It Became A Serious Thing Epilogue

I have a confession to make. I started this one while I was doing Easy Truth Silly Political Marriage, so I took time to finish this once that was done, but I doled Colette cake out every two days to give myself a two week break cos my thumbs were achy (I hold them stiffly when I type), to edit typos (I'm sure they are still lurking about there but I did my best), and at the same time look for a new book to do. I didn't think people would enjoy it at all
In honour, of everyone's enthusiasm, here you have it: the Epilogue and Lionel's POV all at once.
If you want to read Lionel's POV First, here: Lionel 1, if not continue on...

No Coincidence 

 the very sweet coffee and vanilla manga

Five years later,

Rose poured tea for Colette, and she elegantly took a sip. They were in a luxurious room in the Castle. 

The tea was delicious,

‘Thank you, Rose,’ Colette said with a smile

‘I don’t mind, as long as it is delicious.’

‘Please sit down Rose; let’s have some of these tea cakes that Eliza sent.’

Rose did not hesitate to sit down and drink tea. The two of them had become wet nurse and personal maid to the First Prince. (Zuben: Convenient but where is Margo?)

After her short engagement, Collete got pregnant. She gave birth to a baby boy. A year later, Queen Eliza got pregnant and gave birth to her first son, Prince Louis. Colette’s son was now four and Louis was three.

Once she realised that she really was going to be the wet nurse, Colette’s concern was for Eliza, so told Lionel,

‘Eliza is worried that his Majesty might get interested in me.’ Lionel told the King, but somehow it all turned out all right.

It was going to be hard for her to be a wet nurse, so she asked for help from Rose who had the ability to ferret out information. Lionel was in support. And they managed somehow.

This day, Collete was enjoying a quick break because the King, Lionel and their boys were playing in the garden. His Majesty was of the idea that women were too troublesome, hence why he preferred hunting and playing with his friends. Today, Collete was free to spend her time away from the boys.

But Colette thought his mind would change, the Queen was pregnant again and this time the doctors say it will be a girl. She was looking forward to the King having tiny tea parties with his daughter.

She and Rose chatted while drinking tea, when one of Louis’ guards ran in,

‘Colette, it is serious!’

Colette who had experienced many difficulties and was now quite used to it asked calmly,

‘What has happened?’

‘The young prince fell into the lake, His Majesty tried to help and nearly drowned. The prince in shock…’

That was more than expected, but she sprang into action,

‘Get some towels and fresh clothes. Rose, get the baths ready. I will head to the garden. What were Lionel and Marcel doing?’

Colette quickly raced to the lake where the King was holding the Prince who was crying. The King’s clothes were wet. Next to him were Lionel and their son Marcel who looked frightened. Colette wrapped a towel around the little Prince,

The King smiled and said, ‘It was rather funny.’

‘I will take Prince Louis for a bath,’

‘Let’s go together,’ the King said, running a wet finger along the back of Colette’s hand. But she ignored him, it was something she learned these last few years.

Colette called to Lionel,

‘Lionel-sama, take your Majesty to his rooms to change, please,’

‘Understood,’

‘Marcel, come with me. Later, you will tell me what happened, alright?’

‘…Yes, Mother.’ Little Marcel said solemnly.

 ♙

That evening when they were at home, in their mansion near the palace, she scolded both boys. Her son would have gone to sleep while crying.

‘So Louis ran to the lake, but how could you let the King risk his life?’

‘His Majesty wanted to save his son. Why would I stop a father from doing that?’

‘But you can’t let him risk his life, he is the King! He can’t be wet while you are dry. Are you listening properly?’

While Colette was talking he looked down at her face and began to stroke her ear,

‘I’m listening,’

‘You’re lying,’ 

‘Colette, when are we going to have another baby?’

‘You’re diverting. You haven’t been listening.’

When Colette raised her voice, Lionel always twisted the topic or changed it all together. It annoyed her, but he was always kind, and he was her light and shield. As he promised on that day, he always protected her.

He was her beloved husband.

He kissed her as he drew her into bed, and soon Colette was lost. Afterwards, he held her in his arms,

‘I still think it strange how were became a couple.’ she said sleepily

‘…hmm, that’s right.’ he replied (Zuben: Is it Lionel?)

‘It only happened because various accidents overlapped. But anything had been different we would have married different people. ‘

Lionel murmured into Colette’s ear while she was still dazed by her husband’s passion,

‘There was only one coincidence, the rest was inevitable. I was going to make you mine, Colette,’ but Colette did not hear his words, she had drifted into sleep. He cuddled her even closer.

Index ♞ Lionel I