Chapter 15 - Spring in Dunstanburg
Spring had finally arrived in the Scottish Highlands, washing away the bitter memory of five long winters with vibrant fields of blooming heather, warm sunlight, and the sweet, unmistakable scent of lavender rolling across the castle grounds.
Inside the Great Hall of Dunstanburg Castle, the long tables were laden with food, wine, and celebration. Lords, chieftains, and commanders from across northern Europe had gathered not out of political obligation or fear, but to bear witness to a new era of peace and sovereignty.
At the center of the raised dais, seated side by side upon their restored thrones, sat Alpha King Cedric and Queen Evangeline.
There was no black velvet on the left chair. No shadows lingering in the corners of the room. Only laughter, music, and the bright, roaring warmth of the hearth fire.
During a lull in the music, Cedric reached across the armrest of his throne, his strong fingers gently intertwining with Evangeline’s.
She turned her head, catching his gaze. The golden flecks in his eyes shone brightly in the torchlight, filled with an enduring, unbreakable devotion that had weathered war, betrayal, and the darkest depths of grief.
"Five years ago, I thought I had lost everything," Cedric spoke softly, his voice carrying just enough for her to hear over the din of the feast.
"And now?" Evangeline asked, a playful, familiar spark dancing in her amethyst eyes—the exact same spark that had captured his heart a lifetime ago.
May you like
Cedric smiled, lifting her hand to his lips and pressing a warm, lingering kiss against her knuckles.
"Now," the Alpha King whispered, pulling her closer as the music swelled around them, "we finally have our forever."
