“So what will happen to you now, Adamar?”
     “I will report what I saw here today.”
     “You won’t get in trouble?”
     “No. You needn’t worry about such things.”
     “Lie. You wanted to make sure I was safe, didn’t you?”
     “You know me too well. Farewell Princess.” With a smile and a bow he takes his leave.
     Most of the fighters have had their injuries healed by Una, Sarca or Becca. I lay under a tree with Titus.
     “Well that was fun,” he says sarcastically.
     I want to laugh, but am too exhausted to try. “I’m sorry you couldn’t be more involved.”
     “It’s alright, I would’ve been in the way anyhow.”
     “So you are Prince Titus. Hello, I am Shana Antell, also known by everyone as Una.”
     “A pleasure to meet you.”
     “I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of our daughter.”
     “It’s been my pleasure.”
     “Shaina, it’s time to go home now.”
     “Home?”
     “But she has a home with us at the castle.”
     Una sighs. “She cannot stay here.”
     “But why mother?”
     “Because, over time Titus will age and you will not. It just isn’t fair to the both of you.”
     “I don’t care,” Titus announces sternly.
     “Titus….”
     “Elder has informed me about your so called immortality. You’re similar to elves and unicorns in that respect. But I do not care. I’d rather grow old and grey with her than without her.”
     “And Shaina, what have you to say?”
     “I gave Titus my word that we would marry. I have no plans on taking that back.”
     “Then it is decided, you shall remain here as will Sarca and Rebecca.”
     “You mean…”
     “Yes, we granted both you and them permission to stay.”
     I jump up and hug her, “Thank you mother, thank you!”
     “We all love you girls very much, but it is you who must decide how to live your life. Should you ever want to return to Mystica, we will be waiting.” She waves goodbye and makes her way down the hillside to open the gate.
     Sarca runs up to us. “Do you think we should have gone?”
     “Well the gate is open if you’ve changed your mind.”
     “And leave you to pick your wedding dress all by your lonesome? I don’t think so.” We laugh and hug one another.
     “Shall we be on our way then?” asks Becca.
     “Hell yes!” cheers Night Crawler.
     As we all turn to head back to camp to gather our things, I glance back one last time at my family before they disappear. I’ll miss them, but I know that I’ll see them again someday.
     A month has past and everyone is running around like mad trying to get everything ready for the wedding. I’ve made Sarca and Becca in charge of wedding stuff… yeah; I don’t want to deal with it. The wedding is just a few more days… a few more days.
     “I don’t think I can do this.”
     “Breathe Sis, breathe. You’ll be fine.”
     “Sarca, I can’t breathe, how do you breathe, I can’t remem-”
     “SHAINA!” Becca’s voice booms, grabbing my face. “Take a deep breath… now release.”
     “Thanks,” I say while sulking as much as I can in this dress. It’s strapless with beadwork up top and a band around the bottom with a train. My veil is long enough to cover it too.
     “We’re ready for the bride,” someone cries.
     We exit the room and the rest is a blur. I remember sliding the rings, a kiss and then the reception room. Oh well, I suppose the reception is the best part since it has the food.
     Titus and I dance out on the dance floor and everyone appears to be enjoying themselves.
     “And here’s a song for the happy couple entitled, “Keep Holding On.”

* Song lyrics Keep Holding On © of Avril Lavigne.