Veri watched as the shield around the Core dissolved and the fleet pushed forward. They were making record time. With the new engines and tech they would reach Draga Terra only two days after leaving Khara Prime.

It felt surreal to watch the stars and planets fly by so quickly so they were nothing but streaks of color. But now they approached Draga Terra, sections of their fleet breaking off to head to their new assignments.

They would guard the border until they found the time to rebuild and secure their kingdom once more.

Asher wrapped his arm around her waist as they flew toward Draga Terra. The patrols in the Core were lined up on either side all the way to the capitol to honor them for what they’d done.

Veri was still trying to wrap her head around everything that had happened and everything that would happen.

No one had bothered the queen for the last two days after she’d locked herself in her rooms on the Jasmine with her husbands. Veri couldn’t help her smile. She’d done much the same with Asher after the physicians patched her up better than new. And now here she stood, watching as Draga Terra grew closer and closer in armor polished brighter than a jewel.

She would return as a warrior—a huntress. Asher had insisted she wore the crown of the Queen of the Hunt. It was hard to resist him when he was so persuasive. The bone and ruby reminded her of what it had felt like to spend time with the royals.

That was going to be her life now.

Asher silently led her through the warship to the hangar where they would exit after Adelina. Already vids showed the streets packed with their people awaiting their return. The fanfare was mind boggling.

Then Adelina would be crowned at midnight.

Veri considered everything that would need to be done, everything she had to do yet before she could move forward toward her future with Asher. Alock would need her for a bit. He had no formal training to rule and they weren’t apprised of the current events on Priea.

What were the creatures up to?

It was winter now. They were hibernating. But when summer came in a few months – the fights would begin anew. She had to make sure Alock was prepared.

Perhaps they could find a way to end the war with the creatures once and for all.

Veri figured anything was possible after watching Adelina turn their enemy into her lapdogs. That would be a fun transition for their people…

She couldn’t wait.

The Royal Rosanera landed on the heels of the Jasmine. Then the ramp lowered to the sounds of millions of cheers. Veri looked up at Asher and smiled. She hadn’t been sure they would make it to this point, but they had. And he was hers from now until the end.

Asher smiled slightly at her. “Would you like to get married tomorrow?”

She laughed as he escorted her down the ramp. They waved to the people crushed around them. With so many ships they’d been forced to land at the docks. It would be a long ride to the palace.

Veri accepted the reins of the galina from the hostler and climbed up into the saddle. “No, mia principe. I don’t want to get married tomorrow.”

Asher scowled as he pulled himself up on top of his galina with an impressive show of strength. “Oh? And why is that, pray tell?”

The two great cats fell into step next to each other, just behind Adelina in her battle armor. The queen wore that brutal crown to remind everyone how far she’d come and what she’d accomplished.

Veri glanced back at Ian and Nadyah behind them. “I have a feeling there will be many weddings in the coming months. I want ours to be something to remember. Also…I think making you wait will be quite fun.”

He growled and gripped the back of her neck hard, pulling her in for a vicious kiss. “You’re such a tease.”

She grinned and gave him a wink. “You wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His fiancée would be the death of him.

But she was right. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Asher grinned as they waved and waved until the palace rose before them.

They had made it home.

And Veri would be his wife one day.

Asher couldn’t remember a day in his life when he’d been happier than right then at that moment. He’d been willing to give up everything for his people – sacrifice anything for the female at his side and the future they could one day have.

That they’d made it – that they’d been victorious, was something he was still coming to terms with. What his sister had done – the checkmate she’d moved them into…

Asher was no fool. They would be dealing with the aftermath of that for a while.

Then there was the issue of the Neprijat. He had no idea what his sister had planned – how to integrate them into their society, but she’d had them orbit Draga Terra for now. Only a handful were in the procession, including the Princess Dejah and Sozav.

She’d insisted representation from every faction be present at her coronation and Asher was proud of her for staying true to her word no matter how hard this would be. Their people needed to change and adapt with them, set aside their prejudices.

Because without the help of the Neprijat they wouldn’t be here today.

The galinas stopped as Adelina stepped down from hers and waved at the people gathered – still cheering and throwing rose petals. They would have much work to do, but Asher looked forward to it.

He dismounted and held out a hand for Veri, who took it with a playful smile. Then she was in his arms and kissed him gently before following after their queen. He took a moment and looked back to William – now battle-hardened and experienced. William gave him a nod. The boy would follow Adelina to the ends of the universe and back for trusting him to lead.

Ian and Nadyah were behind William, dismounting as well. And those two…Asher was happy for his brother. They would make their family and their court strong – something to be reckoned with.

Something for other systems to think about before they did anything stupid.

His sister had given him the greatest gift anyone in their family had ever bestowed upon him. Adelina had gifted Asher the ability to change the galaxy – something he’d thought he’d never be able to do unless he was king. Now he was Hand to the Queen and she looked to him for assistance when it came to their future.

He knew she would take his suggestions seriously and they would build a new world for their people – one that was better and brighter than ever before. One where they had allies and friends who would die for them, and they would return the favor.

So much was available to them now. Asher couldn’t wait to begin the work.

“Are you coming, love?” Veri asked, blue eyebrow raised. “Or are you trying to make as many females faint with your scowl as possible before we enter the palace?”

Goddess she was perfect. “Oh, that scowl is only reserved for you now darling. Do you feel faint?”

She smiled as he fell into step beside her. “Perhaps a little. After all…it’s so fearsome.”

Asher actually snorted. “Thank you for trying to feed my ego, but you can’t laugh when you say such things. It makes it less believable.”

Veri shrugged. “Ah well, I suppose that’s true. I wonder who will help me into my gown if I’ve wounded you so terribly.”

His lip quirked up into a smile and Asher stepped into the palace with Veri at his side.

There was no one else he’d rather argue with for the rest of his life.