Chapter Twenty

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes, I do."

"I exiled her."

"So where did she go?"

"I sent her with Chaos, sending Karma to planet Earth."

"Is it all over now?"

"I believe it is done." "Come on, let's go back to my home. There are plenty of guest rooms. We both deserve a night of good rest.'

"I'd love it, I'm sure the dragon won't wake anytime soon.'

They walked back through the forest until reaching the city, and then his home. He showed her to a guest room in the left wing. She turned to say good night as he gave her a hug, grateful for her help. After letting go thanked her again before going to his own bed. She just turned and shut the door of a small grey and tan room, crashing onto the medium sized bed with the white comforter, it was so soft, putting her into a deep sleep within minutes. In a deep well needed sleep, she didn't toss or turn once. It was the best night of slumber in months. In fact she didn't rise until hours past the rising of daylight.

Once she had finally risen, stretching and thinking a moment, got up and left the little guest room. She wandered through the tower until finding the prince, in the kitchen with one of his servants. He turned around to see her standing behind him.

"Oh good there you are."

"Good morning."

He held up a coffee mug, inviting her to join him.

"Oh yes I'd love some.'

Sitting down with him in the small breakfast nook, she looked at him then spoke again.

"Thank you, this is nice."

"After saving my entire kingdom, I figure I owe you a good night's sleep and a cup of coffee.'

"You have a good point there.' She said, then accepted the lime green mug and took a sip, it was rather excellent. An hour went by as they started on the second pot when he looked at her.

"More?'

"Oh yes please.'

"Will you be staying with us long?" He asked, filling both mugs.

"No, I'll have to get Soranto soon and go back. I'd stay but there are others that need me.'

"I understand other responsibilities, but I wish you could stay. I like having coffee with you.'

"I am too. One more cup then I'll go."

"Oh good, that'll be nice.' He rang for one of the servants, who rushed in right to his side. Vamir whispered instructions, then the little troll took off, to do what was expected.

The prince and empress had polite conversation over coffee when the servant troll returned with a large wicker basket for her. Peering inside, it was full of baked goods, fruit and even a bag of coffee.

"Wow that's so sweet of you."

"I thought you and the dragon might need something on the way home.'

"It will really help.. If you're even in Goblin's Hollow, come see us.'

"Of course I would.'

Slowly finishing the liquid of the green mug, she hugged Vamier goodbye, then left the tower. Moving swiftly through the city and the forest; not stopping until meeting up with her favorite dragon.

"Good, you're awake.'

"Yes, Is the gremlin okay?"

"Yes I took care of the curse."

"Oh good news, I like the little fellow."

"That little fellow is the crown prince.'

"Ooh, you're kidding! What kind of adventure did you have?"

"I'll tell you everything on the way home, let's go."

"Climb on." He said, as soon as she was on his back, went into the skies, to begin the journey back to Goblin's Hollow.

Three days later...

As the empress and dragon were flying home, he spoke up..

"When we get back you need a long vacation."

"No way, how can I? Too many need me.'

"Hire an apprentice.'

"Why would I do that?"

"To look after people and the castle when we have longer journeys."

"If I agree to think about it will you let it go?"

"Probably.'

"Fine, now get us home you winged beast." She teased as they flew onward.