The kingdom of Eukaryona was elated to know that their rulers had fallen in love. This was most noticeable as the monarchs both worked in accordance. As seen in the past year, more shops were created such as a clothing store overseen by aspiring fashion designer Lola Sheep.
As for the knights, they would train daily while also making time for their families. They enjoyed serving their kingdom and were happy for their monarchs as they finally confessed their love for each other.
The knights would also train their kids who finally reached an age where they were not kids but were early teens. All the kids of the knights becoming friends with each other sharing a strong bond. This was most evident with Zebrak's son Zebron becoming best friends with General Thorren and Sifline's second oldest Antron. Freline became a young adult and was getting ready to choose her path in her life. Asgaarth was still a baby but learned to fly little by little and would one day be trained just like his siblings when he came of age.
King Cerveras grew to love Queen Apalla, enjoying their dinners together and their boat rides. They continued to love and support each other every step of the way through their relationship. This was evident in times where King Cerveras focused on training and Queen Apalla's interest in her lab to cure all sorts of diseases. They both taught each other useful skills including working on labs together, or King Cerveras teaching his beloved some defense techniques. The latter of which was not all the time as she preferred doing work in the laboratory.
King Cerveras decided he was ready to propose to his beloved, as he was ready to fully embrace his relationship so that they may rule the kingdom together as one. He knew that he would rather spend every day with his lady and live a happy life together. He decided that they would be taking a much-needed day off to enjoy it and propose above the cliffside of Eukaryona. From that cliff, the view would show all of Eukaryona, it would be especially beautiful at sunset to show that together they have achieved the vision of their kingdom. He secretly planned with Zebrak and Titian as they were most knowledgeable with the duties of their rulers. They would oversee the kingdom on their 7-year anniversary of transitioning to a kingdom while the monarchs would enjoy their day off.
The couple would sleep together on several occasions due to Cerveras moving around at night, but this night would be different. They held hands the night before his day to propose to her and looked at each other, still mesmerized by their eyes and sleeping in the dark night. The next morning came and Cerveras and Apalla awoke to each other's sight.
King Cerveras: Good morning my lady
Queen Apalla (giggling): Morning my king.
King Cerveras: It's a beautiful day, obviously there is work to be done but we should be able to enjoy it, our duties as rulers.
Queen Apalla: That's true, it seems just like yesterday we became rulers, now 7 years later we have established a successful kingdom.
King Cerveras: Queen Apalla, we have both come a long way have we not?
Queen Apalla: Yes, my love, we have both achieved the kingdom we have wanted.
King Cerveras: Yes, I think there is one more thing left.
Queen Apalla: What is it my beloved?
King Cerveras: You will see.
Both the king and queen left their quarters and got ready. They did their daily routine of getting ready and preparing their attire. Both had matching blue capes with Queen Apalla's having a rather darker cape.
The monarchs greeted Titian and Zebrak who arrived earlier than usual.
Queen Apalla: Titian and Zebrak you guys are early.
Titian: Yes, today is a special day and we wanted to arrive early to help our monarchs. Mona allowed me to leave early so she and my son are currently asleep at the moment. Not to mention I wanted to make sure Tyrone got home safe. He may have spirit, but he does not know when to take a break. Thankfully Tigra made sure he was home so he could rest.
Zebrak: Indeed, Zebron stayed the night with the generals, he wanted to spend the night with his best friend Anthron. Not to mention the kids are all on break from their studies, still I see so many similarities Tyrone and my son share. Im sure the twins will one day become great generals to this kingdom.
King Cerveras: Indeed, they will, they show such great spirit at such a young age and take pride in serving this kingdom. Queen Apalla and I were about to eat, would you both like to join us? we don't eat fish in the morning so you both can choose what to eat and our new personal chef Vula will make it.
Suddenly a red fox came to the great hall of Eukaryona, she wore a white chef attire, had black paws, a red fur coat on her body along with white on her mouth. She had a red and white bushy tail on her back. This was in fact the new personal chef to Eukaryona, Vula.
Vula: Greetings Everyone!
The Four: Good morning, Chef Vula
Vula: Today is a pleasant morning, does everyone know what they want to eat?
King Cerveras: My beloved and I will take the roasted Cicadas with a side of your delicious Blueberry pie.
Zebrak: I will take a small plate of Shrubs, Tian's wife made me breakfast, so I'll eat something small.
Vula: Ah Yes Madam Mei, she is an excellent cook, she taught me the basics. If it wasn't for her I would not have known how to cook food this well. She runs her own restaurant in this kingdom so it's understandable she wanted to continue working in her restaurant.
Titian: I want the Kenchinjiru soup please, I'm in the mood for something warm and that will do.
Vula: Alright, I will be back with your meals.
As Vula left the four to begin preparing the food, the monarchs and the two knights caught up. They enjoyed talking about their lives and the many missions to help the kingdom. King Cerveras was pleased to talk with his fellow knights. Moments later Vula came and gave everyone their desired meals, everyone thanked her as she departed back to the kitchen to clean her work area. Afterall she is going to be busy when she will be cooking all day for today's event.
Everyone had a nice breakfast as they all ate in peace still talking about their lives.
Titian: Thank you both for allowing Me and Zebrak for this fine meal.
King Cerveras: The honor is ours, Afterall we had meals with the other knight as well, you both are more than just knights, you are our friends.
Zebrak: Thank you, its nice to have them, you all have helped me become a better father to my son and a greater individual to this kingdom.
Queen Apalla: Indeed you have Zebrak, you have truly come such a long way, both of us have become so much better these past few years,
Titian: I agree, surrounding yourself with great friends and family is much awarding. Which is why we have been thinking.
Queen Apalla (curious): Thinking about what?
Zebrak: Titian and I have been speaking with King Cerveras and we decided that you two should take this whole day off. Titian and I will take care of the kingdom's duties for today, and Dolly is going to do the evening patrols tonight.
Queen Apalla: You mean…..
Titian: Both of you are taking the day off and we will take care of the kingdom.
King Cerveras: Surprise, we are taking the day off to celebrate you, my Queen.
Queen Apalla: I don't know what to say, I'm touched by your kindness.
King Cerveras: We have not had a day where we could take a break from our duties in a while.
Queen Apalla: I suppose that's true, Thank you Titian and Zebrak. Your service is greatly appreciated.
Both: We are happy to serve!
The king and queen left the castle taking in the beautiful day, the sun was shining through the lush forest and clear skies. The homes surrounding the kingdom were visible with families and citizens in joy as they saw their monarchs.
Queen Apalla waved at her subjects while Cerveras did his famous roar as the crowd cheered in unison. Queen Apalla roared in unison as well.
King Cerveras: That roar just keeps on improving.
Queen Apalla: I learned from the best.
King Cerveras: That's true.
Queen Apalla: Sifline told me about this amazing market for fashion, my blue cape looks rather dull, and so is your cape my love, we should go. (winking at the king)
King Cerveras (blushing): Of course, we'll have time to do everything.
The two raced each other as they reached the fashion market. This market was recently made by its founder Lola Sheep. She made fashion from the various items of plants from the forest, she became crafty with colors with help from Freline, Sifline's oldest daughter.
Lola: Good morning my king and queen!
Both monarchs: Good morning, Lola!
Queen Apalla: And good morning Freline, you work here?
Freline: Yes, just last week actually, I told my parents my passion for arts, and they agreed that I work for Lola a few days a week. we hired Taos' wife, Pava to babysit Asgaarth, she wants to get experience because she wants to start a family soon.
Queen Apalla: That is great news, I am very happy for him, he is such a great friend. We just want to look around I been wanting to come here but we have been very busy.
King Cerveras: And now we can enjoy it.
Lola: Excellent, you both need to relax, I take it you both got everything covered for the kingdom.
King Cerveras: Of course!
Lola: Well then, browse around, I have many items both of you would like, come find me if you need help.
King Cerveras: Thank you!
For many hours the king and queen looked around, Apalla saw many outfits, dresses including a red silk dress, the light from the sun showcased its beauty, from its puffy sleeves, heart shaped neckline, and soft texture.
Queen Apalla was entranced by its beauty, and it called to her, she asked Lola if she could try it on, she agreed and she went to the changing room to put it on.
King Cerveras browsed; he found a Blue cape to replace his dull one, and noticed a black suit. He saw its strong fabrics, well designed features, and appeared his size, after all both monarchs were in their respected sections. He hoped Queen Apalla accepts his proposal today, maybe they can be married and have children of their own just like Thorren and Siffline.
As King Cerveras went to go try on the suit, Apalla had already put her dress on.
Queen Apalla: Amazing, it's almost as if it called to me.
Queen Apalla exited the room and was greeted by Lola.
Lola: I see, I knew my customers find their clothing that suits them but… my this one suits you most of all.
Queen Apalla: I love it, I hope Cerveras likes it…
Suddenly she saw her love leaving the room in a suit, they both saw each other blushing hard as they locked eyes.
Lola: Lost for words I see.
Both monarchs didn't know how to respond.
Lola: I take that as a yes, very well, if you may please return them, I will simply clean them, and they will be ready tomorrow.
After handing back their outfits to Lola, they chatted for a bit and left the market.
Freline: Do you think they will be married.
Lola: I know they will, it's what I hope my clothing brings, everyone together. Call it fate I tell you.
The two monarchs enjoyed the rest of their day, they went rock climbing on the cliffsides, watched a magic show from Zebrak's son Zebron.
Zebron would not only train in combat thanks to his dad's training but learned magic. It appears Zebrella had found a magic book and was her last gift to him. Zebron would slowly learn more and became extremely talented at juggling, teleportation of himself at short distances along with objects, card tricks, and learned how to utilize fire from his hooves. He was incredible despite being a teen which is why he learned and eventually got approval to do his magic show at the Kingdom's town center once a week.
Zebron was preparing for another magic show and his assistant was normally his best friend Anthron but he wasn't available. Instead, he asked Dolly's son Jonas to fill in since they are great friends as well. Jonas was preparing the equipment when he took a peek at the audience from the curtains. He was quickly taken back when he saw the monarchs.
Jonas: Strewth! Zebron!
Zebron: What's going on?
Jonas: It's the monarchs, they are here.
Zebron: Relax, I understand you are worried, especially since it's the monarchs and it's your first time helping me. But they are just part of the audience, we will give them a great show.
Jonas: I suppose after all my mom does work for them; I'll do great.
Zebron: Good, remember, take easy breaths, think about positive thoughts. Imagine someone out there is someone you love.
Jonas: Like my parents or that one girl cardinal Kiera?
Zebron: That's more like it!
Jonas: Alright I'm ready! Thanks Mate.
Zebron: Let's do this!
The windows closed as the room darkened, the curtain rose as Zebron and Jonas appeared in an instant and the crowd grew wild.
Zebron: Good afternoon, everybody! Who is ready for some magic!?
The crowd all roared in excitement as Zebron summoned a flame on his hoof and began juggling it along with other balls of fire.
Jonas then sang a tune, as he did the balls of fire changed different colors before one by one they created a small explosion.
Zebron: Now let's play some cards, I'm going to throw 10 cards up while I hold one from my back whoever catches the matching card wins this minigame. Ready.
Zebron hid a card and threw different cards around the audience. Different audience members caught it but only one caught the card, the audience was shocked at who matched the card.
Jonas (Silently): Crickey.
Zebron: King Cerveras, you have matched my card, please come forth your majesty.
The crowd all cheered, including Queen Apalla as King Cerveras made his way to the stage.
Zebron: Now this will be fun, a ring jump act.
King Cerveras: What!?
Zebron: Relax, it is really simple your highness, you are going to wear this black hat, once I do, Jonas hear will sing a melody. you will then jump across each ring on the stage notice they get smaller. Only then will you appear next to your beloved after jumping over the last ring caught on fire.
King Cerveras: And those rings are small, I'm not going to fit. That last ring is caught on fire, blasphemy I tell you!
Zebron: You will, it's all in the hat, plus….(whispering in King Cerveras' ear) it will impress her further.
King Cerveras: You have your father's personality, yet you have Tian's wit. Very well
Zebron: Go forth your highness.
King Cerveras ran through the first ring and jumped, making it to the other side.
King Cerveras: it wor….
Zebron: Tick Tock, your highness you have until the melody ends.
King Cerveras ran through the obstacle course until finally jumping through the last hoop teleporting right to his beloved. As he did a rose teleported on her ear. The crowd cheered from what they just witnessed,
Queen Apalla: That was amazing, that was quite the show.
King Cerveras: It was nothing, (Noticing the white rose) where did that rose come from
Queen Apalla: Rose….
Queen Apalla noticed the rose was white in color yet looked so elegant and beautiful. Both monarchs were caught off guard by it, even amazing Zebron.
Zebron became shocked: how strange I did not know I could summon flowers from thin air.
The show continued until it was over, the monarchs thanked Zebron and Jonas for the amazing show they did. King Cerveras gave Zebron and Jonas two golden medals created from Fortis.
King Cerveras: This is your reward, congratulations on your show, may you both continue doing them for the kingdom.
Zebron and Jonas: Thank you your majesty.
The monarchs left as the young teenagers talked about their show.
Zebron: See Jonas, nothing to worry about.
Jonas: Thanks mate, thank you for allowing me to help you.
Zebron: No problem, buddy…. I do wonder if we did a great service to our monarchs.
Jonas: I believe we did; love is truly a special thing for them.
Zebron: (reminiscing on his mother) It truly is….
As the day waned the couple went to eat at Mei's restaurant. They were then greeted by Mei herself.
Mei: Come here both of you! (Hugging the monarchs).
King Cerveras: Good to see you Mei, how are you?
Mei: Never better! Tian is working on patrol with Taos, they both stopped by earlier with Fortis and they filled me in.
Queen Apalla: Wow word gets by quick!
Mei: Yes, Fortis told me that the kingdom is doing fine, in fact Mona is helping them as well.
King Cerveras: I knew those two could handle things in our absence,
Mei: Anyway, take a seat and I will take your orders soon, thankfully Nita is not chaotic anymore and loves helping me in the kitchen.
Queen Apalla: Wow like mother like Daughter.
Mei: Yes, I'm truly proud of her, see you both soon.
The monarchs sat were reflected on their day that has been experienced. This proved that their work has paid off for the citizens to be happy with their lives, to experience such happiness in the kingdom was another goal they hoped to achieve. Mei then brought in meals that were the Edenian equivalents of salmon, shrimp, and trout, Queen Apalla enjoyed the coconut shrimp meal since it was a blend of shrimp and Coconuts. It was her two favorite foods combined in one. The perks of being royalty was that they never worried about paying but paid large tips to the employees.
Mei: It's always a blessing to have you two here, thank you so much for coming, hope to see you both soon!
The two saw the sunset after leaving the restaurant.
King Cerveras: Come I want to show you something.
Queen Apalla: What is it?
King Cerveras (Holding her hand): Find out yourself.
They raced to the tops of the cliffs of Eukaryona and saw the sunset from afar.
Viewing the colors of the skies changing colors both were mesmerized as the sky became night and stars appeared.
King Cerveras: Queen Apalla, did you enjoy your day.
Queen Apalla: It was the most joyous day of all, thank you my love.
Both stood close to each other, in an instant they kissed, their love had so ever been strong from the past few years.
King Cerveras created a ring for his beloved with help from Fortis, it was hidden behind a rock and camouflaged well.
King Cerveras: Apalla my queen, I have grown to love you each passing day, will you spend more days just like these for the rest of our lives.
Queen Apalla: My King of course I will, this was a beautiful day. I want to spend every day with you, to rule alongside you and love you eternally.
King Cerveras smiled at Queen Apalla after she said those words. His heart began to pound ever so loud in his chest, he loved her for such a long time.
Queen Apalla: Now what is it you wanted to show me, I know this is more than just a sightseeing view.
King Cerveras picked up the rock shaped case and opened it.
Queen Apalla: (Surprised), I can't believe it!
King Cerveras: Queen Apalla, will you marry me, I have loved you so much and make it official to all of Eukaryona..
Queen Apalla was overcome with joy. In that moment she was happy she will spend many days of love and joy with her husband. She could just imagine the life she would have, the future and especially raising a family.
Unfortunately, before she would answer, she felt a pain in her neck when all of a sudden she grew ill, she started vomiting blood and having seizures. She collapsed to the ground as blood surrounded her, breathing heavily and with great difficulty.
Her life flashed by in an instant, her parents, her times with her sisters, meeting Cerveras, teaching Taos her skills and gaining a new friend, becoming Queen of Eukaryona, reconciling her friendship with Sifline, knighting the knights, blessing Asgaarth, confessing her love to Cerveras, and finally the cliffside with King Cerveras.
She then saw one last look of her love, he was disheartened, confused, and sad, he was trying to comfort her. She tried to speak at least one more word, but she could no longer talk, she then grabbed King Cerveras' paw, kissing it one last time. she then saw a void of nothingness until alas, the queen of Eukaryona has died.
King cerveras (Shocked and confused): Apalla NO PLEASE NO what is happening!
Just then his sadness grew into despair as he found the culprit, a green striped slender being with no arms or legs resembling a snake.
Disphos: Sssoundsss likeee ssshhhe shoullld haaave watchhhed heer surroundingssss…