Opening video - 'Let us Get Married' by Jagged Edge

Monday, July 20th, The Year 2220

Talise Jaleh / Brooke's POV

I am so close to holding my baby girl again. I missed Dalis so much. But I am also a nervous wreck because I will be meeting my 'real' parents for the first time. I am also meeting Tristi's parents, the king, and the queen.

Right now, I am about to chat with my parents and Dalis. Well, Dalis will listen to my voice. Why am I so nervous?

"Are you ready, sweetheart?"

"I'm ready."

Tristi turned on a video monitor. As soon as the monitor came on, I saw my baby girl with my mom and dad. I cried my eyes out for a bit. Dalis even tried to say, mommy.

"We know you have a lot of questions, so how about we answer those when you arrive home?" My mother said.

"Yes, because I do have so many questions. I cannot wait to finally be home. Mom and dad, I am pregnant again. I am almost five months and due in December, and the baby will be a little boy. We already picked out a name for our son. His name will be Tristian Rimulus II."

"Is the baby okay?"

"Yes. As soon as we boarded the ship, Chanelle checked to make sure everything was okay. The baby and I are doing well."

"We are so glad that you are safe. You never have to worry about Krohals again. The King and Queen are hosting a big party to celebrate your safe return when you arrive. They cannot wait to meet you. Honey, for now, get yourself some rest. Dalis baby, wave to your mommy and daddy."

While Dalis waved, I blew kisses her way. "Mommy loves you, princess, and I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I know I can rest now that I am back with my family. I love you, mom, dad, and Dalis."

"We love you too, Talise." My parents turned off their monitor. Tristi then turned off his monitor. I rested on his bed and cried. He laid down next to me, then pulled me into his arms to cuddle.

"My eyes hurt from crying so much. There were times I thought I would never see my baby girl again. They were going to make our son a slave. How did you guys find Duamia?"

"Caspian threw a tracking device on Krohals' ship."

"I am profoundly grateful for Caspian. How long is the trip to Paerus?"

"We will arrive home in three days. Get some rest, sweetheart. Once you are ready, I'll give you a tour of the ship."

"Is this ship really yours? It is massive in size."

"It sure is. Everyone in the royal family has a ship. Because I am an only child, my ship is larger than a normal one. A ship is currently being built for Dalis. Your ship has already been built and is waiting for you to christen it."

"Wow. Okay, so I am going to close my eyes now and get some rest."

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Thursday, July 23rd, The Year 2220

"We have arrived in Paerus. In another hour, we will be landing at the royal spaceport."

I glanced out the windows and saw the most beautiful planet ever. The landscape looked immaculate. And the citizens were peacefully interacting with one another. I love it.

More tears fell as we got closer to the spaceport. I am finally about to hold Dalis. "See those three large castles in the foreground?"

"Yes, I do."

"The one to the left is your current home. The one to the right is my current home. And the one in the middle will be for you, me, Dalis, and Tristian II."

"Seriously? I mean, the castles look massive from the ship! What do they look like up close?"

"We are about to see. Sit back and enjoy the view of your home planet."

Tristi is right. The view is amazing. I have never seen a planet so full of life, peace, and beauty like this before. I do not think I will ever get used to being a member of the royal family.

The hour went by fast because the ship began the descent on the landing strip. Once the ship came to a full stop, Tristi grabbed my hands.

"Let's get the heck off this ship and to our home." As we walked off the ship, several limos were waiting for us. Once in the limos, we took a secret passageway through what looks like an underground tunnel.

"Will this tunnel take us to those castles?"

"It sure will. It is the fastest way for us to travel. The royal family is the only one who can travel this way. We will be home in no time."

For the whole ride, I rested my head on Tristi's shoulder. There was no point in looking out of the window because there was nothing to see. As I started drifting off to sleep, the limo came to a stop.

"Sweetheart, we're here."

Tristi opened our limo door, and I was floored at how massive and amazing this castle is up close.

"Th-this is ours?!"

"It sure is. And look who is coming outside with your father?"

"Uh, what are my parents' names?"

"Your dad's name is Florian Shar. And your mom is Koko Varina."

"Okay, so why is my father putting Dalis down? And why is she trying to walk already? How? Dalis is only seven months."

"Citizens of Paerus develop at an advanced pace. Children start trying to walk at seven months. At around eight months, children start trying to talk. Listen, I will tell you everything about Paerus. I promise."

As we approached Dalis and my parents, I swept my baby girl in my arms. She had the biggest smile on her face as I cried. "Hi, baby. Mommy missed you so much." I planted kisses all over her face. "I love you so much, Dalis. I am never leaving you again."

After fawning over my baby, I turned to my parents. "Do I need to bow?"

"No, sweetheart. We are so happy that you are safe. I'm sure you're tired, so how about you get some rest, and we can talk tomorrow?"

"Yes, mother. Do I call you mom, mommy, mother, or Koko Varina? And is it dad, daddy, father, or Florian Shar? That is what Tristian said your names are. Please forgive me if I do not remember everyone's names. Being a part of a royal family is a lot to take in."

"We understand. Do not worry about it. It's okay," my father said. I handed Dalis to Tristi so I could hug my parents. I cried in my father's chest. My parents held me tight for what seemed like the longest time.

"Daddy, that awful man forced me to marry him. I feel sick just thinking about it. I feel like I betrayed Tristian. He is the one I want to marry. I love him very much. He's the father of my babies."

"Princess, you never have to worry about Krohals again. He is long gone. As for Tristian, we know you love him, and he loves you too. And he wants to show you. Turn around." After wiping my cheeks, I turned around and saw Tristi on one knee. He had the most beautiful ring I have seen in a beautiful jewelry box.

"Sweetheart, you never betrayed me. I am the one who betrayed you."

"Neither one of us had any idea those evil people would mess with our lives. But we are back together with a beautiful daughter and a son on the way."

"You're right. We are back together, and I want to make it forever. Talise Jaleh / Brooklyn Ava, will you marry me and become my future queen?"

"There you go with that Brooklyn Ava stuff. Yes, I will marry you, Tristi." My family, including Caspian, Taylor, and Neris, clapped, and whistled as Tristi placed the engagement ring on my finger."

"It is the most beautiful piece of jewelry I have ever owned. Did you have this on your ship the whole time?"

"I'll answer that soon. But first, I need to stand up and kiss my baby mama." Once Tristian stood up, he placed his hands on my cheeks to caress them. "I love you so much. No one is ever taking you away from me again." Then he leaned down for my kiss, filled with passion and love. I jumped in his arms and wrapped my legs around his waist.

"Eww, I'm not standing here watching my sister kiss. I'll see you inside," we heard one of my brothers say. I could care less. I am back where I belong - in Tristi's arms.

My dad began to clear his throat. "Princess, there are two more people you haven't met yet. So, how about taking a break from Tristian's mouth?"

We finally broke apart from the kiss. "To be continued later, my future king." After Tristi let me down, I turned around to see, "Oh my gosh! You are the king and queen. I'm so sorry." I began to curtsy, but the queen stopped me.

"Honey, you don't have to do that. You are our family. I am King Lachlan Keel, and standing next to me is Queen Nerina Eldoris. We couldn't wait to see you, and we are glad you're safe."

"Is it okay if I hug you?"

"Indeed, you can," the queen said as I hugged them at the same time. "I am so happy that you love the ring. I couldn't wait to pass it on to you."

"Now, I will cherish this ring even more. Thank you so much, Queen Nerina."

"None of that queen stuff. Just call me Nerina. Queen will be your title soon. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, so let us get inside."

I went to hold Tristi's hand after hugging the queen. Then, we walked into the castle. "Which way to the bedroom? I really am exhausted."

"I'll show you. There is a secret entrance that is easier than taking the staircase."

"When your mom said tomorrow is going to be a busy day, what did she mean?"

"We will announce our engagement to the citizens of the country. And, in the evening, we will have an engagement party with guests selected by our parents. So, sometime this evening, a dressmaker will come to the castle to take your measurements for three outfits for tomorrow."

"That fast?! Why three outfits?"

"One is for the engagement announcement. The second outfit is for you to change into after the announcement. The third outfit is for the party. You will also have several personal servants to help you with whatever you need."

"Oh gosh, now I know this type of lifestyle will take a while to get used to." We walked over to a door, which looked like a closet. But when Tristi opened the door, it was a secret passageway. We walked a little way down and stopped at an elevator.

"This elevator leads right up to our room." Once we stepped off the elevator, the beauty of the room took my breath away!

"Are you okay with the room being pink? It's one of my favorite colors."

"What my queen wants, she will get. But I will not be worried about the color if you know what I mean."

"I love it and thank you. I know what you mean, but it will not be now. I am tired. Baby Tristian is starting early at the kicking of my belly."

"Dalis and I will let mommy get some rest. I will be back to check on you. We will be having a family engagement dinner tonight. And do not worry about what you are going to wear. You have a massive walk-in closet. Well, none of the outfits in there are maternity wear, but tomorrow you will have quite the selection."

"Okay. Wait. Before you leave, I want us to stay in this castle starting today. There is no need for this castle to stay empty."

"We can do that. While you are asleep, I will let everyone know."

"Thank you." I walked over to the bed and crashed on it.

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Tristian Rimulus / Asher's POV

About two hours later, I heard screaming coming from our room. I ran into the room and saw my queen tossing and turning on the bed.

"Wake up, love!" I touched her arm gently, and she woke up gasping for breath.

"Don't touch me! Don't touch me!"

"What's wrong? Calm down."

She began to calm down and squeezed me in a tight hug.

"I had a nightmare, and the creep was in it. He said he was coming to get me and will kill anyone that gets in his way. What if he is not dead? What if he escaped before the planet exploded?"

"Even if that is possible, Paerus has the best fighters in the galaxy. There is none better. Krohals will NOT come anywhere near us. You're safe, my love."

"Don't ever leave me alone. I am afraid. We live in this massive castle. Somebody could sneak inside."

"How about I stay with you? Dalis is with Grandma Nerina. No one is ever going to sneak inside the castle."

"Thank you."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Thank you for staying with me. But I am still afraid. Now, we, meaning Talise and Tristian II, are hungry. When you said a massive closet, you were not kidding. I did find one outfit for me to wear tonight."

"I'll always be there for you. Now, let us go celebrate." We took the secret passageway to the dining room.

"Surprise!" Both of our families yelled as we walked to the dining room table.

"How are you feeling, Talise?" Koko asked her.

"I'm starving. Junior and I haven't eaten since we left Tristi's ship."

Several servants began to bring platters for everyone from the kitchen. "Welcome, Princess Talise. I oversee the kitchen staff for the castle. My name is Charmeine Anahel. Whatever you need, no matter the time, let me know."

"Thank you so much, Charmeine." Charmeine sat the tray down in from of my queen. My father tapped his glass with his fork.

King Lachlan Keel - "Before everyone begins to eat, I would like to say a few words. Both Florian and I's are ecstatic that our families are whole again thanks to the safe return of his princess, Talise Jaleh. Today is also the day that both families have been looking forward to - the engagement of Tristian and Talise. The future of Paerus will shine brightly once Tristian and Talise reign as king and queen."

Florian Shar - "I share the same sentiment as Lachlan. My family is finally back together. Nothing or no one will ever harm us again. Also, congratulations, Tristian, and Talise. I couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law."

Talise Jaleh / Brooke's POV

"Thank you, daddy and King Lachlan. I will miss my guardians on Cebromia. They were supportive every step of the way while we lived there. But, after learning where I really am from, I am excited to learn about my real parents and life on Paerus. While stranded on Brisothea, all I worried about was the safety of my little princess. I thought Dalis would never see her grandma or grandpa. I want to thank everyone here at the table for your love and support."

"You don't need to thank us. It is our job and duty to protect our family. And we will continue to until the day we die. Until that time comes, we are going to enjoy our time spoiling our grandchildren. We will have two for now. But there will be more. I can guarantee it."

"Honey, have you and Tristian picked a date for the royal wedding?" my mom asked.

"No, we haven't. But I was hoping we could get married before the baby is born in December. I will be five months pregnant in a few days. I know it is short notice, but we have waited long enough to finally become a family."

"It's not short notice. How about October, love? That would be three months from today."

"October sounds great. Tomorrow morning, our wedding will be announced to the citizens of Paerus. These are indeed happy times," my mom says, and everyone agreed.

She is right that I am happy - happy to be back with the two loves of my life, Dalis, and Tristian. And my baby boy baking in my belly.

Happy times indeed.

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Engagement ring picture is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / fruitcocktail