Epilogue -

Malik—the ambassador from Fendel and former captain of the Barona knights—pretended to cower as Richard mock-glared at him. Meanwhile, Hubert Lhant, the emissary from Strahta, sighed into his cup of tea. After the end of their meeting concerning Leiah's research, Malik had mentioned accidently walking into the hall filled with women waiting to wed the king of Windor. "They all seem promising choices, Your Majesty."

Richard felt his glare melt into a wry smile. "Of course. Cheria and Dalen did pick them together…"

Hubert continued to sip his tea as if the other men were not suddenly conversing about weddings. The only hint that he was paying attention was an unusual hint of color in his cheeks.

"In any case," Malik continued, his arms crossed across his broad chest, "Fendel has no use for biological weapons. Have they been confiscated?"

Richard brushed off the end of his green-patterned overcoat, though dust didn't tend to cling to the soft silk. "Yes, I sent my men to do that yesterday. The monsters were swiftly destroyed with the permission of the creator."

Hubert raised an eyebrow and finally glanced up from his cup. "How willing would someone be to discard a lifelong work?"

"Well, in return destroying the monsters, I offered Miss Leiah a position at my court. I hope to channel her brilliance for better purposes." Richard held back a sigh. Even Rapho had been put down since the other alternative was life in a cage, which Jasmin had not wanted for the beloved pet.

Malik leaned forward. "You don't look too happy about it, Your Majesty. Are you worried Leiah can't be trusted?"

"No. I know that I made the right choice." Again, that word choice. "I took away her purpose, so I must provide an opportunity for another in return. Of course, her research will be monitored for some time, if that is your concern, Malik."

"You have thought the matter over well," Hubert interjected. His seal of approval heartened Richard, who managed a smile for Asbel's brother.

"Thank you, Hubert." Richard turned at the sound of a knock.

Malik gave the other men a significant glance and strode over to open the door. His brown eyes widened, and then a wicked grin curved his mouth as Jasmin, shrouded in a purple cloak entered the room. Black mittens covered her hands, and her knee-high boots appeared waterproofed. Richard thought she looked ready for a long journey in cold, sparkling snow.

"Hello, Your Majesty." After bowing to the king of Windor, she peered up at Malik with a blush. "Who are you, sir?"

"Malik Caesar at your service, my lady. You may have heard of me."

Jasmin hid a smile behind a hand. "Yes, I have heard of your brave service to Windor, your current emissary work and of course…your legendary looks. I am simply Jasmin."

"Ah, you are too kind, Jasmin." If Malik had been the sort to blush, he would have.

Watching them, Richard felt an odd stab in his chest. Perhaps he had pinched a nerve in his back. A few moments behind Jasmin came Cheria, who greeted Hubert with a few words and then tugged at Richard's sleeve.

"Humor me, Your Majesty Richard." Cheria looked deadly serious, and the others had engaged in conversation as Jasmin introduced herself to Hubert. Richard half-wanted to stay and observe Hubert as the inevitable topic of Pascal popped up, but he had caused Cheria enough worry.

He followed Cheria willingly as far as the red door that led to the hall of waiting candidates. There, he froze in place. Movement returned in the form of a flinch as Cheria took his hand. "I can't even imagine how difficult this is. Asbel and I grew up together, but you'll be picking someone who you've just met."

"I will make the right choice," Richard reiterated. He gave Cheria a wry side-glance as she laughed during his moment of resolution.

"We know. I just worry that what your head decides won' t match what your heart expects." Cheria clasped her hands together. "We know you would suffer anything for Windor, so please pick someone who appeals to your heart as well."

Richard held a hand up and backed away. "You're making me sound like a martyr, Cheria. It's just marriage."

A strange expression crossed his wedding advisor's face and then she smiled. "Let's go then." A clatter of steps behind them gave Richard one last chance at delay. The king of Windor turned to greet the person hurtling into the brazier-warmed corridor.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Caesar has to return to Fendel immediately for an urgent matter. I am going with his escort for safety. I wanted to say good-bye before I go." Jasmin allowed a confused glance for Cheria, who slipped into the red room with a wink for her.

Richard mused for a moment. "I see. Tell him I will update him on the situation at the next tri-nation conference. However, have you spoken to your sister about leaving?"

"We talked about it this morning." Jasmin was smiling, so sweetly that Richard felt his heart sputter. "Thank you for your kindness to Leiah."

"I must admit that I had an ulterior motive for that kindness." The inquisitive silence prompted Richard to continue, "I could not bear to see your sadness, and also I hoped that keeping your sister here…would mean you would stay."

Jasmin scowled. "Why would you want that?"

"To win your love and one day have a willing queen for Windor," Richard said in a casual tone so far different than the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

The young woman looked ready to drop into a chair. "Me? I have no qualifications for being a queen."

"My heart believes you do." Richard winced at the most mawkish sentiment he had ever let escape his lips. He felt fingers caress his cheek, and when he dared to look at the woman he could love, she was watching him with an emotion mixed between disbelief and wonder. One of her mittens was clutched tightly in her free hand.

"Everyone loves you, Your Majesty. I never dreamed that my fledging love was worth your attention."

"Your love for the king of Windor?"

She frowned. "For you, Richard." With a laugh, she removed her hand and smacked his shoulder with her glove. "You should go meet with women waiting for you and see if you change your mind!"

Richard took her hand to place a light kiss there. "I'll go meet them, but I won't change my mind. Will you stay?" She hugged him as an answer. Holding her, Richard inwardly vowed to court her properly and to help her become a queen for his people.