Chapter Twenty-Seven:

The whole group rushed over to Sam's side, even Queen Amara.

Benny got there first. Charlie looked up at him with tears glistening in her eyes. "I - I can't find his pulse."

Benny swallowed hard and turned to Castiel. "He's been bleeding out for awhile. Can you –?"

Cas kneeled down beside Charlie. He placed two fingers on Sam's forehead, and summoned the healing powers of his grace.

But the energy died at his fingertips, and Sam did not stir. "I - he's too far gone," Cas said.

Benny bit his lip and turned his face away from them. Kevin bowed his head in defeat.

"Cas, are you sure?" asked Dean, voice cracking slightly. It wasn't fair that Sam should die here, now, when Heaven had been set back in order and they had won.

Cas shook his head, looking pained. "Dean, I can't."

Dean was really about to lose it when he felt a soft touch on his shoulder. It was Queen Amara.

"I told you, Dean. I am indebted to you. All of you," she said, staring around at the wayward, mighty group before her. Then she looked down at Sam. "And that includes him."

Then she gestured for Cas to step aside and took his place kneeling over Sam. She cupped one hand to his cheek and placed the other on his stomach wound.

Before their eyes, the bloody mess on Sam's shirt disappeared and color started returning to his pale face. Suddenly he took a deep, gasping breath, and his eyes fluttered open. Amara stepped back to give him space.

The first thing Sam did was reach for his sword. Not because he was fearful, but because it was a comfort to him. It had been his mother's, after all. The hilt was cool and reassuring in his grip.

Slowly, he sat upright. He looked from face to face with increasing wonder and confusion. Finally, his gaze landed on Benny.

"Uh, what did I miss?"

Benny laughed deep and pure, then reached out to help Sam to his feet.

It was not quite time to ride off into the sunset, but it was on the horizon, pun intended.

Queen Amara asked the group to stay in the castle for a few days while everything was sorted out. They gave her counsel in turn, and with their help, she was able to discern which guards and angels had betrayed her. In short order, she had all the traitors banished to The Empty Lands.

Much news was shared between all of them. Dean learned of Cas's untimely demise and resurrection, and Kevin learned that his his tormentor, The Count, had been justly killed for his crimes. Eventually, the details of the whole affair had come together for them all.

After hearing Castiel's version of events, the angel Michael was rewarded with highest honors from the Queen. He was also the first whom she entrusted to guard Chuck's cell, and he performed this duty faithfully for her throughout his immortal life.

Queen Amara herself worked hard to put the castle back in order. Soon enough, word had spread across the kingdom that the Prince had fallen into disgrace, and that the Queen had returned to her rightful rule of Heaven.

A few days after Chuck's imprisonment, Queen Amara called all the major players of that fateful day into her court for assembly.

Though she was quite regal in a beautiful new gown, she looked at them as though they were not subjects, but dear friends.

She stood up from her throne and spoke softly.

"I've called you all here because I want to make offerings of gratitude to each of you."

She looked at Rowena and Charlie first. "Rowena, you helped me immensely. If it would please you, I would love to have you back as my Remedy Woman. With a salary twice what it was before, and luxurious accommodations here in the castle. Charlie, you are of course welcome to join her and fill your days as you choose. If there is any role you desire, it shall be yours."

Rowena beamed and Charlie blushed. They looked at each other, then back at the Queen. "We would like that very much," said Charlie.

Queen Amara nodded, and then moved on to Kevin. He looked at her nervously. "Kevin Tran. Your bravery in helping return Castiel's grace was instrumental in Prince Chuck's defeat. I thank you for that. However I confess that I'm not sure what to offer you in repayment. So please, name your request."

Kevin stood up straighter and looked directly into Amara's eyes. "Your Majesty, I have been a – a hostage to Count Azazel for the past few years. All I really want now is to go home. I'd like to see my mother again."

Amara smiled. "Then I'll give you whatever you need. A carriage and driver perhaps? With food for the journey and traveling attire, if you'll have it?"

Kevin smiled. "Thank you, my Queen."

Then Amara turned to the other four men, who were standing somewhat awkwardly together. "And here we have a vampire, a giant, an angel, and a hunter. All of great valor. What are your requests?"

Benny and Sam looked at each other, then back to Amara. Sam sighed slightly. "You know, I was hunting the yellow-eyed man for so long, I'm not sure what to do now."

Amara nodded sympathetically. "Well, we're currently in need of Royal Guards, and you two are more than qualified. Although," she glanced at Castiel, "I've heard tell that the Dread Demon Cain has...gone to ground. Perhaps you would prefer the open sea?"

Sam smiled. He looked back at Benny. "Perhaps," he said. "May we think it over?"

"Of course."

Then at last Queen Amara turned to Dean and Castiel. They were standing hand in hand, and of course everyone knew that whatever their fate, it would be together.

"So what of Castiel and Dean Winchester?"

"Well, Your Highness," said Dean. "Cas and I have been discussing this for the past few days. Before this all began, we wanted to travel throughout Heaven together and then settle down eventually. We still want that."

"We just want to be free," added Castiel.

Amara smiled, and touched a hand to the angel's shoulder. "Of course, Castiel."

Then she stepped back and looked at all of them again. "Arrangements will be made for all of you. Those of you traveling should be able to set off tomorrow. Tonight, though, you are all invited to a feast in your honor. I hope to see you there."

She smiled and dismissed them. After walking out of Amara's court together, they all felt more relaxed and cheerful. Benny cracked jokes, Sam chatted with Charlie, and Dean and Cas flirted uninhibitedly.

Rowena felt quite fond of them all, which was a rather a new experience for the witch. So it was with a tinge of sadness that she spared a thought for the following day, when everyone was destined to go their separate ways.