Page 32 of Warrior Princess (Blood Weaver Trilogy #3)
HENRY
I wasn’t destined for much. With no parents, no home, no money, my life was meant to end a long time ago. But as faith would have it, I’ve survived for much longer… eighteen years to be exact. Now I have a home, I have enough money to get by, and I have a pair of wonderful parents that have taken me in for the last ten years of my life and have treated me as their own.
I couldn’t have survived had it not been for Miss. Leila and Ronan … or should I say Chief Ronan.
I reached over for Miss Leila’s hand as we sat in the ritual hall watching the elders crown Ronan as the new chief after the passing of Chief Aryan. She peered up at me and smiled, her blue eyes twinkling in the dim lighting as she squeezed my hand in turn.
“He looks good, doesn’t he?” she whispered as she nodded at Ronan who was on his knees as one of the elders painted his face in the color of crimson. The clans color.
“You’re bias,” I muttered as I nudged her shoulder, still holding her hand. “But you’re right. He does look good. And he’ll make a great Chief.”
She nodded. “He’ll need your help you know,” she whispered. “You should consider stepping back from the army and helping him here.”
I sighed. “He has Silas. He doesn’t need me.”
She glanced my way and rolled her eyes with a huff. “He’ll always need you, Henry. We both will.”
“I’ll think about it,” I murmured, not agreeing completely.
“Good. It’ll be nice to have you home.”
The ceremony continued. The hall was filled with the voices of the Crimson Clan, their chants echoing off the walls in a rhythmic cadence that vibrated deep in my chest. As the elder daubed the last of the crimson paint across Ronan's forehead, marking him as chief, the room erupted into cheers. Ronan stood, his posture regal, his crimson eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of pride and readiness that only a leader could embody.
“Today marks not just the continuation of leadership,” Ronan began, his voice carrying clearly over the crowd, “but the reaffirmation of our bonds as a clan. Together, we've faced challenges both from within and without. Together, we'll continue to thrive.”
The elders handed him the Staff of Leadership, a symbol of his new role, intricately carved from ancient wood and adorned with symbols of our history. Ronan took it with both hands, lifting it high above his head. The hall fell silent for a moment, all eyes on him.
“As your chief, I promise to uphold the values that have kept our clan strong,” Ronan declared. “I vow to protect our lands, to listen to your voices, and to lead with the courage and wisdom that my father exemplified.”
Miss Leila's grip on my hand tightened, her excitement palpable. She was always his biggest supporter, believing in him when others doubted, guiding him with a gentle hand.
“And let it be known,” Ronan continued, turning to face us directly, his gaze locking with mine for a moment, “that every member of this clan, young and old, will have their place by my side. Together, we are invincible.”
The crowd cheered again, their voices a thunderous wave of approval. Miss Leila leaned over, her voice barely audible over the din. “See, Henry? This is the start of something new. A good start.”
I nodded, the pride swelling in my chest. I had watched Ronan grow from a fierce warrior to a wise leader, and now, I was witnessing his ascension as our chief. It was more than just a ceremony; it was a testament to his journey and to the future he envisioned for us all.
As the celebration continued, I thought about Miss Leila's words. Perhaps it was time to reconsider my place here, not just as a soldier, but as someone who could contribute to our community's growth under Ronan's leadership. Maybe, just maybe, I could be more than just a survivor—I could be a pillar in the building of our new era.
Once he was done, Ronan approached Miss Leila first, wrapping her up in his arms and whirling her around as he smothered her with kisses. She giggled and the look of glee on their faces was one I’ll always cherish. Always.
Peace has encumbered Asteria… thanks to the two of them. Their names will go down in history, but I don’t think they care. All they want is to carve out their own little heaven here in the Grasslands and never have to deal with the outside world again.
“Congratulations, Ronan,” I said once he put Miss Leila down.
He patted me on the shoulder. “Thank you, son. Thanks to the both of you.” His crimson eyes glittered with so much happiness that I couldn’t help but smile in turn.
Death should have come for me long ago, but these two saved my life. They saved many lives. And now… now it was time for their happily ever after.