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Emerging from the palace, the haunting light washed over me, painting everything in a silver hue. The city seemed to hold its breath, the bustling streets filled with a thick atmosphere of expectation. Amongst the throngs of people, a head taller than most, Herrath waited. His usually somber eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and contentment, Mirijana by his side. I watched as Herrath cradled Mirijana’s face, his fingers tracing her scars before pulling her into a tender embrace.
Shifting my gaze from the touching scene, I stepped onto a grand plaza. The area, filled with market stalls, children playing, or citizens going about their daily routines, had been transformed. Grand banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, the emblems of the Remnants proudly displayed. Platforms had been erected, adorned with flowers and the colors of the various factions that made up our diverse community.
As I moved forward, Haemir and Gavril emerged from the crowd. A smile played about my father’s lips, while Gavril’s grin was as wide and mischievous as ever.
“Well, if it isn’t the warrior queen herself,” Gavril teased, his eyes dancing with mirth as they raked over my attire. “Your majesty.”
I rolled my eyes. “For your information, I can still kick your ass in this gown.”
Haemir let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head. “Children,” he muttered affectionately, although his eyes twinkled with amusement. “Today is a day of unity, remember?”
I winked at him, wrapping an arm around Gavril’s shoulders. “Doesn’t mean I can’t remind him of the pecking order.”
As our banter continued, the energy of the gathering grew palpable, a collective anticipation hanging in the air. Everyone knew that today was more than just a ceremony. It was the dawn of a new era. A fresh start for the world.
The gentle murmur of the gathered crowd transformed into a reverent hush as Theron emerged. The light seemed to pick him out specifically, casting a silver halo around him, making the intricate patterns of his royal garb shimmer. He moved with the grace and strength that had been honed through years of training, battles, and of leadership. But beyond the regality and the poise, I saw the man I loved. My mate.
As he ascended the platform, our eyes met, a world of shared experiences and unspoken emotions passing between us. For a moment, it was as if we were the only two people in the square, connected by an invisible thread that nothing could sever.
I stepped forward, needing to be closer to him.
“The empire has fallen,” Herrath began, his voice ringing out as I hurried to Theron’s side. He shot me a crooked grin that stopped my heart. “Now we celebrate the birth of a kingdom.”
“I missed you,Sihaya.“ He murmured, leaning down to whisper to me.
“It’s only been three hours.”
“Three long hours,” he complained, and I laughed as Herrath continued.
“Remnants have been freed all across the lands. We stand here today, united in our common goal of peace and harmony, thanks to Theron Axidor and Kael Helekian. They have led us to this new world of hope.”
Murmurs of approval rose from the crowd, a few cheers breaking out in sporadic intervals. Joy spread like wildfire through me, a deep satisfaction settling into my soul. The years of fighting had been worth it.
Our peace was hard won, and we had paid dearly for it, but here we were, standing in solidarity with each other after so many years apart. We had come full circle and found ourselves at the dawning of a new era where friendship and love would blossom between Remnants and Elves alike. There was still much work ahead, but together, we could accomplish it.
Theron’s hand reached for mine, intertwining our fingers.
“It is my great honor to announce,” Herrath called. “Kael Helekian and Theron Axidor as the new queen and king of Athain.”
The crowd erupted into cheers. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as I looked up at my mate, his eyes twinkling with love.
“This peace wouldn’t have been possible without you two,” Herrath declared, his smile wide as he gestured toward Raenisa and Zerek, who held two crowns. “I am honored to name you both king and queen. Long may you reign.”
Theron took the tiara from Raenisa, placing it on my head.
“This is only the beginning,” he said, his voice filled with hope and promise.
I bit my lip, grinning up at him as Zerek presented me with Theron’s crown. I placed it on Theron’s head, the shining metal nestling amidst his dark locks. He kissed me softly before turning to address the crowd.
“Today marks a new era for us all. It is the era of peace, of love, and unified strength.” His gaze swept across everyone gathered here today before coming to rest on me. “Let this day be remembered as the day we reclaimed our future.”
The assemblage erupted in joyous cheers, the sound cascading like waves over the city. “Hail King Theron! Hail Queen Kael!” They chanted, their voices joining in a unified anthem of hope and celebration. The cheers were a testament to the respect and admiration the people held for us. I took a deep breath, overwhelmed.
“But today is not just about crowning a king or recognizing a queen,” Theron went on, his voice taking on a somber tone. “It’s about all of us. It’s about the empire’s fall and the dawn of freedom for all.”
As he spoke, I noticed pockets of dissent in the crowd. A few nobles whispered amongst themselves, their expressions etched with disapproval. Others, warriors who had once sworn allegiance to Nyana, exchanged wary glances. Uniting a person with such diverse backgrounds and allegiances was no simple task. I marked their faces, determined to protect our new kingdom. No matter what.
“Change is never easy,” Theron continued as if reading the thoughts of those around him. “But it’s necessary. And while we work towards building a future together, I bring news that may aid our cause.”
