"Fiona, we would like to speak with you," King Harold said. "Now, we are not blind, Fiona. We notice that you are only happy once you leave. And for someone who has a full closet here, you spend an awful lot of time in the woods; I just feel...like we're losing you. Now is this about Charming?"
Fiona closed her eyes on the pain his name always caused her. "Not everything is about Charming!" she bit.
"Then what is it about?" Lillian implored.
"I just feel more at home when I'm...not here," she answered stiffly.
"Do you have a home out there?"
"Yes. No. Sort of." Fiona rubbed her temple where a headache was starting. "We live underground; it's a lot nicer than it sounds."
"Who's 'we'?"
"The ogres," Fiona answered.
"How is that a home?" Harold asked.
Fiona shrugged. "We don't call each other a 'problem,'" she answered. "We love, accept, and support each other; and we don't give ultimatums. I'd much rather be an ogre with friends, than a human without." She started walking to the palace, leaving Harold and Lillian to consider her words.
Lillian looked at her husband, who nodded encouragement. They hurried after her. "Fiona," Lillian called, and their daughter turned with a sigh. Lillian smiled, putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "How's this for an ultimatum?"
-x
A month later, the kingdom was bustling with activity as humans and ogres occupied every room.
"Are the beds ready?" Gretched asked Cookie.
"I was just gonna start that."
"I already did it," Brogan answered, hurrying down the stairs. "But you can start breakfast."
"It's done," Cookie answered.
"Great. I'm starving." Brogan was smiling as he practically jogged toward the dining room. He walked through the doors and took a seat at the table. "Look at it all," he groaned, and grabbed a fork. "Even Cookie's gonna need fat pants."
"One step ahead'a you, man," Cookie answered, much to Brogan's embarrassment. "It's all thanks to Fiona an' her garden."
"Where is she?"
"The garden."
Brogan smiled, putting his fork down. "Of course. Save me some," he added, as he got up. He let himself out onto the balcony and put his hands on his hips, watching Fiona. "Breakfast is on the table."
In her ogre form, Fiona stood and turned to face him. "Hey! The garden looks pretty good, right?"
"You look better," Brogan answered, and she smiled as he came closer. They kissed tenderly, and walked inside to start a new day filled with friendship, family, and futures.
xxxx