Why Would I Marry My Cousin (Part V)

The Princess came to the lair. She knew she had found it because of the odious scent of death that encompassed her, and the remains of animals once living things scattered on the ground were a dead give away. Emery ventured into the stony crevice of the mountain to find Desmond. At the very back of the cave he lay on the floor with his hands chained to the wall above him. Scorpio snored loudly twenty feet away. She quietly walked towards Desmond and his countenance changed once he saw that Emery had come to rescue him from the dragon’s clutches. His whole face shined brilliantly but he was still silent in fear of waking Scorpio.

Emery plucked a pin out of her hair and easily picked the locks off Desmond. He still had his full armor on and when he moved to get up it rattled noisily. Scorpio jumped up with a start. His monster eyes instantly locked on the two intruders. Desmond had no weapon on him. It was up to Emery to save him. Just as Scorpio lunged at them from across the room, Emery bent down and in on graceful movement rendered a large knife out of her riding boot. Scorpio, in midair, fell to the ground. The Princess had flung the knife and the beast and it struck him precisely in the heart. He instantly died. Desmond was shocked at the fluid movements of his cousin and had not expected it. She never ceased to amaze Desmond. Emery led him out of the cave and they rode together on her horse back to Corivas.

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“Your father wishes to speak with you, my lady,” a servant addressed Emery as she and Desmond entered the castle gates. “It is urgent.”

It was late in the afternoon and the town seemed to be buzzing with excitement. Together they entered into the throne room, where stout King Gaius sat. Emery confidently strode down the long, narrow carpet that led to the throne with Desmond following behind.

“It has come to my attention,” the King started, “that you, Prince Desmond have proposed marriage to my daughter.” He sounded gruff and sour. “Well, firstly you both know that is it forbidden for you to be associating with people from kingdoms. And secondly, are you not aware of being cousins?” He raised his eyebrows and waited for their response.

“Yes,” Emery mumbled. She regretted falling in love with the Prince.

“Well, I do have some urgent news for the both of you. While you two had escaped from the dungeon and were missing, I took it upon myself to learn of your whereabouts. I thought it likely, since Desmond being from Riverside, that you both retreated there. I rode out to see my brother, Laurie, whom I had not conversed with these last twenty-five years.” Emery and Desmond exchanged shocked looks. “He told me that you, Desmond, were out looking for a bride, and I thought that very interesting considering that you were with Emery. My assumptions were right that you do desire my daughter. The reason that I called you both in here was to tell you something that will indeed change your situation.” He exhaled and looked at Emery.

“Emery, you are not my daughter.” Emery was even more shocked. “You see, you true father, Emery, was my best knight, but a terrible thing occurred. As he was riding home to Corivas he was struck by lighting and was killed. You mother was greatly disturbed at the news and shortly after died of grief, leaving you alone. So I took you in. I have raised you like my own daughter,” he said affectionately. Desmond and Emery stood still in awe of this tremendous news. She really ceased to amaze him. They were not related after all. Emery was adopted. Then, suddenly Emery turned to Desmond, threw her arms around him and looked straight into his eyes.

“I love you.” Desmond and Emery married and became king and queen of Terretas, the restored kingdom. The land was peaceful again and they all lived happily ever after.