Chapter 54 - The Library of the Past
Later that afternoon, while the grandchildren were playing outside under the supervision of the staff, my eldest son, Julian, found me in the private library.
I was organizing a shelf of old, leather-bound photo albums.
"Do you ever miss it, Mom?"
Julian asked quietly, leaning against the heavy oak doorframe.
"Miss what, Julian?"
I asked, pausing my dusting to look at my son. He had Alexander's sharp jawline and my eyes.
"The thrill. The empire-building. The battles,"
Julian clarified, walking into the room.
"You and Dad conquered the world. It must feel strange to just... stop."
I smiled, a soft, deeply reflective expression, and gestured for him to sit in one of the leather armchairs.
"We didn't conquer the world for the thrill of the fight, Julian,"
I explained gently, sitting across from him.
"We fought because we had no other choice. We fought to build a wall high enough so that you, and your children, would never have to know what a battlefield looks like."
"You built an impenetrable fortress,"
Julian acknowledged, his voice filled with profound respect.
"And now, we get to simply live in it,"
May you like
I replied, looking around the peaceful, sunlit library.
"I do not miss the war, Julian. I cherish the peace."
