Kingdom of the Nine: The Princes (II)

Epilogue

Celestrian Palace, Celestria, Naurus

I open my eyes and look around the room, my heart racing as my surroundings come into focus. I'm lying in my bed back in the palace guest quarters. How did I end up here? The last thing I remember is stepping through the portal in Amerei... with Alyse. My breath catches. Alyse—where is she? Is she safe? I've only just gotten her back; I can't lose her again.

I leap from the bed and rush to the door, throwing it open and sprinting down the hall. My pulse thunders as I dash to the gardens, my mind filled with images of Amerei, of Udis, of Alyse's face as we left.

As I round the corner, Domnik's gaze finds mine, his expression one of relief mixed with concern.

"Where is she? How did I get here?" I demand, my voice hoarse.

He steps forward, gripping my arm to steady me. "She's safe, Red. She's with Brenelor, getting ready for the celebration tonight."

"Celebration?"

He smiles, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "For you. You killed Udis, freed the land from his madness. The empire owes you a debt, and Brenelor wants to honor you. They found you both on the plains outside the city—Alyse carried you back herself. You collapsed the moment you stepped through the portal. She told us... that you made fire, fire like mine."

I swallow, remembering the surge of energy, the power that felt like it was burning through me from somewhere deep within. "It was fire, yes, but not like yours. Yours feels... daemonic. Mine... it felt almost holy, like it came from a different place."

Domnik nods slowly, as if a suspicion has been confirmed. "So it's true. You really are the son of Draco." He gives me a soft pat on the shoulder. "Come on, Red. You can tell me the whole story later. Right now, we need to get you ready for the ceremony. Brenelor wants to present you with an award for your service to the Empire."

I hesitate, the weight of everything that's happened pressing down on me. But the thought of Alyse—safe and here—fills me with determination. "Alright, let's go."

Domnik grins, leading me through the halls and up to my room to get ready. I wash the dust and blood from my face, change into the ceremonial robes laid out for me, and let the reality of what I've done settle over me. I never imagined myself in this position—being honored for slaying a Daem, for defending an empire.

The evening falls, and the gardens of the palace are filled with nobles, soldiers, and citizens of the Empire, all gathered to celebrate. The grand chamber hums with excitement as I wait with Domnik. We exit into the gardens now and, every eye turns to me. Alyse is there, smiling, her eyes shining with relief and pride. Brenelor stands at the front, regal and powerful as ever, holding a golden medallion.

She steps forward as I approach, her gaze warm. "Red, on behalf of the Celestria Empire, and in honor of your courage and sacrifice, I bestow upon you the Emblem of Valor." She places the medallion around my neck, her voice carrying through the garden. "Your bravery has brought peace to our lands. You, The Scarlet Phoenix, risen from the ashes of gods and Draco himself, take your place as the protector of these lands!"

The crowd erupts into applause, cheers rising around me. I glance back at Alyse, and she nods, a faint smile playing on her lips.

As the ceremony concludes and the crowd disperses into a party. Bards and entertainers play songs and gather crowds filled with laughter. The people drink ale and dance about under the moonlight.

Domnik finds me in the crowd, a proud grin on his face. "Not bad, 'The Scarlet Phoenix.'"

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the smile that forms. "Guess I'll have to get used to that title now, huh?"