Seven years later…

Masses gathered in the castle courtyard, the lucky nobility and wealthy class stuffed full in the throne room where King Anderson stood before his decorated chair, crown perched on his head, robe adorning his back, his wife by his side. Prince Cooper and his wife were to one side, Prince Blaine and his husband, Kurt, to the other. Everyone watched in great interest as the king readied himself for a most important speech- even the commoners sticking their faces to the windows, pressing their ears to the walls in hopes of catching even a bit of the king's words.

“On this, my seventieth birthday, I must note that my sons are both well grown and more than capable of ruling on their own,” the man started. Though he was quite aged, he stood proud with dignity and grace. His grey hair and wrinkles spoke only of all the struggles he had faced and fought through. His people utterly worshipped him. King Anderson continued. “This is a time in which a king such as myself is able to reflect and make a decision. Will he rule until his dying day, or will he grant his eldest the right to see power in his younger years?”

Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do…

Prince Cooper glanced to his father, a small smile on his lips, polite nod of his head. “I am not a greedy man, though some might think otherwise,” the king continued. “I have ruled with stoicism, with grace when I could manage. I have tried to lead this kingdom in a way that it might prosper, and prosper it has.” The room filled with cheers, and the royal family smiled at their patriarch.

“But every good ruler knows when it is time to pass on a legacy. My sons are both fair and true. They have good hearts and solid minds. Cooper, as eldest, you are meant to follow in my footsteps,” he said, beckoning his eldest son to stand beside him so that he might transfer his crown. “With the passing of this crown, I pass to you my title and my responsibility. You are now King Cooper Anderson. You must rule with a sense of justice and truth. You are responsible for the lives of not only yourself and your family, but also your subjects,” the retired king looked over the throne room and out its bursting doors, into the gathered masses. “All the many of them.”

Cooper smiled, blue eyes flashing with the task set to him. “I know, father. And I will. I will do right by you, I promise,” he said, bowing even though his new station did not require it. This sign of respect from a son to a father, despite his now-superior title made the retired king beam with pride, and all the people bowed as well, including the rest of the royal family.

“You will do well, my son. My King.”

Then the new king hugged his father, and Kurt wiped his eyes, gasping and letting out a small sob that was a little too loud considering the hush that had fallen over the room. Cooper looked over and shook his head. “Oh, come here, you,” he said, pulling the entirety of the royal family into the hug, which had the kingdom confused for a moment before everyone let out a burst of joyous laughter.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times…

King Cooper Anderson would indeed rule in justice and truth. As would he rule in joy and laughter, in pursuit of dreams and love. Because life was crazy. It was unpredictable and it was scary and it was fun! But most of all, it was sacred, and if Cooper had learned anything from watching his brother find the love of his life and fight for that love, it was that dreams and goals and simple pleasures were worth everything, and he'd help everyone in his kingdom experience those things.

Whatever comes our way, ah well see it through…

With Cooper standing tall and proud as their king, Blaine and Kurt continued living happily. Their story was far from over, but it was safe to say they had their ‘happily ever after.' After all, with King Cooper at the wheel and Sue in his employ, the two couldn't imagine a better guarantee that things would always work out in the end.