After two days resting in the eastern army’s camp, Damien, Jen, John, the archmage, and six surviving members of the Crimson Legion, along with the still-unconscious sorcerers, headed for home. Marie-Bell decided to stay behind and try to recover any artifacts from the paladins’ fortress that survived the blast. Damien hadn’t wanted to discourage her, but he’d dumped the majority of the corrupt energy straight down on the fortress. If anything bigger than his fist remained of the place it would have surprised him.

The capital appeared on the horizon and Damien had rarely been so happy to see anything in his life. As they flew closer it became clear that repairs hadn’t stopped despite the battle in the east. It was somehow heartening to find things proceeding as normal. Most of the citizens probably had no idea the eastern army had even deployed. Uncle Andy would have wanted to keep it quiet to avoid a panic.

“What are you going to do first?” Jen asked. She was riding on a transport disk beside him.

“Honey roll. I swear if I never have to eat camp food again it would suit me fine, though after a week of nothing even stringy beef stew and stale bread has its appeal.”

“I should say so, considering the way you wolfed it down.”

When the group landed in the castle courtyard a crowd was waiting to greet them. Uncle Andy and the royal family, Lane, Salem, and the rest of the Legion crowded together on the courtyard. Damien glanced at his master and raised an eyebrow.

“I may have sent a message letting them know we were on our way back.”

Lane rushed over and hugged her mother. Salem ran to John, threw her arms around him, and they shared a kiss.

When had that happened?

The thought barely formed before Karrie tackled him and started crying into his chest. Damien patted her back and looked over her head at a smiling Uncle Andy. The king winked at him and Damien smiled back. It was good to be home. Only Queen Audra looked less than thrilled. It seemed you couldn’t please everyone. Oh, well.

Karrie sniffed and looked up at him. “I thought you were dead and I’d never see you again. Are you okay?”

“Yeah. All things considered it could have been way worse.” He kissed her forehead. “Sorry I worried you.”

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She wiped her eyes. “Stop being so nice. I’m trying to figure out how to stop loving you and you’re not making it easy.”

“Did I miss something?”

“I told Mom and Dad I was calling off the engagement. Forcing you to do it was just selfish. It’s not something I’m proud of. Maybe we can at least be friends?”

“Of course we can.” Damien glanced at the queen. He understood her bad mood now. Having him and Karrie get together had been as much her plan as her daughter’s. “You know when you’re queen, married or not, I’ll stand with you.”

“I know, and I appreciate it more than I can say.”

Lane left her mother’s side and walked over. She had on snug brown leggings that showed off her long legs to good effect.

“Can I borrow him a moment?” Lane asked.

Karrie moved away from him, gave her eyes one last wipe, and nodded. “I should say hi to the others anyway. You’ll join us for dinner?”

Damien nodded. He wouldn’t have missed one of the cook’s dinners for any amount of gold. Karrie smiled and bounced over to hug Jen.

He turned his attention to Lane. “Hi.”

Before he could say anything else she grabbed the front of his tunic and kissed him. When she stepped back his head was spinning. “I thought you were dead.”

“You and everyone else apparently. If that was my reward for not being dead I intend to keep it up.”

“Mom never doubted you were alive. She said you were too tough to die. As usual she was right. I don’t know what all you went through the past week, but if you need to talk look me up.”

After that brief conversation she walked back to her mother. Damien sighed and headed over to Uncle Andy and the queen.

Damien started to bow, but Uncle Andy grabbed him and pulled him into a bear hug. Damien patted his back, his gaze darting around to see if anyone noticed the breach of protocol. The king stepped back and slapped his shoulder. Audra managed a cool, grudging nod. Damien was happier than ever she wasn’t going to be his mother-in-law.

“Word is you ended another war. Not bad for a dead man. There’ll be a second Medal of Valor in it for you.” Uncle Andy grinned. “You gave us some sleepless nights. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Me too. Could we skip the medal? If anyone deserves it, it’s Jen and the survivors. I didn’t really do that much.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve already spoken to your sister. She’ll be receiving one as well. And no, you can’t get out of it. The people need heroes, Damien. It helps make them feel safe. With your father gone that role passes to the two of you. It’s a big responsibility, but you and your sister were born for the job.”

Damien blew out a sigh. Clearly there was no dissuading him. “Karrie invited me for dinner. Is that okay?”

“Absolutely. If she hadn’t I would have.” Uncle Andy leaned in close so no one could hear. “Is it over?”

“There are a few loose ends to tie up, but yes, it’s basically over. There are still cultists to hunt down, but without Connor they’re not a great threat. I’ll look into finding them in a day or two.”

“I don’t think so,” Uncle Andy said. “You’ve earned a good, long rest. There are plenty of others that can round up the small fry. Let them handle it.”

Damien grinned and bowed. “As the king commands.”