On the day of their triumphant return, Snowrest's streets were draped in red silk and snow, with thousands kneeling in welcome, their cheers unceasing. Aveline rode at the forefront, still in armor and stained with blood, yet carrying the aura of a monarch.
Lucian rode beside her, his expression calm. Though his wounds had not yet healed, his eyes reflected her figure like a mirror to the kingdom's faith.
As the city gates closed slowly, Snowrest found peace again. But Aveline knew the true tempest had not yet passed.
Three days later, the Regent succumbed to his injuries, and his son surrendered. With the throne vacant, the council reconvened.
In the great hall of Snowrest, candles blazed like daylight. Officials knelt in rows as General Vidal spoke first: "The Regent is dead, the rebels pacified. We urge Her Highness Aveline to ascend the throne."
The crowd echoed their support.
Aveline did not respond immediately. She walked slowly to the throne and reached out to touch the scepter that had once belonged to her father.
"I never thought I would sit here one day," she said softly. "But now I understand: Snowrest needs a ruler who fears no war."
Turning to face the officials, she declared: "I am no deity. I am a woman who survived fire, a daughter burdened with blood debts. But if you will trust me, I will defend this throne with my life and protect this land with my blood."
The hall fell silent, then resounded with unison kneels: "Long live the queen!"
She ascended the throne, a longsword across her knees.
As night fell, the crown was placed upon her head.
The townspeople spontaneously lit lamps, creating a sea of candlelight from the city walls to the palace. In the firelight, Aveline's shadow cast upon the snow-white walls looked like a monarch stepping forth from the flames.
That night, as she sat alone beneath the throne, Lucian entered the hall.
"You should rest," he said.
"I fear that if I close my eyes, I will forget what I have done," she replied.
He approached, knelt before her, and lifted her hand to kiss it: "All you have done has achieved not just yourself, but us."
She looked down at him, then leaned forward to kiss him: "Then never leave."
"I will always be here."
They embraced in the shadows behind the throne, where the outer flames burned as fiercely as the fire in their hearts.