Ruby Empire Epilogue (special preview)

That evening, Dhaval and the other children vanish from the party. I find them in the garden where they are eating and playing on their own. Dhaval is sitting beside Mila, daughter of King Gregori. Before them Damini is showing off her dancing and teaching a few of the younger children. Orrick and Maitri is sitting together, feeding each other and giggling as they whisper to one another. Himank is sitting in the midst of all of Niran’s children, flourishing and posing as he tells a story. 

This new generation is so close to one another, even if their ages are far apart. It gives me hope and fills me with pride. In all my dreams and hopes for the future, this was exactly what I wanted. Countries once at war with one another now feasting and celebrating together. If I died this evening, I would know my cause was just.

The next morning, I go to the dining hall and find Dhaval sitting at the head of the table by himself.

“Everything ok, sir?” I ask him.

He looks up from his papers and notebooks and sighs. “I am.”

I go and stand beside him. “Your speech yesterday was remarkable,” I say. “You’ll do just fine here.”

Dhaval’s expression is serious and distant. “I was preparing my notes and everything and all I could think of was when I was little and watching my dad do the same thing. He would go over everything so many times and with such a fine eye. I used to sit by his feet and listen to him whisper under his breath. I always thought my dad was the smartest person in the world, now I just realize he had the same anxiety I do.”

Dhaval looks up at me. “It makes me feel better when I think that.”

I smile at him. “Amit was a good king because he did worry, but when it mattered he always knew when to act. I have watched you grow up Dhaval I have seen you go from a quiet little boy into this wise young man. If I had any doubts I would not be here today. I have full faith in you as a leader and not just because of Amit.”

Dhaval chuckles and looks back down at his notes. “Most of the people who will fill this room are like family to me. But somehow that makes me more nervous.”

“Only worry about Imani,” I tell him with a smirk. “That’s what your father used to tell me.”

Dhaval laughs and grins. “I love Aunt Imani, but she loves to argue.”

The doors open and Amit steps in, his ears flick forward then he clears his throat. “Already in here I see.” He takes the seat to Dhaval’s right.

“Just preparing,” Dhaval replies. 

Amit looks around the table and stares off into the distance. He takes a deep breath. “I always wondered how this day would go. I’ve gotten more soft than I expected.”

I chuckle and look up as the door opens again. Iman i walks in with her daughter, Aksha, beside her. The girl is petite and wide eyed, very dainty and pretty.

“Good morning,” Imani says. “My king, Amit.” She turns her nose up at me, always has and probably always will.

“Good morning,” Dhaval clears his throat.