The royal suite was awash in the soft glow of the setting sun, its golden light spilling across the plush furniture and rich tapestries that adorned the walls. The gentle crackle of a nearby hearth added warmth to the room, its glow reflecting in the polished floors. The air was filled with the playful laughter of a young boy as he toddled about, his chubby legs carrying him between scattered toys and the delighted squeals of other children at play.

Liliana sat in a grand, cushioned chair by the window, cradling a tiny bundle in her arms. Her daughter, just months old, nestled against her mother’s chest, her tiny hand gripping the edge of the bottle as she drank greedily. Liliana’s lips curled into a soft smile, her eyes shimmering with a tenderness that only deepened as she gazed down at her baby girl.

The little princess had inherited a perfect blend of her parents' features. Her hair, though still fine and soft, had already begun to take on the same fiery hue as Liliana’s, glimmering like threads of spun copper in the light. Her skin was a delicate shade, kissed with the faintest rosy tint, and her cheeks were full and round, begging to be kissed. Her eyes, framed by impossibly long lashes, were the deep cerulean blue of Dorian’s, holding a quiet wisdom that seemed far too profound for her tender age. The curve of her tiny mouth mirrored Liliana’s, a faint pout that would one day command as much attention as her mother’s.

Her small hands flexed and waved in the air as she finished her bottle, her fingers grasping at the warmth of Liliana’s hand. Liliana set the bottle aside and adjusted her daughter gently, bringing her up to rest against her shoulder. She patted the baby’s back, earning a soft, adorable burp, and she chuckled softly, kissing the crown of her daughter’s head. The sweet scent of milk lingered in the air, mingling with the faint lavender of the child’s clothes.

Across the room, Dorian sat on the floor with their young son, his rich laughter harmonizing with the boy’s high-pitched giggles. The child’s dark, wavy hair mirrored Dorian’s, but his mischievous grin and sparkling green eyes were undeniably Liliana’s. He toddled toward his father with a wooden sword in hand, declaring himself the brave protector of the realm. Dorian played along, raising his hands in mock surrender before scooping the boy up and spinning him around, eliciting another round of joyous laughter.

Liliana’s gaze met Dorian’s as he settled their son back on the floor, the love and pride in his eyes mirroring her own. They shared a smile, a quiet exchange that spoke volumes of the journey they had traveled together. The trials and heartache of the past had been replaced with the boundless joy of family, the promise of a brighter future for the kingdom woven into the laughter of their children.

Liliana’s heart swelled as she returned her gaze to her daughter, who now cooed softly in her arms, her little fingers curling into her mother’s hair. She kissed the baby’s forehead once more, whispering a quiet promise always to protect and cherish the precious life they had built. In that moment, surrounded by love and laughter, Liliana felt the weight of the crown dissolve into the simple, profound happiness of being a mother.

The years following their coronation were a testament to Liliana and Dorian's resilience and strength. The challenges that had marked their early rule—the bitter memories of invasion, rebellion, and sacrifice—gradually gave way to a new era of prosperity. Together, they rebuilt the kingdom from the ashes of its darkest days, their leadership proving to the people that they were more than capable of steering the Four Winds toward a brighter future.

Under their united reign, the kingdom flourished like never before. Trade routes once blocked by conflict reopened, bustling with the exchange of goods and ideas. Fields that had been trampled in the chaos of war now yielded bountiful harvests, their golden grains swaying in the warm summer breezes. The capital itself had become a beacon of hope and progress, its streets alive with laughter and the hum of thriving commerce.

Liliana, once burdened by doubts about her ability to lead, had grown into a beloved queen. Her empathy and unwavering commitment to her people had earned her the loyalty of even the most skeptical. The servants she had once toiled alongside now held her in high regard, their respect for her born not only from her title but also from her actions. She had reformed the very structure of the castle’s hierarchy, ensuring that even the lowest-ranking members of the household were treated with dignity.

Dorian, too, had proven himself as a king. His strength and wisdom guided the kingdom through moments of uncertainty, his calm demeanor inspiring confidence in his advisors and subjects alike. He had become a symbol of steadfast leadership, his reputation as both a warrior and a diplomat solidifying the kingdom's alliances and securing its borders.

The people of the Four Winds no longer spoke of the hardships that had once defined their lives. Instead, they celebrated the era of renewal and growth that had followed. Festivals and celebrations marked the passing of the seasons, and the kingdom's newfound wealth allowed for grand displays of unity and joy. The scars of the past had not been erased; rather, they had been woven into the kingdom's fabric as reminders of its strength and perseverance.

Liliana and Dorian’s bond had only deepened with time. Their love for one another was the foundation of the kingdom's prosperity. Together, they had faced every trial, and their shared vision for the future had shaped a legacy that would be remembered for generations.

As they sat in their royal suite, watching their children play and grow, the years of hardship felt like a distant memory. The kingdom’s faith in its leaders was unshakable. Liliana and Dorian, once young and uncertain, now stood as the unwavering pillars of a kingdom that had risen from the brink of despair to unprecedented heights.

Liliana couldn’t help but smile as her thoughts drifted to one of the most cathartic moments of her life: storming the servants’ quarters with her newly restored authority. The memory was vivid in her mind, each detail etched with a sense of poetic justice. She recalled the sheer disbelief on Mistress’s face when Liliana had stepped forward, not as the obedient servant she had been forced to play but as the rightful Queen of the Four Winds.

The woman’s haughty demeanor had crumbled in an instant, her eyes widening in horror as the realization struck her. Mistress had fallen to her knees, stammering apologies and excuses, but Liliana had been unyielding. The taste of justice had been sweet as she delivered her decree: Mistress would no longer command the castle staff. Instead, she would join their ranks, stripped of her title and dignity, tasked with scrubbing the floors of the Royal Suite—a poetic irony that brought satisfaction to Liliana’s heart.

Liliana had personally delivered a dose of Mistress’s own medicine, ordering her over her lap and delivering the very same punishment Mistress had so gleefully inflicted on others. The sharp crack of each swat had echoed in the chamber, the humiliation written across Mistress’s face a reminder of the cruelty she had once embodied. It wasn’t revenge for revenge’s sake—it was a message, a turning point, signaling the end of tyranny within the castle walls.

That moment, however, was just the beginning. Liliana had taken immediate steps to reform the lives of the servants, ensuring that none would endure what she and countless others had suffered. She had implemented fair wages, reasonable hours, and comfortable living quarters for all castle staff. She established a system of working rights, granting them dignity and respect, and ensured that grievances could be heard without fear of retribution.

The changes had ripple effects far beyond the castle walls. Morale soared, and the people—once weary and beaten down—found hope in their Queen’s actions. The improved conditions not only raised the spirits of the castle staff but also inspired loyalty and devotion. Servants who had once seen themselves as expendable now took pride in their work, knowing they were valued members of the royal household.

Reflecting on those moments, Liliana felt a swell of pride. She had taken one of the darkest chapters of her life and turned it into a beacon of progress. She had reclaimed her dignity, her throne, and her people’s faith, ensuring that no one would endure the indignities she had faced. Her kingdom was stronger, kinder, and more united than ever, and the echoes of her resolve would be felt for generations to come.

As Liliana sat in the comfort of their suite, her gaze soft on the tiny features of her infant daughter nestled in her arms, a familiar warmth spread through her diaper. The tingling sensation as her bladder released brought with it a bittersweet mix of shame and acceptance—a feeling that had, over the years, transformed into something entirely her own. She didn’t even flinch as the soft padding swelled beneath her gown, cradling her securely, a subtle but constant reminder of how far she had come, how far they both had come.

It had been years since she had any semblance of control, and she no longer cared to have it. Dorian’s patient guidance, his unwavering praise, and the gentle yet firm insistence that she embrace this side of herself had unraveled her resistance. She had fought it once, the indignity of being reduced to a baby queen, but time and Dorian’s boundless love had reshaped her perspective. She had come to not only accept her dependence but to cherish the way it brought them closer.

Every word of encouragement, every look of adoration as he changed her, praised her, or simply held her after a long day reinforced what she had resisted for so long. His attention, his love, made it impossible not to love the vulnerability she shared with him. It was intimate, it was theirs, and it filled a void in her heart she hadn’t even known existed.

Liliana’s cheeks flushed faintly as she shifted slightly, feeling the comforting squish of her diaper beneath her. Dorian’s teachings had been more than just about control—they had been about trust, about letting herself be unguarded in his presence. She had long since stopped hiding her dependence from him, letting him see her at her most vulnerable, and in return, he had given her nothing but love and acceptance.

She glanced at him, watching as he played with their son. Lifting the toddler high into the air and spinning him, their son’s laughter filled the room. Dorian caught her gaze and smiled, his eyes brimming with pride and affection.

Liliana’s heart swelled, her thoughts swirling with gratitude. She didn’t just wear diapers because of Dorian—she wore them because they symbolized something far deeper. They symbolized the trust and bond they had built, the foundation of their marriage, and the family they had created together.

In that moment, she allowed herself to fully bask in the life they had built, the love that had carried them through every hardship. And as Dorian walked over to her, their son still giggling in his arms, he leaned down to kiss her forehead.

“You’re perfect,” he whispered, his voice soft and filled with adoration, “just as you are, my sweet girl.”

Liliana smiled, her blush deepening as she nuzzled into him, her heart content. In his arms and surrounded by their family, she knew there was no place she’d rather be.

Dorian cradled Liliana close, his strong arms a sanctuary she never wanted to leave. The warmth of his embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek, filled her with a sense of security that reached deep into her soul. She gazed down at their daughter, her tiny fingers wrapped around one of Liliana’s, the soft coos from her lips tugging at her heartstrings. Nearby, their son toddled over, giggling as he wrapped his arms around Dorian’s leg, his joy uncontainable.

Liliana’s gaze lifted, drawn upward, to the man who had been her anchor through every storm, her partner in life, her king. But more than that—he was the love of her life, her protector, her constant. He was her Dorian. He was her Daddy.

The thought brought a faint blush to her cheeks, but it also filled her with warmth. How far they had come, from the uncertain beginnings of their union to this moment, this perfect bubble of love and happiness. Every trial, every heartache, had led them here, to this family, to this love that enveloped her completely.

Dorian’s eyes met hers, his gaze soft and full of adoration. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as if to seal the moment in time.

“You’re everything to me,” he murmured, his voice low and rich, a sound that wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. “You, our children—this is all I’ve ever wanted.”

Liliana’s chest swelled with emotion, and the love she felt for him and their family was nearly overwhelming. She shifted slightly, resting her head against his shoulder, her diaper crinkling softly beneath her. It was a small sound, but one that no longer carried shame—it symbolized their unique bond, the trust and love that had brought them together.

“There’s no place I’d rather be,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she gazed back at him. “No one else I’d rather share this with.”

The moment lingered, the love and peace of their little world filling the room. Dorian’s arms tightened around her, his warmth a promise that no matter what came their way, they would face it together. And as Liliana gazed up at him, at the man who had seen her at her most vulnerable and loved her all the more for it, she knew with absolute certainty that this was where she was meant to be. With him, with their children, in this life, they had built together. Forever.

The End of Crimson Crown

Authors Note and Closing Comments: 

The idea for The Crimson Crown has been with me for years, a story that has simmered in my imagination, shaped by my love for fantasy novels. As an avid reader, I’ve often found inspiration in stories like Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson and The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. These incredible works sparked some of the scenes you’ll find in this tale, particularly the opening sequence in the bathing chambers and the servitude scenes in the servants' quarters. It’s no secret that I’m a devoted fan of fantasy, and The Crimson Crown is far from my last foray into the genre. While the magic system in this story may not be the most intricate, I deliberately crafted it to complement the narrative rather than overshadow it, serving as a subtle yet powerful thread woven into the fabric of the story.

From the outset, I wrestled with Liliana’s journey and her treatment. The forced nature of her babying initially felt one-sided, lacking any sense of solace for her in this new reality. That emotional evolution is reflected in Dorian’s growing love for his wife and his shift toward truly supporting her, revealing his hidden desires and ambitions. Initially, I envisioned this story to be around 500 pages, akin to Crossing Worlds Book 1, yet here I am at nearly 800 pages, with twice the word count. My original plan included another antagonist to challenge Liliana and Dorian after the coronation, but it felt contrived, diminishing the weight of all they had endured.

I spent days deliberating over how to conclude this story, and eventually, I realized I didn’t want to leave Liliana and Dorian in the present. Instead, I wanted to offer a glimpse into their future, to show how their lives continued, how the Winds blessed their family, and how their love and unity shaped the world they rebuilt together. This choice allowed me to wrap up their journey in a deeply fulfilling way, providing my beloved Liliana with the happy ending she so richly deserved.

As I embark on planning and writing Book 2 of Crossing Worlds, my next literary venture, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, my readers. Your support means more to me than words can convey. I understand that my stories tend to be longer than most you’ll find on forums or sites, but that’s because I strive to craft something deeper—a tapestry of detail and emotion that transcends mere scenes loosely strung together. My goal is always to share a story, rich and full, and it’s your encouragement and passion that inspires me to keep writing.

On average, it takes around 15 minutes to read a single chapter of my work, but for me, each chapter represents an investment of over an hour—often closer to two or three. This story alone, which may have taken you around 20 hours to read, required more than 250 hours of writing, planning, and revising. Looking back, I’m deeply humbled by the journey I’ve taken as an author and by how far I’ve come, all thanks to readers like you.

I hope this story resonated with you and brought you joy, excitement, and even a little wonder. Your time and attention are gifts I don’t take lightly, and I hope you’ll join me for the next adventure. Thank you, truly, for making this journey possible—for being part of the world I’ve created and for believing in the stories I’ve had the privilege to share.

• SolaraScott