The morning sun rose slowly over the silver towers of Zephyria, pouring its golden light into the wide glass windows of the Queen's chamber.
Josephine's eyelashes fluttered as she awoke, her heart heavy yet calm. She stood at her balcony, her bare feet brushing the soft purple rug beneath her. Her eyes traveled across the horizon — over her kingdom — where the streets were lined with people. Some were beggars, some were workers, and others stood with tears and hope in their eyes.
They all knew their Queen was mute, but her silence spoke louder than any words. They bowed from afar, whispering prayers for her name. She was their light — their Silent Queen.
The doors to her chamber opened quietly.
Xavi stepped in, his black royal coat unbuttoned, his dark eyes filled with tenderness and longing. Without a word, he walked to her, the faint scent of rain clinging to his skin. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and buried his face into the crook of her neck.
Josephine closed her eyes, her lips parting in a soft breath as his warmth sank into her. He kissed her neck gently — once, twice — before lifting her effortlessly into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her back toward the bed.
Her new royal chamber was breathtaking — walls painted in deep shades of purple and black, with golden vines curling up the pillars. The bed itself was magnificent, gilded in gold with sheets of sapphire blue. A breeze carried the faint scent of lavender and ash — the mark of Zephyrian magic.
Outside, the Kingdom was alive with rebuilding.
Kara, Theron, and Callum stood side by side with the witches and wizards, chanting ancient spells that made towers rise, bridges rebuild, and gardens bloom again. Dust swirled like light as their magic mended the Kingdom's scars.
Far from them, Adris sat on the castle stairs, his small hands folded, eyes glistening with tears. Xoni knelt beside him and brushed his hair softly.
"What's wrong, my little champ?" she asked, smiling gently.
Adris looked up, his eyes watery. "Will Mama Jojo come back home?"
Xoni's smile faltered for a heartbeat. She took his tiny hand in hers.
"Yes, she will, child," she said. "She's your mama — and Papa's wife. It'll take a few days for her to return. But her castle isn't far from ours."
"Can I stay here?" Adris asked shyly, blinking up at her.
"Sure, love. Come on — let's go eat," Xoni said, scooping him up into her arms.
Inside, maids moved like petals in a storm — cleaning every corner, scrubbing floors, and arranging vases of violet roses. Callum and Nyx stood at the grand doors, weaving spells that strengthened the castle walls with shimmering runes.
Meanwhile, inside the Queen's room, passion burned like quiet fire.
Under the soft blue sheets, Xavi's body lay against hers, his lips finding hers again and again. Josephine's hands cupped his face, her touch tender and trembling. He kissed her deeply, then rested his forehead against hers.
"You'll stay here for a few days… or maybe a month, baby," he whispered, his voice low and rough with sadness.
She looked into his eyes, her silence full of emotion — the kind that only souls in love could understand.
"Will you come back to me?" he asked. "And Adris… will you leave us?" His voice cracked slightly.
Josephine lifted her hand and cupped his cheek, nodding slowly — yes.
He closed his eyes, pulling her close again, holding her like he'd never let go. His arms — strong and warm — were her comfort and her cage all at once.
By morning, the castle was filled with the aroma of roasted bread, honey, and herbs.
Josephine herself had cooked breakfast — a grand feast for her family, the servants, and even the townsfolk. The tables overflowed with food: golden pies, buttered meats, fruits soaked in syrup, and freshly baked loaves.
At the royal table, Xavi sat beside her, holding her hand tightly beneath the tablecloth. Adris waddled toward his mother, his little steps uneven and sad. He tugged at her gown, eyes big and watery. Josephine turned, smiling softly, and lifted him into her arms.
"Mama, will you come home?" he whispered, voice trembling.
She nodded gently, pressing her lips to his forehead.
"Promise?" he said, holding up his pinky finger.
Josephine smiled — a small, glowing smile — and hooked her pinky with his.
Soon, the carriages were lined up in the courtyard, their flags bearing the golden sigil of Zephyria. Everyone had gathered to see her off.
Hendrick hugged his daughter tightly, pressing a kiss on her forehead.
Sophia kissed her cheeks, whispering blessings through her tears.
Rhory stood a little away, his gaze fixed on Theron — their eyes locking for a second before Theron looked away sharply. Rhory smiled faintly. Love at first sight, perhaps.
The castle doors opened again as Ms. Ruby walked in with the school teachers. They bowed deeply before Josephine.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," they chorused.
Josephine nodded, bowing slightly in return.
Ruby's sharp green eyes met another gaze across the room — Therodora's. A secret smile passed between them. Their love had been hidden for four years, buried beneath the walls of the academy, but now Ruby was free. She stepped forward confidently.
"You have three months to finish the academy," Ruby said, handing over a rolled certificate. Then she turned to King Hendrick. "Your Majesty, I would like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage… Princess Therodora."
The room went silent.
Sophia gasped. Hendrick froze. Even Therodora blinked in disbelief.
"Dora?" Noah called, voice breaking the silence.
"DORA?!" Theron shouted.
Therodora's cheeks flushed. "Y-Yeah…"
Hendrick's voice rose. "How long has this been going on?"
"Four years," Ruby answered, arms folded, eyes firm.
"Seriously?" Hendrick groaned, rubbing his forehead.
"Accepted," Sophia said suddenly.
Hendrick turned to her, stunned. "Doesn't this bother you?"
"Naaa, it's fine," she said, grinning. "Better Ruby than that Duke of Umbryle you wanted."
"HECK no!" Therodora said quickly. "That man already has a wife — I'm not marrying him!"
Hendrick sighed in defeat. "Alright then. We have a wedding to plan."
"FOOD!" Josephine thought with sudden glee, clapping her hands silently and hugging Therodora.
"Your daughter only wants wedding food," Xavi teased, making everyone laugh.
Outside, the sound of hooves echoed through the courtyard.
Two royal carriages arrived — Assia and Lyra stepping down gracefully. They ran to Josephine, hugging her tightly.
"We're so happy for you," Lyra said with a wide smile.
Adris was in Josephine's arms again. He kissed her cheeks, then her lips softly — a small mama-boy kiss that melted everyone's hearts.
Xavi hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Come back soon, my love," he whispered.
Karesse, watching from the side, sighed. "This is so sad… he's not gonna see her for months."
"Yeah," Xoni said softly. "Especially Adris."
Xavi kissed Josephine deeply one last time, his lips trembling.
"No woman shall ever take your place in my heart… or in Adris's," he murmured.
She cupped his face, her tears falling silently.
He turned to Assia. "Take care of her, please."
Assia nodded firmly. "I will."
The carriages rolled forward.
Josephine reached out, her hand brushing Xavi's until their fingers slipped apart.
Her eyes filled with tears as she watched him and Adris disappear from view.
"Xavi…" she said in her mind, the ache of love echoing in her chest.
He sat in his carriage, clutching his heart, eyes red.
"Josephine…" he whispered brokenly.
Adris kept waving until the castle vanished completely.
Josephine fell to her knees, crying.
"Your Highness!" the maids cried, rushing to her side.
"It's okay," one of them whispered, holding her gently.
Two hours later, the great Kingdom of Zephyria stood proudly before her — towers piercing the clouds, banners fluttering in the wind. It was the largest and most powerful castle in all the lands.
Far away, in their own castle, Xavi stepped out of his carriage with new resolve.
"Get me a tattoo and jewelry artist — now," he commanded. His aura was different — colder, stronger, ruthless.
Inside, Adris slept peacefully in his small bed. Xavi leaned down, covered him with a blanket, and brushed a strand of hair from his son's face. On the bedside table sat a picture — Josephine, Xavi, and Adris together. He traced the frame with his fingers, his tears silently falling.
He walked into the shower, letting the water pour down his body.
For a moment, he closed his eyes and imagined her there — her hands on his back, her laughter echoing softly. When he stepped out, he sat on the bed beside his son and fell asleep, dreaming of her.
Back in Zephyria, Josephine sat by her window, staring toward the horizon — toward the castle she could no longer reach. Her chest ached with every breath. Assia sat beside her, rubbing her back.
"It's okay, Jojo. You'll see him again. He's your husband… and Adris is your son," she said gently.
A maid entered softly. "Your Highness, lunch is ready."
Josephine wiped her tears, stood, and hugged the maid — who blinked in surprise. Assia nodded approvingly.
At the long teal dining table, filled with food, everyone stood waiting. Josephine made a gentle hand sign — sit, eat. They hesitated, unsure, until she signed again, smiling. They obeyed.
She took a piece of crisp chicken and bit into it slowly. But then —
A flashback struck.
Adris's giggles. His little mouth open wide as she fed him. His laughter echoing through their home.
Her hand trembled. Tears rolled down her cheeks silently. She placed her fork down and turned toward the window again, lost between memory and ache.
Meanwhile, in Xavi's castle, Xoni woke Adris for lunch. He sat sadly, clutching the toy Josephine had won for him at the fair. Xavi, dressed in the clothes she made for him, sat still as the tattoo artist marked his skin — fire-ink etching Josephine's name onto his right chest.
The jewelry artist stood nearby, crafting a pendant of pure gold. Xavi handed him a bag of coins.
"Six million golden coins. Make it perfect," he said.
Xoni watched quietly. "Now I know, yes — my dearest brother loves his wife very, very much."
"Yeah…" Xavi said softly, his voice raw.
"Papa," Adris said shyly, "Can I get one too?"
"You're too young, Adris," he said with a small smile. "How about a necklace, hm?"
Adris nodded.
Later, Xavi lay his head on Queen Olydia's lap, silent.
"I miss her too," Olydia whispered, stroking his hair.
"Me too, Mother," Xavi said quietly.
Queen Kendra and Duchess Aurelia entered, followed by Lady Runa — the woman who once held Xavi's wedding portrait in secret admiration. Adris sat on his mini throne beside his father's, sipping milk.
"Adris!" Kendra said warmly, walking over to him. He smiled and hugged her.
"Where is Josephine?" she asked softly.
"In Zephyria!" he said — and suddenly began to cry.
Kendra's heart broke. Xoni lifted Adris gently, explaining,
"She's not coming back, Grandmother. She's Queen now — she belongs to Zephyria."
Kendra's tears fell quietly. She looked at Xavi, whose eyes were distant.
"He's in a lot of pain," Xoni whispered.
And somewhere far away, sitting by her window, Josephine pressed her palm against the glass — feeling the ache of distance like a knife in her heart. She could still see his castle from afar, glowing faintly in the sunset.
Two hearts.
Two thrones.
One bond — unbroken by kingdoms.