Ever After, the Next Chapter

Three little words loosed the grip          
that caused such pain.          
One simple truth you choked back          
for too long.          
The villain cast himself the hero.          
Your silence gave credence          
to his lies.          
         
And all this time          
time was passing,          
shadows laughing.          
         
There is no regret.          
The princess stood on her own two feet,          
battled the dragon herself,          
and walked out of the tower          
hitching a ride with a passing prince          
of her own choosing.          
         
He is everything she needs.          
Strong when she is weak,          
warm when she is cold,          
knowing when to let her fight          
and when to hold her in his arms.          
         
It was a princess who needed no rescue          
that he was searching for and found.          
         
Always there was something missing.          
A gaping hole in happily ever after.          
The past travels with us,          
an overhanging cloud.            
How could I not doubt the sweet prince          
who broke all his promises?          
         
Finally the questions have an answer penned.          
"I love you"          
shedding light on the darkness          
that spread in our heroine's heart          
giving sense to all the chaos that came before.          
         
The lies and the doubt crumble and fall away at last    
and there is peace.           
         
Still the story isn't over.          
This book will never close.          
These characters          
far too entwined.          
And so with love,        
and knowledge,        
and forgiveness          
the next chapter begins.