A crowd of thousands had gathered outside of Hadea's Golden Palace. Numerous commoners had journeyed from across the five kingdoms, and several nobles were grouped together as well. All eyes were focused on a royal stage, where a radiant empress sat alongside her groom.

The Phantom was donned in a white tuxedo. His famed mask was nowhere to be found.

Hadea was wrapped in a sparkling dress. A thin veil hung in front of her face.

Down below, a row of special guests were sitting just before the platform. Each of them were dressed in elegant formal wear as well.

As a quiet tune reached its end, a pale minister in a silver doublet stepped onto the stage. "Before we proceed with the ceremony, several people would like to say a few words." He motioned for the first guest to approach.

Flash jogged up the steps and walked to a golden altar. He straightened his suit jacket as he looked over toward the Phantom. "I was all set to give this fancy, philosophical speech about how life is a journey, and we're all searching for 'the one.' Instead, I'll just say that you've found her, and I wish the two of you all the best."

The Phantom nodded with a smile, and Hadea did the same.

Moments after Flash had taken his seat, Lothar stood before the altar and addressed the empress. "You're a very dedicated ruler, Hadea. You've brought happiness to several people, and you deserve happiness of your own." He eyed them both. "I'm glad that the two of you have found it together."

As Lothar stepped down, Mandrake approached the altar and smiled at the Phantom. "You once doubted that you'd ever see a day like this one. Needless to say, I'm glad that you were wrong. Congratulations, friends."

Rick reached the altar next, and looked toward Hadea. "You've given me a good deal of advice over the past year or so. I've followed it on some occasions, and taken a different path on others. The bottom line, however, is that you cared enough to offer it, and I'm grateful for that." He took a few seconds to look her over. "I once thought that I could never respect anyone the way that I respected my mom...but there are times when I seem to have a similar respect for you."

Hadea's gaze softened as she absorbed his words. Unlike on certain previous occasions, she had no problem letting Rick know that his affection was mutual.

Rick turned toward the Phantom. "She's a keeper, big guy."

The Phantom grinned.

LJ approached next, and eyed the Phantom as well. "You're one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. What you've taught me today is that with enough time and work, two people who love each other can make their relationship succeed. Congratulations to you both."

The Phantom mouthed a thank-you as LJ stepped down.

Kshin took the stage and glanced around a bit. Then he chuckled while spreading his arms for a second. "I once vowed that I would never attend a wedding for as long as I lived. When I was younger, getting married seemed like such an icky thing to do."

A few giggles came from the seats below.

Kshin eyed Hadea and the Phantom warmly. "But I have to say that I'm very proud to be here today, because there's certainly nothing 'icky' about what I'm seeing right now." He nodded, then retook his seat.

Krotan stepped up to the altar next, casting a smile toward the future spouses. "I hope that you'll bring each other as much happiness as your daughter has brought me." He exchanged a warm grin with his wife, then turned back to the Phantom and his bride. "I wish you nothing but the best."

Once the last of the men had stepped down, all eyes turned toward a former Queen of the Netherworld.

Rachel eased her way up the steps, adjusting the long white cape that symbolized her status. She flattened her hands atop the altar, then faced the audience with a grin. "I just want to say that there aren't many people who've moved me or touched me like these two have. The groom inspired me as a soldier, and the bride inspires me as a mother." She looked toward Hadea and her future husband. "You're both remarkable individuals. That's why you deserve what you're giving each other today." She paused, letting her smile linger on them. "Congratulations."

Both nodded while returning her expression.

Rachel descended the steps and took her seat.

And then, everyone turned their attention to the Queen of Mongo, who stepped forth in a regal dress and a glittering crown.

Jedda folded her arms over her chest, eyeing the groom and bride with a taunting smile.

A few chuckles came from the onlookers below.

"What can I say that hasn't already been said?" Jedda glanced upward, then snapped her fingers. "Oh, I know..." She looked straight at them. "About time."

More laughter arrived as she returned to her chair.

Rachel playfully leaned her head against Jedda's, resting it there for a moment as they both eyed the stage.

As Hadea and the Phantom began approaching the altar, their guests exchanged anxious grins.

The minster addressed the couple. "If you will now join hands and speak the proper words..."

Hadea extended her hands just above her waist, taking the Phantom's palms within her own. "From this day forth, I am yours."

The Phantom looked straight into her eyes. "From this day forth, I am yours."

The minister gazed outward and spoke to the crowd. "Let it be known, among one and all, that the empress of our kingdoms has taken her mate. This woman and this man are eternally wed."

The Phantom beamed. "I love you," he whispered.

Hadea fidgeted within his grasp. "I love you too."

Once he'd lifted her veil, they leaned toward each other, and they slowly kissed.


Several hours had passed since the ceremony's conclusion, and the newlyweds were currently alone in their bedroom. Hadea was sitting atop the bed in a thin nightgown; no crown was present atop her head. She lifted a knee and wrapped a hand around her shin, tucking her other leg just beneath it. "I came to a certain realization today." She grinned.

The Phantom was strolling about in an evening robe. "What was that?"

Hadea blushed a little. "I think that I hold a certain distinction among rulers."

He approached with a calm, suspicious smile. "Most successful?"

"No."

"Most tactful?"

"No."

"Most beautiful?"

"No." She shrugged. "I mean yes, probably, but that isn't what I was referring to."

"What were you referring to then?"

A hint of pride appeared in her smile. "I think that I'm the one who's been knelt before the most."

Hadea had held several positions throughout her life — Queen of the Netherworld, galactic ruler, interim Queen of Mongo, and empress of the five kingdoms. As a result, more people had knelt before Hadea than any other ruler in the galaxy. And for a while now, people had done so willingly, without pause and with genuine admiration.

"So, then..." He stepped right in front of her. "Since you've had such a high number of kneelers already, I suppose it's all right if your husband stands."

Hadea lifted an eyebrow and flashed a playful grin. "Actually, no. Get down there."

The Phantom let out a quiet chuckle, lowering himself to one knee.

She took his hands, then guided him up to the bed beside her. "In the past, I would've embraced that distinction with unabashed glee. But now I simply accept it with pride. I don't want reverence, but I appreciate respect."

"And you're deserving of it," he said firmly. "The previous empress knew that you'd rule all five kingdoms someday — not as a conqueror, but as a healer. The admiration that you've gained is a sign of the progress that you've made."

Hadea blushed a little. "Like that woman, I could drop my name and simply be known by my title." She smiled. "But I won't do that, because I like the idea of introducing myself as Hadea Walker now and then."

The Phantom wrapped his arms around his wife. "I very much like the sound of that too."

Before long, the two were snuggling within one another's embrace, holding each other close as they looked to the future.


Volume VIII — End