Chapter 18 - The Gathering of the Five Kings
News of the destruction of the Obsidian Citadel sent shockwaves across the entire continent.
The four neighboring kingdoms—who had long prepared for war against the threat of the Iron Sun—were stunned to learn that the young Prince who had reclaimed his throne in an arena had single-handedly destroyed the dark cult before its army could strike.
Three months after his return from the Eastern Wastes, King Caelen hosted the Great Summit of Peace in the restored Grand Hall of Solas.
For the first time in over a century, the rulers of the Northern Snows, the Eastern Coast, the Southern Reaches, and the Western Valleys sat together at a single round table. At the head of the table sat Leo, wearing his simple silver armor and his mother's velvet cloak.
"You proved your bloodline not through conqueror's ambition, but through sacrifice," declared Queen Lyanna of the Southern Reaches, lifting her golden goblet high. "The South recognizes Caelen of House Vance as the true High King of the Realm."
One by one, the other rulers stood and raised their swords in allegiance. The long era of civil war, division, and fear that had plagued the continent since King Aldric’s coup was officially dead.
That evening, a grand feast was held throughout the city. Streets that were once quiet and dark under martial law were now filled with music, dancing, lantern light, and laughter. Children played in the squares, no longer fearing the clanking boots of tyrant guards.
Leo walked through the crowd in disguise, wearing a simple wool cloak, accompanied only by Lyra.
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"You could be sitting in the throne room eating roast swan with the foreign lords," Lyra teased softly, nudging his shoulder.
"I spent fifteen years in these streets, Lyra," Leo smiled, looking at the happy faces of the common people sharing bread. "This is where the heart of the kingdom lives. The throne room is just a room with cold chairs."
