Chapter Thirty-Six: Epilogue

Five Years Later

Murtagh smiled at his brother's almost childlike enthusiasm.

"I can't believe Saphira's pregnant. I never thought it would happen, Brother," said Eragon, excitedly.

"I'm happy for her, now the race of dragons won't die out. Are she and Fìrnen okay? They must both be excited at the thought of being parents," said Murtagh.

"They're both fine. We're all hoping you and Thorn come and visit again soon. Oh, that reminds me Roran has asked me to tell you that Ismira is demanding to see her Uncle Murtagh, so you better visit them soon too," Eragon said, his smile getting bigger. It was a smile that Murtagh happily returned.

"Tell him me and Thorn will visit in a few weeks' time, we'll then make our way to you, sound okay?" Eragon responded with an enthusiastic nod of his head. The two brothers bid each goodbye and ended the scrying spell. Sighing happily Murtagh decided to read a bit more of his book that Arya had given him for his name-day, whilst he waited for Thorn to return from his hunt, so that he could tell him the good news.

Making himself comfortable in front of the fire in his chambers, Murtagh began to read. His chambers were much the same as the ones he had used when he was Galbatorix's prisoner. He and Thorn had been working at finding ways to live with their bad memories and they were surprised to find that talking about their experiences with a friend helped. Apollo, who Nasuada had employed as the royal healer, was happy to listen to all they said and had proven an excellent confident. The Red Rider and his dragon were healing well. It was taking time but they were getting there.

Shruikan had also proved a good listener since his return. It turned out that he had gone to see the place where he hatched and mourned the loss of a true Rider. Many of the people of the Empire were terrified to see the huge black dragon but Nasuada had pardoned him of his crimes as he was under the influence of dark magic. Shruikan had taken to Nasuada instantly, and all but served as her dragon.

Lost in his book Murtagh didn't hear his door open, and didn't know someone had entered his room until he felt a gentle weight rest on his shoulder. He knew instantly who it was, Nasuada.

"Murtagh, I hate my council," said Nasuada sounding annoyed.

"You've been saying that a lot lately. What's wrong?" he asked, putting his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. Leaning in to his embrace, Nasuada let out an exhausted sigh before replying,

"They are getting more and more insistent that I should marry, so that I may produce an heir."

"Don't you want get married?" asked Murtagh, hesitantly.

"I do want to get married but they seem to think it would be good for the realm if I married King Orrin," she said before adding quietly,

"But it's not Orrin I want to marry."

Murtagh was silent for a few minutes before he attempted to respond, but when he tried to speak, his courage seemed to flee and he was left speechless. Taking a few deep breaths, he worked up his courage and asked Nasuada something he had wanted to ask her for some time.

"Nasuada, would you marry me?" Murtagh knew it wasn't the most romantic proposal but romance wasn't really his fortè, and he wondered if he should have gone about it in a different way. Nasuada's silence was beginning to make Murtagh feel ill as all sorts of negative thoughts went through his head, she doesn't want me; she doesn't love me as I love her.

"Yes." Her gentle voice brought Murtagh out of his negative thoughts and for a minute he thought he had misheard.

"I'm sorry?" he said, hardly daring to believe he had heard her right. Sitting up so she was looking him in the eye she answered again,

"Yes, Murtagh I will marry you." It took a few seconds for her words to sink in but when they did, he couldn't help the massive grin that split his face. He hugged Nasuada close and kissed her as passionately as he could. When they broke apart, Nasuada laughed and said,

"Maybe I should agree to marry you more often if this how you react." Murtagh laughed and kissed her again; he had never felt happier.

Author's Note: So that's it, The End. I would like to thank everyone who has read and reviewed this story. Your comments mean so much and have been very helpful. I really hope you have enjoyed this story and thank you to everyone who has stuck with it. Thank You! xxx