The soldiers of Qalagon, Zoris and Alewine Army were welcomed by the people when they entered the capital.
In every street, people stood on both sides, applauding the warriors who keep them safe from the enemies. However, they can't see the face of the one they wished to see the most - their Queen.
Iria was riding a carriage instead of a horse. As Arin's arm wasn't in a condition to ride a horse for days, the Queen decided to ride the carriage with him.
"You should have ridden the horse, at least here in the capital," Arin Helev said to his wife when he saw how much the people were looking forward to seeing her face.
"We can greet them together later," Iria promptly replied. "For now, I just want to be here with you."
She held onto his right arm and the King slightly smiled. He leaned down and planted a kiss on the crown of her head. "Thanks to you, my journey back isn't boring," he muttered and playfully added, "I've never ridden a carriage for this long in my life."
"It's somewhat suffocating, right? I know the feeling very well when I first depart for Qalagon to fulfill the alliance marriage," Iria said to her husband without much thought. When she realized what she said, she promptly looked at Arin who chuckle.
"You always remind me that you once fooled me, Your Majesty," the King dryly said. "You're practically saying that you do a suffocating thing just to fool me successfully."
Iria laughed at his words. "If I come riding a horse back then, won't you think it's strange?"
The young King thought about it and said, "I don't think I'll be suspicious of you just because of that. After all, it's not easy to guess such a switch. Who would have thought that the one who came wasn't the Princess but a Commander? Besides... " Pausing, he looked at her and continued, "You really know how to act gently."
"Act, you say?" Iria asked with disbelief written all over her face. "I don't act at all. I just behave, that's all."
"Behave?" Arin finds it so funny. "Who sneak out all the time and made me worry each time?"
Staring at the amusing smile on his face, Iria felt tight-lipped.
What should she say while he was telling the truth?
Searching for some salvation, she glanced at the window of the carriage and saw that they had crossed the gate of the palace now!
"Look! We're home," she said to Arin with excitement written all over her face.
"Home... " Arin muttered while narrowing his eyes. Then he turned to her and said, "I like it when you call it a 'home'."
He still remembered how staying at the palace used to suffocate her. But now, it seemed like she didn't feel that way anymore.
After more than a year, she had become a true royal and... someone who belongs to Qalagon and only Qalagon.
The carriage was soon pulled over and Iria saw Morin waiting for them near the door of the main palace. Elian, Antony, and even Sophie were there waiting for them.
The door of the carriage was opened and Iria quickly gets off.
"Sister-in-law!" Prince Morin exclaimed and ran towards her.
"Morin," Iria muttered and bent her knees to hug the young Prince. "Let me look at you," she said as she pulled back. "I think you've grown a lot since I last saw you," she remarked with a smile.
"I study and practice hard just like I promise you," Morin said with excitement. "I will show you later."
"I can't wait for that," Iria said as she caressed the young Prince's hair.
"Morin," Arin Helev called out and walked towards his brother and wife.
"You always forget about me when your sister-in-law is here," the King complained yet there was a genuine smile on his face.
"Brother," Morin Helev uttered and stood before his older brother. As Arin was way taller than him, he had to look up at him. "Are you fine now?"
Arin Helev nodded and briefly glanced at his left arm. Then he shifted his gaze back to Morin and said, "I only need my arm to heal completely." He bent his knees to match Morin's height and gave him a hug. "Did you take good care of the palace while I was gone?"
Morin nodded. "I even help Prime Minister Casar in his work."
Arin Helev raised a brow and pulled back when he heard his brother. "You did?"
"He asked me to help him."
Once again, the King flashed a smile. "I'm so proud of you, my brother."
"Is that Morin?"
The brothers turned to the back when they heard a voice and Vance walked forward.
"Brother Vance!" Morin Helev exclaimed and rushed to the Zoris King.
"Wow! Look at you, Morin. You have grown so much!" the Zoris King exclaimed as he lifted the young Prince.
Meanwhile, Arin walked to Sophie who was so close from crying now.
"It's a good day, Sophie," the King said to his cousin with a smile. "Do you plan to be a cry baby?"
Losing no time, Sophie hugged the King. "I don't know your condition and I was so worried. I thought that you're dying!"
"I'm fine now," Arin Helev said in a calm voice. "Don't worry anymore."
Iria walked towards the cousins and Sophie promptly gave her a hug too. "I'm so glad that you return safe and sound, Your Majesty."
"I'm glad too because it means I'll be able to see you on your wedding day," Iria said and Sophie chuckled as she pulled back.
"Sister-in-law," Morin called out and ran to Iria who bent her knees to match his height. "I have something to tell you."
The young Prince whispered in the Queen's ears and the latter's face brightened up.
"Really?"
Morin Helev nodded.
"Then let's do that."
"What's the matter?" Arin asked but Iria shook her head.
"It's a secret. I'll tell you later."
Arin Helev sighed and Iria simply smiled. Then she commanded the soldiers to have some rest and walked inside the palace with a few people......
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