Willow POV
Ten years later
The last ten years have been a wonderful life for Lazarus and me. I do not think he ever lets me out of his sight. I never knew someone could love me so much or I could love them so much. Odd that an arranged marriage could end up being such a blessing, but this marriage is beautiful.
We have our ups and downs like everyone else, but we love each other. We are honest with one another. I never did transition. After Mary gave me her light, I got my wings back, but I was able to convince the council that since Mary was a hybrid and would be taking the throne, there was no need to become a hybrid. They agreed reluctantly.
Lazarus and Abraham are so much like their father. Mary is so much like Prissy. All three of the children are humble and kind. Laz wanted to make sure they were good people.
We never had any more children. Not that we did not talk about it. After my death, I never had another heat cycle again. Laz was not disappointed. He was honest and said he never wanted to risk it again.
The children grew up fast. We enjoyed every moment with me as they grew. I have to say; when Laz told me he was getting married, it broke my heart a little. He married the sweetest fairy. I try to be as good to her as Prissy was to me.
The most complex thing that happened over the last ten years was when Lester was found dead. Lazarus said he had nothing to do with it. Sometimes I think he did. Lester tried to kill his mother and did kill my father. I wanted him to suffer something. In the end, I put it behind me and chose to let the pain go.
After Mary gave me her light, no one bothered us anymore. I guess everyone was afraid of how powerful she would be. She grew into a great power. Trees bloom when she walks past them; birds sing her songs. Mary is loved and adored. She has the gift of life inside her. She was born dead but able to give life where there is none.
Today, I will give her my crown. I never wanted this life. I will place it on her head so she can lead the fairies and vampires. I know she will be the most precious queen. I know because I raised her to be kind.
Luanne stayed and raised her children on the property. I don’t know if she was scared of Mary or if it was because Lester was found dead, but she never gave us any problems ever again. She died peacefully in her sleep a few nights ago. The siblings that were still living at home moved into the house with Lazarus and me.
I sit here as the council conducts the initial ceremony for her crown. I watch how beautiful she is. Her brother's on each side of her swearing an oath to keep her safe from all harm. I find it funny because I know she can kick both of their ass.
I made a promise to Lazarus that the moment I place this crown on her head, we would go somewhere just to be together. The two of us alone for the first time in ten years. We devoted ourselves to the crown and to our children. We deserve time just to be a married couple. I want to make love to him all night. I want to sip champagne on the beach. I want to feel his embrace. I no longer wish to be the queen of the fairies. I only want to be a mother, a wife, and someday a grandmother.
I wonder if Mary told the council yet she plans to marry a vampire. She said she wanted a man as gentle but firm as her daddy. When she brought him home, Lazarus and both of her brothers gave him the third degree. He is a good man. I think he is good for Mary. He knows his place with her and his duty to the crown. The fact he came from a humble family went along with the three men.
When the council finishes, I am called up to give my crown to my precious Mary.
Rudan takes the crown from my head. Mary has kneeled in front of me.
“I give you the crown of the fairies. I pass this duty to you. Do you accept?” I ask her.
“I humbly accept my duty as queen,” Mary says.
“Then I crown you QUEEN OF THE FAIRIES!” I say.
“LONG LIVE THE FAIRY QUEEN!” everyone shouts in unison.