The gates of Vitalis stood wide open, and the cheers of thousands rolled like thunder across the stone walls.
Banners waved in the spring wind, deep crimson and royal gold, the colours of the kingdom fluttering proudly from rooftops, balconies, and every lantern pole lining the wide, paved road that led to the palace.
Cedric rode at the front of the procession with Alfonso by his side.
He looked like a dark knight in his black armour, sitting tall on his black horse, eyes fixed ahead. Alfonso, dressed in red armour, rose on his brown horse.
Cedric was a bit surprised at the reception. He had won many wars but this was the first ti he had such a reception. Maybe it was because of the threat the alliance held. Disregarding everything he still rode along.
"This is grander than I imagined, General Cedric." Alfonso teased his brother. He had a more carefree appearance. Cedric didn’t answer him, which Alfonso expected. Alfonso looked ahead to the towering buildings, his mind thinking of soone he should not be. She was probably going to be excited to see her husband badly.
Behind them, rows and rows of tired but proud soldiers marched, many still bandaged, many holding their weapons high in silent pride. So carried the battered flags of their regints, others carried no more than the wounds they’d earned. The war wasn’t long, but it had caused a lot of casualties because of the Darkhavens.
Cedric was glad the Duchess Fiona figured things out. To whoever helped the duchess, he was forever grateful.
The crowd was massive, and it was a grand reception.
Children ran alongside the horses, tossing flower petals into the air. Mothers held up their babies to see the passing warriors. Old n with tears in their eyes shouted the nas of loved ones who had returned. Young won threw ribbons and roses from above, and the scent of spring flowers filled the air.
"Long live Darconia!"
"Our heroes!"
"The war is over!"
They sang with cheerful hearts. Their cries rose louder and louder as Cedric and the n passed.
From a high balcony overlooking the city gates, the nobles of the court and visiting dignitaries stood, clapping with dignified smiles. They were happier that they had their lands more than the soldiers who survived. But the common folk had no such formality; they wept, they danced, they shouted. They were glad their fathers, uncles and brothers were back.
Those who could not find their relatives burst into tears knowing their fate.
Cedric’s jaw clenched slightly, war was kill or be killed, that was how it had always been. There were no right or wrong sides, just interests. A battle to protect interests
He didn’t care about their praises; all he did was his duty, but he accepted it in silence. This wasn’t for him. It was for the n and won behind him. The ones who survived and the ones who didn’t.
As they approached the palace gates, gold confetti rained down from the towers. The royal court’s imperial army stepped forward to salute. The palace gates, tall and carved with the crest of Darconia, slowly opened.
A voice called from the steps: "The victors of the border war arrive!"
And the palace drums thundered once more. Then the gates opened.
Cedric halted his horse, turned slightly, and raised a hand to the soldiers behind him. His eyes were searching for her. The face he always wanted to see. "I guess it is ti," Alfonso muttered, raising his voice.
"The ti is here, March forward." His voice bood, Cedric was the one ant to lead them in, but he couldn’t care less.
The n rode into the palace courtyard, and dignified figures stood on the stairs waiting for them. In front was Lucian who stood in place of Kaiden.
The horses stopped and Cedric ca down with Alfonso. Lucian marched forward giving his brothers a bow. "Welco back, brothers, you made the kingdom proud." He chid. Alfonso chuckled placing an arm on his brother’s shoulder
"We are glad to be back alive." He laughed. Eleanor also ca forward to welco them, but their words all faded in his ears.
There she was, standing next to Bernice, her expression unreadable but calm. It felt like forever since he last saw her, and all he wanted was for her to be in his arms.
"Welco back, heroes. In the na of the queen, a grand banquet will be held to celebrate your victory," Eleanor said. They are proud of her voice. Her every word held aning like a true queen.
The soldiers roared in respect for their queen. Eleanor then glanced at the boys, who she saw had grown up to be the ones she wished had never made it to adulthood. "Try and rest before the night " she advises
"I am surprised, Mother found it fitting to hold the victory banquet. The n will appreciate it. If you don’t mind, excuse ." Cedric chid in in his voice laced with sarcasm. Alfonso nervously laughed as Cedric walked by then to ease the awkwardness and disrespect in Cedric’s tone
"I am glad to be ho. I heard that you plan on marrying Bernice off." Alfonso ntioned leaving Lucian surprised. Eleanor didn’t inform him of this. Alfonso could read Lucian’s expression.
"I will see you at the banquet, and the young champ on the white horse is your future son-in-law. My mother awaits my presence." He fled leaving the mother and son duo.
Lucian glanced in the direction Alfonso had described. It was indeed the prince of Suria. He had a lot to say to his mother but could not say it now.
Abrielle watched from a corner. She had a smile on her face, one that wasn’t forced. One that grew as she watched him approach her. When did her heart start to skip for him? She wondered.
Bernice made way for him excusing herself. She bowed slightly to her brother and then left. Her eyes scanned the soldiers searching for the man her fate was determined to be tied to.
"You don’t look like you just fought a war," Abrielle comnted. He was tall and imposing as ever. "You don’t look like soone who misses her husband, " he answered with a teasing tone. Cedric grabbed her hand pulling her away from the crowd into the palace.
She followed behind him silently until they got to a quiet corner. Cedric suddenly pushed her against the wall, his body looming over her. "It hurts to see you didn’t miss as much as I did. You have to pay for that, Abrielle." He said, his hand on her cheeks while he lood over her..
"How do you plan to make pay, dear husband?" She played along, ignoring the dark obsession that lingered in his eyes, and how possessively his voice sounded.
He pulled her closer, his lips capturing her imdiately. How long he craved to taste them again. A dark smoke engulfed them, and the next thing Abrielle knew, her back was against a bed While Cedric caged her underneath, claiming her lips like a starved beast.
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