The journey to go home went by so quickly and suddenly, they were already at the city gate. Emmelyn couldn't help but shed tears when she saw the familiar buildings and streets.
She had gone to far away places and saw many interesting sights, but still... nothing beat the sight of home.
Home.
What did they call it?
Home sweet home. Ah... that's it.
Emmelyn couldn't believe that deep in her heart she already considered Draec as her home. It must be because this kingdom had the people she loved. Her husband, her daughter, and her friend, Lily, were here in Draec.
So, it was true, the home was not a place, but a person.
"Welcome home," Mars whispered to Emmelyn when they rode past the city gate and the soldiers all bowed down to the king and his entourage.
"Home..." Harlow chirped. Emmelyn smiled and kissed her cheeks. She thought Harlow was really smart.
"Yes, baby.. home," Emmelyn said to her daughter. "Are you happy?"
Harlow nodded. "Yeah."
"I am happy too," Emmelyn said. She turned to her husband and kissed his cheek, just like she kissed Harlow's.
Mars grinned and pulled her into his embrace. "If you are happy, then I am happy too."
He couldn't wait to rebuild their life together and hopefully... make more children? Emmelyn said she didn't want to get pregnant while they were still on the road, so he had been very careful and meticulous when they were intimate, to avoid pregnancy.
Doing that for one or two weeks was fine, but not for five months. So, he was really looking forward to making love with his wife to his heart's content. And they would have more cute babies like Harlow.
And Emmelyn would be happy because this time she could be involved and she would witness all their children's important milestones. Mars knew Emmelyn missed that part so badly and often would look at Harlow with sadness in her eyes.
As her husband, he really wanted to make her happy and he promised in his heart that when they had their next child, he would make sure Emmelyn would get to experience the joy of motherhood to the fullest.
"Welcome, Your Majesty..." John welcomed the little family by the royal palace entrance. His expression was a mix of happiness, disbelief, and awe. After the king went away for almost one year, finally he return with victory.
Victory in this case was he could get his wife back. Mars Strongmoor managed to accomplish his mission and returned with his wife without having to go on a full-on war.
"Little princess is already so big now," John wiped tears from his eyes when he saw Harlow walk slowly, holding her mother's hand.
She was now 16 months old and had such a big personality. Her hair was braided into two pigtails and they swayed when she ran around. Her golden irises were always filled with excitement and mischief.
"It's good to see you, John," Emmelyn smiled at the royal butler. "You look well."
"It's because of His Majesty's grace," John replied. "I love my job and His Majesty always treats me so well."
Mars smiled at his butler and nodded. "We are back. Is there anything important that happened while I was away?"
The butler shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. Everything is fine and Lord Greenan handled the situation in the capital well. I will tell him that you are back."
"Yeah, but tell him, there is no need to rush and see me. My wife and I will take some rest after the long journey and we will see everyone tomorrow," Mars said to his loyal butler.
"Oh, definitely, Your Majesty."John bowed down and showed his respect to the monarchs. "I will tell the queen mother and Lord Greenan that your majesty will see them tomorrow."
"Thank you, John."
***
Harlow was so happy to be home. She recognized the trees, the courtyard, her beautiful chamber, their pet fish in the pond, and many more.
Her parents immediately realized Harlow was not interested in resting after they arrived home because she ran around the palace hallway and shrieked excitedly.
"Uhm... it looks like she is happy to be back," Emmelyn commented with a smile. "She has so much energy. I am so tired just by looking at her."
Mars wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her. "It's because you are tired by the journey. We better get you rested so you can recuperate your energy."
"Hm... you are right," Emmelyn took a deep breath. She cast her gaze around her and remembered her bad experience in this royal palace when she was accused of killing the queen.
She didn't want to hate this place because this was her new home and that's where Mars lived. However, she couldn't deny that something in her heart felt triggered when she saw this place.
She couldn't force herself to like this place.
"Can we go back to your castle?" She asked him pleadingly. "I actually prefer to go there."
"Yes, definitely." Mars could guess what she was feeling and realized he had to do something to make Emmelyn like this royal palace again if they were to stay here permanently.
Maybe he could repaint the building and destroy the grey tower so his wife wouldn't have to see that building ever again? He was worried Emmelyn would be reminded of her suffering being locked up in that tower if Mars kept the building.
"Let's go home to my castle," Mars said dotingly. He gave orders to his servant to prepare the castle so he and Emmelyn could stay there until he knew what to do with the royal palace.
"No! I want to stay here..." Harlow suddenly came with a pout. She could already walk fast and she came as soon as possible when the servants told her she would have to get ready to go to her father's old castle.
"What's wrong, honey?" Mars crouched down and asked Harlow what she wanted.
"I want my fish." Harlow crossed her arms on her chest and looked at her father with narrowed eyes.. "I want to stay here with my fish."