After a nine-day march from the western desert, the Flaming Royal Army arrived beneath the walls of Lahlian at dusk. The capital's bells tolled nine times, proclaiming to all: the Queen has returned in triumph, and the flames shall reign again.
As the city gates slowly opened, tens of thousands of people lined the streets, clutching fire-feathers, snow-bells, and olive branches to welcome the Queen who had reshaped the kingdom's order with fire. Clad in her black-gold battle robe and silver flame-crown, scepter in hand, Aveline rode slowly through the crowd. Lucian followed on horseback, his black armor and silver cape making him appear as chiseled ice, his gaze never leaving her.
When she entered the palace courtyard, the Temple Knights, Northern Snow Army, Royal Guards, and Silver Oath Shield formed ranks on all four sides. Prime Minister Gu stood at the steps, proclaiming in a resounding voice:
"Today marks the first year of the New Flame Era. Queen Aveline Snowflame has forged a new covenant with blood and fire, and shall perform the Flame Ascension Ceremony at the Heavenly Fire Altar to declare to heaven and earth: when royal blood ignites, even the gods retreat."
The Fire Ceremony began under the night sky.
Before the Heavenly Fire Altar, seven ancient flame-lamps stood in a row from east to west, behind which towered a cast-iron Flame God statue, symbolizing the holy flame laws the kingdom once revered. Now, Aveline stepped forward with her scepter, declaring softly:
"The Flame God has fallen; the people's will endures. From this day forth, I burn the old oaths with royal blood and establish new laws by firelight."
She held aloft the "Seven-Ring Holy Seal," once the highest secret insignia of the Church, then cast it into the flame furnace. The moment the seal touched the fire, it burst into white light and crumbled to ash.
The priest beside her intoned: "The Flame God abdicates; the royal soul is true."
Aveline turned and ascended the altar's highest step, clutching the Flaming Scepter, silver hair flowing, eyes ablaze: "In the name of flame and oath of snow, I shall no longer allow gods to oppress my people, nor let old laws cage my kingdom. From this night on, my word alone is law."
Courtiers knelt, and the people cried out as one:
"Long live the Flame Queen!"
After the ceremony, the capital held a grand banquet. New nobles and envoys from all provinces gathered in the Golden Flame Hall, where wine cups clinked and music echoed. Yet amid the revelry, a plainly dressed messenger slipped to Lucian's side, leaning close to whisper:
"General Renault of the Seventh Northern Battalion... has vanished."
Lucian's brow furrowed. He immediately dispatched a messenger to Iraya: "Order her to seal the North Ridge outpost. If Renault flees, kill on sight."
Leaning to whisper in Aveline's ear, the Queen showed no emotion, only saying calmly: "Let the music and dance continue. Tonight belongs to the people. But tomorrow... Renault will be ash in the fire."
When the feast ended, the palace courtyard fell silent. Aveline stood in the moonlit garden wearing a silver silk nightgown, her reflection rippling in the fountain. Lucian approached, holding a cup of warm wine.
"You've won, yet why no joy?"
She sipped, a bitter smile on her lips: "This victory is but the beginning. On the throne, loneliness cuts sharper than any blade."
He drew her into his arms, murmuring: "Then let me be your warm wine, your shelter from the fire—for no one else, but only for you."
She looked up at him, fingers undoing his collar: "Lucian, let me be for myself tonight, not for the realm."
Without a word, he kissed her. Passion like fire surged between them. She shed her robe, her snow-white skin glowing in the moonlight. He lifted her and laid her gently on a couch by the fountain.
His lips trailed over her shoulders, chest, and abdomen with almost reverent love. Aveline gasped and moaned, legs twining around his waist as he led her into the depths of passion. The murmur of water became the most intimate melody.
With each thrust and climax, she could no longer contain her emotions, biting her lip as she pressed her forehead to his shoulder: "Lucian, no matter how cold I become, I want... to stay warm in your arms."
"You are the Flame Queen," he whispered in her ear. "And I am the unquenchable fire in your heart."