Chapter 99 – Crowned in Ashes
The news of the Black Thorn's defeat spread like wildfire.
By the time Lucien and Zara returned to the southern post, soldiers stood in rows along the entrance path, swords raised in salute. Torches were lit high into the night, casting long shadows over proud, tired faces. For once, the camp felt victorious. Not just surviving, but *winning*.
Zara rode beside Lucien, her hair wind-swept, her cloak torn, her sword streaked with dried blood—but her head was high, her eyes unflinching. The soldiers didn't cheer loudly—they saluted in silence. Out of respect. Out of reverence.
She had fought alongside them.
She had bled.
And now, she returned not as a noble woman or a sheltered bride.
But as their own.
Inside the command tent, Lucien collapsed onto the chair with a sigh that came from his soul. Zara pulled off her gloves and dropped them onto the table, her fingers aching from gripping the sword for so long.
She reached for the water basin and soaked a cloth, kneeling in front of him without a word. She wiped the blood and dirt from his face, gently, like washing away the ghost of war.
Lucien didn't stop her.
He only closed his eyes and let her hands bring him peace.
"I never wanted this for you," he murmured.
"I chose it," she replied.
"I saw you today. Fighting, commanding, saving lives," he said, opening his eyes. "And I've never been more terrified."
She looked up. "Why?"
"Because I realized I could lose you to the same fire that forged me."
Zara leaned closer, her voice soft but steel-lined. "You'll never lose me. I wasn't forged by fire, Lucien. I *walked* into it for you—and I'm walking back out with you."
---
Later that night, they lay together in silence.
No words. No plans. Just the sound of their breaths and the warmth of their bodies under the shared cloak.
Zara traced the lines of Lucien's palm.
"There's something I haven't told you," she said quietly.
Lucien shifted. "What is it?"
"Before I came to the war camp… I received a letter."
He tensed. "From whom?"
"My uncle. He wrote from the capital. The royal court has been stirring."
Lucien sat up slightly. "What do you mean?"
"They're questioning your loyalty to the crown. They're saying you act without consent… that you're building your own army."
Lucien let out a humorless laugh. "They've been waiting for an excuse to cut me down since I was born. Now they have it."
Zara's eyes darkened. "And they'll try to use me too."
Lucien stared at her. "They won't touch you."
"They won't need to," she replied. "They'll try to isolate you. Make you choose between your bloodline and your heart. But I won't let them."
Lucien was silent for a long time. Then he stood and walked to the table where his sword lay. He unsheathed it and set it down.
"They want war inside the palace," he said. "Then we'll bring them the truth—with swords if we must, but with unity if we can."
Zara stood, her posture firm. "Then we go back."
Lucien looked at her, startled. "Now?"
"Yes," she nodded. "We've won the battle here. But the real war is in the throne room. You and I both know that."
He stepped toward her. "They won't welcome us."
"Then we make them remember who we are," she replied. "You're not just a prince. You're a commander. And I'm not just your bride anymore. I'm the woman they fear. The one who walked into fire beside you and came out stronger."
---
Three days later, they arrived at the capital.
The city gates opened slowly, nervously. Word had traveled ahead. The prince and his war bride were returning—not in gilded carriages but on horseback, battle-worn and blood-tried.
The nobles watched from balconies.
The peasants bowed along the roads.
Children stared with wide eyes at Zara's sword, still belted at her waist.
Inside the palace courtyard, a host of guards awaited—alongside the High Council and King Alderan himself.
Lucien dismounted and helped Zara down. She met the stares with unwavering calm.
"Your Majesty," Lucien said, bowing.
Alderan studied them both. "So the stories were true."
Lucien said nothing.
The king's gaze shifted to Zara. "And you… are no longer the quiet girl who married my son."
Zara held his gaze. "No, Your Majesty. That girl died with the villagers at Hillcrest. What stands before you now is a woman who understands what it means to protect a kingdom."
The king's lips tightened. "There are whispers in the court. Concerns about your influence. Some say you command more loyalty than even I do."
"I don't want your throne," Lucien said coldly. "I want your blessing—to finish what this kingdom started."
"And if I deny it?"
Zara stepped forward. "Then you'll lose your son… and your people."
The court gasped.
But the king didn't flinch.
He studied them for a long, tense moment… then slowly raised a hand.
"You'll address the court at first light," he said. "You'll show them why they should still believe in you."
Lucien nodded once. "We will."
---
That night, Zara stood on the palace balcony, looking out over the capital.
Everything felt different.
She had grown.
Changed.
The timid girl who once hid behind veils was gone.
Lucien joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Do you regret any of it?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Not even the pain."
"Tomorrow… we speak to the court," he said. "After that, everything may change."
"I'm ready."
Lucien kissed her neck softly. "We're not just surviving anymore, Zara. We're taking the crown back. Not for power—but for peace."
She turned in his arms. "And we'll wear it together."
---
End of Chapter 99