Chapter Text
*One Year Later*
Dean’s boots pounded across the cobblestones as he hurried across the square and through the gates to the royal compound. He nodded to the guard who opened the gate for him and jogged up the steps to the entrance.
The butler pulled open the door as he approached it.
“Thanks, Edils,” Dean said. As he walked in he turned to the other man. “How late am I?” he asked conspiratorially.
“Not at all, Sir. They haven’t even gone in yet.”
“Excellent.” Dean took a few steps then spun around. “Is your little one feeling any better?”
“Oh, much Sir,” The butler smiled. “Back to her old self.”
“Glad to hear it.” Dean turned and bounded up the stairs.
He hurried down the hallway and into the sitting room. It was clear he had not missed anything.
The King and Queen were at one end of the room, deep in discussion with some visiting dignitary Dean couldn’t place.
Sam was seated on the sofa in the middle of the room, cooing over the latest addition to the royal line, while the youngest prince’s proud mother looked on. Lilith may not be married to the crown prince, but she had scored her own coup of sorts when she delivered the first royal grandchild. Everyone adored the baby, who was very generous with his smiles.
It seemed to have even settled any lingering hostilities between her and Pam, and the two were now fast friends. They were both seated on either side of Sam, chatting. Probably about the latest court gossip.
The baby let out a small cry, but Sam quickly bounced him back to giggles and smiles. Dean wondered if Sam was considering having kids at some point. He certainly seemed to be smitten with the baby. And since Nick seemed to be permanently stuck in the “whatever Sam wants” phase of their relationship, he was unlikely to have any objections.
Dean glanced at Nick, who seemed to be in serious discussion with Cas’s eldest brother Michael, probably about something to do with Enoch’s military. Or their legal code. Or anything else, really. Those two had seemingly hit it off.
The King had apparently told the Queen the truth about Nick’s parentage. It was now considered somewhat of an open secret in the palace, but was never mentioned publically. The Queen had never been anything but gracious and welcoming to Nick, but she had been prone to remark rather archly, when he was out of earshot, how young he looked for his age.
Gabriel was in the wing chair near the sofa, tossing treats to the royal family’s dog. He caught Dean’s eye and gestured to the balcony. Dena nodded gratefully and headed in that direction.
There, he found what he was looking for. Cas was standing on the balcony, staring out at the sea. The wind ruffled his hair. Dean’s heart ached just at the sight of him. It had been over a year, and sometimes Dean still couldn’t believe Cas was his. He crept up behind Cas and wrapped his arms around his waist.
“Hey there,” he whispered.
“Dean,” Cas exclaimed. “I wasn’t sure you’d make it back.”
“Come on, you know how much I love this formal lunch do’s your parents put on.”
He tucked his chin over Cas's shoulder.
Cas snorted. “I know you love the food. So, how did it go today?”
Dean smiled and kissed his neck. “We got the foundation poured.”
Cas turned in his arms. “Ahead of schedule? That’s wonderful!”
Dean was pretty pleased. Since Sam was wrapped up with his own job, Cas suggested that Dean get involved with some of the royal families numerous charity work. A new royal hospital had been commissioned and Dean had thrown himself into the project, trying to help in whatever way he could.
“Dr. Singer should be pleasantly surprised when he and Ellen return from Torlock next week.”
Dean snorted. “He’ll find something to complain about. Jo will be happy when they get back, though. I don’t think she likes running the clinic all by herself.”
The gong sounded, signaling that lunch was being served. He heard the chatter from inside as everyone headed into the dining room. He and Cas stayed as they were for a few minutes, soaking in the sea air. Soon Cas turned and tugged Dean behind him. “Come on, Dean.”
Dean smiled, and went to go join the rest of their family.