The first rays of morning sun spilled over the walls of Rahlian through thin mist, rousing the entire capital from its slumber. Before the Triumph Gate, greenstone avenues carpeted in red rugs were already lined with crowds of citizens and soldiers, waving banners of both the church and royal house, their faces bright with expectation and joy. Aveline and Lucian mounted their horses side by side, flanked by square formations of the Silver Oath Shield and Fire Cavalry, as the procession marched grandly into the city.
Sunlight streamed through the gate's arch, illuminating Aveline's silver battle robes—new garments donned after her purification ritual in the holy city. Her lapels and cape were embroidered with holy light emblems symbolizing the church-royal covenant. Cheers surged like a tide, many unable to hide tears of emotion. Riding beside her, Lucian murmured: "See this grandeur. Your every move has become the kingdom's new faith." She smiled, turning her gaze to the prepared speaking platform, though her heart brimmed with emotion.
When the caravan reached the platform before the palace, all music ceased. Aveline dismounted slowly, treading the red carpet with steady steps. Accompanied by High Priest Ihtar and Chief Justice Baeloth, she ascended the speaking dais. Clad in pure white ceremonial robes, Ihtar solemnly fastened a "Holy Light Covenant" badge inlaid with Pure Heart Spring crystal drops to Aveline's cape—symbolizing the church's blessing and trust in the new royal governance. The badge shimmered softly in the sun, clear as morning dew.
As the crowd held its breath, Aveline stood tall, scanning officials and commoners below, her voice ringing clear: "Today, sworn by royal blood and holy light, I rebuild the kingdom's order. State and church stand side by side; nobles and people share the rule of law; faith and reason hold equal weight. Those who do good shall be sheltered; those who break the law shall be punished. May this holy light shine upon every heart and illuminate the kingdom's bright future." At her words, the square erupted in prolonged applause and cheers, colored ribbons and flower petals fluttering in the wind as the capital drowned in the joy of rebirth.
In the afternoon...
Deep into the night, the Lotus Hall stood empty, lit only by dying embers and candlelight. Aveline and Lucian moved to the private star-gazing corridor, where sparse stars beyond offered more peace than the hall's lamps. Lucian stroked the back of her hand, voice gentle: "Today you won over thousands with royal grace, making me deeply proud. Yet hidden worries remain in the court—will you share this burden with me?" Nestling in his arms, Aveline looked to the sky, fingertips touching his chest: "With you at my side, I fear no storm, no matter how fierce." Her voice was soft yet resolute, like dawn's bell echoing between silent palace walls.
Smiling at each other in the corridor where moonlight and candlelight mingled, they made a new vow: wherever and whenever, they would take royal blood as their conviction and holy light as their guide, guarding the land they both loved.