The Royal Mark-Chapter 415: Forever Home
Chris went back outside to where Elsa was and found her already helping the others prepare their food for the barbecue.
"Love, can I have your father’s number?" he asked.
"Alright." She took out her phone from her pocket and asked, "What for?"
"I just like to inform him about what happened. And I think it is better if he hears it from me. I also wanted to get in touch with him, it’s been a long time for you guys even though it was only a year for me," Chris explained.
"Here. Keep my phone until I get back, I need to make some barbecue sauce and salad dressing inside," Elsa said before leaving Chris.
He contacted Ambros, and like what he said to Elsa, he had updated him on everything that happened. He also told him his plans which he agreed with.
They spoke for an extended period of time, catching up on the nuances of life that had passed them by. The conversation was both comforting and grounding. He told Ambros how useful the memories he saw back then, remembering the time when he sank his claws into the back of his neck when they first met.
Those memories helped him navigate many things in Novus and also made him decide to invest his money into a hospital, before deciding to meet Elsa.
By the time Chris ended the call, Marina and Elandir had returned, their arms laden with cake, ice cream, and other supplies and ingredients for the barbecue. The atmosphere buzzed with the joyful anticipation of a feast, especially the children, and everyone eagerly set to work, grilling meats, preparing salads, and arranging the food on a long picnic table.
The smell of grilled food wafted through the air, making everyone excited and hungry. Chris felt a deep sense of contentment as he watched Elsa move around with grace and ease, interacting with friends and family.
Even though he had lost a lot, his kingdom, his crown, his werewolf abilities, his people, family, and friends, he was still somewhat thankful to have this second chance to be with his family and some of his friends. Most of all, he was thankful to the goddess that Yakobo was also given a second chance at life. It was not as long as his but enough to make every moment count, even though he was still unsure of the mission that was given to him.
Elandir, always the life of the party, stood up and clinked his glass, drawing everyone’s attention. "Everyone, I’d like to propose a toast," he announced, raising his glass high. "To friendship, to family, and to the wonderful moments we share. May we always find joy in each other’s company and strength in our bonds. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" everyone echoed, clinking their glasses and taking hearty sips of their drinks. Even the kids clinked their glasses filled with their favorite mango juice.
Their celebration continued until the night came with an abundance of laughter and stories. Elsa and Marina shared what happened to them for the last five years and the same thing with Chris and Elandir.
They told their good and bad experiences after arriving in Novus a year ago and how they struggled to keep up with life that was different from their lives when they were still princes and kings.
"If Chris had not tapped into Ambros’ memories before and without Hera’s stories about how her life in Novus was, the two of us would be completely lost and perhaps one year wouldn’t be enough for us to stand on our own before we showed ourselves to you," Elandir mentioned.
"Hmm... So you mean to say that you planned all this?" Elsa asked.
"Yes, at least I did. Your husband was too afraid to contact you and Ambros, thinking that taking one step closer to you would kill him. So I contacted him and told him what Hera told me about Rocco’s school.
Ambros also helped us a lot that’s why we decided to buy the hospital so that you cannot turn down the school invitation and then luring you to work for us would be a success. And then Marina and I planned for you two to get closer.
We weren’t sure at first if it would work but then we didn’t think that you’d be remembering Chris during the process," Elandir revealed.
"I am forever grateful to you both Elandir and Marina. If not because of your determination to help us then maybe this guy wouldn’t approach me at all and would just watch us from afar," Elsa said as she playfully hit Chris on the chest.
"I was just being careful," Chris defended.
As the evening wound down, Marina and Elandir started to gather their things, preparing to leave. "Thank you for a wonderful night," Marina said, hugging Elsa and then Chris. "We should do this more often."
After saying their goodbyes, Marina and Elandir left, leaving Chris and Elsa to clean up and tuck their children into bed. The kids were exhausted from the excitement of the day and fell asleep quickly, their faces peaceful and content.
Once the house was quiet, Elsa turned to Chris. "Stay the night," she said softly, her eyes reflecting the lingering warmth of the evening. "It’s been a long day, and I’d like for us to have more time together. Besides, your new house is empty so you have no reason to decline."
Chris held Elsa’s hands and brought them to his lips. "Why would I decline such a wonderful offer? I’d love that," he replied, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "Let’s go to bed."
"Let me wash up first. My skin smelled like barbecue, I could even smell the smoke on my hair," Elsa said.
"Good, I will join you then. I should have a taste of that barbecue on your skin. Come here, let me eat you..." Chris swiftly carried her, princess-style making her laugh and did not waste any time in heading to the bedroom’s ensuite.
As they made their way to the bedroom, Elsa wrapped her arms around his neck. The sense of togetherness and renewed connection wrapped around them like a comforting blanket. It was a simple, yet profound moment that marked the beginning of a new Chapter for them in the world where they first met. The world that would be their forever home.
