The Real You

Epilogue

10 months later

SKYLAR

"Alex seems to be excelling in the 'How to make your father madder each day' assignment" My dear husband began speaking even before entering the living room.

I was in the washroom, staring at my huge eyes, sunken cheeks and unusually swollen lips. No one would notice it but I could feel the change. I am losing weight rapidly and need to seek expert advice soon.

"Sky?" Delan called out to me when he noticed I wasn't in the room.

"Yes" I took a deep breath and went out to fake a smile despite my growing anxiety.

"What's wrong?" He asked as soon as he saw my sunken face.

"Ate bad food" I lied, "Just took some medicine"

He placed a hand on my forehead and touched my cheek, "You are very cold. Should we see a doctor?"

I took his hand in mine and assured him, "I am fine. Alex is back from his trip?"

Alex seems to travel a lot these days but he also knows everything about what is happening in the Kingdom. The council and Aldridge are always in contact with him. But the old Royal Advicer wants to step down now. He served Dexter, Dexter's father, and grandfather. The old man wants to rest and enjoy his remaining days in solitude. That's what he told everyone and Aldridge is not one to hide things or lie. And now, Someone has to replace Aldridge.

"Julian" Delan told me who the lucky person was.

I started laughing, "Alex chose Julian to be the royal adviser?"

"Julian is a great choice" Delan told me, "He is clever, strategic, practical, and understands war too. He is well versed with technology, has sound knowledge about the laws...."

"He lacks empathy" I added.

"So does my brother" Delan sighed, "They'd make a great team. Father, on the other hand, is furious"

Delan and I started laughing together, "I'm sure he is" I said.

"If Alex is back, I want to meet him now" I said, hoping that hw won't ask any questions.

"Now?" Delan frowned, "He just got back an hour ago. How about..."

I placed my finger on his lips "Shh...I am going now. Be right back!"

"Sky, but what is wro..."

I shut the door behind me and rushed toward the King's chambers.

-x-x-x-x-x-

ALEX

Home Sweet Home.

It was great spending quality time admist the azure waters of Seychelles but I had to get back to deal with some Kingly things. After an elaborate discussion with the council and giving Uncle Julian his new responsibilities, I started to head back to my room. The guards bowed to me and stood on either side of the door while I rotated the knob to enter my chambers.

My bedroom seemed rather warm and vibrant. Very Unlikely...

I shut the door behind me and tried to listen if there was someone in my room. I was certain that there was another person, I can feel their presence but cannot hear their thoughts. But the palpable positive energy is very evident.

I turned to my left and peeped into the open balcony. She was standing there, admiring the view from my chambers.

"Oh, Hi" I said, secretly irritated that my guess was right. And it was HER.