Last chapter! :'D

An escort led Richard still in his bonds to the courtroom of the castle. Shelby couldn't help but notice how clean and restored the castle seemed. The servants had obviously been working hard. It didn't exactly surprise anyone how fast the work was accomplished; the castle had several hundreds of maids and workers. The halls that Shelby then knew like the back of her hand had been restored to their former state. All the walls were repainted, all of the torn tapestries had been mended, and the rugs on the floor had been cleaned and replaced. The castle as a whole looked good as new. The only evidence of any sort struggle was displayed on the people's expressions. They all looked tired and distressed. However, the people in Shelby's group looked refreshed and energized, which they had good reason for. Their main opponent had been put in bonds, and he was on his way to being punished for life.

Once they reached the courtroom, Cassandra took her seat in front of her massive desk, Horace stood to the right of her, and her children stood to her left. Cassandra looked over at Shelby, and motioned for her to stand by her children. Shelby looked up at her parents, and they waved at her to go. So she did. She walked up the wooden stairs onto the raised dais and stood in between Mason and Abigail. The guards pushed Richard, and he fell forcefully on his knees. Once everyone was settled into a place in the courtroom, Cassandra spoke.

"Today, we are here to witness the trial of Richard Russell," she began. "Let us begin."

The trial went on for about an hour. Richard was accused of several attempted kidnappings of the prince and princess, causing trouble, treason, and several counts of man slaughter. Cassandra had then turned to Shelby, letting her decide his sentence. She figured the girl had a big part in the whole situation, and it was fair to let her decide. Shelby didn't know much about the man, only that he had spent a lot of time waiting for an opportune moment to get the best of the kingdom, which was good enough cause for a death sentence. But Shelby couldn't bring herself to request that.

"Life in prison," she whispered, which was more than he deserved. Cassandra nodded, and her assistant repeated Shelby's statement.

"Her royal highness finds the defendant guilty of all charges. Richard Russell, your sentence is life in prison." Cassandra looked down at Richard grimly.

"With no bail or parole," she said. It seemed fair, and wasn't even that terrible, but Richard looked pained. But Shelby felt no sympathy for him. The two guards flanking Richard pulled him to his feet. "Do you have anything to say before you never see the light of day again?" Richard sneered, but held his tongue. Cassandra's green eyes glowed with triumph.

"Very well," she said, and then turned to the guards. "Take him away." The two men pushed Richard to the doors, and disappeared into the halls. All the other nobles in the room slowly filed out, no doubt having some business of their own to attend to. Shelby could tell they were all more relaxed and happy, now that their lives were about to get better. For awhile anyway. Once everyone except for the Treaty and the Altman family had left, the queen turned to Shelby once more.

"It has been made obvious over the turn of events these past weeks that the kingdom is in your debt," she said, smiling at the young girl. Shelby tried to keep her expression neutral. "So, if you wish, you may go back to your home in Redmont." Shelby blinked.

"What?" she said bluntly. Cassandra smiled, and turned her head to one side.

"Your work has exceeded all of our expectations. I'm sure you miss your family, and they miss you. If you wish, you may return to them." Shelby wasn't sure what to say. She knew that once anyone working for the kingdom had done their job they were allowed to be released until more trouble came, but Shelby didn't feel that way. She felt like trouble would never fully be gone, and that if there was even the slightest bit of danger of animosity, the princess would find it. Plus, there was Mason. Shelby looked around at the expressions of the prince and princess. Abigail was trying her hardest to look casual, but something in her big blue eyes made Shelby want to hug her. Mason, like his sister, was trying to look indifferent, but again, Shelby could tell by the light in his eyes he hoped for a specific response.

"Thank you for the offer," she said slowly, "but I feel like I've found my place here." Cassandra exchanged smiles with Shelby's parents, and both the young royals were smiling with them.

"We will be honored to have you here with us," she said, and hugged the small girl. When she let go, she continued. "I hate to leave you alone, but I do have some people to talk to and things to arrange." She bowed slightly at Shelby and the Treatys. "It's wonderful to have you all here." And then she and her husband left. Shelby turned and hugged her parents.

"I still love you," she told them, afraid she had offended them. But to her surprise, they both laughed.

"We love you too," Alyss said. "And we understand. It would be hard giving up a lifestyle you are so used to."

"And leaving friends is never easy," Will added. Shelby nodded.

"Yeah," she agreed. "I couldn't do it." Will and Alyss both smiled down at her. Her mother kissed her forehead.

"I'm glad you've found your way," she said. Shelby hugged her mother's waist. "I wish that I could have had more time with you. I miss my little girl." Shelby smiled at her mother.

"Me too," she said. "I miss you both when you're gone."

"We miss our only daughter's beautiful personality," Will told her. Shelby laughed.

"I don't have much of a personality," she said.

"Yes you do," Abigail laughed, making Shelby jump a little. She had nearly forgotten the princess and Mason were still there.

"You have a lovely personality," the prince said. Shelby smiled at him, and accepted his outstretched hand.

"We will still let you come visit," Alyss said with a wink. "Come whenever you can."

"I will," Shelby promised. Will and Alyss hugged their daughter one last time and then turned to leave. They had work to handle with back at Redmont Fief, and they had a four hour ride ahead of them. Shelby had been sorry to see them go, but she knew they were busy. In a way, things hadn't really changed. And she couldn't really say she was sorry.

After dinner was served, Shelby stood on her balcony, watching the busy castle life. People walked around in the courtyard, exchanging materials, rebuilding, or simply having a conversation. Shelby had always enjoyed watching the perpetually busy people. It was such a contrast to Redmont Fief, where everything was slow, quiet, and somewhat dull. However, Shelby had grown up in a forest, where her only companion was nature. Even though she loved the forest she would always call home, she loved the castle with all her heart. She heard someone knock at her door.

"Come in," she called softly. Her wooden door clicked open, and the prince came to stand next to her.

"Interesting to watch, isn't it?" he said, motioning to the people. Shelby nodded, but said nothing. Mason gripped her hand and held it tightly.

"You think things will go back to the way they were?" he asked. Shelby shrugged.

"I think so," she said. "I hope so." Mason nodded.

"Me too," he said. "I hope the people will be willing to move on from this."

"I'm sure they will," Shelby said, looking up at him. "No one likes to remember wars. I'm trying to forget it already." Mason laughed softly.

"Me too," he admitted, and looked down at her, his green eyes sparkling with humor. Shelby held his glance, and then leaned on his shoulder.

"It was good experience, though," she said. "Something to learn from, and hopefully never repeat."

"Always looking on the bright side, eh?" the prince teased. Shelby smiled up at him again.

"Nothing wrong with that," she said. "Sometimes, it's best to look to the future."

There is an epilogue, which I'm posting today as well. I'll give all my goodbyes there.