Chapter 5 Crown of Hearts

It was blood-red dawn over the Varelia palace.

The tempest was long gone, its raging indignation replaced with an eerie stillness that left the courtyards glistening with rainwater and the atmosphere heavy with a kind of palpable tension. In the vast great hall, the nobles assembled again - whispering about betrayal, scandal, and the fine, frayed thread of peace that struggled to tie two kingdoms in their fraught alliance.

Elara found herself standing before the magnificent throne, her gown remarkably simple in design, while her crown was entirely unadorned, lacking any embellishments or jewels. The evidence of a sleepless night lingered prominently in her eyes, reflecting her inner turmoil, yet when she finally spoke, her voice emerged steady and unwavering, showcasing her determination despite her exhaustion.

The Prince Kael of Astren returns today to answer charges from the council," she announced. "Until then, silence is requested. There can be no judging until there is truth.

It was then that Mr. Lee's father looked at him with great importance. "Let us all hope that he comes

Within a matter of moments, the large and magnificent doors finally opened.

Kael entered - travel-wet, battered armor, a wound bandaged beneath his tunic. Still, he moved with steady step, resolution carved into his face. Behind him were some of Astren's men. and a bound prisoner.

Gasps run through the court.

Who is it?" King Alden demanded.

Kael bowed. "Your Majesty. This is Lord Ferren Mirelle, brother of the woman whose letter caused scandal to fall on this alliance. He admitted, in witness, to falsifying the seal and circulating lies in order to break the treaty."

Ferren spat at his feet. "You think they'll believe you, bastard prince? You're nothing-"

His fist connected with him right in the middle of saying that. "That's enough," stated Kael in a commanding tone.

The guards pulled the man from behind, forcing him from their midst with a heavy grasp. Kael turned back to face the throne, his countenance stern. "Your Majesty, it is crucial to acknowledge that Astren still harbors enemies who yearn for battle and war. Though I am incapable of changing my past choices, I am in possession of the power to battle for a future that remains pure and unencumbered by such violence."

He bowed low in front of the throne - that one time when the prince used to scoff at the strict protocols of courtly manners, but now he was bowing low in submission and respect in front of the king. "If my voice is of no value or importance, then let my actions by themselves be proof of my intentions. I am willing to wed Princess Elara not for matters of political expediency or alliance, but because she is the only individual whom I fully trust to make both our worlds safe and not fall into chaos or destruction."

The hall was left in stunned silence.

All eyes were set on Elara.

For an instant, she saw him not as the scandalous playboy, or the rival prince, but as the man who had ridden into a storm to prove himself - who had faced betrayal, scorn, and danger all in the hopes of being by her side.

Get up," she spoke softly and calmly.

He did.

"Prince Kael," she went on, her voice shaken only minimally, as though she was fighting to stay in control, "you've achieved something that few men would ever bother to do. You've faced your own personal devils - and mine - without recourse to the solace of titles or apologies for behavior. You claim you desire peace, and I believe you."

His forehead was furrowed in distress and contemplation. "Elara."

She gazed at him, eyes shining with light and strength. "It's all of my life, Father, that I've served the crown, fulfilled all of the obligations that were placed before me. But that-" she gestured strongly in the general direction of Kael, accentuating the point "-isn't about duty. This is about a choice that is being taken by me."

There was a murmur that ran through the court.

The eyes of King Alden relaxed - a father, not only a king. "Then decide, my daughter."

Elara gazed up at Kael, who was still and unmoveable. He gazed at her with all due concentration, as if the destiny of the entire universe was reliant on the response that she was about to speak.

I want peace," she said. "And I want him.".

The hall erupted with a cacophony of reactions - there were some audible gasps that indicated surprise, while others expressed their excitement through cheers. Kael took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, as something resembling disbelief flickered briefly across his face, momentarily clouding his expression, before he moved forward decisively and gently took her hand in his.

Are you completely sure?" he whispered softly in an incredulous voice. "You well know that you can drive me completely mad.

She smiled with a thin lip. "You do already."

The king arose from his throne, lifting high both of his hands into the air to indicate for silence from the crowded throng. "Then let it be announced far and wide - by the divine grace of the mighty Varelia and the noble Astren - that the renowned Princess and the courageous Prince are henceforth officially united in sacred matrimony. May this sacred bond here established put an end to the age-old enmity that hath rent our families for generations."

The applause was repeated loudly throughout the hall.

As the great ceremony concluded and the gathered nobles were exiting, Kael stepped closer and leaned in close to her ear. "So, Princess.what do you think happens next?"

She cast a Brief Glance in his Direction, Eyes Twinkling with a Slight Air of Mischievousness. "Now we shall find out whether you can tolerate being married to a woman who is adamant about not swooning or falling in love with every syllable that you say."

He chuckled. "I'll accept it as my greatest challenge."

They quietly slipped away from the bustling crowd, deftly escaping through a narrow side passage that led them to the serene gardens where, just a few weeks ago, they had first engaged in a heated argument. The gentle rain had left the beautiful roses heavy with glistening dew, and their delightful scent lingered thickly in the air, creating an almost intoxicating atmosphere.

I thought that I lost that," Kael said softly. "Not only the alliance – you.

"You almost did," she said. "But you fought for it."

He gripped it tenderly, lifting it and keeping it firmly pressed against his chest. "Then I shall battle with all my strength. On your behalf. On behalf of you and me as one. On behalf of the well-being of both our kingdoms."

Elara looked up to encounter his eyes, and in that moment, for the very first time since the beginning of the war that had so drastically changed their lives, she felt a spark of hope - tenuous but genuine - take form in her as gently as dawn crept after an endlessly long and bleak night.

Then fight alongside me," she whispered.

He smiled, leaning in with his forehead. "Always."

Lips touched again, but not in rage or in vexation, but in an intense, lasting vow. It was a kiss that, metaphorically, sealed not only an agreement between them, but also the potential of a shared future with all that it would entail: hopes and opportunities.

The sun broke over the horizon, spilling gold across the garden. The storm had ended, and for once, the world was quiet.

Two crowns.

Two hearts.

There was also one, true love that would ultimately alter the fortunes of entire kingdoms.