The Tale of the Lotus Heart novel Chapter 39

It felt good to be back, but I was also cautious. Yong never did tell me what happened with his mother. We went to the Floral Island first. I was worried the twins wouldn't recognize me, but they ran up to me as soon as I was in sight.

"Mother!" They yelled. They were so big now. Tyrian was lean and tall, standing at my chest. Amethyst was a beautiful little girl. Her hair was a light brown and she was almost as tall and thin as Tyrian. I hugged them tightly when they reached me.

"My babies," I said in relief.

"They're good children," Peony said as she walked up to me. "It's good you're okay," she said as she held my hands in hers. I pulled her into a hug.

"It's good to see you," I breathed. Peony chuckled as she pat my back.

"Mother, father said you would come back," Amethyst smiled at me. I looked to Yong curiously.

"They have a portrait of you in their room. I told them everything. I wasn't going to let our children forget you. Plus, I always had hope you would return," Yong explained. I smiled and turned my attention back to the kids.

"I've missed you," I smiled at them. They showed me around and showed me their garden before we went back to the main hall.

"Peony, thank you for taking care of them," I said gratefully.

"I watched them born. They're family. It was no hassle at all. They also share your talent for gardening," she replied. I touched the twins' cheeks gently.

"I'll be here for you two from now on. Mother’s not going anywhere," I promised them. I sat in a chair as tea was served.

"What about Godfather?" I asked Yong.

"He doesn't know you're still alive yet. He took the news almost as hard as I did. He still mourns you," Yong explained. I set the tea down before facing the twins.