Aww...its over. Marriage of Power is over. It has dissolved into a Marriage of love... Anyways. Win a follow and a shoutout if you can be the first to guess the AU for my new story. I am going to be writing an AU and the sequal to new life.

Chapter 35: Epilogue

The courtyard was in full bloom. Splashes of pink, purple, red, white and yellow filled the green bushes, trees and grass. The center of the courtyard was filled with people. Countess Minako casually chatted with Lord Ayuzawa, though she made sure to keep an eye on the twins who were dueling with blunt wooden swords. Lady Suzana, Lord Hinata, and other families all enjoyed the beautiful gardens.

Harumi chased after her brother, who ran faster than her. Her long golden curls flew every which way as she sprinted as fast as she could. Her braids had long come undone and her shoes were missing. Her dress remained clean however. The light linen cape blew behind her.

Hiro waited for Harumi to catch up before taking her hand and pulling her under the banquet table. The long table cloth hid them well.

"Here" Hiro said, pulling out a sack of candy. "I found them in the kitchen"

"Would it be alright to take them?" Harumi asked. Her golden eyes looked longingly at the shiny bits of candy.

"No one saw me," Hiro said, popping one into his mouth.

"But does Mama know?" Harumi asked.

Hiro shrugged. "Just eat one," he said handing her a red piece- Harumi's favorite.

Harumi licked her lips. "Will Mama get upset?"

"Father won't mind," Hiro reassured her. "It's just one piece of candy!"

Harumi nodded and popped the sugary treat into her mouth. "Yummy!" she exclaimed.

"Hiro! Harumi!" Subaru called.

Hiro poked his head out from under the table. "It's Nurse," he told Harumi. "We better go," he said pulling his sister with him.

"Nurse!" Hiro called.

"Oh there you are," Subaru said. "Are you behaving yourselves?" she asked. "This is important for your Mother and father."

Subaru was dressed in her sunday dress with a crisp apron over it. Her hair was held in a tight bun and her eyes were always soft.

"There's just so many people here..." Hiro complained. "We don't have any room to play"

"It's just one day" Subaru reminded him. She smiled sweetly. "Let us venture to the fountain" she suggested.

"Harumi, your braids are undone" Erika fretted as she saw the twins playing. She rushed over with a brush in hand.

"They always do that" Harumi said not even looking up from her wooden animal figures. Father had hand carved each one and now Hiro and her lined them up on the fountain edge to play with.

"Let me fix them you" Erika said, kneeling by her. Her fingers quickly plaited the luscious curls.

"There" Erika said tying a bow on the end. "You look ready for a party"

"When's Mama coming?" Hiro asked.

"Soon" Erika promised.

"Aunt Suzana!" Harumi called. "Can you go fetch Mama?"

Suzana smiled. "Mama is busy" she said gently. "How about I play with you until she comes?"

Harumi nodded. "You can be the deer" she said handing Suzana the wooden toy.

"Who are you going to be?" Suzana asked.

"The tiger!" Harumi replied.

"I want to be the bear," Hiro added. "The bear is the strongest"

"No, the tiger is better!"

"No the bear!"

Suzana soothed the noisy twins. Subaru sat close to them. Twice, Subaru saved Harumi from falling into the fountain. The Duke and Duchess would not be pleased if they came out and found their children sitting in the fountain.

"Announcing the Duke and Duchess!" a voice yelled. Everyone scrambled up to their feet. Suzana lifted her wide skirts slightly as she gathered with the other guests.

"Long live the Duke!" they cheered, dropping low. "Long live the Duchess!"

"Rise" Usui said holding his hand up. "Today is a day of thanksgiving and celebration!"

Misaki smiled. Her navy dress contrasted with her fair skin that was glowing. The navy silk had panels cut out that revealed slits of silver fabric underneath. Her raven hair was caught up in loose bun with silver netting. A hand rested on a small bump on her stomach.

"May the Usui household continue to prosper!" came the response.

Usui gestured for the musicians to begin playing and soft music slowly filled the open airs. He kept an arm around Misaki's waist as they toured the gardens.

"Oh this is wonderful" Minako sighed. She gently touched the small bump."Your third child..."

"I almost forgot about this feeling..." Misaki said.

"Motherhood is wondrous" Minako agreed.

"Speaking of being a mother..." Misaki said shaking her head. "Harumi? Hiro?" she called. Her two children were tearing all around the place.

"Hiro!" Misaki yelled. The twins skipped over.

"Mama" they greeted.

"Have you greeted, Grandmother yet?" Misaki asked. Minako covered her mouth to hide a smile.

"How do you do?" they said in unison while a tiny curtsy and bow.

"Very well" Minako said. "Are you excited for a new sibling?" she asked them.

"I want a brother!" Hiro exclaimed.

"No, a sister!" Harumi argued.

"Maybe Mama will have twins again. A boy to play with Hiro and a girl for Harumi" Usui suggested.

Misaki elbowed Usui. "Stop it..." she hissed. Misaki did not want to have twins again no matter how much she loved her children.

"There's plenty of time for more children" Minako laughed.

Usui placed a soft kiss on Misaki's brow. "Well, Misaki mustn't always get the glory" he said. "When will Lady Suzana be starting a family?" he asked.

Suzana blushed. "My lord..." she said softly. "You mustn't tease me so. I have just turned sixteen. Surely I have no suitor."

"Don't worry" Misaki said. "One only gets to choose once. I would rather Suzana choose wisely and happily"

"Perhaps I shall just let Mother choose one for me..." Suzana said. "This seems much too complicated."

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Misaki yelled. "We will have no more arranged marriages in this family!" she ordered.

Usui ran his hand through his hair. "Well then..." he said.

Misaki paused. "No, I didn't mean it like that!" she amended, realizing what her words implied.

Usui pretended to be hurt and turned away.

"Takumi!" Misaki said, trying to pull Usui's hands off his face. "I didn't mean we were a mistake. Thats not what I meant!"

Suzana and Minako laughed. Misaki blushed. "Takumi!" she exclaimed. "Stop being hurt!"

"So demanding..." Suzana teased.

"Isn't she?" Usui asked, wrapping his arms around Misaki's waist.

"Don't all ally against me!" Misaki muttered.

"I'm always on your side" Suzana said innocently.

"Yes the side that always wins..."

"Takumi!" Misaki yelled. She stormed after Usui who had a grin on his face. "Take that back right now!" she exclaimed. "You-" Misaki bumped into someone.

"Careful!" Hinata said, steadying her.

"Hinata!" Misaki exclaimed. "Takumi is bullying me!"

Hinata glanced up at Usui, whose expression looked darker and darker.

"Hey" Hinata said, awkwardly. "What's with that look?" he whispered to Misaki.

"I think that's how he naturally looks..." Misaki joked.

"Really...? I feel like I'm about to be burned at the stake..."

"Takumi, why the dark look?" Misaki asked, cautiously.

Usui glared at Hinata and pointed to Misaki's arm. Hinata immediately dropped her arm.

"My apologies..." Hinata muttered.

"Well, you and Takumi should really talk some more" Misaki said, oblivious. "He's actually quite tolerable once you get to know him..."

"I see..." Hinata said, feeling uncomfortable under Usui's scrutiny.

"Let's go" Usui said pulling on Misaki's arm.

"Hey wait!" Hinata said grabbing Misaki's other arm.

"Both of you let go, this moment!" Misaki ordered. Both of them had an arm.

"What is your problem?" Hinata demanded.

"You are my problem" Usui replied, drily.

"I don't even know you!" Hinata said, defensively.

"You know Misaki..."

"So-" Hinata stopped. "Jealous?" he asked. "That I knew Misaki ever since a little girl?"

"Hinata!" Misaki snapped. "Are you praying for death?!" There were definitely flames in Usui's eyes.

Hinata causally let go of Misaki's hand. "Don't worry, Duke Usui" he said. "I have moved on"

"What?!" Misaki and Usui said at once.

Usui glanced over at Misaki.

"I mean..." Misaki said, mentally slapping herself. "Moved on from what?"

"I'm in love with someone else" Hinata announced.

"Who?!" Misaki asked, throwing her arms around him. "What's her name?!" she exclaimed. She couldn't be happier to hear that. It was a huge burden lifted off her shoulders. Misaki worried that Hinata would never let her go and never find happiness because she had already found it with Usui.

"I don't feel confident in sharing" Hinata admitted.

"We're best friends" Misaki reminded him. "What's she like?"

"Quite the opposite of you" Hinata admitted. "Soft spoken, gentle but kind and beautiful like you"

"Oh I'm dying to know" Misaki said. "Takumi?" she asked. "Instead of just celebrating the new baby, let's celebrate Hinata's true love too!"

Usui thought about it. "Alright" he agreed. "But he better man up and tell everyone"

Hinata sighed. "I don't know..."

"What's all this whispering?" Suzana asked.

"Hinata's true love" Misaki told her.

"Ohh" Suzana said.

"Hello? Everyone!" Usui called to the rest of the family. "We have an announcement!"

Hinata swallowed hard. "Right now?"

"Don't let this girl slip through your fingers" Usui advised. "Share the good news and we shall support you"

Minako, Ren and all the cousins stood around. Hinata cleared his throat.

"I've decided on something" Hinata announced. "Many years ago, I was in love with this girl but I was too late. She married someone else and lived happily ever after. This girl left me an important task of watching over her family however. In the events of taking care of this family, I met this girl and I now know that she is the girl I love. I love her more than life itself."

Hinata wiped his forehead and took a deep breath. He dug into his pocket, looked up to the sky and muttered something.

"Here goes nothing..." he whispered. He walked up to a girl dress in pale pink lace. "Lady Suzana" he said dropping down onto one knee. "You are the girl I'm in love with"

Misaki almost fainted. Suzana?! Hinata was in love with her sister?!

Usui studied Hinata, a smile was on his face. "To have the honor of wedding an Ayuzawa daughter" he called. "You have to be impressive!"

Hinata swallowed hard again. "Suzana!" he said, confidently. "I swear I don't love you with ulterior motives. I no longer love Misaki. When I look at you...I see you and only you. I see your gentle smiles. I hear your soft, caring voice. I can feel your warmth...As Duke Usui said, it will wholeheartedly be an honor to take your hand in marriage"

Hinata opened the box. "Marry me, Suzana" he said.

Suzana was clutching her fan so tight, the thin wood was breaking. Her heart was racing. Everyone stood in utter silence.

"...I accept" Suzana breathed. Hinata slipped the ring onto her finger and took her hand. Misaki's shy sister actually threw her arms around Hinata. Hinata hugged her back and swung her around.

Misaki clapped and cheered. Servants brought out goblets of wine. Misaki grabbed a cup and held it in the air.

"A toast to my dearest sister and my best friend!" she yelled.

Usui clinked glasses with Hinata. "Welcome to the family" he said.

"No more wishing me dead?" Hinata asked raising his goblet.

"Just keep your hands to yourself..." Usui said, drinking his wine and returning back to Misaki.

Hinata chuckled to himself and downed his goblet.

Misaki hugged Harumi tightly to her as Usui swung Hiro onto his shoulders.

"Why is everyone crying?" Hiro asked.

"Aunt Suzana is going to wed Lord Hinata" Misaki told them. "He will be your new uncle"

"Will they have children for us to play with?" Harumi asked.

Misaki looked over at Suzana. Suzana blushed. "In time..." she whispered.

Misaki hugged her sister. "Do you love him?" she asked.

"I do..." Suzana said. "But I always thought you would be his bride...not me. This feels sort of like a dream"

"Silly girl" Misaki chided. "Hinata and I are just friends. I am happy to have him as a brother, just as we always should have been"

"I'm sorry to take your day from you" Suzana apologized. "Today was suppose to be in celebration of you. Hinata just had to propose and snatch the attention away from you..."

Misaki waved it off. "Never liked these parties anyways" she reminded her sister. "You only get married once" Misaki said. "That is why its so special"

"Thank you, Misaki," Suzana said.

"Why?"

"Because it was all your sacrifice that brought me happiness"

"Don't say-"

"Its true!" Suzana interrupted. "Because you gave up your freedom and agreed to an arranged marriage, I was able to safely grow up. Because you sent Hinata to look after us, I was able to meet him. So thank you..."

The party winded down late into the night. Misaki had Harumi asleep in her arms as she was walking out of the gardens.

"Let me take her" Usui said holding out his arms. "You shouldn't be carrying her in your condition"

"She's hardly heavy" Misaki whispered but handed Harumi to Usui.

Usui cradled his daughter in his arms and walked back with Misaki.

"Where's Hiro?" Misaki asked.

"He's with Subaru"

Just on cue, Subaru came with Hiro. "Mama!" Hiro called, running over. Misaki took his hand and they walked back inside.

"Did you have fun?" Usui asked.

"Yes!" Hiro cheered. "It was fun playing with the other children...Mama? Can you carry me?"

"Alright" Misaki said, bending down.

"Misaki" Usui argued. "Mama has your baby brother in her tummy" he told Hiro. "Why don't you sit on my shoulders?"

Subaru took Harumi and Usui swung Hiro up.

"We'll put them down" Misaki told Subaru. "Thank you for your work today. I know these two are a handful"

"I adore these angels" Subaru told them. "It is hardly a job"

Misaki nodded and went into the nursery. They tucked the children into their beds. Misaki wet a cloth and wiped Harumi's feet. This girl never had any shoes on for some reason. Misaki smoothed her fair curls back and kissed her forehead.

"That was some party" Usui said, wrapping an arm around Misaki. They stood on the balcony and watched the full moon and twinkling stars.

"It sure was" Misaki agreed.

"I makes me regret though..." Usui said. "I doubt you felt that way when I proposed to you"

Misaki laughed. "I didn't know you or the happiness I would find back then"

"But still it makes me uneasy" Usui said running his hand through his hair.

"I'm hardly interested in romantic gestures anyways" Misaki said trying to comfort Usui.

Usui smiled. "We'll see..." He took her hand and dropped down onto one knee.

"Takumi?" Misaki said. "What are you doing?"

"Righting a wrong, I guess..." he said. He pulled out a box and revealed it to Misaki. Inside was a thin band with emeralds encrusted on the gold band.

"I didn't quite know you back then. These years I have learned much" Usui admitted. "I gave you a large precious engagement ring that would have awed hundreds but you love simplicity. You love meaning and not the size of the jewel. Emeralds symbolize loyalty and harmony. They are known as the gemstone of successful love. Misaki? Will you be the woman of my very existence? Will you grow old beside me surrounded by our children?"

Misaki smiled and let Usui slide the ring on. "Until death do us part...I do" she promised.

The End

Coming soon: International Affairs

Question: Starring Misaki and Usui as _. (Guess in the reviews!)