XLIII. Peace at Last

Three years later, Erik sat under the olive tree in the courtyard while watching Zuri and Aya pick tomatoes and herbs to make supper. Charles and Christian sat playing a game of ball beside him while he held the newest little addition to his family in his arms. Reina, was his new little girl, she looked for the most part like him. She had a tiny deformity above her right eye but that was coverable.

"Papa." Aya interrupted his thoughts. "I picked some tomatoes." She held up a basket to him.

"And they look like fine tomatoes." He replied then patted her gently on the head.

"Erik. Is Reina doing well?" Zuri questioned him as she carried a basket full of tomatoes, basil, and rosemary.

"Yes sweety. She is doing very good. She is a very good girl."

"Good. Aya do you want to help me fix supper or stay out and play with your brothers?"

"I'll come with you Mama." Aya replied.

"Well I am most offended." Erik said with a laugh.

"Don't worry. I won't keep Aya for long."

xxxx

After eating supper Erik and Zuri put their children to bed. Erik looked at Reina as she fell asleep. "The twins have finally gone to bed."

"Hmm." He replied.

"Erik are you still going on over Reina?" She asked as she looked in the crib to see their youngest daughter sleeping. "Sweety, there is nothing wrong with her."

"I know that and you know that. But what about Aya, Charles, and Christian? And what about other children?"

"Erik our children know there is nothing wrong with Reina's face. Stop obsessing over it. Everything will turn out for the better. It always does." She pulled him into their bedroom so Reina could sleep peacefully.

"What if she is shunned like I was?"

"Then we will deal with it. Reina is not doomed to live life as an outcast. It's not going to happen."

"I wish she hadn't received my deformity."

"Sweety, there is nothing wrong with you. There never has been. Stop beating yourself up over it. These things are out of our control."

"But."

Zuri kissed him softly then said, "But nothing. Beauty comes from the soul and you shine with it Erik. I love you and I always will."

He kissed her back then said, "Thank you Zuri."

"For what?"

"For always being there for me and for showing me what it means to truly be loved."

"You're welcome." She replied with a blush.

Zuri pulled her husband into bed then cuddled beside him. "Zuri?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you ever think about your father?"

"No. I try not to."

"Do you ever regret leaving Paris?"

"No. The only person I miss is Antoinette. Erik?"

"What?"

"Is this what the rest of our days to be like? So peaceful."

"I hope so."

"So, no more adventures in the bed?"

Erik laughed. "I didn't say that."

"Ohhh." She replied with a giggle.

Erik suddenly straddled her hips. "In fact I have no problems with a little disturbance now and then."

Zuri wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her. "Good. I love you Erik and don't you ever forget it."

Erik kissed her lips passionately. "Don't worry. I won't."

Author's Note: Last chapter! Yay! I appreciate everyone's reviews and as I said before, I wrote this almost a year ago. I do plan to do a rewrite of it when I get time to.