Chapter 10 - The Sovereign Queen
The sun rose high over Silvercrest Keep, bathing the stone battlements in a brilliant, golden warmth that melted the last remaining patches of winter ice in the courtyard.
Down in the lower training yards, young pack warriors sparred with renewed vigor, shouting encouragement to one another under the new, fair laws established by their female Alpha. The dark days of secret conspiracies, cold neglect, and cruel betrayals were gone, swept away by the winds of justice and true leadership.
Inside the royal solar, the massive windows were thrown open to let in the fresh, pine-scented spring air.
Genevieve sat in a comfortable velvet armchair, watching as King Alaric carefully, effortlessly rocked their infant son in his massive arms. The terrifying warlord, the supreme ruler of five territories, looked down at the tiny baby with an expression of such tender, fierce adoration that it never ceased to melt Genevieve’s heart.
“He has your eyes, Alaric,” Genevieve noted with a soft, amused smile.
Alaric looked up, his golden gaze locking onto hers with a warmth that burned brighter than any hearth fire.
“He has your spirit, Genevieve,” Alaric corrected gently, walking over to her chair and kneeling down beside her, just as he had done months ago on that fateful night in the guest solar.
He gently transferred the sleeping baby back into Genevieve’s arms, then reached up, taking her hands in his large, calloused grip.
“The council met this morning,” Alaric continued, his voice low and serious. “They formally requested that the treaty between Ethelguard and Silvercrest be made permanent. Not as an alliance of convenience... but as a permanent union of crowns.”
Genevieve’s breath hitched slightly. “A permanent union?”
Alaric smiled—a rare, breathtaking smile that transformed his harsh features into something truly magnificent.
“As King of Ethelguard, I require a queen. But more than that... as Alaric, I require you.” He pressed a warm, lingering kiss to her knuckles. “Will you rule by my side, Genevieve? Not just of Silvercrest, but of all five territories? My equal in every single way?”
Genevieve looked down at her healthy, sleeping son, then up at the king who had pulled her from the ashes of her worst nightmare and given her the world.
She did not hesitate.
May you like
“Yes,” Genevieve answered, her voice ringing clear and strong with absolute certainty. “Always.”
Alaric rose, pulling her up into his arms, their lips meeting in a deep, passionate kiss that sealed not only their hearts, but the destiny of an entire empire. Outside, across the sunlit forests of Silvercrest, a chorus of wolves lifted their voices in a joyous, triumphant howl to the sky—celebrating the reign of the Sovereign Queen.
