Page 33 of Rose's Untamed Bear

Standing there amid the splendor, I felt it, the curse was broken, truly broken, not only in stone, but in the hearts of everyone here.

The music swelled again, brighter and faster, and Derrick tugged me gently toward the center of the floor. My feet balked; I had never danced like this, not in satin slippers, not beneath a hundred watching eyes, but his smile steadied me.

“Trust me,” he whispered, golden eyes alight. “I’ll never let you fall.”

And he didn’t. His arm was strong around my waist, his hand sure in mine, guiding me through each turn, each step. The world blurred into candlelight and laughter, but all I saw was him, his smile, his warmth, the wonder in his eyes as if I were the only person in the room.

“You’re perfect,” he murmured, leaning close so only I could hear. “My Rose. My heart. My forever.”

Tears pricked my eyes, but I laughed, dizzy with joy. “I love you, Derrick.”

“I love you more,” he answered, spinning me until my gown flared like fire.

Around us, the hall bloomed with life. Courtiers clapped in rhythm, servants cheered from the edges, and children laughed as they darted between gowns and boots. My breath caught at the sight of Mother, radiant in the King’s arms, laughing brighter than I’d ever heard, as King Roderick looked at her as though nothing else in the world mattered.

Snow darted to me when the music paused, throwing her arms around my neck. “You’re going to be a princess,” she whispered,her eyes shining like stars. “And I get to stay here with you. With all of you.”

I hugged her tight, heart aching with happiness. “Not just a princess,” I said. “Your sister. Always.”

When Derrick reclaimed me for the next dance, I saw King Roderick and Mother still moving together, his hand reverent on her waist, her cheek flushed against his shoulder. Snow clapped along with the music, her hair catching the light like spun frost. The court sang, voices rose together, no longer fractured by fear or silence.

I rested my head against Derrick’s chest, letting the steady beat of his heart lull me into peace.

We were free. We were whole. And we were together.

Love had won.

And in that glittering hall, with the people of the kingdom laughing and dancing, with my family around me and Derrick’s arms holding me close, I knew this was the happily ever after we had fought for.

Forever.

…. And they lived happily ever after.

Every story ends…. But not all tales are finished….