Epilogue: The Rose
The day dawned clear, and a warm spring breeze filled the air. Ashley made her way down to the breakfast room slowly, savoring the activity around her. Zhane was coming back, he had promised to stay for a least a month. His wedding to Tori was merely a few months away, and preparations were in full swing.
Singing gaily, Ashley entered the breakfast room and selected a variety of pastries, sitting down to eat. Andros entered the room a moment later, looked at her plate and laughed.
"Are you planning a sugar day?"
Holding a cheese Danish in one hand and an apple tart in another she shrugged, a smile lighting her eyes. "But of course, your majesty, I am merely getting myself ready to greet Zhane."
"Then I feel vastly sorry for my friend."
"Perhaps you should feel sorry for yourself."
Andros looked up from his breakfast plate. "And why is that?"
Ashley smiled wickedly. "Zhane won't arrive until this evening."
Andros stood and walked over to where she sat, holding a hand out. "Then I suppose I shall have to keep you occupied."
"I suppose."
Laughing, Andros gathered her up into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. "Come, let's take a walk outside and view your garden."
He smiled and led her out the door.
The minute Ashley stepped out into the garden she gasped. The heady scent of roses filled the air, and the garden was a myriad of color. Almost all the roses were in bloom. Amazed, she turned slowly and took in the beauty. As she turned back to Andros, she noticed the look in his
eyes that had evaded her for too long with its meaning. She recognized it now, for the same love shone in her own expression.
She reached down and picked a deep red rose. Handing it to Andros she smiled.
"They only grow with love."
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FIN