Two months later the empress sat alone in her office when Ludwig tapped on the window, holding a message in his claw. 

"Thank you." The empress replied petting his left ear.

Ludwig nodded then in one swoop flew off to his cave for the day. 

            The empress looked at the envelope, checking the back for a seal. It was from the fairy kingdom. Let's hope its good news, she thought opening the envelope and reading the card with in it.

Reading over it twice with a grin. It was nothing of turmoil but a birthday party invite for little princess Willow. The empress shook her head time seemed to go faster than she noticed, little Willow would be turning three soon.  A little shocked that the hybrid fairy was growing so quickly. 

Not just physically but magically as well.  She could perform magic that most sorcerers couldn't do in their twenties.  Ralvania was amazed by the little one every single time she ventured to the fairy kingdom. It was a joy like watching Lily grow up all over again. She could also see a hint of her dear friend, Melinda within the little fairy. It had been little things that would remind her of Lily's departed mother, a laugh or a simple facial expression. 

      The empress would do her best to make it to the celebration, she tried to make it to most of the big events in the fairy kingdom. She summoned for her apprentice at sat t the desk, writing a few things out. 

    Fifteen minutes passed by before Amberosia walked into the room, with a tray of coffee.

   "There you are." The empress greeted her. 

    "Morning miss." The girl replied, pouring coffee.

     "I'd like you to have a cup with me." She told the girl.

   "I'd like that." She replied pouring a cup for herself.

  "Sit, there are things we must discuss." The empress told her with a serious look.

              Amberosia sat immediately, half fearful of what the discussion would be. She just sipped at the coffee and waited. 

  The empress took that first sip, then another. Setting the mug down she looked at the apprentice. 

"We must discuss your replacement." The empress said.