A/N: Finally. I present to you, the last chapter of this story.

Aria decided to head back to Hadleigh and prepare for the journey. Everything essential was back in the castle and she wasn't comfortable using someone else's weapons. Sir Langley decided to come along and Aria's protests fell onto deaf ears.

The moment they stepped foot out of the carriage, Aria ordered Beth to have things in order. Langley gestured that he will be waiting for her somewhere else.

"Are you sure about this?" Mathilde asked nervously as she watched Aria unsheathing her sword. She shot a worried look to Francis who in turn wrapped an arm around her.

"Yes," she answered after what seems like years. She hastily sheathed the sword and latched it onto her armour. Something caught her eye in the trunk and she picked it up. It was the dagger Henry gave her before they went to war. She wanted to unsheathe it but she was reminded that it was laced with poison. Aria tucked it onto her belt. A dagger can always come in handy.

"I have to do this Mama. You know I have to," Aria stated firmly, as if assuring not only Mathilde but also herself. She honestly didn't know what to expect.

"This is not like any bandits or soldiers you have encountered Aria. This is a witch we're talking about," Francis said.

Aria raised her eyebrows. Francis had been quiet the entire journey home. "I think I know what she is Papa."

"You don't understand. This…woman… she's capable of a lot of things. If you think the magic I knew was powerful then, this woman's abilities are a hundred times more," Mathilde interjected.

As much as she wants to deny it, she has no idea what she was up against. Aria relented, "How do we do this then?"

Their plan was simple. Trap the witch and Mathilde will do what's necessary. Francis had insisted to follow but Mathilde objected to it. They argued for a long while in their chambers and after what seemed like hours, Mathilde returned alone to Aria's chambers, announcing that only she would be accompanying her. Aria wondered what made Francis concede defeat.

"The only way she will die is by burning?" Aria asked, cringing at the thought of it. Mathilde nodded grimly.

"Why do you think they burn witches during witch hunts, Aria?"

Aria shrugged, not knowing what to say. She helped Mathilde up on a brown stallion before mounting on another, steering it to the trodden path ahead of them. She nodded to Langley who agreed to stay behind them and have Mathilde lead the way.

The journey to Farenbergh took a whole's day journey. Along the way, Aria tried to get more information about Merida but Mathilde was tight-lipped. They stopped near a clearing to take a break.

"Are you going to be quiet the entire journey Mama?" Aria took a swig from her canteen, looking expectantly at Mathilde.

Mathilde shot Aria a warning look. "If I remember correctly, we must climb a hill till we meet a huge rock. There are engravings on that rock. Animals are afraid of it."

Langley frowned. "Is the rock a barrier?"

"Not too sure myself. Humans could enter but animals refused to. The last time round, my horse almost threw me off."

Aria was about to ask when was that 'last time' Mathilde meant but she decided against it. The sky had darkened as they continued with their journey. After an hour or so, Aria's stallion started to become uneasy. It started to kick up and pound the ground with its hooves. Soon all three of their horses started to throw tantrums.

"Easy boy!" The horse was clearly afraid of something. Aria steered it away, turning as if to ride towards where they had come from. The horse calmed down but was still neighing.

"We're here!" Mathilde declared, pointing towards something. Ahead of them was the rock that Mathilde had mentioned. It wasn't exactly a 'rock'. It was a large boulder – at least 8 feet tall. Rune inscriptions were carved into its surface and red strings were wound around it. A sudden chill ran through Aria, making her shiver. They dismounted their horses, securing the beasts to a nearby tree.

Aria unsheathed her sword, gesturing to Mathilde and Langley to stay back as she walked towards it.

"Don't touch it!" Mathilde warned.

She treaded carefully around the boulder, sword held in front.

"Mama, it's safe, you can come now!"

Silence.

"Mama?!" Aria shouted. She turned back and all she saw was a never-ending maze of tree trunks. Mathilde and Langley were nowhere in sight. Panic rose as her heartbeat quickened.

"Langley?!"

She ran back towards the boulder and collided against the transparent barrier. Aria wielded her sword against it but nothing happened. "Mama!" she screamed, hoping Mathilde would hear her. She pounded her fist against the transparent wall but it didn't budge.

"Aria Baudouin. Such a pleasure to finally meet you in person I must say."

Aria froze. The voice was strangely sweet and made her want to listen to it more. She gripped the hilt of her sword tightly as currents of fear ran through her body. Aria turned slowly towards the voice.

"What are you trying to do my dear girl?" Merida taunted, "Are you going to kill me?"

Aria gulped. It was impossible to think that this beautiful woman in front of her was a witch. She was covered in white from head to toe; her light blonde hair framing her stunning face. But there was something sinister about her – as if all of her appearance was just a façade.

"What happened to not wanting to be a murderer anymore?" Merida said with such sweet false pretence that was revolting. Aria stood, rooted to the ground, stunned.

"Oh, changed your mind fast eh? Why? Is it because of your dead lover boy?"

"Don't!" Aria snapped. She's just trying to break me down. She had gripped her sword so hard that her knuckles had gone white. Rage was consuming her entire being as she watched Merida smile eerily at her.

"Ooohh… Touched a raw spot didn't I?" Merida grinned as she leaned forward to hiss, "Look at you…the daughter of Melody and Jacque Baudouin trying to avenge for her loved one… How… very romantic…"

Aria's insides shrivelled up as soon as Merida mentioned her biological parents' names. "How do you kno-"

"Oh, my dear girl. I know everything about you… including your parents…" Merida interrupted, "Especially your parents," she continued darkly.

"What did dear old Mathilde tell you about how they died? The plague?" Merida let out a screeching laughter, enough to chill one's bones. "No, no. They. Were. Burnt. To. Death."

Aria's eyes widened with horror. "You're lying," she managed. Somehow it made sense why her parents had no graves…

"Why would I lie to you now?" Merida drawled, clearly enjoying this. She saw how Aria clenched her jaw as soon as the insult left the tip of her tongue. She leered in return.

"To think about it, everyone is just caught in this huge web – You, the royals, your parents… and I."

Merida let out a short chuckle, throwing her head back before shooting Aria an icy look. "Let me tell you how the story begins… It all began with the Dowager Queen. Dowager Queen Mary wasn't a noble… Oh she never was. She was just plain old Mary. When her parents died from the witch hunt, my family took her in. Then one day during the witch hunt, when she left me to die…she tricked a noble family to take her in. 'Changing her fate' that's what she claims," Merida said haughtily.

"So naturally, I had to get back at her… And that was taken care of," Merida smirked.

"Mathilde together with your parents found me, took care of me. In return I taught them magic. But your mother was exceptionally bright! So gifted. I thought she could be my apprentice… but your father just had to hinder her talents… It was only years later she found me again. By that time she was heavily pregnant with you."

Merida grinned again and moved towards Aria. Aria instantly moved backwards, sword still in position. Merida threw her head back and laughed, as if to ridicule.

"But her practice was found out and your father just had to be romantic to 'save her' and they end up dying together…" she clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes, as if disgusted.

"So…" Merida cocked an eyebrow up. "Are you going to be like him?"

"My father died an honourable death!"

"And you're going to follow his footsteps?!" Merida leered. "Like father, like daughter… The apple didn't fall far from the tree… On second thoughts, it made so much sense why you and that lover boy of yours deserve each other. He too followed his mother's footsteps. Not as crafty though… it's funny that he kept insisting that his actions were to ensure everyone's happiness. Not everyone was particularly happy…. His mother used the same excuse to alter his feelings for you. Look how that turned out."

"Shut up!" Aria cried. She didn't want to listen anymore. Crying out, she charged forward.

Merida waved her hand and Aria's sword flew out of her hand. She halted as she watched the weapon clang onto the ground, out of reach.

"Not feeling confident without your sword eh?"

Merida flicked her hand again, this time lifting Aria up above the ground. She made a choking gesture, leering as Aria coughed.

She flailed against the invisible force that was choking her, kicking her legs against thin air. All of the horrible memories when she was choked by Eneos 2 years ago came flooding back – causing her to panic more. Her windpipe started to clench close, making it difficult to breathe. Aria felt her eyes roll back, her fingers going numb…

Then she was dropped.

Aria groaned loudly as her back slammed itself to the ground. She coughed, gasping for air. Paralysed with pain, she couldn't bring herself to rouse up. Merida clicked her tongue as she loomed over.

"I wasn't even planning to hurt you at all. But you've threatened me. You left me with no choice."

She knelt beside her, holding a silver dagger right above Aria's chest. She grinned again, baring her teeth as she plunge the dagger down.

The dagger clattered against Aria's armour as Merida's eyes widened with horror.

Merida looked down to her navel and saw blood gushing out, seeping through her white dress. A single dagger protruded from the wound, as the poison seeped through her veins.

"You left me with no choice either," Air spat.

The barrier around them dissipated. "Aria!" Mathilde screamed as soon as she caught sight of the two of them.

Merida and Mathilde locked eyes, both recognising each other but too stunned to respond.

"Mama! Now! Light her up now!"

Aria's voice snapped her back to reality. Mathilde held her hands up; chanting the very incantation Merida had taught her all those years ago. Sparks began to crackle in Mathilde's palms and soar towards Merida.

She shrieked as her white dress caught fire, burning through the material and scorched her skin. She tried to conjure magic but the poison was weakening her. More sparks flew towards her and soon flames engulfed her body, spreading their boiling rage. The wild fire refused to be tamed as Merida writhed, shrieking and screaming in pain. The flames grew wilder and wilder by each second.

Soon, the flames leapt high into the night sky licking the edges of the dark sky, leaving nothing behind but dead silence.

Epilogue

Dear Aria

Things in France had been calm ever since the Dauphin was killed by his own men. As tragic as that may seem, the situation here has become much more bearable. Without his leadership, it was far easier to control the cities. However there are still many of his followers left. There is still a need to keep a look out at all times.

I apologise for boring you with details of this turmoil, for l have nothing else to talk about. How are things in England? I heard Humphrey's wedding with the Countess of Hainaut went smoothly. I tried my best to be there but we were stalled by a rumour saying that the Dauphin will make his advances towards Paris during my absence. I couldn't afford to let that happen. I couldn't afford to let France slip through our fingers after all that we've been through.

The council expressed their concern over the Dowager Queen. Rumours had it that she was courted by one of my cousins, Owen Tudor. He had always been a smooth talker unlike me. Truth to be told, I'd rather have her remarry. It didn't make sense to me why Humphrey had objected to her marrying Edmund Beaufort in the first place – probably because he sees our cousin as a threat. I'm sure you have seen dear Edmund around. He is quite a brute, standing at almost 7 feet tall – of course again, unlike me. I am a midget if I were to be placed beside him. But jokes aside, if she does remarry, I'm sure Humphrey wouldn't be pleased. But then again, it is hard to keep anyone happy nowadays.

Well, I hope all's well in England for you. Write to me soon.

Love

John Plantagenet

This was probably the third time I read John's letter to myself. His letters and words always had their own way of comforting me whenever I felt lonely and missing him terribly. John had been writing to me regularly. At times I would receive 3-4 letters per month. It was his way of saying that he hadn't forgotten about me – that he still has my best interests at heart. I missed him – his laughter, our banters, our friendship – All of it.

It had been 2 years since that fateful night. 2 years since Henry died. 2 years since I killed Merida with Henry's dagger.

I have since made peace with his death. I haven't spoken to Kate ever since the day I returned to the castle to deliver the good news. Merida's ashes were scattered in the sea. My mother said it was to prevent from any resurrections – which witches are capable of. Her death was celebrated and I was awarded wealth and stature in return despite my protests.

Humphrey had also offered me a place in the council which was opposed by many. I figured that I wouldn't have fared well in a room full of men and would have caused chaos if I were to accept. He then presented me with the very castle I am living in as a token of gratitude, saying that it was the least that he could do.

Although to me, all of those didn't matter. All that matter was that justice was served and hopefully Henry could lay in peace.

I folded John's letter neatly and place it back into its envelope. It was a beautiful day in spring. A day where the sky was blue, birds were chirping and a light breeze was blowing. I was sitting in my favourite spot – the bench in the garden, facing the duck pond.

"Lovely day isn't it?" a voice said coming from behind. I recognised it and instantly smiled. I could hear the crunching of the grass behind me before the owner of the voice plonk down beside me on the garden bench.

"Let me guess, you weren't stalled by a rumour this time?" I said before turning to face my visitor.

John grinned before shrugging. He was clad in his usual navy royal shirt, his hair swept to the left. He stared ahead at the duck pond before turning to face me.

"Your guess is indeed correct, my lady."

"Why didn't you say you were coming back?" I held out his letter to him, pretending to be annoyed.

John bowed his head, as if ashamed. He looked through his lashes before answering, "Wanted it to be a surprise."

I snorted. "It's a good one to be honest. But it lacks..."

"What does it lack?" John raised his eyebrows up, his arms mirroring them. "Did you expect an entourage of knights lining up announcing my presence?"

I rolled my eyes at him for being melodramatic. "No... And no need to mock me Plantagenet." I swatted him before beaming at him.

"I'm not..." John said softly. John locked eyes with mine and I felt my heart skip a beat. His eyes had always looked kind and shy but now they look strangely seductive. I giggled again, not used to this. I was just overwhelmed with joy that he's back – that he was sitting beside me, bantering like nothing had happened.

We may not look a day older than the day we first met but we have grown so much. I felt John covering my hand with his. He gently held it up before kissing the back of my hand softly.

"I've missed you," he whispered against my skin.

"And yet you never once mentioned that in your letters to me."

I watched John's eyebrows knit together. "I thought it would be better if I said it out loud...to you… face to face…"

My cheeks burned – I was lost for words. He grinned at me again.

"Remember the very first letter I wrote to you?" John asked gently. I nodded, feeling slightly guilty.

"I'm keeping my promise, Aria."

I froze. Is he…

John shifted and knelt on one knee in front of me.

When it finally registered what he was doing, I could almost hear the angels singing. I couldn't help myself but grin like a loon. John returned my smile and held my hand in his.

"Aria Baudouin, when I first made you laugh and smile 4 years ago, I thought to myself, I would want to listen to that laughter for the rest of my life. I would want to see your beautiful face smiling at me every day till my last breath." He paused to kiss my hand again before placing it close to his cheek. "2 years without you was torture. The cruellest torture I have ever suffered. The thought of spending my life without you is just unbearable."

He paused again and took in a deep breath. "I love you. I love you with every fibre of my being and I don't think I'll ever stop."

Tears had clouded my vision, forcing me to blink them away. "Damn you, Plantagenet," I muttered, trying hard to hide my smile. "And you dare say that you're not a smooth talker!"

John chuckled before pressing his lips to my skin again.

"Well then, my bravest and most fair Aria… will you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Tears had choked me as I cupped his cheeks, leaning forward. I pressed my forehead against his before nodding. John's eyes had glistened too, as his hands covered mine. He broke into the widest grin reaching up to his eyes, lighting them up.

"I thought you'd never ask," I managed before kissing his lips.

-The end-

A/N: So this story ends here. There will not be any sequels though, I'm sorry. I hope the ending didn't disappoint. To be honest, the original ending I had in mind when I started writing this fic was much more tragic and completely different. But I thought it wouldn't be right to end things badly (not after I keep springing plot twists to you guys without warning) and not tying up the loose ends. Also I'd like to apologise to those who rooted for Henry/Aria and had to go through chapter 25 with no inkling of what I'm going to do. Genuinely sorry! 3 Love you guys.

Thank you for this amazing journey. Thank you for sticking by this story and gave me words of encouragement along the way. To those of you who have personally helped me with this story, a million thanks and love to you! You guys know who you are! It has been an incredible 3 months. If you liked my works and would like to be updated as to what I'm doing, you can always follow me on my fanfic tumblr.

Love

Sangoaria

PS. TELL ME HOW YOU FEEL! I've always loved feedback!

PPS. I have been prompted by the lovely allonsysilvertongue to write one shot spinoffs of John/Aria's relationship. Be sure to catch it!