Royals of Illéa

Chapter 32-Peace At Last

-Josie-

With Kaden moderating the talks, over a course of a week, the royals and insurgents finally arrive on the same page. They withdraw from Paris and the French army takes over once more. The eighth day finds Kaden and me on the private runway from where we took the flight out of France with Ahren and Camille last time.

But this time we're waiting to welcome them back with a heavy French royal guard.

Amarna and John both flew out to France as soon as the negotiations completed and with their help, we're back in formal attire. I'm dressed in a purple knee length dress and Kaden is wearing a suit.

As the plane appears in the distance and begins descent, I'm transported back to the first night that Kaden and I were released by the insurgents.

We are escorted by royal guards to the palace where we'll be staying until Camille and Ahren arrive. Upon arrival, I realize that all signs of damage have been removed and the staff has returned in full force.

Amarna and John are waiting for us at the entrance doors.

"I need to talk to some officials about Camille's travel plans. Will you be okay?" Kaden asks me.

I nod and watch him walk away before turning my attention to Amarna.

"Your highness." She curtsies, making me smile as I say "It really hasn't been that long that you forget my name."

"I'm happy to see you safe, Josie." She smiles back and I surprise her by sweeping her into a hug.

She escorts me to one of the guest rooms that is all set up for my use.

"Shall I draw you a bath?" She asks.

"Yes, please." I nod in gratitude.

An hour later, I've taken a long bath, slipped into my nightclothes and am sitting in front of the fireplace while Amarna brushes my hair.

The familiarity of this routine makes me feel homesick for the first since we came to France. Sometime later, Amarna shows me the dresses that she brought with her from Illea. It's during this that a knock sounds on the door.

She answers the door to reveal Kaden standing outside.

"I'll let you know if I need you." I tell Amarna who quickly curtsies and then leaves.

Kaden has changed into a dress shirt and he slips in his hands into his pants' pockets as he leans against he closed door and looks at me.

"Hey." He gives me a small smile.

"Hey." I smile back, feeling as if I'm seeing him for the first time in a long while.

After a moment of silence he says, "It's all done. Camille and Ahren fly in in three days."

I feel tears prick my eyes as I jump out of my armchair and hurl myself into his waiting arms. I wrap my arms around his neck and sob into his shoulder. The tears are for the uncertain days, for the danger that we faced and most importantly for the overwhelming realization that we'd succeeded.

"I'm so proud of you." I hiccup as I pull away slightly to look at him.

"Oh, Josie." He simply whispers before kissing me.

I clutch the collar of his shirt and pull him as close to me as physically possible. We're both left gasping for air when we finally pull away.

"I love you, Josie." He kisses my forehead.

"I love you, Kaden." The look in his eyes melts my heart and we're both left smiling.

I'm pulled back into the present by the noise of the airplane's wheels touching the runway. The plane comes to a stop and a ramp lowers.

Ahren is the first one to step out, followed by Camille. I smile at the sight of them and my smile widens when I realize how healthy Camille looks despite the trauma and her pregnancy.

"I don't know whether to yell at you or kiss you." Ahren says to his little brother but quickly pulls him into a hug anyway.

I tear my eyes away from the brothers as Camille walks up to me, "I don't know how I can ever thank you for this."

"Sisters don't thank each other for anything." I smile at her as she envelopes me in an embrace.

"How is the pregnancy going?" I ask.

She sighs and shakes her head, "Could've been smoother without the insurgents. But it's all because of you guys that I got the comfort that I did."

I can see the sorrow in her eyes so I offer my condolences on her mother's death. By now Kaden and Ahren have walked over and Kaden offers his condolences too.

"Thank you." She smiles at the two of us and turn towards the waiting cars which will take us back to the palace.