“There’s more,” Mortiven said. “Silvervale andGoldwing wish to formalize a mutual defense pact, the first alliance between our courts in four generations.”
The crowd’s murmur swelled to a roar. Other court leaders leaned forward, suddenly very interested. If Silvervale and Goldwing could bridge their differences, what else might be possible?
“We’ll need time to review the terms,” she said. “But the principle is sound.”
The rest of the Summit passed in a blur of negotiations and conversations. Other courts asked about the weather monitoring system, proposing their own cooperative ventures. What had started as a standard gathering transformed into something revolutionary.
By the time evening fell, my jaw ached from smiling and my hand was sore from clasping so many others. But satisfaction ran deep. This was what peace felt like.
Adele and I finally escaped to our private balcony overlooking the courtyard. Below, the celebration continued. People danced to music played by talented court musicians. Wine flowed freely. Laughter echoed off stone walls.
Above us, sprites swirled through the air, the tiny magical creatures dancing across the night sky, trailing ribbons of light in every color imaginable. They wove patterns like living auroras, their glow reflecting off the stone, creating shadows that shifted and played across the faces of those watching.
Adele sighed, leaning against the railing. “So beautiful.”
I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her back against my chest. “Not as beautiful as you.”
“Flatterer.”
“Truth-teller.” I kissed her neck, and she shivered. “You realize what you’ve done, don’t you?”
“Made it rain and melted some ice?”
“You changed everything.” I turned her to face me, needing her to see my expression. “You didn’t only solve two crises, Adele, you showed these courts a different way forward. You’re not just my wife or Emberforge’s queen. You’re a bridge-builder. A peacemaker.”
Her eyes shimmered with tears. “I did what needed doing.”
“Exactly. And that’s why you’re so amazing.” I cupped her face. “I married you thinking I was getting a practical alliance. Instead, I got a partner who’s changing my world.”
“We’rechanging it,” she said. “For the better.”
“We are,” I said, and kissed her.
The celebration continued below, but up here, in this moment, it was just us.
Fated mates, bound by more than magic or politics.
We’d bound by choice.
But now we were bound by love.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
EPILOGUE 1
ADELE
One Month Later
Late afternoon, I worked in my research tower, leaning close to study the latest data from the monitoring stations. I traced wind patterns with one finger while jotting notes with the other.
“The thermal displacement has decreased by another three percent,” I said, comparing readings from Silvervale and Goldwing. “Perfect consistency across both sites.”
From his big cushion near the hearth, Fletcher let out a snore that would’ve made a smaller dog jealous. I glanced over at him, sprawled on his back with his legs in the air, completely at peace. He’d taken to dragon territory life with surprising enthusiasm, especially once he’d discovered the kitchens kept a steady supply of meat scraps just for him.
The door opened, and I didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Our bond hummed with warmth, announcing Raoul’s arrival before his footsteps did.
“Still working?” he asked, crossing the tower to stand behind me. His hands settled on my shoulders, rubbing gentle circles that made me want to abandon my research entirely.
