Elowen and Celestia walked side by side down the palace's main corridor. Their steps were slow yet steady with purpose. Sunlight streamed through stained‑glass windows, spilling soft hues across the gleaming white marble floor.
Behind them, royal guards and knights marched in perfect unison. The rhythmic sound of boots and spear‑butts echoed along the hall, lending the air a deep, solemn dignity. No one spoke — all knew they were escorting Wonderveil's future ruler.
Soon they reached the great doors of the main hall. Massive wooden panels carved with flowers, dragons, and royal crests stood tall before them. Two guards pulled them open together.
Creaaaaak…
As the doors swung wide, the whole chamber fell silent. Every eye turned to the two princesses stepping inside. Nobles rose from their seats and bowed low in reverence.
Elowen walked at the front, regal and poised, with Celestia at her side. Her coronation train swept the marble, while the crown that would soon be hers waited at the altar. Guards and knights halted at the threshold; only Elowen and Celestia advanced to stand before the High Priest, who had been waiting.
Before them lay a small table draped in crimson velvet. Upon it rested the royal crown, the sceptre of rule, and the royal orb. The priest closed the ancient book he had been reading and looked up at Elowen.
"Your Highness… do you accept the burden of ruling Wonderveil?"
Elowen drew a quiet breath. She looked out over the assembled lords, then to Celestia — who smiled back with nothing but pride — and nodded.
"I do."
Her voice was calm, yet unshakable.
The priest nodded in turn. "Then bow your head, please."
The hall fell so still the very breath of those gathered seemed audible. The priest lifted the crown with both hands — wrought of purest gold, glowing in the light. Every curve was carved with care into flowers and foliage, symbols of peace and plenty. Its inner band was lined with deep crimson velvet, honouring the sacrifices of every ruler who had gone before. At its centre blazed a great sapphire, encircled by delicate golden crosses; rubies, pearls, and tiny gemstones studded the whole, standing for authority, wisdom, and the enduring legacy of Wonderveil's throne.
With great care, the priest set it upon Elowen's head. In that moment, it felt as though all who watched were witnessing history begin anew.
He took the sceptre, gilded and set with sapphires, and placed it in her right hand. Then he lifted the royal orb — gold, marked with crosses and jewels — and laid it in her left. Elowen gripped both firmly, then turned slowly to face the hall.
The nobles rose once more. The priest opened his holy book and began the coronation oath, his voice ringing clear and strong through every corner.
Elowen stood tall, looking straight ahead. Memories rose within her: the girl she had been — full of anger, full of mistakes. And Celestia — had her sister not turned back time, she would have perished on the scaffold. Tears pricked her eyes, but she held them back. This was not a day for weeping. It was a day to step forward.
The priest closed the book and raised his hand toward her.
"By the grace of the Divine… by the will of the royal house… and with the love of all the people of Wonderveil… I hereby proclaim Princess Elowen rightfully crowned — Queen Elowen, Sovereign of the Realm of Wonderveil!"
His declaration echoed through the hall. At once, every noble placed a hand over their heart.
"Long live Queen Elowen!"
"Long live Queen Elowen!"
"Long live Queen Elowen!"
Thunderous applause burst forth, wave after wave. Celestia stood beside her sister, beaming with pride, her eyes glistening. At last — after all the sacrifice, war, and grief they had borne — her sister sat upon the throne.
And for the first time… Wonderveil had a queen chosen not by birth alone, but by her courage, her sacrifice, and her love for her people.
When the ceremony ended, Elowen stood tall, the golden crown now resting upon her head. It felt heavy — not from gold and jewels alone, but from the great duty it laid upon her.
She turned to her sister, who had stood faithfully at her side from the very start.
"Celestia," she said softly, smiling.
"Yes?" Celestia replied, meeting her gaze.
"Let us go to our people."
"Of course."
Together they stepped out of the royal hall, escorted by palace guards. Their footsteps echoed down the corridor until they reached the great balcony.
The moment the doors opened…
A roar of cheers rose up, taking both sisters by surprise.
"Queen Elowen!"
"Princess Celestia!"
"Long may you reign!"
"Long live Queen Elowen!"
A sea of people filled the square below. Flags of Wonderveil waved everywhere; some carried bouquets of flowers; others wept for joy.
Elowen smiled. Slowly she raised her hand and waved. The cheers swelled even louder.
"Long live Queen Elowen!"
"God save Your Majesty!"
Children laughed and cheered from their parents' shoulders, while elders wiped away tears — at last Wonderveil had a ruler once more.
Elowen chuckled softly. "They are truly happy…"
Celestia smiled back. "Congratulations, Elowen."
"Thank you."
Elowen looked out over the city. "For all of them… I swear I will guard Wonderveil with everything I have."
Celestia nodded. "I know you will."
After greeting the people for a while, they descended to the palace courtyard. An open royal carriage waited — no roof, no walls, its frame carved from pale wood in patterns of blossoms and gilded leaves, seats lined with soft crimson velvet. Four white horses stood proudly in harness, and four knights rode escort: two ahead, two behind, ready to guard them through the procession.
The driver bowed, took the reins, and the carriage moved slowly away from the palace. Every street was packed. Homes flew Wonderveil's colours; garlands hung from windows; children ran along waving bright ribbons. Every face was lit with delight.
"Queen Elowen!"
"Princess Celestia!"
"Long live Your Majesties!"
Elowen and Celestia waved back. Elowen nodded to every soul who bowed to her — she wanted them to know: a queen does not stand above her people, but walks beside them.
Celestia gave her a playful smile. "Elowen…"
"Mm?"
"Where is your beloved?"
Elowen laughed. "What kind of question is that?"
"Ashveil."
"Oh…" Her cheeks flushed. "He is with Charles. I am sure they are watching us now."
Celestia beamed. "They make such a sweet pair."
"Sweet? Or sweeter than you and Charles?"
Celestia turned bright red. "Elowen…"
"Now it is your turn to blush."
They laughed together. Then Celestia looked out over the city. "I never thought it would all end like this."
Elowen followed her gaze. "No. Looking back… we lost almost everything. Yet in the end, we still have each other." She squeezed her sister's hand. "Whatever comes next… we face it together."
Celestia squeezed back. "Because we are sisters."
"Always."
Far away, in a small cottage deep in Wonderveil's woods…
Nyx sat with Liy, Aver, and Axe. The little wooden house was humble but warm. Sunlight slanted through the small windows, filling the room with the scent of herbal tea.
Nyx had just finished telling them all that had happened.
Liy let out a long breath. "So… Silas betrayed us all along."
Nyx nodded slowly. "I never guessed. I thought he was a friend. He used us."
Liy gripped her teacup. "And I was made the scapegoat."
"Yes. Alice planted those documents." Nyx lowered his head. "I am truly sorry."
Liy smiled gently. "It is past. I forgave you long ago."
Nyx let out a breath of relief. Aver leaned back, folding his arms. "And Fin was a spy?"
"He was. Ordered to watch Princess Celestia. Though he never knew the full plot."
Axe scratched his chin. "So all that time… Queen Elowen and Princess Celestia were only pretending to quarrel?"
Nyx gave a small laugh. "They fooled me too. It was all to draw the traitors out."
Liy frowned. "Earlier you said… this is the second timeline?"
Nyx nodded. "That is what they told me. I still scarcely understand it. But… without that second timeline… we would all be dead."
Silence fell for a moment, until Aver spoke. "What of Silas? Where is he now?"
Nyx shook his head. "Ryan said he escaped from prison during the snowstorm. But that prison is deep in the wilds… I do not know if he lives… or if the woods have claimed him."
No one spoke at first. Then Liy said quietly, "Perhaps that is his just reward."
Nyx nodded.
Liy smiled. "What will you do now?"
Nyx's eyes lit up. "I will visit Queen Elowen whenever I can. And… sometimes see Charles." He held his head high. "He is the only human who can pet me and never make me uneasy."
Aver laughed aloud. "And what if Princess Celestia sees you?"
Axe chuckled. "She'll be jealous!"
Nyx grinned proudly. "Let her. Charles is still my favourite human."
They all laughed together. For the first time in so long, that little cottage rang with laughter instead of suspicion.
And for the first time since the war ended…
Wonderveil knew true peace.
..........
Elowen had been crowned Queen of Wonderveil. Under her rule, the realm reclaimed the peace long stolen by war and betrayal. The people lived more calmly; the nobles placed their full trust in their young queen. Laws were renewed, lands scarred by battle were rebuilt, and smiles returned to every face.
Two weeks had passed since the coronation.
Winter gave way to summer. Warm sunlight spilled over all Wonderveil. Flowers bloomed in the palace gardens, birds sang bright from the branches, and the morning breeze carried the scent of blossoms across the land.
That morning, Celestia had decided to leave the palace for a while, to travel through the realm and see her people firsthand — and to taste the freedom that had come at last.
Elowen remained in the royal study. Her great oak table was heaped with documents: tax reports, letters from every province, petitions for aid, and endless administrative matters awaiting her attention.
She sighed deeply, leaned back in her chair, and rubbed her throbbing temples.
"So much work…" she murmured. She stared at the piles before her. "Only two weeks… and I thought being Queen meant sitting on a throne."
Before she could read on, a soft knock came, and the door opened. A blue‑haired man stepped in calmly. Ashveil.
Dressed in his neat uniform as Captain of the Guard, his eyes went straight to her weary face.
"Your Majesty," he said gently.
Elowen looked up. "Ashveil."
"Is your mind heavy?" he asked with a faint smile.
"Very," she said, pushing a stack of papers aside. "I never guessed all this would fall to me."
Ashveil came to the table and glanced over the piles. "This is the burden of a ruler."
Elowen sighed. "I am sure my sister is out enjoying herself right now."
Ashveil chuckled softly. "She always knew when to rest."
"It is not fair." Elowen rested her chin on her hand. "I am stuck here from dawn till dusk."
Ashveil watched her for a moment, then smiled. "Your Majesty?"
"Yes?"
He held out his hand.
Elowen looked at it, confused. "What is this?"
"Come with me."
Still unsure, she took his hand.
He led her from the study, down sunlit corridors where maids and guards bowed respectfully as they passed, until they reached the main balcony.
The summer wind brushed softly against them. Below, all of Wonderveil lay spread out: neat rooftops, bustling markets, green parks, and mountains rising in the distance — a scene of quiet calm.
Elowen breathed deep. "The air is so fresh out here…" She closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at him. "Why did you bring me here?"
Ashveil did not answer at once. He only smiled, stepped forward… and knelt slowly before her.
Elowen froze.
From his tunic he drew a small box of blue velvet. He opened it gently. Inside lay a white‑gold ring set with a bright blue gem — the very colour of her eyes — gleaming in the sunlight.
Ashveil lifted his gaze, his eyes soft with all he had never said.
"Will you be my wife?"
Elowen's breath caught. She looked at the ring, then at him, and all their years together rose before her: the day he became her guard; how he stood by her when the whole world turned against her; how he never left her side even when his own life hung in the balance; how he believed in her when others doubted; and the promise they had made when the fighting was done.
Tears filled her eyes — not of sorrow, but of overwhelming joy. She smiled and nodded.
"Y‑yes… of course I will."
She held out her right hand, trembling a little. Ashveil took it gently and slipped the ring onto her finger. The moment it rested in place, he rose — and Elowen pulled him into a tight embrace.
"I am so glad I found you, Ashveil." Her voice shook. "For years you served me… and now you will be my husband."
Ashveil held her back with all his heart. "And I never dared hope for this."
Elowen drew back to look at him. He brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb.
"I have loved you from the very first moment I saw you, Elowen."
Elowen blushed. "Truly?"
"Truly."
"Why did you never say so?"
Ashveil laughed softly. "Because back then… you were so cold." He stroked her hair gently. "I feared if I spoke, you would send me away."
Elowen smiled. "Perhaps I might have."
They laughed together.
"But even then," Ashveil went on, "I knew beneath that coldness lay a heart that always put its people first. That is the woman I fell in love with."
Elowen looked down, her cheeks warm. "You know how to flatter me."
"I only speak the truth."
For a long moment they simply looked at one another, while the summer wind tangled their hair, and far below them Wonderveil went about its peaceful days.
"When shall we marry?" Elowen asked softly.
Ashveil clasped both her hands.
"As soon as may be. I have waited years already. I will not wait a day longer."
Elowen smiled. "Then let us begin our future together."
Ashveil nodded. "For Wonderveil. For our family."
He drew her close, and Elowen leaned into him without hesitation. Slowly, Ashveil kissed her — gentle, sure, and long‑awaited. Elowen kissed him back with all the love she had carried in silence.
Beneath the bright summer sky, with the wind soft and the realm at peace at last, they began a new chapter.
The war was over.
Betrayal was gone.
Nothing remained but hope, love, and a future they would build together — as Queen of Wonderveil, and the man who had stood faithfully at her side through everything.