Short and sweet. There are still opportunties for questions. :) Oh, and there will not be another scene with Aspen and the others.
Epilogue
"You know you can't be so odd anymore," I told Fred.
He flung the flat rock out across the lake we had stopped at. It skipped five times. A kind fisherman had offered his whole cottage to us, but we were content with the privacy of the wide attic, for the price of a few gold coins. The setting sun sent streaks of gold, pink, orange, and violet across the clear blue sky, which was mirrored perfectly by the quiet lake. The scene made me tempted to stay there forever, but I knew the fisherman would tire of us, and there were many other beautiful places awaiting our arrival.
"My mum says I was born that way, so I'm afraid I can't change that bit," replied Fred sending me a grin.
"I meant you can't be an odd man anymore," I clarified. Pausing for effect and uncertainty, I added, "You know what I mean don't you?"
His next throw was harder than usual and it fell clunking into the lake. Yes, he knew what I meant, and apparently it bothered him. He heaved a sigh and settled down next to me. As he took my hand, I snuggled my head against his shoulder, waiting patiently for him to voice his thoughts.
"I never expected to be king, that's Adam's burden."
I nearly bit my lip. If he considered it a burden, then it would not make for an easy acceptance. I wanted to ease his distress, but decided to let him spill everything before commenting.
"From the very beginning, Adam was better at it than I, which is fine because it was his future. I was just the backup plan. At first I tried so hard to keep up, to be just as suave with obnoxious diplomats who were only disagreeable. I tried to find the councils interesting instead of dry. I tried to befriend the aristocrat without promising anything, and remain aloof and have this…royal bearing. I failed. I'd insult the ambassadors, nod off in council meetings, and be far too personal or sarcastic with the nobles."
He sighed rather dramatically. I pursed my lips to hide my amusement.
"I guess that's why I was so relieved to be let off the hook and become an odd man. I still had some random royal duties, but I was free. I'm more myself with a couple of farmers than a couple of dandies."
"I'd be the one who wants to fix that leaky section in the castle roof. I'll probably be absent from important meetings and found playing blocks with the children. I'm just not sure if Luzcando…or you…would want a king like that."
"Fred." He turned to look at me, his eyes still troubled. "I love that you are an odd man. Being a king of Luzcando will be just another one of your jobs. If you miss a meeting, we'll reschedule. If you insult, we'll apologize. If you fall asleep, I make sure there is a pillow. And if you fix that leaky roof I will kiss you senseless."
His eyes widened and the grin I loved so much "No disrespect for your excellent father, but I certainly hope that the castle of Luzcando is deteriorating into complete disrepair because…"
I silenced him with a much deserved kiss.