Chapter 18 - Epilogue

The people of Silla had packed the hall for the big day, one which would be engraved in their history. Today would be the new beginning for Silla, the day when the true heir came back to rule and lead them to the life they deserved.

Irene watched as her brother stepped to the throne, where her mother was standing. He faced Hana before lowering his body, and she put the crown on his head. She was close to tears, yet a smile was on her lips.

Kris turned around to face the crowd, and they cheered, welcoming the new King.

Watching the scene, Irene couldn't fight her tears. Her brother had finally come back to take what belonged to him.

His eyes traveled around his people, and he stepped down from the throne. Love was all around him. He faced his wife, Joy, who had tears in her eyes and a smile on her lips. His eyes glinted with love, and he pulled her into a tight hug.

Joy burst into tears even more, hugging him back.

"I told you not to worry about me," he whispered in her ear.

Irene turned to her girlfriends, who were crying as well. Yeri, Seulgi and Wendy.

"We're really happy for you," they said, and she hugged them all in one blow.

"I love you girls," she whispered to them, and they uttered it back, making her laugh. They would always be her family, and always be welcome in this castle.

Won wasn't present, though. After what had happened between them, he couldn't brace himself to face Kris. Her friends had told her that he was devastated after he had lost control around her, and that he kept blaming himself, not believing he had committed such an act.

In some cases, something could turn someone into a person he was most afraid to be. Thank God he had realized that.

"Irene," a cheerful voice called her, and she snapped her head to find Tzuyu approaching her with Taeyeon and Baekhyun.

"Tzuyu, Taeyeon."

How guilty she was for what she had done to them. She had lied to them and betrayed them. She had never hated herself more.

"I'm sorry," she begged for their forgiveness. "I know you may not want to forgive me—"

"Husshh, Irene," Tzuyu interrupted. "We all know you didn't mean to do that. You just didn't have any choice. If the same case had happened to me, perhaps, I would have done the same thing." A soft smile appeared on her lips as she soothed her. She then hugged her and patted her back, while Irene let her tears flow.

"That's right. We all know you wouldn't just sit back and relax after knowing your family was in great danger. Who would?" Taeyeon added and hugged her too. "Don't worry. You don't need to think about that." A smile crept on Taeyeon’s lips, and Irene nodded. "Good."

Irene had never thought that she would be surrounded by so many wonderful people. Thank God she had them. She would never betray them anymore. They were the people who cared about her, would protect her, and knew what was best for her.

Her eyes then fell on Baekhyun, who was standing there with relief. He smiled at her and shook his head, signaling that there was nothing to worry about anymore.

"Irene," a woman’s voice called, making Tzuyu and Taeyeon pull away from Irene.

It was Hana. She stood there, staring at her daughter with love. Her eyes glistened with tears, and she broke into a smile.

Irene couldn't help but rush to her and hug her. "Mother!" she whispered, burying her face in Hana's chest. "Mother…"

Hana laughed through tears and kissed her forehead. "My daughter, Irene… Oh, my…" It was really happening. Everything had come back to the way it should have been. God still allowed her to hold her daughter again.

Kris gazed at them among the crowd, a smile on his lips. His eyes glinted with his love for them, and they smiled back at him. Irene couldn't help but let out a small laughter.

"If only your father is here with us." Hana wiped a tear in her eye. Indeed, she loved and missed the father of their children so much.

Irene held Hana's hand and laid her head on Hana's shoulder, soothing her. "He's always with us, mother. He's watching us, and I'm sure he's happy right now.”

Hana smiled at hearing those words.

The sound of the crowds chee