Page 117 of The Last One Standing (Rogue X Ara #4)

ARA

One Month Later

“ A re you sure you two don’t want to come?” I asked, looking in the mirror as I adjusted the royal blue cloak, made of the softest velvet.

Mother rested a hand on my shoulder, tears pooling in her eyes as Vaelor stepped forward and placed his crown on my head—bolts of lightning forged in silver, studded with shimmering sapphires.

“No, love,” Vaelor said, a proud smile warming his face. “It’s your turn to wear the crown, and I must say, it’s never rested on a more worthy head.”

Mother’s breath hitched, and she wiped her eyes before stealing another glance at him. Her freckles were more vibrant, her cheeks tinted pink from the hours they spent under the sun, painting in their orchard.

The estate had become a gallery in its own right. Half the artwork was breathtaking, and half of it was Mother’s.

I stifled a laugh, a smile tugging at my lips, despite the hot knot in my throat.

Standing between the two of them…

My vision blurred. I blinked quickly, unwilling to ruin Thana’s meticulous work with tears.

Between the two of them, I understood how Alden instantly recognized me. My face was Mother’s, but my eyes and hair were Vaelor’s, just as they were Alden’s.

A knock sounded, and I turned to find Rogue in the doorway.

His warmth spread through the room, straight into my chest.

He’d commissioned a crown to match mine with black metal instead of silver, set with rubies that glowed in the morning sunlight.

It rested on his dark hair, the short strands swept away from his face, and he’d worn his finest clothing.

The fabric was a rich black with intricate red stitching that perfectly complemented the maroon of his eyes and wings.

“Is this a good time?” he asked.

Before I could reply, Vaelor answered, “Of course. Come in, my boy.”

Rogue grinned and strolled to my side. Our eyes met in the mirror as he took my hand, and I lifted it to my lips, kissing each of his fingers.

Behind us, Mother and Vaelor took a step back, admiring the two of us. Mother sniffled and wiped her cheeks.

“Soldier,” Vaelor whispered, voice rough.

She let out a strangled laugh. “Poet.”

I sucked a deep breath as my heart swelled, overwhelmed with too much emotion—too many good emotions, a feeling I would have to get used to.

“We’re so proud,” Mother crooned.

Vaelor’s throat bobbed. “You two have more heart than I’ve seen in a long time, and that is why Ravaryn is lucky to have you both. A ruler who cares is a ruler who loves, and a kingdom loved is a kingdom at peace.”

I tipped my face to the ceiling, breathing hard to keep it together.

Rogue chuckled as a single tear slipped down my cheek. He caught it with his thumb as he said, “I learned it all from her.”

Vaelor looked at Mother. “As did I.”

They slipped away to the apple orchard, free at last to simply be themselves, together, while Rogue and I followed the guards to the meeting chamber.

The estate was beautiful, the hallways lined with an intricate carpet, the walls decorated with sconces, flickering with small flames. The floor creaked under our steps—a sound I found comfort in as my heart tried to beat out of my chest.

When we arrived at the closed double doors, Rogue leaned down to whisper, “Ready?”

I squeezed his hand. “Always.”

He nodded to the guard, who gave two sharp knocks.

“Presenting King Rogue Draki and Queen Ara Wrynwood-Draki.”

The doors swung open to a full room, but all I saw was Livvy.

Draped in spun gold, she leapt to her feet, flanked by Rys and Lee. Her heels echoed across the black marble floor as she crossed the chamber, paying no mind to the council waiting behind her.

She threw her arms around me, and every shred of nerves melted away.

This was what we fought for—the right to simply live—and today, we would offer that same right to every person in the realm.

Ravaryn and Auryna would be at peace, once and for all.

Livvy released me to loop her arm through mine and guide us forward.

The mediator rose from his seat, clearing his throat. “It is with great honor that I welcome you all to the renewed annual peace treaty meeting…”

With Livvy on one side and Rogue on the other, I whispered to them both, “Forever starts now.”