The seventh toll of the capital's bell tower roused the morning. Aveline had already donned her inspection robe, standing on a high platform of the palace's east wing and gazing at the messenger cavalry returning from the Southern Border. Her silver-white cape flapped in the morning breeze, her gaze as sharp as an eagle's, fixed on the travel-worn female knight.
"Isabel," she called. The knight dismounted, knelt on one knee, and presented a red jade seal engraved with a flame emblem.
"Signs of rebellion have emerged in Lean City, Southern Border," Isabel said, her voice dry but clear. "The Law of Universal Participation has been jointly resisted by local nobles. Some guards and the local church have secretly blocked the council hall entrance, spreading false rumors that this law aims to abolish traditional noble governance."
Aveline took the secret fire decree. Within the red jade flickered a thread-thin spiritual flame—the highest secret messenger token of her covert "Subterranean Flame Order." This meant rebellion, though not yet overt, was imminent.
She turned slowly to Lucian. "It seems our departure time, rather than being advanced, is perfectly timed."
Lucian nodded slightly, casually draping his armor tunic over his shoulders with a smile. "Why not let them see that the 'Holy Fire Princess' doesn't just sign decrees from the throne?"
Aveline's lips curled coldly. "But also severs the remaining roots of old power with her own hand."
That night, Aveline convened a secret council with Lucian, Isabel, Censor Cyril, and Hidden Guard Captain Seraphina. A defense map of Lean City lay spread on the long table, firelight reflecting tense expressions.
"Rebels haven't formed a legion yet, but noble private militias have secretly gathered. Three council halls are blocked, and Silver Oath Guards are in local offices," Seraphina reported coldly.
"What of the sanctuary?" Lucian asked.
"Silent on the surface, complicit in reality," Cyril frowned. "The bishop has been friends with the Lean family for generations, repeatedly interfering with royal law under religious pretexts."
Aveline's eyes flashed coldly. "It's time they learned religious rules cannot supersede royal decrees." Her fingertips tapped the table. "I will visit Lean personally as the 'Grand Envoy of the Universal Alliance Province' for a public audit. Lucian, lead the Royal Flame Army in secret. If they ,cut off the source immediately."
As others left to obey, only Lucian stayed. He approached, pressing his hand against the taut pulse on her wrist. "If this mission turns dangerous, you must prioritize your safety."
Aveline smiled, reversing her grip to hold his fingers in her palm. "I promise. But when you stand behind me, I hope you're more than just a military commander."
Lucian bent to kiss her brow, voice husky. "I'll be your sword and your shield."
Two days later, Aveline entered Lean City incognito as "Ess Treyar," wearing civilian clothes. She set up a "Travelling Council Seat" beside the sanctuary marketplace, attracting crowds to voice their concerns.
"They say you've come to abolish our land deeds," an old woman trembled.
"They're wrong," Aveline replied gently. "I've come to enshrine your rights in true law, not leave them to be torn up by nobles at will."
As she listened, she secretly recorded evidence of nobles obstructing proposals and threatening councilors. Within days, a case file documenting the "Three Lean Nobles" for setting up illegal checkpoints and using private executions to oppress people was sealed by the censor.
Meanwhile, Lucian led a small unit of Royal Flame Hidden Guards to dismantle the noble militias' checkpoints. They silently infiltrated tunnels beneath the night market, severing rebel reinforcements.
Five days later, Aveline stood on the central podium of Lean's council hall in the name of the Snowflame Princess and the Holy Alliance General Administration. When the capital's council bell tolled seven times, commoners poured from streets to fill the stone square.
She publicly displayed the case files of the Three Lean Nobles, holding up a secret letter embossed with the Flame Royal Emblem. "From today, Lean will implement 'Civilly Elected Officials,' serving three-year terms with recall and reconsideration rights. Illegal interference, once verified, will be punished threefold—this is your city, not a family fiefdom."
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. Noble representatives stood grim-faced, too cowed to refute.
This time, true victory came not from bloodshed, but from winning hearts.
As night fell, Aveline and Lucian withdrew to an old bell tower in Lean's west district. A brazier warmed the air, firelight reddening her collarbone and neck as she removed her cape. She unfastened her sleeve ties, pulling Lucian's hand to her chest.
"Seeing their trust and gratitude, I suddenly feel less tired," she whispered. "But I also want to be in your arms, no longer a queen, just yours."
Lucian answered with kisses, leaving delicate marks across her shoulders and back. He removed his war robe, joining her on the thick blanket in the old bell tower. By firelight, Aveline's breaths and whispered names became the softest syllables of the night. She was no longer just a ruler symbolizing justice and order, but a woman fully possessed, cherished, and deeply loved by him.
Their bodies entwined like two flames, igniting the most intimate vow amid political intrigue and trust.