Chapter 18

8 months later…

Serana entered the walls of the Royal City, taking in what was the same and what had changed while she'd been away. It had been just over 8 months since she'd left, and the first place she intended to visit was Fairy Tail. She had missed everyone so much but had been able to write to them. Usually, she would receive a large envelope with a hunk of folded paper inside, a small letter from everyone with their good wishes and updates on what had been happening during her absence. The letter from Cana was always a little longer, recommending some books and relaying her thoughts on the ones Serana had introduced her to.

When she opened the door to the main hall, it took a minute for anyone to notice her. Since she was just walking into her own home, she didn't stand out enough for anyone to think much of it. Mira caught her eye and yelped in surprise, and then everyone else realised she was there and gathered around her with greetings and hugs. Mostly everyone was there, but a few faces were missing. Some of them may have been working or just in their own homes.

"How has it been?" Mira asked her to sit together after the group had all moved so Serana could update them.

"It's been incredible. I'm learning so much and really enjoying the job. The lady I'm filling in for still wants a few months off, so I'll be working longer. I've got the weekend off, so I thought a visit was in order." Serana spoke as everyone listened quietly before another barrage of questions was thrown her way.

"Do you think you'll try to find another job like that?" Lucy asked gruffly, but Serana could tell that her attitude was to hide that she was worried about her leaving the guild.

"I'm not sure. I hadn't thought about it, to be honest. I've had to learn so much that I've barely had time to think of anything else." Serana responded thoughtfully and made a mental note for later. Maybe it was something she'd like to keep doing. "I enjoy the work, and the curator says that my writing and cataloguing skills are outstanding. He even said he would recommend me to work somewhere in the field if I wanted to. I still think I have a lot to learn."

"You're not leaving us, right?" Cana asked softly, being a little more forward than she usually would.

"Whatever I do, I have no intention of going anywhere. If I did work in the field, I would ensure it was in the Capital. Chances are that most jobs like that would be here anyway, so you've got nothing to worry about." Serana smiled happily, pleased that she was so loved that everyone worried she would leave for good.

She relayed all the information about her work and how she catalogued things and made records of the ongoing repairs. They all listened intently and asked loads of questions, and Serana realised that she had become quite proficient in her work. Despite her praise, she always felt she was still out of her depth. Her friends asking her questions and her ability to answer them in a way they understood made her feel more confident in her abilities. They caught her up on all that had happened while she was away, telling her about funny occurrences, such as Gray getting his arm stuck in a stair railing after tripping over and how they had to use butter to get him out. Elfman talked about how he'd hand-raised the bird sitting on his shoulder, occasionally chirping as if it was part of the conversation.

After spending another hour with her friends, she said her goodbyes and headed towards the Palace. She would be back to stay at the guild overnight, so she'd have plenty more time to catch up with everyone. Her visit was a well-earned break and served the purpose of reporting the progress of the repairs to the King. She was permitted entry to the Palace without fuss and headed towards the library first. Jellal would be in his chambers, but she also needed to drop off a letter Robin had asked her to give Dreyer first. Unfortunately, Dreyer must have already left for the day since he was nowhere to be found, so she placed the letter on his desk and wrote a note, so he knew she had dropped by. She would get to see him before she left, but it was still nice for him to realise she had come by to say hello. He had gotten her this opportunity for which she was grateful, so she wanted to thank him for his belief in her.

"Serana?!" Coco's voice sounded behind her as she had just finished the scribbled note on Dreyer's desk.

"Hi, Coco. How are you?" Serana turned to face her with a bright smile.

"I'm well, and yourself?" Coco came over and put a hand on her arm in an affectionate greeting.

"Me too. I've got the weekend off, so I wanted to come by and drop off a report for the King. If he's not available, can I leave it with you?" Serana patted her coat pocket to indicate that's where the report was.

"He's in a meeting, but it should be finished shortly anyway. I know he'd like to see you, though." Coco thoughtfully put a finger to her chin before gesturing for Serana to follow her. "Come this way. You can wait in his chambers. He's got nothing scheduled for the rest of the day."

"Thank you," Serana thanked as she fell into step with the younger woman.

"Have you eaten something? If you've come from Veruze, you must be tired." Coco offered kindly, and Serana had the good sense to realise that politely declining wouldn't do her any good. She needed something and was too distracted to eat at the guild hall, and her stomach made a grumbling noise in response.

"Actually, something to eat would be fantastic if it's not too much trouble," Serana answered with a grateful smile as they walked.

"That's no trouble at all. I'll bring in a serving for both you and the King. That will make sure he eats a decent meal too. He's been so busy that he forgets sometimes." Coco said with a sigh.

"Really? What's been keeping him so busy?"

"The steam power research has been going really well, so he's been looking around for engineers, metal workers and other workers to learn how to build, maintain and repair it so we can use it for trains for long-distance travel. There are a lot of work opportunities, and he's offering apprenticeships to train enough staff for the upkeep. The sooner we get steam-powered rail service up and running, the better." Coco explained while they strolled towards Jellal's chambers and arrived at the front door.

"That's incredible. I'm so pleased it's coming along so fast! I'm sure it's been stressful, but finding the most efficient power source was more worrisome." Serana mused, and Coco nodded in agreement.

"It's been challenging but worth the effort. Now that we've got a viable option close to rolling out, we just have to hope that it's got enough longevity to keep up with supply and demand."

Since they'd reached the door, Coco leaned over to open it and ushered Serana inside. It was the second time she'd been in his chambers, but the first time she had such a horrible period and painful cramps she didn't take in the details.

"Someone will bring some tea for you and food once the King leaves his meeting. Let me know if you need anything, though." Coco waved and closed the door behind her, leaving Serana to wander around the King's chambers aimlessly until he was finished.

She was equal parts excited and nervous to see him. For now, she took in her surroundings. There was a table and chairs on the right-hand side of the room, near his large floor to ceiling book-shelf. His bed was a rather old traditional style four-poster bed made of dark mahogany wood. It was in the right-hand corner of the room, and in the left corner, there appeared to be a door leading to a tiled area, which she assumed was a bathroom. There was a nice breeze with the windows open, and she could smell the subtle scent of lavender from outside.

Meanwhile, Jellal got up from his chair and shook hands with the people he was meeting with, thanking them for their time before they left. Coco appeared in the doorway, opening it for them, but she also had a strange look on her face. When it was just the two of them, everyone else out of earshot, Coco revealed the reason for her expression.

"Serana is here. She's waiting in your chambers." Her tone held subtle excitement on his behalf.

His breath hitched in his throat when he realised that Serana was here, in the Royal City, in the Palace, and in his room, waiting for him. He hadn't expected to see her for months now. She had written him a letter after she arrived and a few since, but seeing her in person was different. He thought back to the little regret he felt about their goodbye. He hadn't been brave enough to voice his feelings, but he hoped that his actions spoke louder. The goodbye was hard enough as it was.

When he finally reached his chambers, opened the door and saw Serana pacing as she waited for him, he felt his heart thump so hard in his chest that it must have been audible. Her hair was in a loose plait, a few strands framing her face, and her eyes bright as she smiled happily.

Before he realised he was moving, he marched over to her and embraced her tightly...