4: Darken War

25: Alexandria

Chapter Twenty-Five: Alexandria

A year had passed.

James and I had finally settled into our new home—a palace of white marble that shimmered like polished moonlight under the sun. Several towers rose from the sprawling structure, elegant and regal, but one tower stood tallest in the center, reaching high like a beacon above the sea.

A wide marble bridge arched from the mainland to the island, curving like a silver ribbon. It led to great iron gates framed by flowering vines. The sea lapped quietly at the rocks below, and seabirds often circled the outer walls.

Our bedroom sat atop the highest tower. From there, we could see everything—the kingdoms of Drakaria and El'gorin sprawling out beneath us, green and gold and wild, and the endless blue ocean stretching far beyond the horizon.

And yet... even after all this time, I still found myself getting lost in the corridors.

The palace was vast. But it was full of life now. Of laughter. Almost all of my siblings had chosen to move in. Some had gone off on their own adventures, chasing purpose or peace. But many remained.

And I was raising Aurora and Amethyst—nine years old now, mischievous and brilliant. They were my daughters in all but blood, and I loved them fiercely.

Seraphina and Calista had stayed as well, always near me. Valenor and Cassiopia too. Sebastian, despite everything, had chosen to stay with me, parting ways from Silas and Alaric, who took to the skies in search of something new. Annora had wandered off not long after—no doubt to chase the wind like it owed her something.

Theo had returned to the Dwarven Kingdom to help clean up the mess he had made. It was part of the agreement—he would serve them first. When they were satisfied, he would come back to me. Then I would decide his punishment.

The new Dwarven king had agreed to sign a peace treaty with every kingdom under my rule. A fragile, beautiful thing I intended to protect.

As for Alexander... he still hadn't awakened.

He remained in the palace, in a sunlit room high above, surrounded by warmth and care. His wings had fully formed. Horns of gold curled proudly around his brow. He looked every bit the dragon king he was meant to be—sleeping, but regal. The future of Drakaria was still uncertain. But I held hope.

Our palace had become a beacon. A symbol of unity and equality—exactly as I had always dreamed. The world called it the Pillar of Peace. But to me, it was simply home.

I glanced over at James, still asleep in our bed, one arm draped lazily over the sheets. A smile tugged at my lips.

I set down my quill and crossed the room to the balcony that curled around the tower like a silver ribbon. A soft morning breeze caught my hair as I stepped outside.

Today was the day.

The council would gather again for the first time in a year. Nobles and rulers from every allied land were on their way. And tonight, we would host our first banquet and ball in this palace.

I watched as the sun climbed above the ocean's edge, golden light spilling across the waves. I sat in one of the cushioned chairs I kept out here, waved my hand, and summoned a cup of tea. It appeared on the small glass table beside me, steaming gently.

I sipped.

For the first time in years, I could sleep without nightmares. I could rest without visions of blood and betrayal. My mind was finally my own.

"Why are you awake so early, love?"

James' voice was warm against my ear as he leaned over the back of the chair, hugging me from behind.