Chapter 20 - The Crown’s Eternal Peace

The war banners of Kaldor lay tattered in the snow at the base of Red Pass. The remaining enemy commanders had surrendered before nightfall, signing an unconditional peace treaty that guaranteed generations of security for the eastern borders.
Back in the capital, the return of the victorious queen was met with scenes of unimaginable joy. Streets were lined with cheering citizens throwing flower petals, and the grand throne hall was filled with music, laughter, and the bright colors of celebration.
Valeria sat upon the golden throne once more. But the heavy loneliness that had initially accompanied the crown was entirely gone. Standing beside her on the dais were Marcus, Thomas, and the trusted lords who had helped her rebuild the realm from its ashes.
She reached up, touching the cool, smooth metal of the crown. It no longer felt like a mysterious artifact chosen by fate alone, but a true extension of her own heart and soul—a symbol of a scullery maid who had risen from the dust to forge her own destiny.
"To the Queen!" Marcus shouted, raising a golden goblet toward the dais.
May you like
"To the Queen!" the entire hall echoed, their voices ringing with absolute love and devotion.
Valeria smiled warmly, looking out across her people, knowing that the kingdom was finally safe, and that her true reign had only just begun.