Chapter 19: Who We Are

Song Connection/Ending Song: Elated

Amber was reclining in her bed one morning, an ice pack on her head. She hadn't been feeling well since yesterday, so Desmond was ruling in her place while the children were doing their schooling. For the first time in a while, she had the opportunity to rest, even if for a day. James had gotten back home five weeks ago, and he seemed different now. There was something more mature about him-a good difference, as it turned out. He'd told her all about the adventure, the strange encounter with Merlin's lookalike, the surprising switch-up with the two sentries, and the outcome with their twin counterparts. Had she not been present for the first encounter with Ember and Jaime, she would have found his stories farfetched. Knowing what she knew, though, James's recounts were anything but farfetched.

She yawned once and pulled the covers up to her chin when a knock fell on the door. Pushing up against her pillows a bit, she called out, "Come in."

James entered, holding two envelopes in one hand and a glass cup with a spoon and what appeared to be ice cream in the other. "Hey, Amber," he greeted with a smile. "Thought you could use some of this to help you feel better." He handed her the glass as he then sat on the bed next to her, moving closer to her so he could share the large pillow. "Ahh… If I had this comfortable bed, I'd fake being sick too."

"I'm not faking," Amber argued lightly as she set the ice pack on the side table and took a spoonful of the ice cream, humming in appreciation at the taste of the vanilla bean flavor. "I had a really bad headache. And honestly, I'm not sure the ice cream will help, but…it does taste good."

"I know. I was just picking on you." He smiled, waving the envelopes playfully. "So, we actually have two letters: one from Ember and Jaime, and one that appears to be from the Conjuror's Board. Which one should I start with?"

Amber ate another spoonful of ice cream before tapping the end of her spoon against the left envelope. "Well, obviously, the letter from our counterparts. I need to know what happened with them."

He nodded, setting the other envelope on his lap, before breaking the seal on the first letter. He withdrew a piece of parchment, looking at the neat scrawl etched into it. "Oh, that's gotta be Ember's handwriting. If Jaime is anything like me, his probably looks really sloppy."

"Agreed," Amber joked, giggling when he nudged her playfully. "Read the letter out loud, okay? I'm still enjoying my ice cream."

"Though you weren't sure it was going to help your headache," he teased, chuckling as she rolled her eyes. "Okay, let's see here…"

Dear James, Amber, and Enchancian Family,

First, thank you so much for all your patience, kindness, and consideration over the last several months. Never did we expect to experience such grace despite our negative connections with dark magic. We have worked hard to break our ties with such a thing, and we are now living happily in a small, isolated area in Limboris. I'm sure you're wondering how we even managed to get this letter to you without our own magic. As it turns out, the Arbovito isn't the only thing here with magical properties.

Jaime and I have a home beside a rainbow river with a garden in the back, and we have learned many new things here. We've both become familiar with baking and cooking, I have begun writing a book (specifically, our own story), and we have spent a lot of time exploring Limboris while getting to know each other better. Even though we grew up together, we were never close like James and Amber were. This opportunity has given us a chance to start over and become much closer. Our relationship is now built on trust, love, and consideration, and it's because of all of you, especially James, that we were able to kindle this new flame.

Additionally, Jaime was able to access the Arbovito himself and so far as made only one wish: to reverse the damage we've caused, or to at least bring peace to those negatively impacted by the damage done to their families. We're unsure of the outcome, but Jaime feels peaceful about his wish, so we're hoping for the best possible result.

We will keep in touch when possible. There are still so many new things to learn, and Jaime and I are anxious to figure out our place in this world on our own. Having him with me again is a true honor and miracle I never expected, and I'm grateful all of you even considered giving us this second chance. Starting over hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it. Thank you all for not giving up on us, even though we're aware it was easy to do so. We would have deserved it, but we're happy together now, thanks to all of you.

Take care. Many well wishes to you all.

Sincerely,

Ember (and Jaime)

"I'm glad they're doing well," Amber commented, finishing up her ice cream and setting the glass cup aside. Shivering a bit, she shook her cold hands for a moment before grinning, shoving them under James's wool sweater, laughing as her hands made contact with his stomach.

"A-Amber! That's cold!" He laughed as he grabbed her hands through the sweater and smirked at her. "Oh, you think that's funny, do you?" He reached over, tickling her, causing her to fall over laughing. When she removed her hands, he grasped them in his warm ones, rolling his eyes as she sighed in relief. "You know, there are these things called gloves."

"Yeah, but you looked warmer, and I don't even know where my gloves are right now." She smiled innocently as he rolled his eyes. "Oh, what about that other letter? The one from the Conjuror's Board?"

He nodded. "Just a sec. Here." In a mock flourish, he removed the pillow sham from a spare pillow, wrapping it around her hands, snickering as she sighed in relief. "It takes so little to make you happy."

"Apparently so," she agreed, smiling.

James picked up the other envelope and unsealed it, withdrawing a much shorter letter. "It's from Isolde," he told her in mild surprise. "One of the sentries who went on the trip. I told you about her and that creep partner of hers, Elias."

"Oh, yeah… I wonder what happened with that situation."

He roved his eyes over the parchment, relaying the letter.

Dear Prince James,

This is an update to inform you that Elias was officially arrested and imprisoned for his physical assault charges against you and Ember, as well as an inappropriate sexual pursuant charge and attempted murder charge regarding Ember. I deeply apologize for my former partner's behavior and actions, as they do not reflect my professional association with the Conjuror's Board nor the board itself.

On a personal note, Prince James, I do have a theory as to what caused Elias's drastic change in personality. Normally, he's always been a decent man, albeit a very active one, if you can pardon the suggestion. My personal belief is that, when he attacked Lord Zephyr, the sage somehow managed to curse him without any of us knowing. It would explain his rapid and extreme change of personality in such a short span of time, although that certainly does not excuse his actions. He is paying for his crimes, as should be expected.

I am personally considering making a change. While I have appreciated my time at the CB, I have had my sights set on another position instead. Considering the circumstances, this might be the best time to make my move. I have every intention of keeping in contact with you regarding any potential updates, but for the time being, please accept my sincerest apology for the trouble my former partner caused you. I am deeply embarrassed and only want to project a more positive outlook hereafter.

Take care, Prince James. My best to your family.

Regards,

Isolde, CB Sentry

"Wow," Amber breathed, reading the letter as her head rested on her brother's shoulder. "That poor girl. Her own partner ended up being a complete jerk, huh?"

"Yeah, although her theory makes sense. Elias was pretty cool until that creep Zephyr came along. Still doesn't excuse him trying to hurt Ember, though. And I made sure he knew that he wasn't going to get away with it too."

"Hmm… Ember and Jaime will have a lot of unresolved trauma to work through, you know. I hope they handle it okay…"

James nodded, smiling. "I think they'll be fine since they're together again. You know us twins, Amber. We do everything better when we work together."

She snorted once, giggling. "Sounds like the end of a corny child's story. I'd expect nothing less." She kissed his cheek, smiling when he laughed.

"Well, you seem to be feeling better," James mentioned, stuffing the letters into their respective envelopes, passing them to his sister so she could put them away, which she did. "I was going to go for a walk. Want to go with me?"

The queen scoffed. "What? Leave this room when it's nice and peaceful and I don't have to make a lot of decisions since no one can see me? No, James…" She pointed to a small bookcase in the corner of the room, smiling. "How about we just stay here and read together, like we used to do?"

"See, I would, but most of your books are stupid romance stories. All that mushiness will get to you eventually."

Amber smirked as he got up and rifled through her books. "Right. Like you haven't read some of those books before. Don't think I didn't catch you looking at them when we were teens." Seeing his sheepish expression and blush, she shrugged. "It's fine, James. I know you were curious. For now, just pick something that looks interesting."

James shuffled through the books before one caught his eye. It was navy blue with gold trim, and on the spine he could read the title: Double Crossed. "Ooh, what's this one about?" He held up the book, turning it to where Amber could see it.

"Oh! That's one of my favorites. A pair of twins go on a secret adventure to rescue their little brother, who was captured by a wicked witch. It's really good."

"It's really familiar too," he laughed. "Well, sort of. Though I'm not sure Corban's ever put himself in a situation to be captured like that just yet. Thankfully. Now Sofia…"

"Another story entirely." She grasped the book when James moved back to the bed to rest beside her, and she opened the cover, turning the first few pages. "All right… Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away…"

The end