In the following years a few events took place. The Queen was poisoned after she gave birth, and, as the King wished, the child was sent to be raised by Thomas’s family. The grandparents took the child in, but they could not love the child of the man who had killed their son, so the child grew up without knowing love. The people discovered the Queen’s crime and demanded she pay with her life for Thomas’s death and for deceiving the royal family; the rumors had originated with the Loyal Royal Knights. It was a tragic end for a woman who had reigned for over a decade: her father had died, and she had lost the will to live. She kissed her newborn daughter before the child was taken away, never to be seen again, and then the Queen died. Governor Valtac received a modest burial. As the King’s father-in-law, his funeral raised questions, but the King could not give him a grander ceremony. Valtac had turned his daughter into a schemer, and after his death the King discovered he had misgoverned Harval. Once that became known, people stopped praising Valtac and accepted the King’s decision. The Chest of the Gods was guarded for several years. Then the knights were able to return home and retire. A single guard remained to watch it, but he was allowed to rest and pursue hobbies in the meantime. The Crown Prince learned from both Mahnu and his father; he was obstinate at first because of his mother's death. After a month, King Richard could no longer tolerate his son's behavior and spoke only of the late queen's deeds so his son would understand what had happened. By telling him everything, the king hoped the prince would grow up faster and learn from his mother's mistakes. King Richard also explained everything about the gods so his son could understand King Maximus and the nature of sacrifice. The Crown Prince stood by his father's side for all royal duties and was even asked for his opinions on some matters now that he was older. Mahnu refused the position of queen, leaving it vacant until the Crown Prince became king; the current king had decided not to appoint anyone. He already wanted to abdicate, and if Mahnu would not be queen, he did not want anyone else to hold the title. It was also his final mark of respect for the late queen. William did not become leader of the Loyal Royal Knights; instead, he continued to follow Mahnu, guarding her and documenting her past. Instead, the position of Leader of the Loyal Royal Knights was decided as it had been centuries before: by combat. The fight became a major event, drawing many people to Conrella to celebrate the new leader and enjoy the festivities. Conrella had never been so crowded and noisy. In the end a knight was chosen and given the title; he was surprised when he learned about the order's past. For a full day he could not believe what he had heard from King Richard, from William, and even from Mahnu. He had not expected the role to be like this, but as days passed he settled into a routine, obeying the King's orders and faithfully supporting the Crowned Prince. Mahnu came to understand more about finding happiness in a family. As time went on she felt life growing within her and realized what was coming: someone would depend on her completely, and she needed to be ready. Her belly grew, and soon she experienced childbirth. Like many mothers, Mahnu was in pain and told her beloved that she never wanted to give birth again. Later, as her family grew, she described it as very fulfilling and learned patience and gentleness. She had to learn how to teach and make sure she showed her love. It was also very tiring. Sleep came easily, something she had always wanted when she was a god, and now she couldn't get enough of it. Nonetheless, promises were kept. Their first daughter was named Cassandra, and their first son was named Marcus. After a few years Richard abdicated the throne, passing it to his eldest son; he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with his beloved Mahnu. Through long, hard days their relationship grew, and neither of them ever felt lonely—right up until the final day when Mahnu passed away. Her life had been full. She loved her family very much, did not regret her existence, and had thought for a while that instead of her life being a cruel fate, it was something she accepted; perhaps fate had led her to seek out what she had not experienced in over a thousand years. In her opinion, her greatest victory was not over the gods nor in accomplishing her goals, but in filling her life with happiness and experience. It had been more than worth it.