Epilogue

At dinner that night, the matter of Arae's punishment was brought up quite subtly. Prince Oscar asked Arae what punishment should be given to someone who deceived the royal family, as though discussing politics like he would any other night.

Arae replied that they deserve no better fate than to be stripped stark naked, and put in a barrel that is studded inside with sharp nails. Two white horses should be hitched to it, and they should be dragged along through one street after another, until they are dead.

Oscar decided that that was the fate that Arae deserved, but Hiram, King Ijori, Princess Hana, Queen Aza and I worked together to talk him out of it.

I didn't wish Arae to die, because she needed to die with peace in her life. She was misguided, and needed steering in the right direction, but a simple punishment would do.

I also had to save Arae's life to thank her, because although I hated her and didn't want to talk to her again, it was her scheming that had caused me to change for the better. The lesson she had taught me would always stay with me, and I hoped to be a better queen because of it.

While arguing for Arae's happiness, I was also arguing for Mubdi's. I knew that he loved Arae.

After much debating, Oscar decided that Arae would have to work in the kitchens for a year, and be monitored carefully, but would be let off any serious punishment.

I know that my politics would have been different back in Pu, but my life in Ayorthaia as a goose girl had saved me, as well as Arae.

We married the next day in the traditional Ayorthaian style. My song for Hiram was short and basic.

It is your joy that causes my joy,

Your smile that causes mine,

Your grief causes my grief,

Your laughter makes me shine

I'll stay with you throughout your joy

When you smile I'll stand by your side

I'll comfort you throughout your grief

And laugh with you with pride

My knowledge of song writing soon developed, and my voice with it, after some tutoring with the choirmaster.

In the receiving line I met many people who later became my friends, and got along especially well with the prince's sister, Alana.

After the wedding, I was visited first by Arae, who came begging for forgiveness, and thanking me for my mercy. I don't think Arae knew what she was getting herself into, and suddenly her little game had become a whole lot more serious.

My second visitor was Mubdi, who apologised for upsetting me. I forgave him, and explained that he had helped me and taught me a lesson that I would always be grateful for.

Several years later Mubdi and Arae married. I never got along well with Arae, and she was always somewhat horrid to me, but Mubdi and I got along well. The two of them moved back to Pu, and, from what I hear, lived happily.

We never found out what happened to Mubdi's two friends, and when I visited mother later that year she told me word of our troubles had never reached Pu.

During my journey to Pu I also made contact with Kiara one again, who was more timid than usual, but was doing well for herself. She joined us on our way back to Ayorthaia, and eventually wed the guard who saved Falada.

Falada stayed by my side, and we always travelled together.

I decided to keep the name Aiya, because it seemed more Ayorthaian, and I feel that it suits me better. Anidori never felt like a name that belonged to me, even before I journeyed to Ayorthaia.

Hiram and I had five children – four girls and one boy. Only one of them had a traditional Ayorthaian name.

Hiram and I ruled happily for several years before retiring and letting my son take my place.

Wherever I go now, I always try to be more sympathetic to others, and help people who aren't as fortunate as I.

A/N: Yay! I'm done! XD

I know that this chapter is short, bur epilogues generally are, so it should be okay. Thanx to the people that reviewed or favourite this story (I don't understand how I can have 129 hits and only four reviews, but oh well.) Remember, just because I'm finished it doesn't mean that I won't read your reviews, and I'm still happy to take any suggestions to make this story better.

Cya (when I write another story – promise to read it)

Neva2old4disney

P.S has anyone read any good books lately, cos my supply is nearly all gone.