The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 494: Epilogue

"I can’t believe how fast time flies," Mineah mused as she watched her one-year-old daughter, Alya, play with her cousin, Hope, Niran and Raul’s daughter, who was just a month older.

"Indeed," Nikolai hummed in agreement, gently feeding her slices of fruit. They were enjoying a beachfront picnic with her closest friends, her former shadow maidens, who now had families of their own.

Most of them were in the water, playing and laughing, while Dahlia, whom Mineah had grown close to, kept an eye on the little girls.

"A lot has happened, but I’m so glad everything worked out for all of us," Mineah said, her gaze drifting toward Krisha, who was running along the shore with Taro. He had their two-year-old son, Niko, perched on his shoulders as he playfully chased after her. The boy’s bright laughter was contagious.

"I can’t wait to see Dani’s baby. I wonder if it’ll be a boy or a girl," she added with excitement, glancing at Dani, who was swimming with Abel.

Nikolai chuckled. "It’s still early, my love. Dani just announced her pregnancy yesterday."

"I know," Mineah sighed, smiling. "I’m just too excited, I guess. Seeing everyone so happy after everything we’ve been through... It makes me grateful. Even though they followed me to a foreign country, they still found happiness in the end."

Even Laura was now married to Lord Fritz, and Mineah could see just how deeply in love the two were. She wouldn’t be surprised if news of Laura’s pregnancy came soon.

Nikolai reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers as he pressed a gentle kiss against her knuckles. "You have a way of bringing people together, Mineah. They followed you not just out of duty, but because they love you. And in the end, they found their own happiness alongside yours."

Mineah’s heart swelled at his words. She squeezed his hand, resting her head against his shoulder as she watched their friends enjoying the day. The sound of waves crashing against the shore mixed with the laughter of children created a soothing melody, a stark contrast to the chaos they had once endured.

"Right, but what about Lady Zaila?" Nikolai mused with a grin. "It doesn’t seem like she has any plans to settle down."

Mineah followed his gaze just in time to see Zaila approaching them, late as usual. Behind her, as always, were her three persistent suitors: Vassal Gregory, Admiral Sixto, and Minister Milo.

Mineah chuckled. "I can’t believe how determined those three are."

"I know, right? It’s been a year, and not one of them has backed down," Nikolai said in amusement.

"Zaila already turned them all down because she was confused and needed space, but they just won’t give up," Mineah added with a grin.

She still remembered how frustrated Zaila had been, overwhelmed by the fact that she had feelings for all three men and couldn’t choose between them. In the end, she had rejected all of them, only for them to continue pursuing her relentlessly.

"Must be quite the dilemma," Nikolai mused. "Do you think I should step in and talk to them?"

Mineah shook her head. "No need. Zaila can handle them, and if she ever needs help, I’m sure she’ll ask for it."

As Zaila finally reached them, she let out a dramatic sigh and plopped down onto the picnic blanket beside Mineah.

"You wouldn’t believe how exhausting it is having three determined men constantly hovering around you," she grumbled, stealing a grape from Mineah’s plate.

Mineah exchanged an amused glance with Nikolai before raising a brow at her friend. "Oh, we believe it," she teased. "They’ve been chasing you for a year, Zaila. And from what I can see, they have no plans of stopping."

Zaila groaned, running a hand through her hair. "I just wanted some space to clear my head, but they took that as a challenge instead."

"They must really love you," Nikolai pointed out, smirking.

Zaila shot him a deadpan look. "Or they’re just stubborn."

Mineah chuckled. "Or maybe it’s both?"

Zaila huffed, but a slight blush dusted her cheeks. "I don’t know what to do," she admitted quietly. "They’re all amazing in their own way, and I... I like them. But I can’t exactly marry all three, can I?"

"No, you can’t," Nikolai said, suppressing a grin. "But you also don’t have to rush. Just because they’re persistent doesn’t mean you have to make a choice before you’re ready."

Mineah nodded. "Exactly. The right decision will come to you when the time is right. Just listen to your heart, Zaila."

Zaila let out a breath and leaned back against the blanket. "Easier said than done, Your Majesties" she muttered. "But thanks."

Mineah smiled, watching her friend stare up at the sky in deep thought.

"I wonder why those three didn’t follow me here," Zaila murmured to herself.

"Well, I instructed them not to through the mind link," Nikolai replied casually.

Zaila jolted in surprise. "Goodness!" She let out a relieved sigh, then grinned. "I should enjoy today while I can. If you’ll excuse me, Your Majesties, I’m going for a swim."

Without waiting for a response, she ran off toward the water, eager to join the others.

Meanwhile, Dahlia approached, carrying Hope in her arms while Alya clung to her skirts. "These two have so much energy," she said with a laugh. "I think they’re plotting something. They keep whispering to each other."

Mineah chuckled, reaching down to scoop Alya into her arms. "Oh? And what are you two up to?" she playfully asked, kissing her daughter’s chubby cheek.

Alya giggled, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief. Hope, still in Dahlia’s arms, clapped her tiny hands together as if celebrating a secret victory.

Raul strolled over, shaking his head. "I swear, they’re already conspiring against us. Niran is convinced Hope is going to lead Alya into all kinds of trouble."

"More like the other way around," Niran chimed in as she joined them, smirking.

Mineah smiled, watching the playful banter between her friends. It was a sight she never thought she would see years ago, a life of peace, laughter, and love.

"I think it’s safe to say we’ve earned this happiness," she whispered to Nikolai.

He kissed the top of her head and held her closer. "And I’ll make sure it stays that way."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of gold and pink, Mineah sighed in contentment.

"Happy?" Nikolai suddenly murmured as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

She exhaled, letting the warmth of his embrace sink in. "More than I ever thought possible."

She had come to this land with uncertainty, but here, at this moment, surrounded by the people she loved, she felt whole.

For the first time in a long time, the future didn’t feel uncertain. It felt bright. It felt safe.

It felt like home.

***THE END***

I truly hope you enjoy this book. Thank you very much for your patience with the slow updates. I hope you will continue to support this humble author.

********************

Kindly Follow and like our Instagram: Eustoma_Reyna and [email protected] Join our DISCORD group via Link: https://discord.gg/PNGkTUy Direct links to all my works at www.linktr.ee/eustoma_reyna