Many weeks has passed since that fateful day at the castle. King Richard had returned recently, and heard all that happened, exiled his ex-brother, and gave him to a mining village, where he requested that the miners put the ex-prince to work for the rest of his life. As for the Sheriff and Sir Hiss, they were received a jail sentence for three months, making bricks for extra houses in Nottingham, and they were demoted to be caretakers of the moat around the castle. In much uplifting news, Robin and Maid Marian has gotten married, and received a respectable piece of property with a manor to go along with it. The dear couple became lord and lady, and Robin was made the new sheriff, while Marian as the King's ward, was to be one of the teachers for Rubyflower's upcoming child. Little John was made as the Captain of the guards. And for Rubyflower and her love, Kuro, became very close partners, and due to the fact that the child will be neither a nephew/niece, became permanent residents of the castle, though they frequently visit Nottingham, and see Eridan there as well.
Eridan had met a lovely, smart woman who is a Persian white cat. Her name is Leah, and she was originally from London, a great friend of King Richard. They are courting already. Rubyflower eventually got over her terrible ordeal, has often flinched when it comes to meeting strangers, especially men. It took a long time to get used to being around King Richard and the guards, but she got through it with the help of her family. She couldn't wait to meet her child soon, for she's rather excited yet nervous.
(Rubyflower's P.O.V.)
I gave birth to a healthy, unique baby boy, and I and Kuro spent a week with him before King Richard announced the day to unveil the first appearance of the new prince to the public. Horns came and went, and we all went to the balcony before the square.
I took a deep breath, and Kuro noticed my look of concern. "Love, don't worry. Our son is beautiful no matter what he is or who he is. Everyone will love him, I know it, Ruby.". I nodded and kissed her lovingly and adoringly.
A yawn called out, and I turned to see Friar Tuck holding my baby boy, softly smiling. "I marked him. He didn't move a muscle at all.".
I chuckled, "Well, he seems to love sleeping very much.". Tuck nodded, and handed him to me. I glanced down, and caressed him on his forehead with my tongue, and my baby boy turned, revealing his sand golden fox body, with a cream white belly and muzzle. His lion ears perked up, and his lion tail twitched, revealing a tuft of dark brown fur. He blinked his eyes twice, opening them to reveal bright blue eyes, twitching his gray nose. A dark dot marked his forehead, signaling that he's the heir of King Richard, and he's clothed in a plain diaper.
"Time to see the people, my son.". I whispered lovingly. My boy squeaked lightly like he's saying that he can't wait. I smiled at him, and glanced at Kuro who's having a look of love and awe.
I carried him gently as Kuro placed her arm over my body, following closely, as Tuck followed in the rear. Ahead, I could see King Richard in his royal garments, smiling widely at us, and I got to him first, as Kuro stood on my left, and Tuck stood distantly in the far left. Richard opened his arms, and I gave my son to him gently, making a mew pop from the baby.
Down below, I could see all of Nottingham and all the castle residents, standing in delight, nervousness, happiness, wonder, and curiosity.
"My subjects, today sees a remarkable day in all of history, for I give you all, the new prince and my heir of England, Ashleigh The First!". Richard announced clearly and loudly as he showed my son, Ashleigh, or Ash for short as I and the family calls him. The full name is Ashleigh Harrold The First of Nottingham. It's a mouthful, huh? All the people cheered and roared their approvals as they laid their eyes upon Ash. Ash only blinked and gave a rather excitable meow, moving somewhat that he seems to like the attention. I smiled in joy and love as Kuro kissed me upon the cheek gently.
The wind came by, and the sun seems to beam upon Ash like the universe approves of him very well. I sent a prayer of thanks toward my father, the rest of the family, and the residents of Heaven, especially to Gabriel. And distantly, somehow I could hear a horn replying back, saying Heaven heard me.
Ash whimpered, calling for me, and Richard noticed, lowering Ash and giving him to me into my arms. I nuzzled Ash softly, and Kuro caressed him with a paw. Later on, after everybody left, Robin, Marian, Johnny, and Eridan came in, played and cooed with Ash. Eridan and Robin was so happy that they are uncles, and Marian was delighted that she has a nephew-in-law. Johnny was excited that he announced that he can't wait to show Ash Sherwood Forest once Ash gets much older. Clucky wasn't around, claiming that she had relatives to visit in London, but in a letter, she says that she can't wait to see the lad.
Ash looked so awed and overwhelmed over all the attention he had all day, that he practically went to sleep in the middle of one of Robin's stories. I chuckled amusedly, and Kuro looked like she knew this would happen. I got Ash into bed in his nursery which looks like a soft blue sky literally.
"Ash has done well today, hasn't he?". Kuro commented as she stood in the doorway, looking at us lovingly and adoringly.
I nodded, looking at my baby son with a passionate feeling of love and pride. "He certainly did. Granted, he came from a difficult beginning, but now, I wouldn't imagine life without him. Ash lights up my life as you light up my heart, Kuro.".
Kuro came up to me, hugged me softly, pulled back to look at me with a shine of respect. "Ruby, you had so much, troubling times they were, but look at us now. We're in a castle, safe, and we have a son, a family that support us all, loyal friends in Nottingham, and heck, even we have respect from ole Sheriff and that Hiss companion of his. Sometimes it felt like a dream, but when I look at you and Ash, it is so real, that I believe that even death can't break the family, not into the afterlife, indeed. I love you, Rubyflower Hood, from the meadows to the shores of England and beyond.".
I broke a few tears at that confession, and kissed Kuro passionately, and we gathered down into bed, holding each other, listening distantly for the soft breaths of Ash, and I fell asleep, the lullaby of Kuro's heart lulling me into darkness. I gave a whisper to my totem necklace, "Watch over Ash and all of us, Sunrise.". then nothing.