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Of course, her father wasn’t happy about London’s decision to live on Earth but she was glad he understood that she had to follow her own path. As a compromise, Matt suggested that he and London stay Thibius for a couple months to get her parents used to the idea of London’s eventual departure.

Most of his work was research based which could be done from any location. It allowed him to be able to take the time off. London believed her father also conceded because Mattpromised to bring her back to Thibius for one full month out of the year.

Her mother wouldn’t be happy about it, she was sure, but at least Paris would be on Thibius.

Paris.

London was soon to be reunited with her sister!

The biggest surprise wasn’t that Paris was now on Thibius but that she and Zahn were now betrothed. It’s true she’d hadn’t seen her sister in years, but did she have the temperament to put up with a man like Zahn? Maybe there was something Paris saw in Zahn that London didn’t but if her sister was happy with the match then she was happy for her.

As they walked down the tarmac toward the castle, excitement filled her heart.

“I can’t believe I’m on another planet,” Matt glanced around with wide eyed wonder. “I’ve dreamed of something like this all my life. But that dream pales in comparison to having you by my side for the rest of our lives.”

Tears welled in London’s eyes. “You’re my dream come true as well, Matt. I can’t wait to start our adventure together.”

As they leaned in to kiss each other, the Emperor cleared his throat loudly. “There will be time for that later. Your mother and sister await you.”

“Are you ready, sweetheart?” Matt asked with a gentle smile.

“Absolutely.”

“I’m a little nervous about meeting your mother…The Queen.”

She leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. “Don’t be nervous. My mom will love you, but not as much as I already do.”

Queen Calliiope turnedto her daughter Paris with glistening eyes. She still couldn’t believe her daughter was here with her on Thibius. “Your sister should be joining us shortly. I hear the ship has arrived.”

Paris took a deep breath. “I’m so excited to see her. I never forgot her.”

A smiled touched Callie’s lips. She couldn’t tear her gaze away from Paris who looked so much like London. It made sense because they were twins but it surprised her that they shared so many facial expressions despite being separated for so long.

For the last twenty years, Callie had known true happiness with the love of her life Blaze. In the beginning, she couldn’t have imagined her life would turn out like this. She’d started out as a concubine but was now a queen. She’d grown to love Thibius as much as she adored her big brutish husband.

Despite people perceiving him as overbearing and stubborn, she felt cherished and loved. He would go out of his way to make sure she was happy, even changing laws to appease her. In the public eye, he was the Emperor, but in private she had his ear. They were a team and had ruled this planet together. They’d had a good life together.

But a piece of her had always felt like it was missing. With Paris back in her life, she was finally complete. Having her daughters reunited was more than she could have ever hoped for.

Being reunited with her daughter after all this time was more than she could have ever hoped for. These past few days, she didn’t want Paris to leave her sight.

She was happy that Paris and General Zahn had made a connection. Zahn reminded her of a younger Blaze. She could see his proud, stubborn side, but she also saw the look of love in his eyes whenever his gaze was focused on Paris. According to Blaze, London had apparently found her perfect match on Earth. And she was eager to meet this young man who had captured her daughter’s heart.

In her heart, she’d never stopped believing Paris was alive, but the evidence back then had been so conclusive. At the time the search parties had been sent to Earth to find Paris, the DNA tracker was still not as sophisticated as its current model, so the margin of error had been larger.

Calliope had London to thank for believing, when hope was slowly beginning to fade.

Tuk, their faithful servant for many years, entered the throne room. “Your

Highnesses, they’ve arrived.”

Calliope’s heart raced with excitement and fear.

“Please show them in.”

Tuk bowed her head in reverence. “Of course, your majesty.”

When Tuk returned, she was followed by Blaze. Behind was London, holding hands with a slender young man with glasses.

London’s gaze fell on her twin.

“Paris! She yelled with tear filled eyes.

London ran to Paris, nearly knocking her twin over.

Paris seemed surprised by her sister’s exuberance, but she returned the hearty embrace.

Soon the twins were both laughing and crying as they held on to each other.

Though Callie knew her twins would soon take different paths, it was good to have them both with her. Joy soared through her chest. Her broken heart had finally mended.