As dawn broke, the capital seemed baptized in holy light through the morning mist. Following the "Three Acts of Holy Light" dialogues, the rift between theocracy and public will appeared mended. Moderates within the Holy See and royal allies formally signed the Charter of Universal Participation, pledging to govern together. Now, Rahlian ushered in its third "Joint Sacrifice Ceremony" at the "Ring of Faith" square, where the abbey met the marketplace.
Evelyn donned a plain silver robe, her cape embroidered with the Token of All Peoples and holy light patterns. She stepped onto the round platform encircled by hundreds of sacred pillars, wearing jade-inlaid boots. Silver Oath Knights and friars stood flanking the platform as citizens, merchants, scholars, and artisans crossed old divides to ring the stage. Dressed in a night-blue military tunic, Lucien stood beside the queen, his gaze tender.
Raising both hands, Evelyn's voice tolled like a morning bell: "Today, we sacrifice with holy light in the name of all people. This is no blood offering, but a vow—that faith shall no longer stand aloof or belong to the few; that law shall no longer be decreed solely by the throne or bound by scholastic texts. Let this circular altar proclaim to the city: faith and law are forever two feet walking the same ring, inseparable."
The crowd responded as one: "Holy light be with all people!" The resounding cry swelled into a surging ocean, answered by the abbey bells chiming in harmony with faith and hope.
After the ceremony, Evelyn and Lucien inspected four pilot zones: the academic district would add "History of Faith and Civil Rights" courses to nurture scholars versed in both doctrine and law; the municipal district launched the first "Guardians of Justice" system, where elected delegates and Silver Oath Knights protected night markets; the workshop district opened "Holy Light Workshops" to fund poor artisans' tool innovations; and the abbey district implemented "Shared Blessings," allowing commoners to participate in clerical rituals on holy days and engage in church affairs as equals.
In the academy's circular lecture hall, Evelyn and Lucien sat side by side, listening to Doctor Sulwin's speech. Lucien whispered: "See their eyes hungry for knowledge—your reforms shake the soul more than any weapon." Evelyn smiled: "Education and faith both guide hearts. New paths emerge when old mindsets are laid down."
As night fell, Lucien and Mecia patrolled the abbey corridor and found robed figures lingering in the prayer zone, murmuring ancient incantations. Lucien signaled back, and Evelyn rushed over. Between the pillars, faint seals of the remaining "Seven Circles Ablaze" flickered on the walls. She knelt to touch the runes, murmuring: "They never truly surrendered old power—they only latent in new forms." Gazing at the night sky, she added: "Tomorrow, I will cleanse the source of this undercurrent myself, so the new order may stand unhidden."
In the dead of night, the Fountain Pavilion in the royal garden welcomed them again. The fountain glowed dimly in the dark, flower shadows dancing. Leaning on Lucien's chest, Evelyn held a holy light token, her scepter resting beside the pillow. "Have you ever thought—if I fall, all this will collapse?" Her voice trembled.
Lucien held her tighter, murmuring: "While Your Highness stands, the capital stands. I will be your shield and spear against any undercurrent." He bent to kiss the dew from her ear, undoing the single clasp of her cape to reveal soft skin glowing in moonlight.
Eyes closed, Evelyn let him kiss her as desire quickened her breath. Lucien trailed from her neck to her collarbone, lips brushing the royal blood mark as she gasped in a blend of hymn and lament. They moved to the flower-adorned couch, where silk and skin merged in the night and candlelight.
He gently reached under her robe, fingertips igniting her deepest longings. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips harder into his kiss. Passion and tenderness intertwined as fingers and lips wrote their most intimate vow: no matter how holy light tested or undercurrents surged, this night their hearts and bodies would remain entwined, each the other's safest fortress.
Deep in the night, they slept embraced as the fountain whispered and flowers scented the air—this was the capital's rebirth, and the eternal witness to their love and courage.