Epilogue

EPILOGUE

K ai watched in bemusement as Gerri Wilder swept into his dining hall, carrying what appeared to be multiple Earth board games and a knowing smile.

“Your Majesty,” she said, eyes twinkling, “trust me when I say these games will change your life. Though possibly not as much as my matchmaking already has.”

Behind her, Lydia burst through the doors in a sparkly dress, Darian following with an armful of boxes. Gerri’s smile widened as she watched them, looking like a cat with cream. “You know,” she said casually in Darian’s direction, “I never do anything by accident. Two dragons, two perfectly matched mates...”

Darian nearly dropped his boxes. “You mean-”

“Oh look, Sidaii wine!” Gerri breezed past him, but not before shooting him a wink. “Perfect for loosening up stoic dragons. And their equally stoic advisors.”

The evening devolved into delightful chaos from there. Reina brought Earth-inspired cupcakes, the AI walls pulsed with festive colors, and Gerri appointed herself official game master.

“Charades,” she announced, “is all about letting go of dignity. Which means you, Your Majesty, are going first.”

“I must... pretend to be a chicken?” Kai stared at his card in horror.

“Think of it as diplomatic poultry,” Quinn suggested, while Gerri added, “Channel your inner farm animal, Your Majesty. With gravitas.”

What followed would live in palace legend forever - the Dragon King attempting to mime a chicken while maintaining absolute regal bearing. Even his advisors broke into laughter.

“Beautiful form,” Gerri critiqued. “Though real chickens rarely look quite so... imperial.”

Lydia and Darian sat close together, her wild red curls contrasting with his dark braid as they shared wine and whispered comments. Gerri watched them with satisfaction before announcing, “My turn! And I’m acting out ‘matchmaker.’“

Her performance, which involved exaggerated cupid poses and dramatic gestures between couples, had everyone howling with laughter. “See?” She pointed between Quinn and Kai, then Lydia and Darian. “Pure genius. I should really start charging more.”

The wine flowed freely, and even Kai found himself relaxing into the warmth of the gathering. Gerri supervised the pouring with enthusiasm. “Liquid courage,” she explained. “Essential for any good Earth party. And proposal plans.”

Kai choked on his wine. “How did you-”

“Please.” Gerri patted his arm. “I’m a professional. Also, you’ve been fondling that crystal box in your pocket all night.”

Later, when Kai led Quinn to the balcony, Gerri herded everyone else into position. “Trust me,” she whispered to the confused advisors. “You’ll want to see this.”

The proposal unfolded perfectly - the twin suns setting, the ring catching the light, Quinn’s eyes shining as Kai dropped to one knee. When she said yes, cheers erupted from their watching friends. Lydia clung to Darian, who looked at her like she hung the moons.

“Well,” Gerri announced, dabbing at her eyes while maintaining her perfect makeup, “my work here is done. Two matches made, a kingdom stabilized, and only minimal property damage from all the dragon drama. I’d call that a success.”

“You’re leaving?” Lydia asked, still wrapped in Darian’s arms.

“Earth’s paranormal singles need all the help they can get, darling.” Gerri’s blue eyes sparkled. “Besides, I have a feeling you’ll all be too busy planning a double wedding to miss me.”

She hugged Quinn tightly. “I’m so proud of you, honey. You found your perfect match - in love and in science.”

To Kai, she said, “Take care of her. And maybe work on that chicken impression.”

“Thank you,” he said solemnly. “For bringing me my mate.”

“Oh honey, I just opened the door. You two did all the hard work.” She turned to Lydia and Darian. “And you two... well, let’s just say I always planned for a two-for-one special.”

With a final wink and a wave, Gerri Wilder disappeared in a shower of sparkles, leaving behind the scent of sugar cookies and satisfaction.

The newly engaged couples stood together on the balcony, watching Nova Aurora’s auroras dance across the sky. The ring on Quinn’s finger caught the light, Earth diamond and Aurora crystal creating something entirely new - like their love, like their future.

“To Gerri,” Lydia proposed a toast, snuggling closer to Darian.

“To Earth customs,” Kai added, pulling Quinn close.

“To love,” Quinn finished, “in all its scientifically improbable forms.”

The AI walls flashed pink in celebration, and somewhere in the palace, Gerri’s karaoke machine started playing “At Last” entirely on its own.

Some things, after all, were simply meant to be.