The royal legions crested the final hill at sunset, and the capital of Dravenhold came into view.The city sprawled below them like a living jewel — lanterns already lit along the walls, banners of black and silver flying from every tower, the great palace rising on its plateau like a crown of stone and light. The Silverpine Forest stretched dark and peaceful beyond the walls.Caelan reined in his gray mare beside Lucien, breath catching at the sight. The bond between them hummed with quiet emotion — relief, pride, and a deep, steady joy.Lucien reached across the short distance between their horses and took Caelan’s hand, squeezing firmly.“We are home,” he said softly, voice rough with the weight of months of war. “And we return victorious, with the bond intact and the kingdom still standing.”Caelan nodded, eyes shining. “I never thought I would see this view as a free man. As your consort. As part of this.”The army behind them began to cheer as word spread down the column. The so
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