-Josie-

Kaden and I stay in France for another week to make sure that the transition of negotiations between the two parties is completed smoothly.

On our last day in France I'm walking down a hallway to meet the others for lunch when I run into Vivienne.

"Josephine!" She exclaims when she sees me and a smile erupts across her face.

"Hello, Vivienne." I smile back.

"I haven't thanked you for your help. You helped me keep my husband safe." She takes my hand in hers.

I pat her hand, "I'm glad he's okay. We were just looking out for the greater good. Besides, if you hadn't been there to help us, who knows how long it would have taken us to complete our plan."

We're silent for a moment before she says, "I also wanted to apologize for my attitude. This last month has put so much of reality into perspective for me that the trivial matters of my past no longer seem important."

I nod in understanding as she continues, "I know you're leaving but if you come back, please remember that you have a friend in Paris and I will be offended if you don't join me on a shopping trip to the city center the next time you're here."

This makes me laugh, "I will for sure inform you, first thing when I land."

She embraces me and says goodbye as I continue on to the parlor where we're supposed to have lunch. By the time I arrive, the other three are already seated at the table.

"There you are! We were just about to send someone for you." Camille says as I take my seat.

Lunch passes in laughter and jokes, and it makes me look all the more forward to our return to Illea when we'll get to see the rest of our family.

Night arrives and we find ourselves saying goodbye to Ahren and Camille and then we board our plane. Twelve hours later, I'm refreshed from sleep on the plane as our pilot announces that we're about to land in Angeles.

While Amarna helps me straighten my hair and dress, Kaden goes over a few papers with some advisors.

When we step out onto the runway, we're immediately engulfed in a hug my Lady America. No one says anything as we meet the rest of the family. Even Kile is here to welcome us home. I smile at my older brother as he kisses my head and finally let's go of me.

"We all want to reprimand you but our pride trumps everything else." Sir Maxon smiles at us and thumps his son on the back as he says it, making me laugh.

Eadlyn and Erik are waiting for us back at the palace with Kerttu and baby Edward.

"Uncle Kaden!" Kerttu squeals.

"Kerttu!" Kaden squeals, matching the squealing of his niece as he picks her up.

I give Kerttu a quick kiss on the cheek before hugging Eadlyn and Erik.

"Congratulations, you guys." I smile as I take Edward from Eadlyn and hold him up for Kaden to see who is laughing at something Kerttu said.

I meet Kaden's eyes and they reflect the love and warmth I feel at having our family with us.