Serene’s POV

The meat had been cooked and tables were set. We all settled down to eat, Ralph’s father had joined us too and he seemed in a good mood. Everyone seemed joyous as we all chatted. Ralph’s father told us stories about his and Zeph’s father’s youth days. How both of them would sneak into Ana’s village so Zeph’s father could meet her. Ana was blushing from these stories and yet there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. She missed her husband.

The conversation shifted to boys’ childhood and Ana told us how mischievous they used to be. Ralph would always cause mischief with elder boys and run and then when they would come for Ralph and Zeph would beat them up. I peeked at Zeph and he seemed proud that he had protected his friend and I knew he would always do that.

"Serene did the same for me. I never liked violence so when anyone used to bully me or beat me, she always defended me or came to my rescue. Of course, her Princess status helped too." Zian chimed in.

"Well, it wasn’t my fault that you were tiny and fragile like a rabbit. I had to come to your rescue." Everyone rolled in laughter. We continued chatting up until late at night. Rumais was sitting with me and he fell asleep on my shoulder. I placed my hand on his head so he won’t fall. Other younger boys were yawning too.

"Let me take him," Ralph picked up Rumais and bidding us goodnight, left with him. Others followed pursuit, Zian was to share the room with Zavrian while Crimzon would sleep with Ana and me.

We had planned to leave the next day so I wanted to spend as much time as possible with Zeph. So we stayed outside, it was chilly but the fire kept us warm. Zeph brought a blanket and wrapped it around me and then sat beside me. I placed my head on his shoulder and intertwined my fingers with his. We sat there in silence watching the fire for some time. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"I am sorry you had such a horrible experience at the fair today. I broke his hand, he wouldn’t be touching anyone with that any time soon." I moved my head and looked at him in utter disbelief.

"You didn’t have to do that Zeph."

"I wanted to,"

"I don’t want you to condone violence on my behalf."

"And I won’t stand on the sidelines and watch someone touch you like that." The look in his eyes told me this matter was not up for discussion anymore.

I sighed and lay down on the carpet we had dragged out for dinner. He lay down beside me watching the canopy of stars above us, offering me his arm to use as a pillow which I gladly took. He pulled me closer planting a kiss on my head as I placed my hand on his chest. We lay there in silence and I finally drifted off to sleep.

The next morning I woke up in Ana’s room. Zeph must have carried me and I was glad the night was peaceful and I didn’t get any nightmares. Two nights in a row, that was blissful and I felt so energetic and refreshed. After changing into fresh clothes.

Crimzon and I helped Ana with breakfast and we all sat down to eat it among the usual chitter chatter. Zian was sitting with Zeph and they were discussing weapons. Zeph promised to show him their workshop so they left after breakfast. We cleared the dishes and Zavrian was excited to show us his swordsmanship. He asked Kilamin to spar with him handing him a sword.

Considering he was Zeph’s brother he lived up to expectations. Kilamin gave him some pointers and he picked up on them pretty quickly. "I didn’t expect anything less from you, Zavrian. You are going to be extraordinary, just like your brother." I offered him a compliment.

"Really?" He was overjoyed.

"Yes,"

Zeph and Zian had returned from the workshop and Zian seemed happy. Kilamin told us it was time to leave so we could make it in time for our allocated slot in the portal. Zeph went to fetch Ralph and the carriage, I went with him to say goodbye to his brothers.

The boys were sad to see me leave so I hugged them and asked them to visit my Realm with Ralph. Their faces lit up at the invitation.

"We will surely visit you Serene," Ralph promised. As he checked the carriage and horses. I waved the boys one final goodbye and went back to Zeph’s house. Kilamin and Zian had hauled all the luggage out.

I went to meet Ana and Zavrian. "Thank you for having me and for the hospitality, I loved every second of this stay." Ana hugged me and kissed my forehead.

"It was a pleasure to have you, my dear. I hope we will meet soon again. Don’t be a stranger." She smiled at me and gave me a crocheted sweater in teal colour.

"Oh!!! Thank you, this is so beautiful." I accepted the gift with gratitude.

"It’s nothing my child." She beamed at me.

"Please, visit me in Fae Realm. I will wait for you all." She nodded while Zavrian hugged me. "Zeph is lucky to have you, Princess Serene. You bring out the best in him."

"Thank you, Zavrian."

Crimzon and Zian thanked them and said their goodbyes as well. Zeph, Zian, Crimzon and I settled in the carriage, Ralph took the driver’s seat while Kilamin decided to fly above us.

We waved our goodbyes and left. Zeph was quiet today. "Crimzon, how was your visit to your family?" I asked trying to make conversation.

"It was joyful and they loved Zian. We had a wonderful time together." She was jubilant.

"That’s amazing, I am glad you people had a good time."

"Crimzon showed me her birthplace as well. And meeting her family seemed like I had known them for a long time." Zian beamed at her. He had a way with people and it was easy for him to make conversation.

"Zeph, what do you like about Serene?" Zian suddenly asked making Zeph go red in the cheeks. This will be interesting, I smiled to myself.

"Umm, her hair." He finally replied after a long pause.

"Just her hair? Man, you really need to work on this. Don’t worry I will give you some pointers." Zian winked at him.

"Leave him be, Zian." I shot him a look.

"Nops, can’t do that. Gotta help my man."

"Your man? He is my man."

"Is he now? Glad you clarified Serene."

"Glad your small brain was able to comprehend."

Crimzon and Zeph were laughing at our childish behaviour.

"Are they always like that?" Zeph asked Crimzon. "Pretty much," she replied trying to suppress laughter.

The rest of the journey passed with us telling different stories from our time in the institute when finally Ralph announced that we had reached the Portal.