I felt the queen should make one appearance, and this felt like the right time.

I think I've managed to go the entire story without spelling Desert as Dessert which would have deserved a head bashing if I'd done it. Suddenly instead of miles of sand, you'd have a vat of something sugery which while appealing would kill the mood.

Last chapter, wow. Thanks to everyone who reviewed.

"My angel," Lavender Eyes came up beside her younger daughter, "there you are." She joined DG at the railing. They were at the ice palace for the next month until the wedding and coronation which would take place at Finaqua. The queen had explained that the two ceremonies should be done together, so the guests could be present at both without having to make two trips. "You've been out of sorts the last few days, DG. Is everything alright?"

No. "I don't really want to be queen." She hadn't meant to say that and bowed her head to hide the cringe and blush. She looked up when her mother laughed.

"You had given that impression," Lavender Eyes said smiling. "You were never very good at masking your emotions. However, you will make a wonderful queen, and I doubt any ancient evils will dare to surface during your reign."

"I'm sorry," DG said miserably.

"Are you still blaming yourself for what happened to your sister and the O.Z.?" she asked looking at her daughter who was staring at the floor. "I see you are, my angel, even faced with the reassurances of your loved ones. Before you let guilt wash over you, think for a moment what our lives would have been like had that day gone differently."

"I have thought about it," DG murmured dejectedly. She'd cried thinking about it.

Her mother laid a hand on her shoulder. "I wonder if you really have. I have acquired a third daughter who is enamored of a certain viewer who is now regarded as a hero by his kind rather than a coward. Sadly, I think that relationship will suffer some . . . difficulty from the people when they announce it publicly. But we shall see what the days bring.

"My stiff and formal though of course beloved advisor is telling jokes and sneaking into my eldest daughter's room." At this, DG's head snapped up. "My darling, I'm neither blind nor deaf, and your sister hides her emotions worse than you do." DG huffed.

Lavender Eyes continued, "The current commander of the palace guard is the youngest and most respected commander we've ever had, and you're marrying a man you're in love with rather than a suitor we picked for you. I must admit that is a relief; I disliked the idea of making a choice for you when I had been able to choose for myself."

"But everyone suffered because of my mistake," DG tried desperately. Why didn't anyone understand it was her fault?

"If you hadn't released the witch, another would have who may not have had a sister. You saved Azkadellia, and because of you, neither the witch nor her sister will ever be a threat again. The emerald of the eclipse which has lain hidden for centuries as a dangerous treasure can no longer be used against us." She stepped in front of her daughter and held her gaze, "It was not your mistakes alone that led to fifteen annuals of darkness, but that darkness has passed for good because of you. DG, you have the most powerful light in the O.Z. Do not be ashamed of it, and do not resent the loyalty your friends and your people give you. They are a blessing. Treat them as such."

"Thank you," she mumbled to the floor.

Her mother gave her a small smile. "Thank me by believing me." She turned and began walking away. "Oh, your tin man was looking for you, my darling," she added as she closed the door behind her.

DG huffed. If Cain was going to scold her for bungee jumping with the Eastern Guildsman, she was going to do . . . something impressive to show him how silly he was being. The Guildsman had asked her to after all; it wasn't like she had forced them. It had only been a casual suggestion. Well, maybe five. She found Cain leaning on her door.

"Hey Wyatt."

"Where were you off sulking this time?" he asked expression blank.

"I wasn't sulking," she answered darkly.

"Then you were wallowing in imagined guilt."

"I don't wallow." Was he trying to piss her off? Probably.

"No, you get anger and rush at people with a stick," humor glinted in his eyes.

Again with the stick. "I haven't done that since that since we found that stray group of Long Coats threatening those miners."

He suppressed a chuckle, "And you gave Jeb a black eye when he tried to pull you off their leader."

She growled, "And you took my place and started beating him."

"He injured your hand," Cain explained.

"Because I punched him too hard!"

"Still his fault for having a hard face," he replied without blinking. He pushed himself away from the door and opened it for her. "You really aren't feeling guilty?"

"Not anymore. Mother talked to me and forced me to feel better," she admitted.

He nodded, "Good. You have worse mood swings than a woman who's expecting." She walked through the open doorway.

"Really? I guess it's a good thing the wedding's only a month away then."

He stopped behind her. She turned. His breathing wasn't normal. "DG?" he choked out.

"Are you alright Wyatt?" she asked voice full of concern placing a hand on his shoulder.

"DG," he said sharply.

"I was going to tell you tonight; I only found out for certain this morning." She smiled at him innocently. His breathing was still irregular.

She was going to tease him about her needing to keep him on his toes, but he didn't give her the chance. He had her in his arms in a heartbeat, and his mouth was telling her how wonderful he thought she was. Alright, having this to look forward to for the rest of her life definitely counted as a blessing.

Thanks for reading.

Hope you enjoyed it; feel free to tell me what you think. Hope I haven't left any gaping loose ends.

I might do a short fic about their children since I think writing a story about DG's daughter would be fun, but I haven't decided.

Anyway, thanks again.

Beck Riley