Many little girls wanted to be a princess. I had been one of them. I had wanted to have a crown and wear the pretty dress. It was a child's dream; one I had grown out of by the time I was ten. Life had come knocking to remind me that fairy tales were not real.

And yet, here I was. Somehow, the single mum had become the queen of the underworld. And the reality was so much harder than the childhood fantasies.

I fought the urge to twist the ring upon my finger as I took a seat upon the throne. Instead, I leaned back against the surprisingly warm surface and forcibly released the tension in my muscles. It was stupid. I couldn't even pin point the cause of my nerves. I had been thrown into the deep end of my role, restoring the underworld and taking care of the demons with only Castiel by my side.

It had been tough. But finally, the debris clean-up had been completed and the repairs had begun.

The throne room had been repaired first. In the beginning, it had been a temporary shelter for those who had been displaced. But after months, enough homes had been repaired for the demons to go home and regain a semblance of normality. But, much like the walls surrounding me, no matter how much we tried, not all of the damage could be repaired or forgotten. Cracks still remained.

Castiel entered silently, his steps rapid as he crossed the room. He offered a smile before giving a bow of his head.

My hand subconsciously came up to toy with the circlet of metal now resting upon my head. It was odd. I still didn't understand why I had to wear it. But Castiel insisted. Apparently it was a gift from a friend but I still hadn't been able to twist his arm enough to find out who.

"You can stop with the formality. You know you're family, Cass." I chastised, causing the fallen angel to crack another smile.

"How are you feeling about today?" He asked, turning to survey the room.

I shook my head. "Unprepared. Scared I'm going to say the wrong thing." A sigh whistled between my teeth. "It's tough."

Castiel nodded his head. "Ruling isn't easy. If it was, everyone would do it." He reached out and placed a hand upon my shoulder. "I have faith in you."

"Thanks." I replied before glancing back towards the doors. "I wish Lucius could be here."

Castiel's face closed off and he glanced away. After swallowed past the lump in his throat, he nodded his head. "And he does too. He certainly tried to as well which is why I had to drag him back into bed when he collapsed on the floor.

"At least he's improving. Seeing him so -." I cut off, unable to finish the words. Just the thought of his pale face as he laid in a deep and healing sleep. He had never looked so weak. So frail and human.

"I know."

Straightening my shoulders, I glanced at the closed doors ahead of me. "I think I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be. Shall we let them in?"

"I'll let them in." He took a step away but hesitated before he went any further. "You're doing a great job. You know that, right?"

And then he was opening the hall doors. Demons poured sedately into the room, their faces tired and worn from the struggles of the past few months. My heart thudded so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it.

It took several minutes for them all to file in. Finally the doors closed behind them all and the quiet chatter drifted into silence. Expectant eyes stared up at me. Each of them was slightly different; brown eyes, blue eyes, and even eyes that were almost catlike. Blue skin, red skin, white skin, brown skin. Yet each demon exuded lingering pain and grief. But there was also hope.

As the doors finally closed, I stood.

"Thank you all for coming here today." I said solemnly, my gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. "Today we celebrate a victory but also a great loss. While we have overcome the enemy and the threat which existed within the city, I know that many of you have been touched by loss."

There were murmurs of agreement. A few sniffles which echoed loudly in the enclosed space.

"While we continue to rebuild, we will remember how our victory was won. We will not forget those we have lost. We will not forget those who fought to protect us. Only by remembering and learning from the past can we ensure that the underworld remains a place of peace and not war. I would like you all to join me in a moment of remembrance for our fallen friends."

The throne room fell into silence. I closed my eyes and I couldn't stop myself from dwelling on all those killed or harmed by Terran's actions. Greta. Lucius. Even Sonakshi, the young fearless warrior hadn't managed to make it out unscathed. A young demon from the town, Lilia. Julio. Peter. The names went on and on. I was almost sure I could name them all.

I breathed out slowly.

The consequences of Terran's attempt at a coup would be felt for a long time. By me. And by the other residents of the underworld.

Opening my eyes, I clasped my hands in front of me.

"Terran and his conspirators sought to divide us through discord and chaos. But he failed." I firmly stated. "He did not divide us. Instead, his actions have only brought together. Over these months, I have seen each of you come together to support your friends, families, and neighbours. I have seen a stronger and united people. And while there is still work to be done, I know we could not have made it to where we are today without all of you working together."

I took a step away from the throne so that I was on the same level as those eyes watching over me. And yet, still, my voice carried over the room.

"I was new to the underworld. A stranger amongst you all. And yet, even with me, you have put aside our differences and shown me only trust and acceptance. All I can say is, thank you." I paused, feeling warmth within my chest as I was met without judgement. There was only kindness. "I promise to do everything within my power to prove I am worthy of your trust."

Anything further I had to say was stuck within my throat. My breath hissed out between my teeth as some of the demons shuffled just so. And then, there he was.

Leaning against one of the walls, with his arms folded across his chest, stood Lucius. It was the first time I had seen him out of the room and dressed in something other than sweats in months. He was in a suit, looking more like the man I had first met all of those year's ago.

Still, after him being tucked beneath the covers for so long, the effects of his recovery were plain to see. He was thin. His arms were slimmer, the lack of activity causing him to lose muscle tone. His cheekbones stood out more prominently giving him an almost gaunt appearance.

His startling blue eyes met mine as his lips pulled up into a smile. He was really here. Here in both body and soul. My husband.

"Lucius." I murmured, my feet carrying me towards him as if drawn by some intangible force.

I vaguely noted several demons nudging each other; caught their knowing smiles as they let me pass. And in no time, I was standing before him. My left hand reached for his face, the ring glinting in the light as I caressed his freshly shaven face.

"You're here."

Lucius turned and pressed a kiss to my palm. "Nothing could stop me from seeing you today." He replied, his eyes warm as he looked down at me. "I am so proud of you."

"And I am grateful that you were able to take care of our home while we were unable to do so." A voice said from behind me.

I gasped and snapped my head around. How had I not noticed his presence?

Hades was a tall mountain of a man that stood at least a head above anyone in the vicinity. His white hair had been pulled up into a – and I couldn't believe I was actually seeing it – man bun. His arm was wrapped around his wife's waist. They were cute. She leaned against him, tucked closely against his side and her fingers hooked through the belt loops on his jeans.

And there, standing beside them, was my son. He offered a wave before continuing to chattering animatedly at the demon, Sonakshi. She offered him only patience. After the attack on our home, she had appointed herself my son's personal protector and doted on him like an older sister. As an only child, it made my heart feel whole to see their bond. I had always wanted a sibling.

"It was nothing." I responded after a pause, noting they were all still waiting for me to respond. "Anyone would have done it."

"It was far from nothing. The underworld must always have someone on the throne. It is a fundamental part of the magic that courses through the ground beneath our feet and the skies above our heads." Hades firmly stated. He tucked his free hand into the pocket of his jeans. "You put your own needs aside and took care of our people. I know you would have preferred to focus on Lucius and young Daniel but you put our people first. I will forever be grateful for that. "

Lucius chose that moment to thread his fingers through mine, his thumb rubbing across the band of my ring before gave my hand a squeeze.

"The underworld has been through a great test but we are a strong people." Hades eyes flitted down to out joined hands. "And I believe we do at least have something to celebrate."

"And we will." I assured him before glancing over at the demons who were slowly starting to file out of the throne room. "But for now, we focus on them."

"And then we celebrate." Hades added. "After so much loss, every demon in the underworld needs something to look forward to. To celebrate and be reminded that there are good times too."

Lucius swiftly said, "I agree."

I glanced up. Meeting my husband's gaze – it was still new and unfamiliar to call him that – I could see his resolve. His eyes had softened and his fingers tightened briefly around mine. He didn't even need to say anything. My heart skipped a beat.

And then released a sigh as I capitulated.

In truth, I felt relief because I wanted the wedding. I wanted to have the big day to celebrate with our extended family. I needed the reminder there were good times to balance out the bad ones. Since my introduction into the supernatural world, it had been one event after another and we were long overdue something good.

"Okay," I agreed before holding up a stalling hand before they could get too excited. "But not just yet. Give me six months."

"Two."

"Three. Final offer." I countered. "I couldn't live with myself if we were partying when people were still rebuilding their homes. Besides, I want to spend some time with you and Danny. And we need time to plan and I want to find a dress the old fashioned way."

"Agreed." Lucius then leaned down and pressed a kiss upon my lips to seal the deal.

"Excellent." Hades cheered before clapping a hand on to Lucius's shoulder. "I am glad you have finally found your happiness."

"Me too." Lucius replied.

And, as I leaned into his side and watched my son's face break out into a massive grin, I felt the same. I had my family and, despite everything, I had found happiness. It was imperfect but it was my perfect.