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Chapter 48: The Golden Crown
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2026-01-30 17:14:37The bells of Saint Pierre Cathedral rang across the entire city of Montbert.
It was a day that would go down in history. The return of the House of Aurelia.
Inside the ancient cathedral, thousands of roses decorated the stone pillars. Royalty from all over Europe, business tycoons, and cameras from every major news network filled the pews.
At the altar, Jackson stood waiting. He wasn't wearing a business suit today. He wore a ceremonial military uniform with a golden sash—the official attire of the Prince Consort. He looked breathtakingly regal, like a warrior protecting his realm.
The heavy oak doors opened.
Organ music swelled.
Serenity walked down the aisle alone. She wore a royal mantle made of deep red velvet and ermine fur. It dragged five meters behind her, carried by two pages.
She held her head high. No longer the scared girl who fled New York. No longer the tired single mom.
She was Aurelia. The Grand Duchess.
She reached the altar. Jackson offered his hand, and she took it. His grip was warm and steady.
"You look..." Jackson whispered, his eyes dark with emotion. "Like a dream."
The Archbishop stepped forward, holding the heavy Golden Hawk Crown.
"Do you, Aurelia Sterling, swear to protect the people of Montbert? To rule with justice and mercy?"
"I swear," Serenity’s voice echoed through the silence.
The Archbishop lowered the crown onto her head. It was heavy, but Serenity didn't flinch. She bore the weight of her ancestors.
"Then I proclaim you: Grand Duchess Aurelia!"
The crowd erupted in applause.
But Serenity raised her hand to silence them. She turned to Jackson.
"Kneel," she whispered playfully, but with love.
Jackson smirked. He dropped to one knee before her, bowing his head in submission—something he would never do for anyone else in the universe.
Serenity took a golden ring from a velvet pillow—the Signet of the Prince Consort. She slid it onto his finger.
"Rise, Jackson Sterling. My husband. My partner. My Prince."
Jackson stood up and kissed her—not a polite royal peck, but a passionate kiss that made the crowd cheer wildly.
"About time," Jackson grinned against her lips.
One hour later. The Palace Balcony.
"Go on," Jackson pushed her gently towards the glass doors. "They are waiting for you."
Serenity stepped out onto the balcony.
Below, the square was packed with ten thousand cheering citizens holding flags. When they saw her, the roar was deafening.
"Long live the Duchess! Long live the Prince!"
Alex and Mia ran out to join them, waving awkwardly to the people.
"Look at this," Jackson stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You won."
"No," Serenity leaned back into his embrace, watching the sunset paint the sky gold. "We won."
It was perfect. The villains were gone. The family was reunited. The future looked bright.
Buzz.
Jackson’s secure phone vibrated in his pocket.
He frowned. No one had this number except his top security team. He pulled it out, expecting a congratulatory message from Luke.
It wasn't from Luke.
It was an Unknown Number. No ID. No trace.
Jackson opened the message.
The text was simple:
"The usurper is gone. The Guardian is dead. The Gate is now open. Welcome to the game, Queen Aurelia."
Attached to the message was a picture. It was a live feed of a dark tunnel... deep underground. And on the wall of the tunnel, carved into the stone, was the symbol of A Black Serpent Eating Its Own Tail.
Jackson’s blood ran cold. The happiness of the moment vanished instantly.
He looked up at the cheering crowd. Suddenly, every face looked suspicious.
"Jackson? What's wrong?" Serenity noticed his stiffness. She turned to look at him, her crown shining in the sun.
Jackson quickly locked his phone and put it away. He forced a smile, but his eyes were alert, scanning the rooftops for snipers.
"Nothing, my love," he lied. He pulled her closer, shielding her and the children with his body.
"Just thinking about... how much work we have to do tomorrow."
Serenity smiled, looking back at the crowd.
She didn't know that the war she thought was over... was just the prologue.
The Golden Era had begun. But the Shadow of the Serpent was already rising.
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