Lydia

Before Lydia slipped out of Wilder's room, she glanced back. Alwyn had moved her chair closer again and reached out, touching Wilder's cheek. Lydia saw Alwyn's lips move but didn't hear what she said.

But she didn't need to for Wilder had.

Lydia gripped the handle as Wilder turned his face a fraction to Alwyn then stilled.

Hope, a tiny flame of it sparked in Lydia's chest. She shielded it from doubt and worry as she drifted away from the door. Only when she found herself out on a balcony overlooking the city did she realize that Zavier wasn't with her and hadn't been waiting outside the door. She looked back to the archway leading inside, wondering where he'd gone.

She had her answer when he found her and in his hands was a wrapped bundle.

"How is he?" he asked, cautious and worried.

"I have hope," was all Lydia could say.

Zavier joined her by the balcony railing. "I know you must be hungry."

He held out the bundle to her. Lydia gratefully accepted it and unwrapped the cloth napkin revealing a stack of almond cakes.

"I stole them from the kitchens for you," he said, with a teasing smile.

Lydia choked out a sound that was halfway between a sob and a laugh.

"You can't steal them for me," she said, smiling as she cried, hearing her father's deep voice in her head. "Because they are from the kitchens which reside in the palace which I hold ownership of, therefore they are mine."

The memory of the Welcoming ball morning encased Lydia. Her father's wide grin as he stole her almond cake. Her mother's sweet scent as she wrapped her arms around Lydia. Corwin's stately manner. Reen's mouth dusted with crumbs. Vienna's bell-like laughter.

Zavier came closer and wiped at the tears on her cheeks. "Are you all right, Lydia?"

Lydia gazed out on the city that glowed gold in the setting sun. She could hear the faint strains of music and light voices. She felt the peace over the palace as soldiers rested and servants bustled about. In her heart, she could feel the pride of her family.

"Yes," Lydia said. "Because I'm finally home."

**********************************************************************

STARS ABOVE!!! *sobs* It's finished!! *wails*

(Okay, not really there's an epilogue)

*falls dramatically to the floor* Oh great seas! What a journey!

Tell me sailor, royal, guard which ever you feel you are, what last thoughts so you wish to impart. 

(Why am I rhyming, that's really strange)

This was one of the craziest rides I've ever written and I hope you've ever been a part of. It was all bittersweet. The characters all grew and I'm so proud of what they've become.

This will be my thirteen book and I can say I've never had characters quite like these. Their growth was so interesting to watch. Also balancing four different POVs is crazy, exhausting, and wonderful! (Also something I will never do again because it's so tiring. But I'm glad I did it this once)

At the end of all this, who is your favorite character?

Favorite moment?

Final thoughts?

Don't worry, we still have one more chance to see them and say goodbyes.

Vote, comment, follow!