21. Paige

21

PAIGE

T he grand hall of the castle is a riot of color and light, filled with the hum of voices and the rustle of fine fabrics as Astronia's nobility and citizens gather for the ceremony. Banners in deep blues and golds hang from the high ceilings, catching the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. It feels like the entire kingdom has packed into this space, and for the first time in weeks, the air is thick with hope rather than tension and fear.

I stand up front on the dais beside Aries, my hand in his. The warmth of his skin against mine is a quiet comfort, grounding me in this moment, even as my heart swells with so many conflicting emotions. There's a part of me that still aches with the loss of the Athenaeum, a hollow feeling that hasn't left me since the flames took it. But here, surrounded by the people we fought so hard to protect, that ache is softened by the knowledge that we did it—we saved Astronia.

And now, we're about to see the final piece of that victory fall into place.

Sadness threatens to close in, but I shove it aside. There will be time for mourning the library later. Today, I am determined to celebrate. My eyes catch on the emerald thrones, the inlaid gems glistening where they catch the light. They are equal in shape and size. Partners in every way that matters. Exactly like Aries and me.

My joy flares bright as Queen Dorthea steps forward, her regal presence commanding the room. Even after everything she's been through, she's the epitome of grace and strength. The crowd hushes as she reaches the throne, the murmurs dying down until the only sound is the soft rustle of her gown as she turns to face us all.

"People of Astronia," Dorthea begins, her voice clear and strong, carrying across the hall. "Today, we restore what was lost. Today, we return to the path of truth, justice, and unity. I stand before you, not as a queen who clings to power but as a servant of this kingdom—one who believes in its bright future."

The crowd is silent, every eye fixed on her.

Over Aries' shoulder, I catch Mag's eye. He's dressed in the finest suit I've ever seen. When he sees me watching, he shoots me a huge wink that has me grinning. Next to him, the gnomes stand proudly, their chests puffed up in their tiny little suits and matching hats. I wave at them, and they jump up and down in excitement.

"By the will of the people, and with the guidance of those who have stood by me, I reclaim my rightful place as your queen," Dorthea continues. "But as we look to the future, it is clear that a new chapter must begin. A chapter where the strength of our past meets the promise of tomorrow."

She turns to Aries, and I feel his grip on my hand tighten. He takes a deep breath and steps forward, his eyes never leaving his mother's. Dorthea smiles, a soft, proud smile that makes my heart ache with its quiet emotion.

"In this new chapter, we need a leader who embodies the best of Astronia's spirit," Dorthea says, her voice thick with emotion. "And that leader is my son, Aries."

The crowd erupts into cheers, the sound a wave of approval and hope. I can't help but smile as I watch Aries bow his head, his expression a mixture of humility and determination. He's ready for this—the culmination of everything we've fought for.

Dorthea lifts the crown from her head, the golden metal catching the light as she holds it high. The room falls silent again as she places the crown on Aries' head, the symbol of his new role as king. The weight of it is more than just physical, and I can see the resolve in his eyes as he accepts it.

"I present to you your dragon king," Dorthea announces, her voice steady despite the tears glistening in her eyes. "King Aries of Astronia."

The cheers are deafening, filling the hall with a palpable sense of joy and relief. Behind me, Blossom is the loudest of all, whistling hard enough to make my ears ring. Aries turns to face the crowd, and I can see the pride in his stance, the way he carries himself. He's no longer just a prince fighting for his people—he's their king.

Aries raises a hand, and the crowd quiets again. "Thank you," he says, his voice firm but gentle. "Thank you for your trust, your courage, and your belief in a future where Astronia can thrive. I vow to lead with honor, to protect this land and its people, and to build a kingdom where justice and peace prevail."

As he speaks, I feel a swell of emotion in my chest. This is the man I've fought beside, the man I've come to love with a depth I didn't know I was capable of. And now, we're about to take another step forward—one that will change both of our lives forever.

Aries turns to me, and there's a softness in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat. He steps closer, and the world narrows to just the two of us, the noise of the crowd fading into the background.

"Paige Murphy, daughter of Hoc Novensile, mate of my soul," he begins, his voice low but steady, full of emotion. "I've walked through fire with you, faced the darkest of days, and found strength in your love. You are my heart, my anchor, and the only one I want by my side—for today and every day to come. Will you be my queen, my partner, my wife?"

My breath catches, tears welling in my eyes as I look into his, seeing the depth of his love and commitment. The moment is charged with everything we've been through, everything we've become together.

I take his hands in mine, holding them tightly as I reply, my voice filled with emotion. "Aries, you are my strength, my courage, my love. I will stand by you, fight with you, and build our future together. Yes, I will be your queen, your partner, your wife—today and always."

"And I am yours—today and always," he murmurs.

The words hang between us, a vow, a promise.

The crowd erupts into cheers once more, and I barely register the sound as Aries pulls me in for a passionate kiss. This moment, this connection—it's everything I could have ever hoped for.

But unlike a normal wedding, it's not over yet.

Dorthea steps up again with another crown in her hands. This one is more delicate than the first, the lines more intricate and set with sapphires and moonstone.

It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I'm so caught up in admiring it that I forget it's meant for me until Dorthea's eyes find mine.

"Paige Nemos, wife of Astronia's dragon king, this crown belongs to you now—a symbol of your rightful place among our people. Do you vow to lead as queen with honor, to protect this land and its people from all enemies, and to build a kingdom where justice and peace prevail?"

"I do," I say, my voice wobbling only slightly.

Dorthea smiles radiantly as she places the crown on my head. She leans down and kisses my cheek lightly then nudges me until I've spun around to face the crowd. Beside me, Aries has done the same.

I grip his hand tight as we both look out over the people.

Behind me, Dorthea calls out, "I present to you, the queen and king of Astronia! Let the celebration begin!"