Chapter Text
A massive gaping hole was all that remained of the city estate. The damage would be blamed on Morcerf’s rampage and not the death of a beast that even monsters feared. Paris lay in ruin after the failed coup. Many left dead and many more left homeless. After disembarking the ship, Franz bid Albert a bittersweet goodbye. He would always hold a place in his heart for his friend but had finally accepted Albert’s love belonged to another. He hoped one day they’d meet again should fate ever cross their paths.
At the space station, Edmond glanced at his ever faithful servants “You two are released of your debt to me. You may leave as you please”
The two servants shared a look before both refused to leave “Nah, you’re stuck with us” said Baptism
“I promised to serve until my death, Excellency” added Bertuccio
Haydee stepped forward “I won’t leave. Not until I get to know the real you, Edmond”
With that, the group blasted off to worlds far away. Off to start a new life for themselves. Thus ends the summer storm that threatened the envelop them all. Edmond was now free. Free to live his life to his own desires and not those of his past vengeance. The curtain falls on this dark chapter. And now a newer, brighter one can begin.
Five years would pass and much would change and stay the same. Haydee would eventually return to Janiah and retake the throne in memory of her father. Her accent to the throne was backed by Edmond’s bottomless pockets which aided in her bloodless takeover. She was now Queen and sought to mend ties with their counterparts and finally put an end to the galactic war.
Eugenie went on to become a world-famous pianist, both on Earth and off planet as well. With Louise by her side every step of the way, she never failed to bring her melodies to life. The two married on a distant planet where their love was not only accepted but celebrated.
Lucian became involved in politics after the failed coup and Beauchamp was made the Editor of his publishing company. Together they worked hard to right the wrongs done by their predecessors and make Paris safer for everyone.
Maximilian eventually returned home after serving in the galactic army. He returned to find Valentine had waited for him. Their reunion was celebrated by everyone who knew them, his family most of all who were already hearing wedding bells in the future. Renaud especially was happy for them, having been the one to introduce them all those years ago.
As for Franz, it took longer than he anticipated but he did eventually move on from Albert. At one of the many parties of Paris’s upper class, he was introduced to a young man named Alexander, the heir of a noble family. The two quickly hit it off and slowly began to fall in love. Unlike before were Franz had to hide his true intentions, Alexander wanted no such thing. He proudly proclaimed his love for Franz and said that he would take no one else as a partner. Times in Paris were changing and thus their families agreed that the two could be together. Their wedding was scheduled for the next fall.
Albert had spent the last five years travelling the stars alongside Edmond. Now free of his bonds and need for vengeance, the pair were deliriously happy with each other. Albert was made an ambassador of Earth, thanks in part to Lucian’s influence. That title also helped pave the way for Haydee to take back her family’s throne. The pair were on their way back to Paris for a reunion of Albert’s friends. Edmond was surprised to find out he too was invited by Franz as well.
The reunion wasn’t until that night so the pair had time to go to the cemetery and pay their respects to Mercedes. While her ashes had been spread on Luna years ago, a headstone had been erected beside that of her parents within Marseille. A small act of kindness Morcerf allowed after months of badgering.
“Hello, Mother. I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long” Albert greeted with a sad smile
“Hello Mercedes,” Edmond said softly “I can see it runs in the family. You saved me and so did your son. I can only hope you find me good enough for Albert”
Albert sighed affectionately “Don’t be silly. She would just be happy that I was happy”
“Yes, she would have” The two fell into silence for a while, each saying their own silent message to Mercedes when Edmond suddenly sighed “I just realised”
“Realised what?”
Edmond smiled at him “Mercedes is going to be my mother-in-law when I marry you. Oh, she’s going to love that when I die” he said laughing
Meanwhile, Albert was as red as the setting sun “M-marry me!?”
The reunion later that night went as well as it could be. Those who remember Edmond with blue skin and mismatched eyes were left quite stunned at his new appearance. The interactions between Franz and Edmond were always going to be tense given their history, but any lingering jealousy was quelled when Alexander made jokes and broke the ice. The night was filled with laughter and revelry, old friends catching up just like old times. When the party ended, Albert slept in the arms of Edmond like he did every night. Soothed to sleep by the thump – thump of Edmond’s heart. In his arms he found peace and in Albert’s arms, Edmond found salvation.
Fin