as they walked back into the Castle. Mattie was peacefully sleeping on her father's shoulder. It was her birthday today and her parents had taken her out for lunch. Although they told her that was all, they had planned a surprise birthday party for Mattie with all of her classmates in her Magyk classes. Jenna checked her timepiece. By now, everyone had to be there.

As they walked there, the sunlight dimmed and the night grew darker. It was the midwinter and Septimus and Jenna had celebrated their 15th anniversary the other day. Jenna smiled as she reminisced her marriage with Septimus, the man she had always loved.

Septimus took noticed and asked, "What is it?"

Jenna smiled and looked up at him. She leaned her head on his shoulder and whispered, "One of the best choices I ever made with you Sep is the choice that binds us now."

Septimus too smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I think that same thing every day, Jen." He kissed her softly on the head as they entered the Palace main room. There, Septimus signaled to all the children hiding there to stay quiet. Jenna moved away into a corner as Septimus sat down on the table and gently woke up Mattie.

"Mattie", he whispered. He tried shaking her and she slowly fluttered her eyes open. Her eyes widened as she recognized her father. She rubbed her eyes and got up. "What is it, Daddy?" she asked.

"Surprise!" The whole room burst into light as all of Mattie's friends cheered and surprised her. Mattie's face brightened as a wide smile spread across her face. Jenna too smiled and came over, hugging her daughter. She shared a kiss with Septimus and leaned her head on his shoulder as he placed his arm on her shoulders, bringing her in close. Mattie soon began to open all her presents that night, the favorite of hers being a scooter. And amidst all this, Septimus and Jenna truly slept peacefully that night. Septimus and Jenna shared the same bed while lovingly protecting Mattie in the night.

All was well for the Heaps.