Well, we're finally at the end of this one. If feels odd, to be finishing this one from my couch, but times are what they are. I hope you're all doing well and thank you for the support on this story. I know it was a different take on our vampires, but you hung in with me and I appreciate you for it. Until next story.

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.

Epilogue

"Where Renata?" I asked my son.

"She's at the Royal Guard training facility."

"I could kill your uncle for enlisting her to help."

"She wanted to be my guard, so she needed to go through the normal training. And she can kick ass, Dad. She took down Emmett last week."

I laughed at my son's statement, because that was impressive.

"Well, I'm still not happy about it. And I'm allowed those feelings. After all, I'm still the king for a few more weeks."

Marcus looked at me, with an odd expression. "Will you miss being the king among princes?"

"If I'm being honest, no. It was the job I was born into, and I had no problem doing it. But my time is over and I don't have a wish to go beyond that. It is your turn to step up. Now, if you are the one that is mated to the Wanderer, there is extra responsibility. Either way, you will need to be patient with her. The process will be frightening for the child."

"Mom already lectured me on that. I'll be good."

"It's almost time. We should head over to the rotunda."

I made the final adjustment to his outfit, much like my father had done for me just over one hundred years ago. I'd had no idea that day would be the one to change my life forever. Marcus was the same, but he would know soon.

Our family was sitting around the residence living room, waiting for Marcus and I to be ready. When Jasper had arrived home last night, we knew the time had come. Even though his son was one of the princes that was waiting for the arrival of his generation's queen, the other princes saw no problem in him serving to calm the Wanderer woman.

He'd said nothing about the girl, as was his job. This time he would be standing behind his son, Brandon, while helping the girl.

Renata barrelled through the doorway, skidding to a stop when she saw us all sitting there. "Uncle Garrett is outside. He said we should get going."

As we exited the house, Renata stepped into place in front of Marcus. The walk was short, and soon all but Marcus and I were in the gallery, while I led him to the superior seat. I took my own place in the lesser seat and watched as the other princes filed in with their fathers behind them.

Nahuel and Joram were first, followed by Benjamin and Eric. Stefan walked in with Valli. Last, Jasper and Brandon along with Emmett and Aiden. Once everyone was seated, the platform rose and on it stood two female guards and a frightened young woman.

My mind flashed back to those moments a century ago when I first saw my wife. The platform stopped and I glanced at my son to gauge a reaction. I heard nothing from him.

I walked up to take the envelope with his order and opened it, turning to him. His number was two, a good placement.

The platform lowered, ending the ceremony. We left and Renata appeared at our side. "Marcus, can I be dismissed until tomorrow when you get to visit with the queen?"

"Sure, tell Declan I said hello," Marcus called after her.

She froze, glaring at her brother. I looked between the pair, confused. "Are you sparring with Emmett's second son now?"

"That's one word for it."

"You little-" Renata lunged at her brother, but I caught her easily.

"Do I need to have a chat with Declan?"

"Please don't, Daddy. I love him and you'll threaten him unless he stays away."

"You love him? But you're ..."

"If you say she's too young, I will thrash you, Your Majesty," Bella threatened teasingly.

I sighed and then looked at my daughter. "Go find Declan, and bring him back to the house. We need to speak about a mating ceremony."

"You're serious?" Renata gasped. "Even with the Choosing happening?"

"Your life shouldn't be put on hold because of your brother. If Declan is your choice, and you're his, we will do this tomorrow."

"Thank you, Daddy!" Renata through her arms around my neck and hugged me.

"You are very welcome."

"That was really cool of you dad."

"What? Giving your sister the right to love who she chooses? That isn't cool. It is nothing less than she deserves. Nothing less than you deserve."

"What are you saying?"

"Show the Little Queen kindness, and if you do not love her, then help her to find her way in our world."

"Is that what you would have done? If you hadn't been mom's mate?"

"Yes, but thankfully for all of us, she was. I want my family to be happy. We almost lost everything all those years ago and I will not stand in your way. Any of you."

"Is that what it means to be a good prince? To look out for everyone as if they were your family."

"It is. And you will be a grand prince."

Marcus looked at me and smiled. "With you as my example, I have a fair shot."