Chapter 10 - The King's New Dawn
One month later.
The Grand Hall of Valoria had been fully restored. The dark marble floors shone like glass once more, but the atmosphere inside the vast room was completely transformed.
There were no arrogant sneers from corrupt nobles. No terrified glances from servants.
In the center of the hall, resting upon a simple pedestal of polished white oak, sat the true Dragon Core, glowing with a soft, comforting golden warmth that protected the entire realm.
On the dais at the head of the hall sat two thrones carved from mountain granite.
Fenris sat on the high throne, wearing a dark blue tunic embroidered with simple silver thread—refusing the ostentatious gold robes of the past rulers. Beside him sat Vana, dressed in fine leather and silver armor, her eyes shining with pride and deep affection.
Down in the assembly, High Scholar Alistair and Elder Sira stood side-by-side, presenting the new realm charters to representatives from all provinces—both human and werewolf alike.
Merrick’s corrupted reign had been dissolved, replaced by a council of honest trackers, healers, and elders chosen by the people.
A young messenger boy, nervous and covered in dust from the road, stepped forward and bowed deeply before the dais.
“Your Majesty... My Sovereign,” the boy stuttered, holding out a leather pouch. “The southern provinces have sent their harvest reports. They... they ask if you need anything else.”
Fenris smiled warmly, stepping down from the throne himself to take the pouch, just as he used to do when he was a simple stable hand.
“Tell them thank you,” Fenris said gently, placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “And tell them to keep enough grain for their own families before sending anything to the capital.”
The boy blinked in disbelief, then smiled broadly, bowing again before rushing out to carry the good news.
Vana walked down the steps, slipping her hand comfortably into Fenris’s warm palm.
“Do you miss it?” she asked softly, leaning her head against his shoulder as they looked out over the peaceful city through the grand balcony windows. “The quiet life? Tending herbs in the mud?”
Fenris pulled her close, kissing her forehead gently as the golden light of the twin suns bathed the city below.
May you like
“I have my herbs right here in the courtyard garden,” he chuckled quietly. “And I have you. The rest of the world just needed to remember how to be gentle.”
Vana laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his waist as they stood together, guardians of a new, peaceful realm that would never again mistake quiet kindness for weakness.
