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Shadows of the Winged Flame: The Resurrection of the Ashbourne Throne From Scullery to Sovereign: The Legend of the Fire-Bound Heir / Chapter 9 / 10

Chapter 9 - Reckoning in the Great Hall

Hours later, the smoke cleared from the courtyards of Blackwinter Court. The siege was broken, and the remaining rebel lords were disarmed and marched into the Great Hall.

Lord Cedric, dragged from his dungeon cell, was forced to kneel before the dais where Queen-Regent Helena sat. But standing before the ancient succession throne was Rowan Thorne, dressed in the silver-embroidered mantle of the true Ashbourne bloodline, with the glowing medallion resting proudly against his chest.

“Cedric Harrow,” Rowan’s voice rang clearly through the silent, packed hall. “You conspired against the crown, you manufactured treason, and you unleashed ruin upon the realm for your own greed.”

Cedric spat onto the marble floor, his eyes filled with bitter hatred. “You are nothing. A common relic-polisher playing king with a monster!”

“I am the blood of Vespera,” Rowan replied calmly. He raised his hand, and the blue runes on his skin flared softly. “And the realm has chosen its path.”

Lucian stepped forward from the side of the dais, removing his own golden signet ring and holding it out on an open palm. He looked directly into Rowan’s eyes, his expression humbled and sincere.

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“You saved my home, Rowan,” Lucian said quietly. “And you exposed the rot within our house. I surrender the claim. The throne is yours by right and by strength.”

Rowan looked at his cousin for a long moment, then gently touched Lucian’s shoulder, taking the signet ring. “We will share the burden of rebuilding this realm, Lucian. As family, not as enemies.”

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