Here we are, the last regular chapter of the story. I'm going to post the epilogue tomorrow and then this fic will officially be marked complete. Hope this chapter finds you well.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 26
"Daddy, did we win?"
A sob escaped me and I crushed her tighter to my chest. "Yes, we did. They're gone now. But that isn't important. I need to let everyone know you're awake. You need to feed and then I have to see what has been going on with people."
"Haven't you been taking care of them?"
"No, you've been my only concern. I haven't left this room since I carried you in."
"That was real? I thought the singing and humming was a memory playing in my head."
I sat up and settled her onto my lap. "There was nowhere else for me to be."
"Is Marcus okay? And mom?"
"Your mom and Marcus are fine. But we lose some other people. Your uncle Jasper lost his mom and sister."
"Oh no!"
There was a knock on the door and then Bella peaked her head in. "Alice told us to come up here and check on you."
"She's awake, Bella. Our girl is back."
Bella cried out as Marcus passed her and ran for the bed. He climbed up and took Ren's face in his hands. She gasped and then tears started falling down both of their cheeks. I held out my hand to Bella and she joined us, the two of us hugging our children between us.
Once Renata was on the mend, I was of a better mind to return to the business of our people. Several decisions needed to be made, and that was the test for our first council meeting.
As I walked in, Jasper approached slowly. I stopped, motioning my brother-in-law forward.
"I understand if you no longer wish to have this power, especially with it being so far away."
"No, I think it will be good, and as long as we can maintain order there."
"The council will have a lot to decide. There are other territories that need someone to watch over them and we need to make sure no one has an issue with the plan to honor our dead. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you more. I broke my heart to hear about Tanya and your mom."
"Thank you. And you had your own concerns to deal with. How is Renata?"
"Getting stronger. Garrett is watching her right now so that Bella could hunt. Things are finally returning to normal, for the most part."
We both turned at the arrival of the other members of the council and settled in for the meeting.
"I have a proposal that may seem odd, but I think it will work for our people better," Benjamin started.
"Go on," I encouraged.
"I believe we should all return home for a time and set up stewards from our families. The council should remain in the capital. Europe wouldn't need someone to preside over it because the council is here. If an issue arises in another territory our steward can alert us and we would make a decision. Six ruling princes with the king among princes as the tie breaker.
"Beyond that, the rules can remain the same. The lineage, the Choosing, all of it. And I know you have ideas for who should take those empty territories."
"I do. I already declared that I wanted Jasper to be the prince of Oceania, which is why he's here today. Emmett McCarty has been a friend to my family since his uncle brought him to the capital seeking justice for the death of his brother and sister-in-law. I would like to make him the prince of Russia. If we are going to oversee Europe, I will name a relative to serve as my steward in North America."
Stefan moved to stand before me. "We all have preparations to make. I see no problem with your choices. I believe some of the guards should go with these new men to secure their territories before placing their men in place. You will need to make a show at Alec's stronghold. This is important and needs to be handled swiftly."
"Is there any opposition to these plans?" I scanned the room and saw none. "Very well, I need to speak to Emmett. Once we've had the ceremony for those we lost, we can depart to sure up our world."
"Very well, we will see each other tomorrow at the ceremony," Nahuel said.
The other princes left, so only Jasper and I remained. "Please, tell me Emmett knows something of this plan?"
"He knew of the possibility, but I didn't tell him it was a certainty. I needed to have the other princes agree and they have. So now we all need to make some choices. I'll leave you to make yours while I seek out my family."
We parted ways and I was soon in the residence with my family. My grandparents were there and I was glad because I needed to speak to them. With the family surrounding me, I revealed the plans that the council had agreed to and then let them know my decisions. Edward and Elizabeth agreed to go to North America so he could act as my steward, and dad said he would watch the capital while I went to Alec's stronghold.
Emmett was shocked there wasn't a complaint about his appointment, but was planning to get his uncle to travel with him and stand in as his steward. Emmett was the one who mentioned we might need proof that those who had been in power were gone to convince the locals of the new rulers, so we decided it was best for us to travel with the heads of the traitors.
It would be morbid, but effective.
Things were ironed out and we moved onto preparing for our departures. Bella was worried about us being separated, but I didn't want her around Alec's residence if he had left supporters behind. I'd have guards with me, and it was better for her and the kids to be home.
The next morning dawned and we prepared for the ceremony. I knew little about what was happening, my mother and Bella had organized it while I was caring for Renata and meeting with the council.
We dressed and made our way to the city center, not far beyond the rotunda. A crowd had gathered and we were some of the last to arrive.
Etched on a stone slab, the names of all those we lost. Above the names was a quote.
Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality. ~ Emily Dickinson
Incense burners sat around the base of the monument, the heavy scent wafting in the breeze. I looked around, seeing the different families mourning those we lost. My mother stood beside Eleazar, both of them missing Carmen. My mother would always miss the closest thing she had to a sister, and Eleazar, the woman he loved.
Looking at Bella, I couldn't imagine my life without her anymore.
I watched as my father spoke to those assembled. He was the perfect person to do so, as he was still revered as the previous king, but not as directly touched by the losses as the others.
I felt Renata's hand grip mine and I looked down to her. "What are you thinking about, Daddy?"
"How close I came to seeing your name on that stone."
"Mommy said you're leaving this afternoon. How long will you be away?"
"Your Aunt Alice would have told me if there was reason to worry. All she said was 'I'll see you in two days.' Don't worry, Sweetheart."
My father finished his speech and it was time to say my goodbyes. It would be a long two days away, but once I returned, my life could begin again.
