January 19, Winter, year 36

Toshi's execution was today. Initially it wasn't going to be that, but from what I heard, people were in a bit of a panic about him regaining memories during his banishment and coming for revenge.

It's sad. Toshi just wanted recognition and love.

On top of that, Tsukiko wants us to come to the throne room. I wonder what she wants…

Claire settled the pen in the notebook, and tucked her hair out of her eyes with a tired sigh. She really wasn't looking forward to all those eyes staring at her again, but Tsukiko had actually… well, asked. Not ordered.

If only it wasn't in front of a court… But wasn't that the way with rewards? Claire didn't know, she wanted nothing more than to rest, and keep resting until she had the triplets. And then take her whole family and go home, where she wouldn't have to deal with intrigue and plots.

The door slid open softly, and Skye stepped quietly in, taking a good long look at Claire as she lay on the large bed. She looked so tired, so vulnerable, and almost he decided that they didn't need to do this publicly.

And then she looked up, and gave him a fond, sweet smile, and slid carefully from the bed and blankets, reaching for him. He reached back, and carefully leaned in to give her a quick peck on the lips.

"Mother promises to make this take as little time as possible," he cupped her cheek gently, "but are you certain you wish to go?"

"It's me she wants to reward," Claire chuckled. "Besides, if it's done and over with, then I don't have to worry about anything other than living long enough to get these new children into the world!"

He smiled down at her, gently resting his cheek on her head. After a long, peaceful minute, Skye pulled back, and gave her a very courtly bow, which made his wife giggle at him.

"Then if you are ready my lady," his sea-green eyes glittered with humor, "we shall be off."

"Oh course, good sir," she laced her arm through his, continuing the joke. "Let us be off!"

It was just the two of them making the trek down the throne room. Despite the kids having wanted to, Skye had gently but firmly told them that it was an adult manner, and they would hear all about it when he and Claire returned. Mirei had protested the most vocally, but the appearance of Hoshiko, Yukiko and a bunch of treats had silenced her.

Claire hadn't exactly dressed for the occasion, but it was common knowledge that she was carrying an unprecedented amount of children, and so the stir upon their entrance was much less than it could have been, and the slow walk was less an affront to the former Queen than it would have been otherwise.

The stopped before the dais, and Skye gave his mother a polite bow. Claire simply nodded slightly; she still didn't like or trust Tsukiko, even after all of this. Her blindness and stubborn attitude had fooled her into believing that her son could do no wrong.

"You have aided us in removing a threat from our kingdom," Tsukiko's voice was cool and in control, the robes she was wearing certainly aiding in that. "We will grant you a request, and we… acknowledge your marriage to our son."

Claire just closed her eyes tiredly as the whispering began again. It was one thing to offer a boon to the person who had figured out and orchestrated the capture of the rogue prince, but to acknowledge a commoner marriage to a prince?

"I don't want anything," she said when the whispering and comments finally silenced. "But thanks. Skye?"

Startled silence reigned this time, and Skye stepped forward.

"Mother," his voice was calm, "I wish to renounce my immortality."

There weren't whispers this time, there were shouts and startled exclamations. He waited them out with a calm dignity, wrapping an arm around his wife. His hand, she noticed, was cold, and shaking just the slightest bit. Claire rested her head against his shoulder and her arm tucked around his waist as well.

"I have already given up the throne in favor of Daisuke," Skye raised his voice to be heard over the babbling and they quieted, "and I would like to return to the life I have learned to love. I do not want to watch my family grow old alone."

He stepped up onto the dais, pulling Claire along with him, and turned so that he could face the assembled Moon People. They quieted more as he took on a regal bearing that he had rarely used, even when playing the King.

"I have chosen a short life with the one I love, instead of a long life of wandering the world. In this life I have no need for the immortality that is both our blessing and our curse. All I need is standing right next to me."

Claire smiled warmly, blushing just a little bit. Skye certainly was turning on the charm, and it was a little amusing to watch various silver heads in the congregation nod slowly. Understanding rippled through the crowd, and Skye let out a very soft sigh of relief, before turning to his mother.

"Well, mother?"

Queen Tsukiko stood slowly, and reached out to touch her oldest son's face.

"So be it, my son," she nodded. "So be it."

Skye took a slight step away from Claire; this was strong magic and he didn't want it to have any sort of affect on her or the babies. Rainbow ripples seemed to form around the Queen and her son, and even Claire was awestruck by the magic.

One the hand dropped, the rainbow's exploded, scattering across the throne room for several long minutes before fading away into wisps and then into nothingness. Skye let out a soft sigh of relief, and wrapped his arms around his wife again, resting his head against her golden hair.

She hugged him back, and smiled fondly. Queen Tsukiko settled back into her chair with what could almost have been a sad sigh.

"We will miss our oldest son, but we are… proud of his choice."

She gave a regal nod, and the couple walked slowly down the carpet and out of the throne room.

That's it then. Now all I have to do is wait for the babies to be born, and get a little stronger… and then we can all go home.

Home… I can hardly wait.