Eternal Conflict - Book 7 (The Ruby Ring Saga)

by Chrissy Peebles

  Our journey was fraught with much fear and uncertainty, but we also found hope when we needed it most. Victor was my stronghold in times of trouble, and I was his. I knew he would be a great father, and I would be the best mother I could be. I realized, though, that while Victor was glad that the eternal conflict was over, he also felt some semblance of pain. Ethano was his brother, and he loved him in a way, no matter how many times they clashed.

  “I’m sorry you lost your brother,” I said.

  “I’m sorry he turned out the way he did. I’d hoped we could put him back in an immortal prison, but that was not fate’s answer.”

  “We fought so hard and went through so much, but we got our world back.”

  He stroked my back. “Let us go reclaim our throne, my Queen. I believe our son is waiting for us.”

  “My heart aches for him,” I said.

  “Then the time for our reunion is now.”

  Chapter 31

  When we finally arrived at the castle, it almost seemed like a dream. I soaked up the breathtaking view of the huge fortress, its towers stretching high into the deep blue sky. The iron gates opened, and we walked into the beautiful courtyard I loved so much. The sun shone brightly, and the birds happily chirped. When a metallic blue butterfly fluttered beside me, I knew it was a sign of a new beginning, a fresh start for all of us. Is this really our happily-ever-after? I wondered, a bit scared to be too hopeful.

  Victor helped me off my horse, and I couldn’t stop staring at the place I’d call home for eternity. I had always longed to put down roots, and I could think of no better place to do it. It was all so surreal, as if we’d stepped into the very pages of my own personal fairytale, but it was a fairytale I could see, smell, and touch.

  I immediately felt at ease and was filled with excitement and hope. I felt restored. That beautiful castle would be my home forever. I looked at the place so much differently than before, than I had when I’d first arrived. Now, Victor and I would raise our family there. I was finally settling down and hoped I could be the best wife, queen, and mother the land had ever known.

  My real-life Cinderella story did not come easy or without sacrifice, but in the end, I got my king, my castle, and my wonderful family. I reflected for a moment on the entire journey, how it had carried me to that moment, when love was real and everything seemed a bit brighter. Victor and I had fought for that for so long, for it was what we wanted more than anything else in the entire world. We struggled, but we held on tight and fought with blood, sweat, and tears to hold our happily-ever-after in our grasp.

  My parents rushed through the crowd, and I hugged them tightly.

  “Welcome home, honey,” my mother said.

  “You did it!” Dad said. “I never doubted you for a minute, of course.” He then handed my darling boy over to me.

  I could barely contain myself as Alexander reached for me and climbed into my arms. His big eyes lit up the second he saw me, and he smiled. Happiness and joy swelled in my heart, and I couldn’t stop the happy tears from sliding down my face. Being apart from my baby for so long had left a hole in my heart. The reunion was so emotional and overwhelming and healing at the same time. I’d never been so grateful in my life.

  Victor and I lavished our beautiful boy with plenty of hugs and kisses, and he giggled. I looked down at him and up at his father, then rubbed my tummy, reveling in my miracle. It was a mind-blowing moment, and I felt like I was floating on air.

  Victor lifted Alexander into his arms and lifted him high in the air. “We love you, son!”

  I smiled as Alexander squealed with delight. I then motioned toward our magnificent castle. “Are you ready to step inside your new home?” I asked my baby.

  He smiled, even though he had no clue what I was talking about.

  Victor wrapped an arm around me as we walked into the castle together.

  I looked up at him lovingly. “We did it, baby. We really did it.”

  He kissed my lips, and festive music serenaded us as we were greeted by smiles, shouts, and laughter. Smiling women threw pastel petals at us. Elders came over and placed a glorious crown on Victor and a dainty gold one on me, then draped red royal capes over us.

  “Long live the king and queen!” a man shouted.

  It didn’t take long for the others to join in, and it melted my heart that they so openly accepted me and my parents, the people from another world.

  “You’ve made me feel so welcome. I want you to know that Victor and I love and cherish you all.”

  Victor smiled. “Yes, and we are proud to introduce to you our son, Alexander.”

  Everyone lavished the baby with attention, clapping, cooing, and smiling at him.

  Victor grinned proudly at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

  “Home sweet home,” I said, pure excitement flooding through me.

  “This is your real-life fairytale, Cinderella,” my mother squealed.

  I had to smile, as I’d just thought that myself only moments ago. “More than that, it is the happiest moment of my life, Mom,” I said, grinning even wider.

  “Our son will never again have anything to fear,” Victor said. “We’ll give him a loving, safe place to grow up.”

  Tears welled in my eyes. I always felt so lost and lonely, but not anymore. “It’s everything I’ve ever longed for…and more.”

  Victor was smiling from ear to ear, and I couldn’t help staring at him. I’d never seen him so happy. Not only was he sexy and handsome, but he was also smart and charming and would make a wonderful ruler. I loved him, flaws and all, just as he loved me. He often jumped from broody and complex to charming and sweet, and could be hard to figure out at times, but he was a puzzle I enjoyed putting together. His sadness and pain were leaving him because of the strength of our love and our bond, and it was good to see him putting the past behind him, finally learning to forgive himself.

  The lessons of forgiveness and empathy had taken my king on a great journey. All along, I knew there was an honorable man underneath all that darkness. Our relationship felt magical, our chemistry undeniable, and we were connected on a deeper level now. I enjoyed our deepened trust, companionship, and our strong relationship. We had both healed our wounds and were now at peace with our pasts. I knew I would love that dear man for the rest of my immortal life.

  I had accepted my destiny and would never fight against it again. Having our family back together was a beautiful, beautiful thing. Against all odds, Victor and I were destined to be together. We grew up in two completely different worlds, but fate insisted that we collide, and when we did, it was a beautiful thing. It still blew my mind. Before that, love had always seemed to pass me by, but now I knew why: I was waiting for somebody very special, a man from another time, another world, and I didn’t even know it. We’d met, we’d fallen in love, and we’d triumphed over evil and given birth to a son who would be the most powerful man in that world. I knew our Alexander would have a happy future after all we’d done to ensure it.

  When a vision struck, I closed my eyes.

  Victor and I were playing in the courtyard, with six beautiful children. Complete and utter happiness washed over me. When I recognized Alexander and Sophia, I knew the other four were mine as well,

  “Sarah?” Victor said, gently tugging on my elbow. “Are you okay?”

  My eyes fluttered open, and I nodded. “I had a vision.”

  “What did you see?” he asked.

  A tear dripped down my face. “A beautiful life,” I said. “A truly, truly beautiful life, albeit a busy one.”

  “Busy?”

  “Sophia will not be our last,” I said. “In fact, we can consider her and her brother practice for the other four.”

  He laughed. “We will have six children?” he asked.

  “Yes, and they will all be as gorgeous as their father.”

  “Wait. Did you say six?” my mother asked.

  “Yes, Mom. Six.”

  She squealed and
jumped up and down.

  “Well, how about that? A half-dozen grandbabies,” my dad said, smiling.

  Choked up by emotion, Victor pulled me close and gazed deeply into my eyes. “I’ve always wanted a large family with you. You’ve made me the happiest man on the planet.”

  “I love you,” I said, with heartfelt honesty.

  “I love you too.”

  He cupped my face and kissed me ever so tenderly, and I relished in his sweet kiss. At that moment, I let all the pain, hurt, and resentment go, refusing to let them have a hold on me any longer. For so long, I’d given up on love. I was just out there doing my thing when love found me. When I met Victor, I was controlling, bossy, and a little bitchy, but he changed me in a way I never would have expected anyone could. He made me a better person, and I did the same for him. We helped each other out of the dark pits we’d both fallen into. Two lonely souls found light in the darkness as fate pushed us together. We’d found our peace, cast out our demons, and become better people.

  Victor held my hand, and I glanced down at our glowing ruby rings. We were in perfect sync, in perfect harmony, one with one another. I could officially say that love could conquer all, and our love story had really only just begun.

  Epilogue

  Five years later…

  King Taggert surprised my parents with ruby rings. They thought long and hard about it, knowing full well what it meant, and ultimately decided that they wanted to see future generations of Larker grandchildren, especially since Liz had surprised everyone by giving birth to twin daughters, who were now four and spoiled rotten. Liz and I were ecstatic that we would have our parents forever, that they would see all the generations of their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren, and their great-great-great-great grandchildren! To make things even better, I would have my best friend forever, too, because Jackson had a ring for her. I wasn’t in full agreement with how he got it, but I was happy that I could see Beth again.

  Helena was excited to have her freedom back, and the shape-shifters were thrilled to reclaim their forest. Ethano’s wife, that scandalous Gwendolyn, was placed under castle arrest by her father, King Taggert. I hoped they could mend their broken fences and someday reconnect as father and daughter, but I wasn’t sure if they could after she’d imprisoned him in that hellfire-strewn desert and he had chopped off the head of her husband. That was a lot of family drama to handle, even if we did have the best royal psychiatrists on call.

  Victor and I did everything we could to help our kingdom and others that needed our help. We vowed that no one would ever suffer or go hungry again under our watch. We shared our wealth and gave our people whatever they needed. Liz, Charles, and even King Taggert joined in our cause, and together, we knew we’d truly make a difference.

  King Taggert gave Victor and me permission to visit my world on occasion, a debt he felt he owed since we had saved him and his world from Ethano. I was thankful because I was able to bring stuff back, like Hershey bars and potato chips. Plus, I could visit family and friends who wouldn’t live as long as I would. One of our visits to that world was a special occasion: the marriage of my best friend to the man who saved me from a vampire and so valiantly fought beside us in the Great War.

  Beth looked gorgeous in a flowing white wedding gown. Her blonde hair was tied up in an elegant style, and she was every bit as pretty as the women in the bridal magazines, if not more so. “Thank you for coming back to be my matron of honor,” she said, gripping my hands. She then touched my stomach, “And I can’t wait to meet this little guy.”

  I smiled, beaming over the fact that I was two months pregnant with our third child, a little brother for Sophia and Alexander. Since I’d already seen our children in my visions, I really had no need for an ultrasound to figure that out. “I wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world,” I said.

  She grinned. “Jackson and I are going to be so happy.”

  “He’s an honorable man…and from what I hear, the immortals couldn’t be happier.”

  “Tyranny is no more,” she said. “My Jackson has purged this world of evil, and no one will ever live in fear of blue-ringed immortals again.”

  “We’re all thankful for that,” I said, smoothing out my red silk dress. Suddenly, I felt a death grip on my leg. “Sophia?” I said, looking down at her. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?”

  “I’m scared,” she said.

  “Why? You’re a big girl,” I said. “You’re five years old, and you’re the prettiest flower girl there has ever been.”

  Finally, a brave little smile broke across her face. “You’re right, Mommy. I can do this,” she said, stomping her foot.

  I kissed her. “Yes, you can. Just smile and be yourself. Besides, your big brother will be right by your side, and so will Christopher.”

  “And Dad will be up there waiting for you too,” Alexander said.

  “Okay, but are there really supposed to be two ring bearers?”

  “No,” Beth said, smiling, “but it’s my wedding, and I can do whatever I want. That’s why weddings are so much fun.”

  We all chuckled.

  The music played, and that was their cue to go. I was overjoyed as I watched the kids walk down the aisle. Alexander was nearly seven, and his baby sister followed him and Christopher. She was a mini-vision all her own in a white, fluffy dress, throwing pink petals with little lacy gloves on her hands. My children looked just like my vision, with blue eyes and black hair, just like their gorgeous father, and I couldn’t have been prouder of them.

  “Are you ready?” I asked.

  Liz came over and fixed Beth’s veil. “There. You look perfect.”

  “I couldn’t ask for a better bridesmaid,” Beth said, gleaming with happiness.

  Liz and I walked up the aisle and took our places. Victor was a groomsman, and I shot him a smile. The church was so pretty, filled with flowers and candles, and we all cherished the happy moment as Beth and Jackson said their wedding vows.

  When Jackson slipped on the ruby ring, Beth jumped. I smiled, remembering that odd electrical feeling from my own wedding. Unlike me, Beth was going into it knowing everything, and it was entirely her decision. That only made it all more beautiful.

  When they kissed, it was truly magical. Beth had finally found her true happiness. I wiped a tear from my eye, knowing she would always be there for me and would never feel the pain of death. She and Jackson had dated for a long time, and they were perfect for each other. Jackson had waited so long for love, and I was glad he finally had the chance to be happy again. Like us, they were two lost souls united in love, and I was glad they had found each other.

  When fireworks exploded above us, the priest gasped. Even though it was unexplainable, not part of the wedding plans, everyone stared at the beautiful colors in awe.

  “Alexander!” I said.

  He laughed.

  “Please turn it off,” I said, smiling.

  “Sorry, Mom.”

  In seconds, it disappeared.

  “What’s with the pyrotechnics?” a man yelled, glancing around in confusion.

  “It’s a laser show,” I said, “a surprise for the bride and groom, complements of Victor and me.”

  Everyone roared and cheered, falling for it hook, line, and sinker.

  Jackson and Beth shot me a sly smile, knowing all along it was Alexander.

  I grinned, guilty as charged. Our son was equipped with great and wonderful powers, far more than I had. Most immortal children didn’t have powers until they reached a certain age, but he was born with his and started using them early. For a while, it was a pretty bad case of the terrible twos, but he had a good heart, and I knew he would never be swayed to use his powers for evil. He was chosen, just like his mother, and I couldn’t wait to see how his life would turn out and how many people he would help.

  At the reception, my heart melted as Sophia stood on Victor’s shoes to dance with her daddy. It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen.

>   When Beth went to greet some friends, Jackson approached me, looking quite handsome in his tux.

  “Wow. You clean up nicely,” I teased.

  “Hmm. Well, you don’t look so bad yourself, Highness. Just missing that gorgeous crown of yours.”

  I laughed. “Congratulations, Jackson. I’m glad you got your happily-ever-after too. You deserve it.”

  He smiled. “Yes, I did, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you did to help us, especially for introducing me to Beth.”

  “I hope you guys have a long immortal life.”

  “Thank you, Sarah. That means so much to me.”

  “Don’t be strangers either. I’m hosting Christmas at the castle. I’d love you to be there.”

  “Celebrating Christmas in another time, another world, away from all those shopping malls? Sounds delightful to me. Will there be a Christmas tree?”

  I grinned. “You bet….and lots of presents.”

  “Then count us in.”

  I shot him a big smile.

  “I’m glad we’re friends, Sarah. I had to wonder about that for a while,” he admitted.

  I winked. “As long as you don’t kidnap me and take me to Egypt, we’ll be fine.”

  He chuckled. “You’re never going to let me live that one down, are you?”

  I laughed. “Nope. Not a chance.”

  Suddenly a vision struck me. It was one from the future. Alexander was a grown man and so handsome, just like his father.

  “What’s wrong?” Alexander said.

  Victor’s lips pressed into grim lines. “The wizard is pure evil and he’s wreaking havoc across the land.”

  Alexander grabbed his sword. “Then let’s take him out.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Coming, Mom?”